Patent Publication Number: US-7714734-B1

Title: Extended smoke alarm system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related in subject matter to, and incorporates herein by reference in its entirety, each of the following: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/781,715 entitled “Extended Smoke Alarm System,”, filed on the same date as this application; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/781,721 entitled “Extended Smoke Alarm System,” also filed on the same date as this application. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a smoke alarm system and, more particularly, to a smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes a flashlight that has at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality. 
     BACKGROUND 
     According to year 2005 statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from fires and burns are the fifth most common cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States. Approximately four out of five fire deaths in the United States in 2005 occurred in homes (CDC “Fire Navigation” sheet citing Karter M J, 2006.  Fire loss in the United States during  2005, abridged report. Quincy, M A: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fire Analysis and Research Division (FARD)). In 2005, fire departments responded to 396,000 home fires in the United States, and home fires claimed the lives of 3,030 people (not including firefighters) and injured another 13,825 people (not including firefighters) (CDC “Fire Navigation” sheet citing Karter, 2006). In 2005, residential fires caused nearly $7 billion in property damage (CDC “Fire Navigation” sheet citing Karter, 2006). 
     The death rate per 100 reported fires was twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it was in homes where this protection was in place (Ahrens M, 2007.  U.S. experience with smoke alarms and other fire detection/alarm equipment . Quincy, M A: NFPA FARD). If all homes in the United States had working smoke alarms, an estimated 890 lives could be saved annually, or just under one-third the annual fire death toll in the United States (Ahrens, 2007). 
     Furthermore, additional lives could likely be saved if the effectiveness of working smoke alarm systems were also increased. For example, even in homes where a working smoke alarm was in place, the death rate per 10,000 reported fires in years 2000-2004 was 55 [although the death rate was higher, 113, in homes that lacked a working smoke alarm] (Ahrens, 2007, providing page on “Smoke Alarms in Reported U.S. Home Fires” from NFPA FARD). Many home occupants among the 55 people who were killed per 10,000 reported fires in homes where a working smoke alarm was in place would NOT likely have been killed if the smoke alarm system had been more effective in warning home occupants of smoke or fire. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed embodiments relate to an innovative smoke alarm system designed to be effective not only in providing a warning of smoke or fire to occupants of a home (or another building) but also in providing assistance (particularly in providing a light source) to occupants for escaping from potentially darkened sections of a home (or another building) damaged by smoke or fire. In particular, embodiments relate to a smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes a hand-held flashlight (having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality) that may also optionally include a sound alarm or a vibrator or both. In some embodiments, the wireless signal is a radio frequency (RF) signal. In some embodiments, the flashlight&#39;s main light source projects light (typically in a high intensity beam), and the flashlight&#39;s sound alarm emits a loud intermittent or continuous warning tone, when the hand-held device receives an activating wireless signal (i.e., a smoke-or-fire-triggered wireless signal). In some embodiments, a vibrator in the hand-held flashlight vibrates the flashlight when the hand-held flashlight receives an activating wireless signal. In some embodiments, the hand-held flashlight additionally includes a remote control component for testing components of, or for programming, the system. In some embodiments, a remote control component is in a separate device of the extended smoke alarm system. 
     In some embodiments, the system includes a signal transmission component that transmits data on smoke or fire status to an offsite device (e.g., a device accessible to an offsite owner, an emergency responder or an insurance company—e.g., a homeowners insurance company). In addition to a smoke detector, the system, in some embodiments, also includes a heat detector or a carbon monoxide detector or both. Other devices of the system (i.e., in addition to one or more hand-held flashlights having wireless-signal-receiving functionality) may receive, and be activated by, a smoke-or-fire-triggered wireless signal. These devices may include a device worn by a home occupant as a head piece, necklace, belt, band, bracelet, anklet, or foot piece. 
     In some embodiments, an extended smoke alarm system for a home or other building is described, the extended smoke alarm system comprising: a smoke detector, in the home or other building, comprising a computing system supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality; and a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, wherein, on detecting smoke or fire, the smoke detector transmits a wireless signal that is received at the flashlight and thereby activates the flashlight to do one or more of the following: project light, emit an alarm sound or warning tone, and vibrate. 
     In some embodiments, a related method is described for activating a flashlight that is part of an extended smoke alarm system for a home or other building, wherein the extended smoke alarm system further comprises a smoke detector, in the home or other building, comprising a computing system supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and wherein the flashlight has at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, the method comprising: detecting smoke or fire near the smoke detector; transmitting a wireless-signal from the smoke detector; receiving the wireless-signal at the flashlight and thereby activating the flashlight to do one or more of the following: project light, emit an alarm sound or warning tone, and vibrate. 
