Abstract:
Network appliances for use in combination with a network based full service, multi-media surveillance system provide a wide range of monitoring techniques utilizing digital network architecture. The appliances may be connected to the surveillance system for transmitting event data, video and/or image monitoring information, audio signals and other data over significant distances using digital data transmission over networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network such as the Internet for other networks, permitting remote manual and/or automatic assessment and response. The wireless LAN connectivity permits local distribution of sensor information audio, video and image data with relatively high bandwidth without requirement of a license and without relying on a common carrier and the fees associated therewith. The surveillance system may be interfaced with a WAN (wide area network) such as frame relay or the Internet for providing a worldwide, low cost surveillance system with virtually unlimited geographic application. Multiple sensors and appliances may be accommodated, as required. The topology of the network will be established by the geographic situation of the specific installation. Appropriate firewalls may be set up as desired to protect unauthorized access to the system or collected data. The server based system permits a security provider to have access to the appliance, related sensor and surveillance data or to configure or reconfigure the system from any station on the Intranet or Internet. The use of power supplied over LAN wiring to various configurations of security network appliances provides an important simplification and cost reduction of the installation of various alarm and security system devices, such as card readers and scanners, audible devices, strobe enunciators, keypads, motion detectors, and the like. The use of networked sensors in the form of network appliances allows various servers and monitors to share common sensors, further reducing installation costs and greatly increased flexibility.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The subject invention is generally related to sensor, monitor and control appliance devices generally utilized in monitoring and surveillance systems and is specifically directed to a network adaptation of such appliances. 
   2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
   Security of public facilities such as schools, banks, airports, arenas and the like is a topic of increasing concern in recent years. Over the past few years, a number of violent incidents including bombings, shootings, arson, and hostage situations have occurred. In addition, agencies responsible for public security in these facilities must cope with more commonplace crimes, such as drug dealing, vandalism, theft and the like. 
   Such facilities frequently employ monitoring and surveillance systems and access control systems to enhance security. This has been common practice for a number of years. Such systems generally have a centralized monitoring console, usually attended by a guard or dispatcher. A variety of sensors are located throughout the facility, such as smoke detectors, fire detectors, motion sensors, glass breakage detectors, badge readers at various access points, and sometimes, video cameras and/or microphones. Other sensors and transducers are utilized to lock and unlock doors. 
   There are numerous devices utilized to collect information at remote locations and initiate a local alarm, store the information for later retrieval or forward the information to a remote location for storage and/or near real time review. Examples include fire alarms, security cameras, motion sensors, proximity switches, heat sensors, smoke and fire sensors, and the like. Almost all of these appliances can be used in some form of configuration where one or more sensors may be used in combination to provide a surveillance scheme over an area to be monitored. In prior art systems, the signal generated by each type of device was used locally, or if part of a network, was sent over a dedicated connection to a remote collection point for that type of device. 
   These prior-art devices often use technologies that not ‘intelligent’ in the modern sense; they merely provide an ‘ON/OFF’ indication to the centralized monitoring system. The appliances also are not ‘networked’ in the modern sense; they are generally hard-wired to the centralized monitoring system via a ‘current loop’ or similar arrangement, and do not provide situational data other than their ON/OFF status. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The subject invention is directed to support function systems that may be used separately or in combination as building support devices by adapting them to network appliances and configuring them to communicate over network topologies to each other, to building databases, and to the users. This allows either stand alone functional systems, or a fully integrating them into a single “seamless” system. By way of example, school classrooms may have several communications and monitoring systems to support a classroom such as an intercom, clock system, thermostat, motion detector, door access control, computer network connections and the like. The subject invention permits the combination of all of these functions into a single device that may communicate over a single network connection providing various combinations to provide for building support functions. The devices may also communicate to other buildings and control nodes in other facilities by use of Wide Area Networks (WANs) such as Intranets and the Internet. 
   The invention is particularly well adapted for use in connection with my co-pending patent applications, entitled: Multimedia Surveillance and Monitoring System Including Network Configuration, Ser. No. 09/594,041, filed on Jun. 14, 2000; Method and Apparatus for Distributing Digitized Streaming Video Over a Network, Ser. No. 09/716,141, filed on Nov. 17, 2000; and Method and Apparatus for Collecting, Sending, Archiving and Retrieving Motion Video and Still Images and Notification of Detected Events, Ser. No. 09/853,274, filed May 11, 2001, and incorporated by reference herein. 
   The subject invention includes specific network appliances designed to participate in a comprehensive multimedia security and building support system that may be deployed singularly or in combination to achieve the degree of monitoring and protection desired. 
   The subject invention also permits all of the support functions to be combined in one appliance, achieving both improved functionality and support at a lower costs because of use of shared components, shared wiring and shared network connectivity. In the preferred embodiment, the appliance is connected to a single Category5 (CAT5) wire, fiber or the like to the system network. The single appliance provides all of the functions previously supplied by a plurality of dedicated purpose discrete appliances. 
   Functional superiority over the discrete appliances is also achieved because of the opportunity to integrate the various subsystems common in the appliances. For example, a universal wall appliance in accordance with the subject invention can use a common display panel for a clock/bell system and a visual alarm. A single microphone can be shared for the intercom, for noise detection and for alarm oral response or activation. A single speaker can be utilized for the intercom, a telephone call bell, an alarm emitter and a clock/bell sound emitter. A single temperature sensor can be shared between a fire alarm system, the HVAC system and be utilized to check for appliances proper ambient operating temperature environment. A wireless LAN access point can be shared for remote or mobile alarm/sensor/display modules and for classroom computer access. A single video camera can be shared for security monitoring, video conferencing and distance learning. A single streaming audio/video decoder can present Video On Demand (VOD) classroom video presentations, broadcast television and video conferencing. 
   The subject invention permits network components and appliances to be used in combination with a network based full service, multi-media surveillance system capable of a wide range of monitoring techniques utilizing digital network architecture. 
   Schools, banks, retail operations and other security conscious businesses and institutions have a need for advanced hardware and software solutions that provide total, user friendly control over their surveillance and monitoring equipment. A system desirably provides:
         1. Multimedia data collection;   2. Automated control;   3. Archive storage;   4. Enhanced search and recall of archived event recordings;   5. Preset responses to triggers and triggering events;   6. Remote viewing and management from a wide area network including, preferably, the World Wide Web (or Internet) accessibility.   7. Automatic system pre-failure prediction and post failure analysis.   8. Common infrastructure and workstations shared with other co-located systems.   9. Wireless infrastructure for sensors, monitors and shared applications/systems.       

   In accordance with the teachings of the subject invention, any or a plurality of distinctive appliances may be connected to the comprehensive, wired/wireless multimedia surveillance and monitoring system for transmitting event data, video and/or image monitoring information, audio signals and other network appliance sensor and detector data over significant distances using digital data transmission over networks such as a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet for other network automatic event recording, assessment and response, including dispatch of response personnel. Wired, wireless and optical appliances and sensor systems may be employed. The wireless LAN connectivity permits local distribution of sensor, audio, video and image data with relatively high bandwidth without expensive local wiring/fiber and without the requirement of a license and without relying on a common carrier and the fees associated therewith. The surveillance system may be interfaced with a WAN (wide area network) such as optical fiber, frame relay or the Internet for providing a worldwide, low cost surveillance system with virtually unlimited geographic application. Centralized and distributed remote monitoring stations have access to all of the surveillance data from various remote locations via the network or the WAN. A server provides a centralized location for data collection, alarm detection and processing, access control, auto response generation, paging, automatic e-mail generation, telephone dialing and message transmission, dispatch processing, logging functions, configuration management, and/or other specialized functions. The server may be inserted virtually anywhere in the Intranet/Internet network, and may be segmented and installed in a distributed manner to further add to system security, reduce bandwidth requirements, or allow redundancy. 
   Multiple sensors and appliances may be accommodated, as required. The topology of the network will be established by the geographic situation of the specific installation. Appropriate firewalls, encryption and access codes may be set up as desired to protect unauthorized access to the system or collected data. The server based system permits a security provider to have access to the appliance, related sensor and surveillance data or to configure or reconfigure the system from any station on the Intranet or Internet. 
   The system of the subject invention permits comprehensive monitoring of locations over great distances with sufficient performance to provide widespread use as a security surveillance device. 
   The subject invention is specifically directed to networked appliances such as video and/or image appliances, access control devices, detectors and sensors as well as audio, condition and/or event monitoring systems. In its preferred form, the comprehensive multimedia safety and surveillance system of the subject invention provides both visual and audio information as well as critical data such as temperature fire and smoke detection. Manually operated transducers, such as panic buttons, door contacts, floor sensors, and the like may also be included to activate the system in the presence of an event at the sensor location, such as a fire alarm or security alarm panic bar or the like. Controlled transducers, such as electric door strikes, magnetic door strikes, electric door openers, strobe lights, sirens, room lights, fire control equipment and the like can be controlled by the appliances. Numerous appliances, including but not limited to detection and sensor systems, are utilized to provide monitoring stations or personnel, such as security personnel, and/or a base station monitoring critical information from the sensor system and to record the information and permit reconstruction of events after the fact. 
   In its preferred form, a plurality of sensor units, which may include at least one video image appliance sensor and/or at least one audio appliance sensor and/or at least one motion appliance sensor and/or other sensors, are placed strategically about the facility to be monitored. In addition, strategically placed motion detectors, fire sensors, panic switches, smoke sensors and other monitoring equipment is incorporated in the system. Cameras may be placed throughout the facility and in other desired spaces including on the grounds outside the facility. The audio sensors/transducers and other sensors and detectors are also strategically located both internal and external of the facility. 
   While the appliances of the subject system may be hardwired, in its preferred form the system of the present invention is adapted for use in connection with wireless transmission and receiving systems. The wireless system is particularly useful for adapting the system as a retrofit in existing facilities and also provides assurances against disruption of data transmission such as during a fire, as well as permitting roving interactive monitors that can be carried or worn. In the preferred embodiment, the wireless system is fully self-contained with each appliance and/or sensor unit having an independent power supply and, where required for image sensors, a sensor light source. The security system may include either motion sensitive, audio sensitive and/or image processing based activation systems so that the equipment is not activated until some event is detected, i.e., the system is action triggered. 
   In the preferred embodiment, each appliance will transmit any detected information to a monitor system located at a base monitoring station, located on site and/or at a remote or roving location, and/or a server for logging, forwarding, archiving same. The base station has instant live access to all of the image and audio signals as they are captured by the sensors, and where desired is adapted to record and make an historic record of the images for archive purposes. Where random access recording techniques are used, such as, by way of example, digital random access memory storage devices or high speed disk storage arrays, the archive may be readily searched for stored information. 
   One significant advantage to the appliance configuration of the subject invention is that it permits multimedia surveillance in applications and locations where physical wiring cannot be used, and over distances not possible or not cost effective with other systems. The system of the present invention provides surveillance capability utilizing techniques ranging from closed-circuit, hard wired systems to the Internet based techniques and is not limited by the data capacity; or cost associated with systems currently on the market. 
   It is, therefore, an object and feature of the subject invention to provide both wired and wireless communication links between appliances, sensors, monitors and/or sensors. 
   It is an additional object and feature of the subject invention to provide an appliance configuration for a multimedia surveillance system adapted for any of a plurality of monitoring and surveillance appliances which may be incorporated in the system via network connections through a server to provide a versatile, wide-ranging multi-media system which may be configured to meet specific application needs. 
   It is an additional object and feature of the subject invention to provide an appliance and monitoring station configuration for a multimedia surveillance system adapted for a plurality simultaneously operating geographically distributed monitoring stations. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide appliances adapted for use in connection with a surveillance system for transmitting data over significant distances using typical bandwidth carriers such as the public telephone system, and wireless carriers such as cellular telephones, including AMPS, PCS, GSM, CDMA, wide band CDMA and the like, CDPD data links, two-way pagers, satellite networks such as Iridium and the like. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide appliances adapted for use in connection with a surveillance system for transmitting data over significant distances using typical broadband carriers such as cable TV networks, dedicated fiber optics networks, DSL and ADSL carriers, and forthcoming broadband wireless networks. 
   It is also an object and feature of the subject invention to provide appliances for a surveillance system adapted for utilizing wired video and/or image data collection and/or transmission using the Internet and/or IP protocols. 
   It is also an object and feature of the subject invention to provide appliances for a surveillance system adapted for utilizing wireless video and/or image data collection and/or transmission using the Internet and/or IP protocols. 
   It is also an object and feature of the subject invention to utilize network communication systems to distribute both appliance surveillance data and control data. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide network appliances for a security surveillance system adapted for use in connection with a wireless LAN (WLAN) communications system, such as the IEEE 802.11 standards and follow-on standards. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide time display to a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide emergency event annunciation to a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide room paging through a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide room audio monitoring utilizing a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide room intercom utilizing a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide room temperature sensing using a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide device temperature sensing using a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide room gunshot detection utilizing a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide room access control utilizing a network appliance communicating over the IP network. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide an audio monitor or intercom between one or more network appliances and one or more monitor system using voice-over-IP (VOIP). 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide an audio monitor or intercom between two or more network appliances utilizing VOIP. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide archival storage of VOIP audio information for later playback. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a network appliance with video and/or audio capability with muted camera video and/or muted microphone audio capability in a room for privacy. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a network appliance device that has an open camera and/or microphone when panic button is pushed. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide “intercom” and “emergency” buttons on a panic button. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide panic button initiated actions, such as:
         Intercom functions to and from room over IP.   Logging of all intercom calls.   Emergency notification to wired guard stations over IP.   Emergency notification to wireless guard stations over IP.   Push-To-Talk (or voice activation) response from guard or administrator.   Display on room display stating identity of the responding party.   Flashing location icon on map for intercom or emergency.   Pop-up name of person pushing panic button.   Pop-up location of person pushing panic button.   Pop-up name of room where emergency is taking place.   Logging of all panic button pushes, by whom, time, location, and the like.   Logging of all responses, by whom, time, and the like.   Recording of all emergency audio/video on server or appliance.   For emergency calls, automatic call list: i.e., if first guard does not respond, go to next, go to administration.   For emergency calls, have a party line: i.e., call all stations, all can respond asynchronously.   On party line, all stations display the name of any speaker doing a push-to-talk (or voice activation) operation, with workstations having a pop-up display and wall appliance display shows instead of time.   A software priority is established for the responding push to talk (or voice activation). Automatic notification priority based upon location, nearest, first, and so on.       