     In some embodiments, a related computer-readable medium is described having computer-readable instructions stored thereon for transmitting a wireless signal for activating a flashlight that is part of an extended smoke alarm system, wherein that system further comprises a smoke detector comprising a computing system supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and wherein the flashlight has at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, said computer-readable instructions comprising instructions for controlling transmitting a wireless signal from the smoke detector in response to the smoke detector detecting smoke or fire, wherein, on reception of the wireless signal at the flashlight, the flashlight is activated to do one or more of the following: project light, emit an alarm sound or warning tone, and vibrate. 
     In other embodiments, a computer-based system for providing security within a home or other building is described, wherein the system comprises: a network; a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, in the home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and connecting to said network; and an offsite device comprising a second computing system connecting to said network, wherein said first computing system is configured to: detect smoke or fire near the smoke detector in the home or other building and, on detecting smoke or fire, transmit a wireless signal to activate a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, and transmit data on smoke or fire status to the second computing system of the offsite device. 
     In other embodiments, a related method is described for providing security within a home or other building that is part of a computer-based system comprising: a network; a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, in the home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and connecting to said network; and an offsite device comprising a second computing system connecting to said network, the method comprising: detecting smoke or fire near the smoke detector in the home or other building at the first computing system and, on detecting smoke or fire, transmitting a wireless signal from the first computing system to activate a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, and transmitting data on smoke or fire status from the first computing system to the second computing system of the offsite device. 
     In other embodiments, a related computer-readable medium is described having computer-readable instructions stored thereon for providing security within a home or other building that is part of a computer-based system comprising: a network; a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, in the home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and connecting to said network; and an offsite device comprising a second computing system connecting to said network, said computer-readable instructions comprising instructions for: detecting smoke or fire near the smoke detector in the home or other building at the first computing system and, on detecting smoke or fire, transmitting a wireless signal from the first computing system to activate a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, and transmitting data on smoke or fire status from the first computing system to the second computing system of the offsite device. 
     In further embodiments, a computer-based system is described for providing security within a home or other building, the system comprising: a network; a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, in the home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality and connecting to said network; an first offsite device comprising a second computing system connecting to said network; and an second offsite device comprising a third computing system connecting to said network, wherein said first computing system is configured to: detect smoke or fire near the smoke detector within the home or other building and, on detecting smoke or fire, transmit a wireless signal to activate a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, and transmit data on smoke or fire status of the home or other building to at least the second computing system of the first offsite device; and wherein said third computing system of the second offsite device is configured to receive data on smoke or fire status from the first computing system of the smoke detector or the second computing system of the first offsite device, or both. 
     In further embodiments, a related method is described for providing security within a home or other building that is part of a computer-based system comprising: a network; a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, within the home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and connecting to said network; an first offsite device comprising a second computing system connecting to said network; and an second offsite device comprising a third computing system connecting to said network, the method comprising: detecting smoke or fire near the smoke detector in the home or other building and, on detecting smoke or fire, transmitting a wireless signal to activate a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, and transmitting data on smoke or fire status of the home or other building to at least the second computing system of the first offsite device; and wherein said third computing system of the second offsite device is configured to receive data on smoke or fire status from the first computing system of the smoke detector or the second computing system of the first offsite device, or both. 
     In further embodiments, a related computer-readable medium is described having computer-readable instructions stored thereon for providing security within a home or other building that is part of a computer-based system comprising: a network; a smoke detector comprising a first computing system, within the home or other building, supporting at least wireless-signal-sending functionality, and connecting to said network; an first offsite device comprising a second computing system connecting to said network; and an second offsite device comprising a third computing system connecting to said network, said computer-readable instructions comprising instructions for: detecting smoke or fire near the smoke detector in the home or other building and, on detecting smoke or fire, transmitting a wireless signal to activate a flashlight having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality, and transmitting data on smoke or fire status of the home or other building to at least the second computing system of the first offsite device; and wherein said third computing system of the second offsite device is configured to receive data on smoke or fire status from the first computing system of the smoke detector or the second computing system of the first offsite device, or both. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a basic embodiment of components of an extended smoke alarm system; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a top external view of a basic embodiment of a hand-held flashlight having wireless-signal-receiving functionality; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a side view, and some internal aspects, of a basic embodiment of a hand-held flashlight having wireless-signal-receiving functionality; 
         FIG. 2C  provides a high-level circuit diagram for an embodiment of a hand-held flashlight having wireless-signal-receiving functionality; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an embodiment of a basic remote control for testing a wireless-signal-receiving smoke detector or flashlight, or both, for functionality; 
         FIG. 3B  provides a high-level circuit diagram for an embodiment of a basic remote control; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an embodiment of a programming remote control for testing a wireless-signal-receiving smoke detector or a flashlight, or both, for functionality; 
         FIG. 3D  provides a high-level circuit diagram for an embodiment of a programming remote control; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an extended smoke alarm system as a component of a larger home security network wherein some possible interactions between the extended smoke alarm system, an offsite owner or an emergency responder computer system, and a homeowners insurance company computer system are illustrated; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates, in block diagram form, a computer system upon which a system embodiment may be implemented, or reside, in whole or in part. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Following is a detailed description with reference to the drawings wherein the same reference labels are used for the same or similar elements. As used throughout this description and the claims, the terms “a” and “an” are intended to mean “one or more.” 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , basic embodiments of home components of an extended smoke alarm system are illustrated. Smoke detector  110  detects heat or smoke  120  from fire  130 . The smoke detector may be an ionization chamber-type detector (e.g., as in some dual-chamber types with sensors for both visible and invisible products of combustion, and with smoke entry allowed over 360 degrees in air velocities of up to 2000 FPM, i.e., 10 m/s), a photoelectric-type detector (e.g., with sensors designed to detect flaming and smoldering conditions, and with smoke entry allowed over 360 degrees in air velocities of up to 4000 FPM, i.e., 20 m/s), or another kind of smoke detector. When activated, a sound alarm of smoke detector  110  emits a loud intermittent or continuous warning tone to alert occupants in the home or other building, e.g., a storage building, shop or office building, of the smoke or fire. In some embodiments, the “warning tone” may emulate a human voice and loudly repeat “FIRE” or some other recorded message of warning. Smoke detector  110 , in some embodiments, is wired into the electrical power system of the home or other building in which it is installed, but smoke detector  110  may also include a battery power system as a backup. In some embodiments, smoke detector  110  relies simply on an internal or external battery power system. 
     Smoke detector  110  also transmits wireless signals  140  to one or more other smoke detectors, such smoke detector  150 , which in response each also emits intermittent or continuous warning tones, which may be the same, similar or different from those warning tones emitted by smoke detector  110 —for example, the warning tone may be tailored to the smoke detector&#39;s location within the home or other building. Smoke detector  110  and smoke detector  150  additionally transmit wireless signals  140  to one or more hand-held flashlights like wireless-signal-receiving-hand-held flashlight  170 . Wireless signal transmission from smoke detector  110  to flashlight  170  may also be direct, as indicated by dashed line  160 . In some embodiments, wireless signal transmission is particularly extended, e.g., having a range beyond smoke detectors in the same plane in the same room or adjacent rooms, and including smoke detectors and other wireless-signal-receiving devices at different levels in the same or adjacent rooms or even including, in some embodiments, smoke detectors and other wireless-signal-receiving devices in surrounding buildings. In some embodiments, the wireless signal is a signal of a radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), visible light, ultraviolet light, or a signal of some other frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum. 
     A wireless-signal-receiving flashlight, like hand-held flashlight  170 , may be placed in a multiplicity of locations—such as mounted on the wall of a room, kept on or near an occupant of the home, or left unsecured, e.g., on top of a study table. When a wireless signal activates hand-held flashlight  170 , light beams  180  project from flashlight  170  with an intensity that would be helpful to someone holding the flashlight to visualize passageways in spite of encroaching smoke or darkness. In addition in some embodiments, when a wireless signal activates hand-held flashlight  170 , an alarm of flashlight  170  sounds—e.g., the alarm, like an alarm of smoke detector  110  or  150 , also emits a loud intermittent or continuous warning tone, which, in some embodiments, like a warning tone of smoke detector  110  or  150 , may also emulate a human voice and loudly repeat “FIRE” or some other recorded message of warning. 