   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide a workstation-to-workstation intercom utilizing VOIP. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide push-to-talk or voice activated control of audio from two or more stations on a group session at one time. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide an audio/video intercom from workstation-to-workstation utilizing VOIP. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide map-based dialing to workstations or network appliances. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide menu-based dialing to workstations or network appliances. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide IP video to and from network appliances. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide logging of all calls. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide logging of all calls with caller and/or called station ID&#39;s. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide logging of all calls with time stamps for time of calling and answering. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide logging of all calls by recording actual audio on the server. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide calls to guard stations and standard PC workstations. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide calls to administrative stations. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide calls from any workstation to any other workstation. 
   It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide other voice interfaces, such as: 
   Calls patched into POTS telephone calls from the “outside” through a gateway network appliance device. 
   Calls on internal PBX through a gateway network appliance device. 
   Multimedia network appliances can be patched into VOIP telephone calls such as from the Internet, VOIP phone systems and the like. Incoming calls are automatically distributed. 
   Outgoing calls by automatic priority, such as guard station first, if no answer, the police department over POTS. 
   Outgoing calls by speed dialing. It is another object and feature of the subject invention to provide access control, such as:
         Access granted or denied flashing on map.   Automatic camera switching based on any access attempt.   Automatic camera switching on access denied only.   Mode for manual guard confirmation for all accesses.   Access network appliance powered over Cat-5 wiring.   Access network appliance controlled over IP wiring.   Access control of a network appliance decided by server, or by internal tables.   Access network appliance has internal access allowance tables set over IP wiring.   Access network appliance uses internal tables if server is down.   Access network appliance always uses internal tables (to save bandwidth).   Access network appliance is has encryption.   Access network appliance has contact outputs.   Access network appliance has optional wireless badge reader.   Access network appliance has optional swipe badge reader.   Access network appliance has optional fingerprint reader.   Access network appliance has optional retina scanner.   Access network appliance has link to personal geo-locator such that if authorized person is in close proximity door opens.   Access network appliance opens under local control.   Access network appliance opens under server control.   Access network appliance has tamper detectors reporting over IP.   Access network appliance sends all activity to server for logging.   Access network appliance has local memory for logging all activity.   Access network appliance can send local memory content to server for logging.   Server can request access network appliance data for logging.   Access network appliance is configured over IP.   Access network appliance has HTML server for setup and monitoring.   Access network appliance supports friendly names, such as “East Outside Door”.   Access network appliance has password protection.   Access network appliance has encrypted communications to and/or from.   Access network appliance can communicate over wired LAN (example, cat-5).   Access network appliance can communicate over wireless LAN (example IEEE 802.11B).       

   Other objects and features will be readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and detailed description. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a room network appliance module in accordance with the subject invention. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an overall block-diagram view of a simple implementation of a wall network appliance of the typed shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a network-supported circuit for communicating a time standard to a network appliance for use in event logging or event execution by a network appliance via a local network. 
       FIG. 4  shows a configuration including a network hub embedded into the security network appliance. 
       FIG. 5  shows a configuration wherein a room network appliance includes wireless networking technologies. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the utility of the room network appliance as configures as an integrated multimedia sensor for a plurality safety-related sensors commonly employed in such a facility. 
       FIG. 6A  is a wireless version of network appliance shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a room network appliance as a gathering point for room environmental data. 
       FIG. 7A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a network appliance enhancement including a video camera, digitizer, motion video compressor, still-frame video compressor, infrared illuminator for dark operation, audio sensor, digitizer, and audio compressor. 
       FIG. 8A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a room network appliance with an alternative alarm source wherein a wireless “panic button” alarm device may activate the system. 
       FIG. 9A  is a wireless version of the room network appliance shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates one method power insertion technique utilizing the LAN data link incorporated in the system of the invention to power a wired network appliance. 
       FIG. 11  depicts an alternative embodiment including an alternate power insertion technique whereby DC power conveyed along signal pairs of the cable, in common-mode, in order to power a wired network appliance. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a motion detector sensor network appliance with an IP network interface and power receiver. 
       FIG. 12A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a networked smoke detector network appliance using the network interface of  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 13A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts a conventional ‘Pull Handle’ commonly used in institutional fire alarm systems as adapted for incorporation in the networked appliance of the subject invention. 
       FIG. 14A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts a contact-closure interface, as is commonly used for door or window sensors in alarm systems as adapted as a networked appliance of the subject invention. 
       FIG. 15A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts a heat sensor network appliance. 
       FIG. 16A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a glass breakage sensor network appliance. 
       FIG. 17A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 17 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts an alarm siren network appliance. 
       FIG. 18A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts a strobe light network appliance. 
       FIG. 19A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 20  depicts a thermostat/humidistat network appliance. 
       FIG. 20A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 20A . 
       FIG. 21  depicts a general-purpose control panel network appliance. 
       FIG. 21A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 22  depicts a simple control switch network appliance. 
       FIG. 22A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 23  depicts an indicator light panel network appliance. 
       FIG. 23A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 23 . 
       FIG. 24  depicts a networked analog user interface control network appliance, such as may be used to control room lights, temperature, fan speed, louver blind position, loudspeaker volume, and the like. 
       FIG. 24A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 24 . 
       FIG. 25  depicts a loudspeaker network appliance. 
       FIG. 25A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 26  depicts a control panel network appliance with indicator lights. 
       FIG. 26A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 26 . 
       FIG. 27  depicts a power outlet network appliance. 
       FIG. 27A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 27 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates an AC socket as expanded into a network-controlled AC power strip network appliance. 
       FIG. 28A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 28 . 
       FIG. 29  depicts a telephone interface/dialer network appliance. 
       FIG. 29A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 29 . 
       FIG. 30  depicts a lighting fixture network appliance controlled over a network. 
       FIG. 30A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 30 . 
       FIG. 31  depicts an analog wall clock network appliance controlled over the IP network. 
       FIG. 31A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 31 . 
       FIG. 32  depicts an alternative embodiment of the network appliance of  FIG. 31 , wherein a digital display replaces the stepper motor, gearbox, hands and shaft encoder. 
       FIG. 32A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 32 . 
       FIG. 33  depicts a self-contained magnetic strip reader network appliance, containing a reader as is commonly used in ATM machines, gas pumps, and point-of-sale cash registers. 
       FIG. 33A  is a wireless version of the network shown in  FIG. 33 . 
       FIG. 34  depicts a proximity card reader network appliance. 
       FIG. 34A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 34 . 
       FIG. 35  depicts an electronic door strike controller network appliance shown controlling a standard elector-mechanical door strike. 
       FIG. 35A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 35 . 
       FIG. 35B  is a self-contained electronic door strike network appliance with an integrated IP network interface and electro-mechanical door strike. 
       FIG. 35C  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 35B . 
       FIG. 36  depicts a combination security controller network appliance showing as it is utilized to control an electronic door strike, a door contact switch, a keypad entry system, and a secondary identification component such as a magnetic stripe reader, a proximity sensor or retina reader, or the like. 
       FIG. 36A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in a  FIG. 36 . 