     Hand-held flashlight  170  may also be equipped with an internal vibrator (not shown) and respond to wireless signals by causing flashlight  170  to vibrate until deactivated. The extended smoke alarm system may also include a wireless-signal-receiving device other than a conventionally-styled flashlight, and a light, sound alarm, or vibrator may also be included in that device and provide a further means to warn an occupant—e.g., a deaf occupant through vibrations, i.e., by the sense of touch—of smoke or fire in a home or another building type. In various embodiments, a wireless-signal-receiving flashlight or another wireless-signal-receiving device may be worn by an occupant, e.g., as a head piece or foot piece, or on a necklace, a bracelet, a band (e.g., around the upper arm, a finger or toe), a belt (e.g., around the chest, waist or thigh) or an anklet strap. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A  (a top external view) and  FIG. 2B  (a side view with some internal aspects depicted), basic embodiments of hand-held flashlight  170  having wireless-signal-receiving functionality are illustrated. The main lamp of flashlight  170  projects light  180  typically in a high intensity beam. ON &amp; OFF switch  210  is part of an electrical circuit that includes the main lamp. Reset button  215  includes, in some embodiments, a low-battery-indicating lamp (not shown). In some embodiments, an operator may depress reset button  215  in order to switch flashlight  170  or another wireless-signal-receiving device into a “Receive Program” mode (discussed later). Audio output component  230  includes a small speaker, e.g., a piezoelectric speaker or other compatible device, that emits an alarm sound or warning tone when the flashlight is activated on receiving wireless signals from smoke detector  150 , or smoke detector  110 . In some embodiments, casing or shell  240  is composed of a hard, high-impact-resistant, heat-resistant plastic that also encloses battery chamber  250 . The battery chamber in some embodiments includes spring  260  so that batteries inserted into the battery chamber remain in conductive contact with spring  260  and opposite electrical contact  263 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 2B , wireless-signal-receiving-hand-held flashlight  170  in some embodiments may be designed to plug into an electrical wall outlet using electrical socket prongs  245 ;  FIG. 2B  illustrates retractable embodiments of prongs  245 . The hand-held flashlight may more easily be kept charged if it includes a rechargeable battery. Access to a wireless-signal-receiving hand-held flashlight of an extended smoke alarm system, particularly under emergency conditions, likely would generally be more limited if the flashlight were kept plugged into an electrical outlet on a wall. Furthermore, a deaf occupant would not feel a vibration-based warning if the flashlight, or other wireless-signal-receiving device, were not kept in contact with the deaf occupant, e.g., as a belt attachment, but instead were largely kept plugged into an electrical outlet. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , much of the circuitry for controlling the flashlight is located in “control” section  255 , which is represented by a rectangle defined by a dark-line border in  FIG. 2B , and which, in the embodiment shown, physically contains ON &amp; OFF switch  210 , reset button  215 , and audio output component  230  (control circuitry generally not shown). A surface level layer of audio output component  230  porously covers a small speaker, e.g., a piezoelectric speaker or other compatible device, that emits an alarm sound or warning tone when the flashlight is activated on receiving wireless signals, e.g., from smoke detector  150  or directly from smoke detector  110 , as shown by dashed line  160  of  FIG. 1 , or from some other source. 
     In some embodiments, reset button  215  may include, as previously noted, a low-battery-indicating lamp (not shown). In some embodiments, reset button  215  may also act as a program-receptivity button for flashlight  170 . That is, if an operator depresses reset button  215  for an extended period, such as several seconds, a secondary circuit is activated, e.g., in association with wireless-signal-receiving circuit  280  of  FIG. 2C  (described later), that places flashlight  170  in “Receive and Program” mode. In this mode, a programming remote control (also described later) may be used to set a frequency programming circuit (also described later) of flashlight  170 , which then is programmed to respond to wireless signals of a specific kind, such as RF signals defined by frequency or amplitude or both. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2C , a high-level circuit diagram of an embodiment of the control and output circuitry of a wireless-signal-receiving-hand-held flashlight  170  is provided. Base voltage source  265  (i.e., in some embodiments, “V total ” is 4.5 volts) powers the overall circuit. Main switch  270  may be closed manually in order to complete the circuit and turn the flashlight “ON.” When a smoke detector transmits wireless signal  295 , the wireless-signal-receiving circuit  280  of the flashlight receives the signal, converts it to a DC signal, and routes it to control circuit  285 . Once received, the signal “turns on” or switches circuit  285  and provides a by-pass to manually operated main switch  270 . Once circuit  285  is activated, circuit  290  is in turn activated and the flashlight&#39;s main lamp  275  is switched “ON” to project light  180 , the flashlight&#39;s speaker emits an alarm sound or warning tone—if a speaker is included in the embodiment of the flashlight—and the flashlight vibrates—if a vibrator is included in the embodiment of the flashlight. 