       FIG. 37  depicts a combination security controller network appliance controlling an electric door strike, and sensing door contacts and a proximity sensor  FIG. 37A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 37 . 
       FIG. 37B  is an electronic strike network appliance with external contact inputs. 
       FIG. 37C  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 37B . 
       FIG. 38  depicts a combination network appliance that is controlling an electric door strike and sensing door contacts and a magnetic stripe reader.  FIG. 38A  is a wireless version of the network appliance show in  FIG. 38 . 
       FIG. 39  depicts a keypad entry network appliance with auxiliary electric strike and door contacts. 
       FIG. 39A  is a wireless version of the network appliance shown in  FIG. 39 . 
       FIG. 40  shows a wireless proximity sensor network appliance. 
       FIG. 39A  depicts the circuit diagram for the system of  FIG. 39   
       FIG. 39B  depicts the circuit diagram for a wireless version of the system of  FIG. 39 . 
       FIG. 40  shows a system similar to the system shown in  FIG. 39  with the addition of an exit sign. 
       FIGS. 40A–40D  depicts systems similar to the ones shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40  with the addition of further exit signs and related circuit diagrams. 
       FIG. 41  depicts a wired universal interface-pull handle/strobe system. 
       FIG. 41A  is a wireless version of the system shown in  FIG. 41 . 
       FIG. 42  depicts a wired pull handle system. 
       FIG. 42A  is a wireless version of the system shown in  FIG. 42 . 
       FIG. 43  depicts a wired exit device. 
       FIG. 43A  is a wireless version of the system shown in  FIG. 43 . 
       FIG. 44  depicts a wired keypad mortise lock. 
       FIG. 44A  is a wireless version of the system shown in  FIG. 44 . 
       FIG. 45  depicts a wired magnetic card stripe swipe reader mortise lock. 
       FIG. 45A  is a wireless version of the system of  FIG. 45 . 
       FIG. 46  depicts a wired proximity card reader mortise lock. 
       FIG. 46A  is a wireless version of the system of  FIG. 46 . 
       FIG. 47  is a control center system and diagram for connecting various sensors to the system. 
       FIG. 47A  is a wireless version of the system of  FIG. 47 . 
       FIGS. 48 and 49  depict multiple universal interface applications. 
       FIG. 49A  depicts a retina reader for use in the networked system of the subject invention. 
       FIG. 49B  is the wireless version of the retina reader of  FIG. 49A . 
       FIG. 49C  depicts a fingerprint reader for use in the networked system of the subject invention. 
       FIG. 49D  is the wireless version of the fingerprint reader of  FIG. 49C . 
       FIG. 49E  depicts a tilt/pan/zoom camera for use in the networked system of the subject invention. 
       FIG. 49F  is an enhancement of the camera and system as shown in  FIG. 49E . 
       FIG. 50  is a block diagram of the multiple appliance security system in accordance with the invention. 
     FIGS.  51 A– 51 BB comprise a full schematic of the system in accordance with the block diagram of  FIG. 50 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  depicts an overall view of the appliance  5  of the subject invention. The appliance contains a variety of devices that are commonplace or useful in educational, institutional, or office environments, including:
         A conventional clock display  25 , operable to display other information as needed such as temperature, humidity, alert messages, etc.   A microphone  35 , to detect local ambient sounds in the room and send them to a remote location and, optionally, to support acoustic event detection of gunshots and the like,   A loudspeaker  20 , to allow remote supervisory personnel to communicate with room occupants,   A beacon transmitter  30 , which emits coded infrared, RF, or ultrasonic energy into the room for the purpose of activating personnel locator devices therein,   A beacon receiver also  30 , which detects coded infrared, RF, or ultrasonic energy emitted by locator devices within the room,   A camera  15 , to view live or still scenes in the room and send them to a remote location,   A standard RJ-45 or equivalent connector  40  for connecting to a facility Network.   An antenna  10  may be provided for supporting a wireless connection, as will be explained therein.       
     FIG. 2  depicts an overall block-diagram view of a simple implementation, such as may be used in an educational setting. In this implementation, the appliance only supports a clock display  65 , a loudspeaker  45 , and a microphone  55 , to support the ordinary clock and intercom commonly found in schoolrooms. As shown, a digital-to-analog converter  50  and an analog-to-digital converter  60  are used as required for conditioning signals input to and output from the signal processor  70 . The system processor is connected to a network interface  80 , and/or as desired a wireless interface  85 . The wireless interface  85  is in wireless communication with a wireless access point  87  for providing a gateway to the network  90 . 
   The device is connected to a local-area-network, such as the commonplace 10Base-T, via the network interface. 10Base-T networks commonly employ twisted-pair wiring between hubs and connected devices; an alternative implementation may use IEEE 802.11 or equivalent wireless connections. In either case, the network interface passes information to and from the appliance&#39;s processor. The processor controls the clock display. Ambient sounds picked up by the microphone are digitized, compressed, and transmitted to the network via the A/D converter, signal processor, system processor, and network interface. A variety of compression methods and communication protocols may be employed; in the preferred embodiment the audio is compressed using MP3 and sent to the network using the RTP and TCP/IP protocols. Similarly, compressed audio from the network may be received, de-multiplexed, decoded, and played back via the network interface, system processor, signal processor, and D/A converter. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the clock may be set from a time server  110  connected to the local network  115 . A variety of network-based time-transfer methods exist, the most popular and convenient is Network Time Protocol (NTP), a protocol used in conjunction with local-area networks or the Internet. Using NTP, the time server and the client (in this case, the appliance) exchange time messages, and determine a statistical value for network delay, which is then factored out. Accuracies on the order of 1 millisecond are possible on a local network. The timeserver may be set manually, or may optionally be set using a commercially available WWV time receiver  100  or GPS time receiver  105 . As an alternative, the local time server may set itself to an internet-based master timeserver, such as provided by NIST or the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) as indicated by the network timeserver  125 , via the network  120 . Various security appliances including the security circuits  94  may be incorporated in the circuit via the network interface  95 . 
   A useful refinement of the system is depicted in  FIG. 4 . As there shown, the appliance processor  130  is connected to an embedded network hub  140  via a network interface  135 . Typically, a 10Base-T hub, or equivalent, is embedded into the appliance. This allows other computers  150 ,  155 , printers  145 , or other networked devices (via network  160 ) to share the existing connection from the room to the facility&#39;s local area network. By way of an example, remote workstation  157  may be supported in this manner. An archival server  161  is accessible over the network  160 . 
   The local area network hub may also include wireless networking technologies, such as the IEEE 802.11, as depicted in  FIG. 5 . In this enhancement a wireless LAN access point  180  and an antenna  175  is provided at the appliance, permitting communication with various wireless remote components or systems such as the printer  195  supported by the wireless adapter  205  and antenna  200 , the wireless desktop PC  215  and antenna  210 , the wireless laptop  225  or other portable device and antenna  220 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates the utility of the room appliance as a collection point for safety-related sensors such as, by way of example, the microwave motion detector  230 , the infrared motion detector  235 , the smoke detector  240 , and the carbon monoxide detector  250 , commonly employed in such a facility. The processor  265  collects data from the various sensors in the room. Such inputs are often simple contact closure inputs. When activated, the appliance alerts a security monitoring station via the local network or via a wide-area network  275  through the network interface  270 . The security station may then summon the appropriate help, such as police, fire, ambulance, or other services as needed. Also, the system processor when so activated may generate an appropriate local warning sound using the D/A converter  260  and the loudspeaker  255 . Appropriate sounds might be a fire horn, alarm bell, klaxon, or the like. The warning sounds may be generated from stored sounds in the processor&#39;s memory, or may be generated by the facility security system and transmitted to the room appliance via the intervening network. As shown, various remote stations such as a logging server or archive server  161 , a security monitoring station  280  and other systems such as by way of example the environmental monitoring controller  281 . 
     FIG. 6A  is a wireless version of the system of  FIG. 6 . In this enhancement a wireless interface  283  is provided for communicating with a wireless access point  287  to provide a link to the network  275 . Also in this embodiment a power supply  289  and a converter  291  is provided to power the appliance system. In the wired version the network cabling is used to provide power. 
     FIG. 7  depicts the room appliance as a gathering point for room environmental data, as may be used in controlling an HVAC system. Various environmental control sensors, such as a relative humidity sensor  285 , temperature sensor  290 , or thermostat panel  295 , may connect to the facility HVAC controller  315  via the room appliance processor  265  and network  310 . Other critical monitoring systems such as, by way of example, the fire alarm controller  316 , may be interconnected to this subsystem via the network. The wireless version is shown in  FIG. 7A . 
     FIG. 8  illustrates an enhancement to the basic appliance system, wherein a video camera  325 , digitizer  330 , motion video buffer  335  and compressor  340  and, optionally, a still-frame video buffer  345  and compressor  350  is added. An illuminator  320  for low light conditions may also be supplied. When activated, the camera captures local scenes, and transmits them to a monitoring station(s)  390  on the local network or-wide-area network using suitable compression methods such as MPEG or JPEG, via the network comprising the multiplexer  355 , the system or appliance processor  375  and a network interface  380  whereby communication via the network  385  is supported. Simultaneously, the microphone  360  may be included to receive local sounds, digitize them at converter  365 , compress them at compressor  370 , and send them to the same destinations. Activation of the camera and microphone may be accomplished locally via one or more of the attached sensors, or remotely via the network from a monitoring station. If the ambient illumination is insufficient for viewing via the camera, an illuminator may be enabled by command from the appliance&#39;s processor or by command from the remote station. The illuminator may be visible light or infrared, as desired. A wireless version is shown in  FIG. 8A  with an independent power supply  289 , converter  291  and wireless access point  287  is provided as previously described. 
   An alternative alarm source is depicted in  FIG. 9 , wherein a wireless “panic button” alarm device  440  may activate the system using the wireless transmitter  445  and receiver  450 ,  455 . As shown, the wireless alarm has an RF receiver  455  and transmitter  465 , controlled by the T/R switch  460 , a device ID memory  475 , and a pushbutton switch  480 . A process controller  470  is also provided. During normal usage, the room appliance  485  periodically transmits a code representing its location. The personal alarm  440  receives and stores this location code. When the alarm is activated by pressing the switch  480 , the alarm transmits its device ID and the room ID information to the appliance  440 . This then activates the appliance, enabling the camera and microphone, and alerts the central monitoring station via the intervening network. As shown, the appliance  440  in this configuration includes a compatible RF receiver  400 , T/R switch  405 , RF transmitter  410  with antenna  395 . The appliance processor  425  and network interface  430  communicate with the network  435  as previously described. An encoder  420  may be provided as necessary.  FIG. 9A  shows the same system with wireless network interfacing as previously described. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11  depict a standardized method and apparatus for monitoring, controlling, and powering a variety of network-based appliances, which are subsequently described. This is advantageous when the network-based may be located in an area where conventional AC-operated power is not easily accessible. Referring to  FIG. 10 , a conventional LAN data link is depicted. The hub&#39;s physical-layer interface  800  connects to twisted-pairs  815  and  820  via transformers  805  and  810 . The remote network device&#39;s physical-layer interface  830  connects to the same twisted pairs  815  and  820  via transformers  825  and  830 , thus effectuating a conventional LAN connection. Twisted-pair cable typically used in LAN&#39;s generally contains 4 pairs, who of which are unused in this example. Accordingly, one or both of the unused twisted-pairs  855  and  865  are employed to convey operating power to the remote device. A power source  840  is disposed at the centralized hub or switch. The power source is preferably a voltage source, and preferably a DC source of moderately high voltage. Typical voltage levels may run in the 30 to 60 Volt range. Current sensor  845  senses the DC current consumed by the remote device, and may cause current limiter  850  to reduce or eliminate any current supplied to the remote device, in the case of a fault in the wiring or in the remote device. At the remote device, power is extracted and regulated by regulator  860 , preferably a switched-mode down-converter of high efficiency. 
     FIG. 11  depicts a variation of the same method, wherein the DC power is conveyed along the signal pairs of the cable  855 ,  865 , in common-mode. In this example, transformers  805 ,  810 ,  825 , and  830  are center-tapped, and the power is applied to the center taps of transformers  805  and  810 . Said power is extracted from the center taps of transformers  825  and  830  at the remote device. As before, power is supplied by source  840 , and is monitored and protected by current sensor  845  and limiter  850 . At the remote end, power extracted from the center taps of transformers  825  and  830  is appropriately regulated by regulator  860 . 
   The network interface, common to all subsequent network devices, here represented as the motion sensor  525 , is depicted in  FIG. 12 . The device attaches to the network using RJ-45 connector  520 . An Ethernet interface  515  handles the physical-layer connection to the Ethernet network. The required DC operating power, as supplied over the network wiring, passed through RJ-45 connector  520  to the Ethernet Line-Power Interface  510 . This interface extracts the DC power provided by the network, and provides filtering and regulation as necessary to provide the DC operating voltages required by the device via line  505 . The power provided by the network will typically be at a relatively high DC voltage for the sake of transmission efficiency. The Line-Power interface will therefore typically contain one or more regulators to reduce the line-supplied DC voltage to an appropriate value such as the standard 3.3 VDC or 5 VDC. An IP controller  500  is provided. 
   An additional benefit of the described configuration is that all sensors or appliances are intelligent due to the presence of the preprogrammed IP controller. This allows a centralized system monitoring station to automatically detect and configure the individual sensors or appliances. For example, a device may ‘announce’ itself immediately upon installation, thus becoming automatically recognized and monitored by the centralized monitoring station. Also, relevant operating parameters of the device may be measured or controlled remotely. An example might be a glass breakage detector with a history of false alarms; the sensor&#39;s sensitivity may be reduced from the centralized monitoring station via the network.  FIG. 12A  shows a wireless version of the system depicted in  FIG. 12 . In this enhancement a wireless interface card  526  and receiver/transmitter  528  is provided at the device, for defining the wireless interface  380  that operates as previously described. 
     FIGS. 13 through 34A  depict a variety of additional sensors and appliances that may be attached to the described network. All these described devices share a common network interface, allowing any such device to be added to the network as desired. Moreover, all such devices are configured to derive their operating DC power from the network, rather than from locally supplied power. 