     In some embodiments, wireless-signal-receiving circuit  280  also functions as a frequency programming circuit that is responsive to programming data from programming remote control (described later in more detail). That is, once frequency programming circuit  280  of flashlight  170  receives, and is activated by, programming data from a control device, e.g., like programming remote control  340  of  FIG. 3B , flashlight  170  is programmed to respond to wireless signals of a specific kind, such as RF signals defined by frequency or amplitude or both. In this way, a wireless-signal-receiving-hand-held flashlight  170  (or other wireless-signal receiving device) may be programmed for reception of wireless signals of a specific kind. After programming, once wireless-signal-receiving circuit  280  receives an activating wireless signal of a specific program-compatible kind, control circuit  285  is activated, and, with circuit  290  in turn being activated, flashlight  170 &#39;s main lamp  275  is triggered “ON” as are, optionally, flashlight  170 &#39;s speaker (if present) and vibrator (if present). In some embodiments, an wireless-signal-receiving-hand-held flashlight  170  also includes as an integrated component an wireless-signal-transmitting basic remote control or a wireless-signal-transmitting programming remote control (each described in more detail below). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A , an embodiment of a wireless-signal-sending basic remote control  310  for testing a wireless-signal-receiving smoke detector or flashlight, or both, for functionality is illustrated. Remote control  310  may transmit a wireless signal that may be received by smoke detector  110 , smoke detector  150 , flashlight  170  or other wireless-signal-receiving device of an extended smoke alarm system. When an occupant within range of the wireless-signal-receiving device aims remote control  310  at the smoke detector, flashlight or other device and pushes test button  315 , the target smoke detector, flashlight or other device will respond by projecting light—if, as for flashlight  170 , a wireless-signal responsive lamp or light is included in the embodiment, emitting an alarm sound or warning tone—if a speaker is included in the embodiment, and vibrating—if a vibrator is included in the embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3B , a high-level circuit diagram for an embodiment of a basic remote control is provided. A power or voltage source  320  provides electrical power to a wireless-transmitting circuit  330  on the closing of a momentary button or switch  325 . Wireless signals emitted from the wireless-transmitting circuit  330  of basic remote control  310  trigger a test device response, e.g., light, alarm sound or warning tone, or vibration, if the test device, e.g., smoke detector, flashlight, or other wireless-signal-receiving device, is functioning. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3C , an embodiment of an programming remote control for testing a wireless-signal-receiving smoke detector, flashlight or other device for functionality is illustrated. Like remote control  310 , programming remote control  340  may transmit a wireless signal that may in turn be received by smoke detector  110 , smoke detector  150 , flashlight  170 , or other wireless-signal-receiving device of an extended smoke alarm system. Similarly, when an occupant within range of the wireless-signal-receiving device aims programming remote control  340  at the device and pushes test button  345 , the target smoke detector, flashlight or other device will respond by projecting light—if, as for flashlight  170 , a wireless-signal responsive light is included in the embodiment, emitting an alarm sound or other warning tone—if a speaker is included in the embodiment, and vibrating—if a vibrator is included in the embodiment. 
     However, in some embodiments, the programming remote control  340  may output more than one frequency used by wireless-signal-receiving/transmitting smoke detectors or other wireless-signal-receiving/transmitting devices. In some embodiments, the programming remote control  340  may also be used not only simply to test, but also to program, a smoke detector, a flashlight, or other wireless-signal-receiving or transmitting device (as previously noted). In some embodiments of a resident keypad configuration, a keypad made up of buttons, like the “PG” or “program” button  350 , is used for data input. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3D , a high-level circuit diagram for an embodiment of a programming remote control is provided. A keypad circuit  360  is used for data input to a data selector circuit  365 , which selects the proper circuit or setting for frequency generation for a particular extended smoke alarm system setup. Once proper circuit or setting parameters are programmed and the circuit of the programming remote control is activated, e.g., by depressing “Test” keypad  345  depicted in  FIG. 3C  and closing switch  370 , an output wireless signal is emitted via an antennae circuit  375 . In this way, the programming remote control may be used for programming and testing wireless-signal-receiving devices such as hand-held flashlight  170 . 