     FIG. 13  depicts a networked smoke detector, using the same standardized network interface of  FIG. 12 . The device may also contain a heat sensor, to increase the accuracy of detecting a fire. The smoke and heat sensors  530  and  535  pass their data to the IP controller  500 , which generates and transmits a predefined message to the network. Note that the heat sensor may pass an actual numerical value for temperature to the network if desired, rather than a simple 1-bit indication that a temperature threshold has been exceeded.  FIG. 13A  is the wireless version and corresponds to the circuit shown in  FIG. 12A . 
     FIG. 14  depicts a conventional ‘Pull Handle’ commonly used in institutional fire alarm systems. In this case, the input to the IP controller  500  is a simple 1-bit input from the pull handle switch  540 . Again, the device sends a predefined IP message to the network and system monitoring station upon activation.  FIG. 14  is the wireless version. 
     FIG. 15  depicts a simple contact-closure interface, as is commonly used for door or window sensors in alarm systems. The sensors often contain a magnet in one module, and a magnetic reed switch in the other module. In this implementation, the contact closure thus effectuated by the reed switch  545  becomes input bit into the IP controller  500 . In response to a change in switch status, the controller  500  generates and transmits a predefined IP message via the Ethernet interface to the network and associated monitoring apparatus.  FIG. 15A  is the wireless version. 
     FIG. 16  depicts a networked heat sensor. The sensor  550  may produce a simple one-bit ‘threshold crossed’ indication to the controller  500 , or may pass a variable representing actual sensed temperature. In either case, the IP controller  500  generates and transmits a predefined IP message to the network and associated monitoring apparatus. As an additional refinement, the device may be programmed to accept configuration commands from the networked monitoring apparatus. Such commands may, for example, change the sensor&#39;s trip point or temporarily suspend the transmission of messages.  FIG. 16A  is the wireless version. 
   A networked glass breakage sensor is depicted in  FIG. 17 . Sensor  555  produces an output indicative of breaking glass to the IP controller  500 , which generates a predefined IP message and transmits said message to the network. The sensor&#39;s output may, if necessary be processed or analyzed by controller  500  in the case of a simple microphone or vibration sensor. The device may additionally be configured to respond to incoming control and configuration messages from the network, such as commands to change the sensor&#39;s sensitivity or to temporarily disable the device.  FIG. 17  is the wireless version. 
     FIGS. 18 and 19  depict a networked alarm siren and strobe light respectively. The IP controller  500  receives IP messages from the network and controls the alarm  560  or strobe light  565  respectively. Network messages may be used to turn the alarm or strobe on or off, or may control other characteristics of the device such as volume, flash rate, etc. The IP controller may also send status messages to the network, either in response to inquiries from control devices or at regular intervals.  FIGS. 18A and 19A  are the wireless versions, respectively. 
     FIG. 20  depicts a networked thermostat or humidistat, or both combined. The temperature sensor  570  and/or humidity sensor  575  produce signals indicative of local temperature and/or humidity. As before, IP controller  500  generates and transmits predefined messages to the network representing the current values of temperature and/or humidity. In addition, switches  580  and  585  allow a user to increase or decrease the desired temperature setting. Contact closures produced by switches  580  or  585  are detected by IP controller  500  and transmitted via IP messages to a monitoring and/or control device disposed on the network. In addition, display  590  displays the current value of the local temperature and/or temperature setting. The temperature displayed may be generated locally by the controller  500  or may be commanded by a networked monitoring and control device via IP messaging.  FIG. 20A  is the wireless version of the thermostat/humidistat network appliance. 
   A general-purpose control panel network appliance is depicted in  FIG. 21 . This is a highly flexible device that can be used for several multimedia monitoring functions, as well as many control functions. For example, the control network appliance can be utilized as a conventional type control keypad for alarm system functions. It also could be utilized for lighting control, HVAC control, pump control, fan control, volume control, and other facility management founctions. A keypad  595  and display  600  are connected to the IP controller  500 . The controller  500  detects and interprets keystrokes on keypad  595 , and generates appropriate IP messages for transmission over the intervening network to a networked monitoring and control station. Similarly, a networked monitoring and control station may generate messages to be displayed on the control panel&#39;s display  600 . Said messages are transmitted from the monitoring and control station via the IP network to the controller  500 , which causes the appropriate message to be displayed. Speaker  601  is provided for audible indications of keypad depression, status, alarms and for streaming of audio streams. 
     FIG. 21A  is the wireless version of the control panel network appliance. 
     FIG. 22  depicts a simple control switch network appliance. The switch  605  may be a toggle, rocker, or push-button switch as appropriate. The status of switch  605  is detected by IP controller  500 , which generates and transmits an appropriate message over the IP network to a networked monitoring and control station. The appliance may be configured to generate “on” and “off” signals for controlling a two state device, or with a center return momentary switch, can generate streams of “up” and “down” signal steams relating to the length of time that the button is held for “analog” controlling of devices. 
     FIG. 22A  is the wireless version of the control switch network appliance. 
   An indicator light network appliance is depicted in  FIG. 23 . IP controller  500  receives messages from a networked monitoring and control station, and thereupon causes the appropriate lamp or lamps in light array  610  to be illuminated or extinguished.  FIG. 23A  is the wireless version of the indicator light network appliance. 
     FIG. 24  depicts an analog control device network appliance, such as may be used to control room lights, temperature, loudspeaker volume, fan speed and the like. IP controller  500  receives input from potentiometer  615  or shaft encoder  620 , and thereupon generates appropriate IP messages and transmits them via the intervening IP network to a networked monitoring and control station. 
     FIG. 24A  is the wireless analog control device network appliance. 
   A networked loudspeaker appliance is depicted in  FIG. 25 . In the preferred embodiment, the device receives a stream of data representing audio from the IP network. IP controller  500  passes this data to processor  625 , which decodes the data stream and generates an appropriate analog signal for reproduction via loudspeaker  630 . Control signals such as speaker amplifier gain, tone controls and the like can be sent to the loudspeaker appliance via the network. 
     FIG. 25A  is the wireless version of the loudspeaker network appliance. 
   A control panel network appliance, with indicator lights is depicted in  FIG. 26 . Switches  635  and  640  cause the IP controller  500  to generate and transmit IP messages to a networked monitoring and control station. Additionally, a networked monitoring and control station may generate appropriate IP messages to control the status of lamps  645 ,  650 , and  655  via the intervening network and IP controller  500 .  FIG. 26A  is the wireless version of the control panel network appliance. 
   A networked power outlet is depicted in  FIG. 27 . In this device, the IP controller  500  controls the status of an AC power switch  670  in response to received IP messages from a networked monitoring and control station. The networked monitoring and control station may thereby turn an AC-powered appliance ON or OFF via networked IP messages. Alternatively, power switch  670  may be replaced with a dimmer module, to allow dimming of a lamp from the networked monitoring and control station. Additionally, an RJ-45 socket  665  may be installed on the device, to provide a local user with an Ethernet connection into the network. Effectively this allows the power control module to act as a network hub as well. Since the network connection to the network is already in use by the system controller  500 , when another network connection port is needed such as  665 , it is necessary to implement a simple three-port network hub  660  between the network physical-layer interface  515  and the RJ-45 connector to the network  520 . 
     FIG. 27A  is the wireless version. In the preferred embodiment the power for the network interface and control circuits are taken from the incoming AC power. 
   In  FIG. 28 , the network-controlled AC socket is expanded into a network-controlled AC power strip appliance. As previously described in  FIG. 27 , the IP controller  500  controls a switch or dimmer  670  in response to IP messages received via the network from a monitoring and control station. In this embodiment, multiple AC sockets  675  are provided. In addition, a circuit breaker  680  protects the device from overload. Surge protectors can also be implemented. Additional circuits can can read the status of the power strip, such as the state of the circuit breaker, input voltage and the status of the surge protector. The current load of the power strip can also be measured. This allows for extensive “remote management” of the power strip over the network such as from a network operations center (NOC). Multiple power controllers, such as  670 , can be implemted such as one for each plug. This allows independent control of each plug. This could allow remote power cycling of a bank of network computers, for example, or would allow control of multiple temporary lighting circuits, stage lights, etc. Although the power strip network appliance can be powered by the incoming AC power line, if the power is not present the status of the strip could not be read. The network and control circuits can,however, be powered by the network connection as is described elsewhere in this application. This would allow the network devices to read the managed power strip status even if the incoming AC power is not available or the circuit breaker is tripped. 
     FIG. 28A  is the wireless version of the power strip network appliance. 
     FIG. 29  depicts a network-controlled telephone dialer/interface, preferably housed in a standard telephone wall socket. A standard POTS telephone line or telephone is plugged into the telephone line  700  via RJ-11 socket  705 . VOIP data can then be transferred from the phone line to the network, and from the network to the telephone line. If a central office (CO) line or private branch exchange (PBX) line is plugged into the RJ-11 jack, the RJ-11 interface is configured as a virtual telephone instrument. If a POTS telephone instrument is plugged into the RJ-11 socket, the RJ-11 interface is configured as a virtual telephone line. When configured as a virtual instrument, the IP controller  500 , in response to commands received from the IP network, energizes relay  695 , thus seizing telephone line  700 . The IP controller  500  thereupon, in response to IP commands received via the IP network, causes DTMF generator  685  to produce the desired DTMF tones on telephone line  700  via line transformer  690 . The interface also monitors the line to detect ringing and to detect caller-ID (CLID) data, and communicates that date via the LAN, then awaits for instuction to seize the telephone line. When configured as a virtual line, the network appliance supplies talk battery to the POT S telephone to power the telephone, the tone dial, and to detect off-hook conditions. It also generates a ring voltage to ring the POTS telephone when instructed to do so from instructions received over the network. This device has several uses in the multimedia system. It can be used to provide an interface to emergency telephones that are in communication with monitor stations. It is also used to interface to the telephone line for dialing and signaling under the control of the event notification services as is described in my other patents/patent applications. It also can be used a stand-alone relay for a voice circuit between a pair if, or more, telephones, emulating an “order wire”. It also can be used as a bridge, providing a remote POTS telephone line via a LAN or WAN to another location for a POTS telephone instrument. 
     FIG. 29A  is the wireless version of the telephone dialer/interface network appliance. 
     FIG. 30  depicts a lighting fixture network appliance controlled over the network. As in  FIG. 27 , IP controller  500  turns the light ON or OFF, or may dim the light, in response to IP messages received from a monitoring and control station via the network. The appliance can also monitor the status of the bulb and report over the network. This “managed bulb” can then be interrogated from a NOC, or a burned out bulb can generate an event that is notified to maintenance personnel for action by the notification services as described by my other patents/applications. 
     FIG. 30A  is the wireless version of the lighting fixture network appliance. 
     FIG. 31  depicts an analog wall clock network appliance controlled by the IP network. IP controller  500  maintains an accurate knowledge of local time through periodic synchronization with a network time standard via SNTP or other appropriate network-time protocols. IP controller  500  drives a stepper motor  720 , which drives hands  735 ,  740 , and  745  via gear train  730 . Shaft encoder  725  provides shaft position feedback information to IP controller  500 , to allow the clock to be set after a power failure. The shaft encoder may be as simple as a one-bit indication that the hands are all in the 12:00 position. 
     FIG. 31A  is the wireless version of the analog wall clock network appliance. 
     FIG. 32  depicts an alternative embodiment, the digital clock network appliance, wherein a digital display  735  and drive electronics replaces the stepper motor  720 , gearbox  730 , hands  735 ,  740 , and  745 , and shaft encoder  725 . As before, IP controller  500  maintains accurate time via periodic synchronization over the IP network. 
     FIG. 32A  is the wireless version digital clock network appliance. 
     FIG. 33  depicts a magnetic strip reader network appliance. The magnetic strip reader, as commonly used in ATM machines, gas pumps, and point-of-sale cash registers. Card reader  750  passes data extracted from the card to IP controller  500 , which thereupon transmits the card data to a device on the IP network for appropriate processing. The card data is preferentially encrypted by IP controller before transmission, to provide security. 
     FIG. 33A  is the wireless version magnetic strip reader network appliance. 
     FIG. 34  depicts a proximity card reader network appliance. This incorporates a proximity ID card readers, as commonly used at door entrances. IP controller  500  receives data detected by badge sensor  755 , and passes an appropriate predefined IP message to a networked monitoring and control station. 
     FIG. 34  depicts a proximity card reader network appliance. This incorporates a proximity ID card readers, as commonly used at door entrances. IP controller  500  receives data detected by badge sensor  755 , and passes an appropriate predefined IP message to a networked monitoring and control station. 
     FIG. 34A  is the wireless proximity card reader network appliance. 
   It is an important feature of the subject invention that legacy sensors, alarms and devices may be connected to the multimedia network system without modification of the legacy devices, permitting signals generated by the legacy devices to be communicated via and managed by the system of the subject invention.  FIGS. 35–38  are examples of security network appliances that provide such enhancements. An important component of this feature is a common interface permitting the communication of the signals generated by the legacy device to the network supporting the system of the subject invention. One common interface network appliance device  900  is shown in  FIG. 35  and includes two terminals or connectors  901 ,  902  for connecting the output wires  904 ,  905  of a legacy device, here an electric door strike  906 , to the network. The network connection is made via a wire connected at the RJ-45 jack  908 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 35A , the legacy device can also be connected via wireless interface  910 . In this version, a power adapter  912  is provided for driving the interface  910 . A wireless transmitter/receiver card  914  is added to provide the wireless network connection. In the wired version, the connector wire connected to the RJ-45 jack  908  is ideally used to provide power. However, a separate power supply can be provided where desired.  FIG. 35B  shows an electric strike  906  with an RJ45 jack  908 .  FIG. 35C  is the wireless version.  FIG. 34  depicts a proximity card reader network appliance. This incorporates a proximity ID card readers, as commonly used at door entrances. IP controller  500  receives data detected by badge sensor  755 , and passes an appropriate predefined IP message to a networked monitoring and control station. 
   Multiple legacy appliances may be connected to a common interface network appliance system as shown in  FIG. 36  (wired version) and  FIG. 36A  (wireless version). As there shown, the interface  920  has multiple terminals  901 ,  902 ,  920 ,  921  and  922  for contact type devices and/or appliance jacks  924 ,  925 , such as could be in communication with RS-232 signals, for connecting numerous legacy appliances such as the retina reader  926 , proximity reader  927 , swipe reader  928  and keypad display  929 . All of these are connected to the network via a connector such as a wire via RJ-45 jack  908  ( FIG. 36 ) or via a wireless connection card  914  ( FIG. 36A ). As before, the power supply  912  may be used in either version. 
     FIG. 37  is an enhancement wherein a network sensor in accordance with the subject invention includes an integrated interface for connecting a legacy appliance to the network via the network sensor system. In this enhancement the proximity reader/controller  930  has an LED sensor  931  as is well known in the art and includes an RJ-45 jack for connecting the sensor to the network. As previously described, a wireless version is also supported. The sensor includes terminals or connectors  901 ,  902  and  920  for connecting various legacy appliances such as, by way of example the electric door strike  906  or the door contacts  923 .  FIG. 37A  shows the wireless version.  FIG. 37B  shows a door strike  906  with an R45 jack  924  and optional door contacts  923 .  FIG. 37C  is the wireless version. 
   Other sensors/devices may be similarly enhanced, as shown with the swipe reader  932  of  FIG. 38 . 
     38 A is the wireless version of  38 . 
   A keypad entry appliance  934  is similarly enhanced as shown in  FIG. 39 . 
     39 A is the wireless version of  39 . 
   A further enhancement is shown in  FIGS. 40–40C . In this enhancement a wireless proximity sensor  934  for monitoring movement within the marked zones, see zone  936 , around monitored door  938  is connected to the network via the wireless transmitter/receiver card  526  and antenna  528  to a wireless access point interface  287 . As is better shown in  FIG. 40A , the circuitry for supporting this sensor  934  is identical to the circuitry shown and described in  FIG. 39 . The wireless version is shown in  FIG. 40A  and is consistent with the circuitry shown in  FIG. 39A . 
     FIGS. 40C and 40D  show an enhancement of the door proximity sensor shown in  FIG. 40A  with a message display such as, by way of example, the EXIT display  940 . In this configuration a power supply comprising the AC input, a transformer  942  and a battery charger  944  provides power to the display. This provides power to the lamp display  940  in the normal manner, and can also be used to power the IP controller  500 . 
   The wireless connection can be made via a wireless antenna  943  or by coupling to the AC power wiring  945  such as through RF coupling capacitors  947 . The wireless/power carrier version is shown in  FIG. 40D  and is consistent with the changes made in the previously discussed embodiments. 
     FIGS. 41 and 41A  show a wired universal interface network appliance and wireless universal interface network interface, respectively. This configuration of the interface  946  includes an independent connection to a power supply as indicated at  948 , or may be powered over the LAN  950  as has been previously discussed. The LAN connection such as the RJ-45 jack  950  in the configuration of  FIG. 41  or the wireless connector  952  of  FIG. 41A  may be utilized. A plurality of terminal connectors  954  are provided for connecting the legacy devices such as the fire strobe display alarm  956  and the pull-handle alarm  958 . The legacy devices can be powered from the LAN also, utilizing the power output terminals at  954 . 
     FIG. 42  shows a pull-handle network appliance  959  modified for direct network hook-up using a wired RJ-45 jack  960 .  FIG. 42A  is a wireless version of the pull-handle network appliance with the wireless modifications previously described. 
   A wired exit device network appliance is shown in  FIG. 43 . The wireless version of the exit device network appliance is shown in  FIG. 43A . In this enhancement the exit device includes a latch  962 , a push bar  964  and a key lock  966 . Action on any of these elements will transmit a signal via wire  968  to show activity at the door. The wire is connected to terminals on the universal interface  946 , which is in turn connected to the network  970  via a CAT-5 wire or other cabling to the universal interface. A wireless version is shown in  FIG. 43A  and includes the external power supply  289 , the wireless access component  380 , and the wireless access point  287 , as with previously described enhancements. 
   A keypad mortise lock entry device network appliance is shown in  FIG. 44 , with the wireless version being depicted in  FIG. 44A . The keypad lock device  972  includes a keypad  974 , backup key lock  976  and a door handle  976 , each of which will generate a signal when activated. The signal is carried from the control box  980  to a universal interface  946  for connection to the LAN  970 . A wireless version is shown in  FIG. 44A . 
   The keypad lock  974  is replaced by a card  986  and swipe reader  984  in  FIG. 45  (wired) and  FIG. 45A  (wireless). A magnetic or optical card reader  990  and compatible card  992  is shown in  FIG. 46  (wired) and  FIG. 46A  (wireless). 
   An alternative universal connector interface network appliance  996  is shown in  FIGS. 47  (wired) and  47 A (wireless). The universal connector interface network appliance includes a plurality of terminals for providing power out ( 998 ), input from legacy devices ( 999 ) and various output signals other than network ( 1000 ). Applications of the universal interface network appliance are shown in  FIG. 48  wherein an electric strike  1002  and latch  1004 , an electric strike  1006  and a magnetic contact  1008 .  FIG. 49  shows additional universal interface applications using legacy appliances. 
     FIG. 49A  shows a retina reader  1010  adapted for use in the system of the present invention. The retina scanner  1012  is adapted for scanning the retina of a user. A readout display is provided at  600  to indicate acceptance or rejection. A keyboard input panel  595  may be provided for secondary identification, where desired. This version includes the circuitry previously described for connecting the retina reader to a network via the RJ-45 connector  520 . The wireless version is shown in  FIG. 49B  and includes a wireless interface network  380  embodied in the interface card  526 , and an antenna  528  whereby the retina reader wirelessly communicates with the network via an access point  287 . 
     FIG. 49C  shows a fingerprint reader  1014  adapted for use in the system of the present invention. A readout display is provided at  600  to indicate acceptance or rejection. A keyboard input panel  595  may be provided for secondary identification, where desired. This version includes the circuitry previously described for connecting the fingerprint reader to a network via the RJ-45 connector  520 . The wireless version is shown in  FIG. 49D  and includes a wireless interface network  380  embodied in the interface card  526 , and an antenna  528  whereby the retina reader wirelessly communicates with the network via an access point  287 . 
     FIGS. 49E and 49F  show a system including a tilt/pan/zoom camera. In this enhancement, the camera  1018  is mounted in a location such as near the exit and is positioned to monitor a specific zone. The camera controls are transmitted via the network from the control station  10 f 6  and the camera-captured images are transmitted via the same network. As shown in  FIG. 49F , the door access panel  1019  may also be connected to the same network interface by using the hub  1021 . 
     FIG. 50  is block diagram of the circuitry for supporting a multiple appliance security system in accordance with the subject invention. The full schematic is shown in FIGS.  51  and  51 A– 51 BB. With reference to  FIG. 50 , the security appliance  5  includes a system processor  75  having both Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM) components  1025  and  1026 , respectively. A contact closure interface  1028  is provided for connecting any combination of simple external appliances to the security appliance center. Specifically, these appliances are generally limited to ON/OFF conditions and responses The RS-232 interface  1030  is provided for connecting more sophisticated external appliances such as, by way of example, the listed appliances and the appliances described elsewhere herein. A DTMF/CLID detector  1032  and phone line circuit monitor  1034  provides connection to an external telephone  1036  and to the telephone network  1038 . External power is provided to the system either through the wired LAN interface  80  and the network power module  1040 . External power may also be provided by the power supply  289  or through the option AC power brick  1042 . The system is capable of wireless connection to the network  90  via the wireless network interface  85  and the wireless access point  87 , or alternatively by wired connection to the network via network interface  80 . 
   While certain embodiments and features of the invention have been described in detail herein, it will be readily understood that the invention includes all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the following claims.