     In some embodiments, hand-held flashlight  170  is programmed to be responsive to specific wireless signals such as specific RF signals defined by frequency or amplitude or both. Just as smoke detectors, in some embodiments, may be programmed to receive or transmit or be responsive to only specific wireless signals, hand-held flashlight  170  or some other wireless-signal receiving device may, in some embodiments, be programmed to receive or transmit or be responsive to only specific wireless signals such as specific RF signals defined by frequency or amplitude or both. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , an extended smoke alarm system  410  is represented as a component of a larger home security network  400  wherein some possible interactions between the extended smoke alarm system  410 , an offsite owner or emergency responder computing system  425 , and a computing system  440  of a homeowners insurance company are illustrated. Though the computing system  440  is depicted as being a computing system of a homeowners insurance company, the computing system could be of any entity receiving data on smoke or fire status from a computing system of an extended smoke alarm system  410  or a computing system  425  of an offsite owner or emergency responder. 
     The extended smoke alarm system  410  of the home security network  400  may be connected to an offsite owner or emergency responder computing system  425  over a communications network  430  or directly via dedicated line(s)  420 . Similarly, in some embodiments, extended smoke alarm system  410  may be connected to computing system  440  of a homeowners insurance company over communications network  430  or directly via dedicated line(s)  450 , and an offsite owner or emergency responder computing system  425  may be connected to computing system  440  of a homeowners insurance company over communications network  430  or directly via dedicated line(s)  460 . The communications network  430  may be a private network or a public network (e.g., the Internet). Computing systems  425  and  440 —as well as extended smoke alarm system  410 , which also is a computing system—may be based on any type of computer or computing device suitable for that system&#39;s particular requirements, including a mainframe computer, workstation computer, server, desktop computer, laptop computer, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and the like, although, in particular for the smoke alarm system  410 , circuitry of some computing devices may be relatively simplistic. 
     The connection between the communications network  430 , a computing system of extended smoke alarm system  410 , and various computing systems  425  and  440  may be any suitable network connection, including a wired connection, wireless connection, and/or a combination of both. In some embodiments, communications between a computing system of extended smoke alarm system  410 , and various computing systems  425  or  440 , or both computing systems  425  and  440 , via communications network  430 , are over a cell service network or cellular network, which, in some embodiments, may also carry signals between components of extended smoke alarm system  410 . For simplicity, connections are shown in  FIG. 4  as a double-headed arrow between the communications network  430  and a computing system of extended smoke alarm system  410 , as well as each computing system  425  and  440 . Note also that although only a single extended smoke alarm system  410 , offsite owner or emergency responder computing system  425 , and computing system  440  of a homeowners insurance company, are shown in  FIG. 4 , those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that multiple instances of each type of computing systems may be present and connected to one another over dedicated line(s)  420 ,  450 , and  460 , or via communications network  430 . Furthermore, if only dedicated line(s)  420 ,  450 , and  460  connect, respectively, extended smoke alarm system  410  and computing system  425 , extended smoke alarm system  410  and computing system  440 , and computing system  425  and computing system  440 , the dedicated lines would then form a network without communications network  430 . 
     If smoke or fire triggers a warning response in a smoke detector that is part of an extended smoke alarm system, in embodiments of home security network  400 , a signal transmission component (not shown) of extended smoke alarm system  410  transmits data on smoke or fire status to an offsite device, e.g., such as computing system  425  or other device accessible to an offsite owner or an emergency responder, or such as computing system  440  of a homeowners insurance company. The data on smoke or fire status may be transmitted in any form acceptable to a desired number of component devices. In particular, data on smoke or fire status received by computing system  440  of a homeowners insurance company may be used by the insurance company with other similar data for actuarial analysis, e.g., in order to refine rates on homeowners insurance policies. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram illustrates an exemplary computer or computing system  500  upon which process flows in accordance with principles of embodiments may be implemented or on which embodiments themselves may reside. Computer or computing system  500  includes a bus  502  or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor  504  coupled with bus  502  for processing information. Computer or computing system  500  also includes a main memory  506 , such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus  502  for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor  504 . Main memory  506  also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor  504 . Computer or computing system  500  further includes a read only memory (ROM)  508  or other static storage device coupled to bus  502  for storing static information and instructions for processor  504 . A storage device  510 , such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to bus  502  for storing information and instructions. 
     Computer or computing system  500  may be coupled via bus  502  to a display  512 , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device  514 , including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus  502  for communicating information and command selections to processor  504 . Another type of user input device is cursor control  516 , such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor  504  and for controlling cursor movement on display  512 . This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane. 
     One or more populating acts may be provided by computer or computing system  500  in response to processor  504  executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory  506 . Such instructions may be read into main memory  506  from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device  510 . Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory  506  causes processor  504  to perform processes described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in main memory  506 . In other embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. 
     The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor  504  for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device  510 . Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as main memory  506 . Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus  502 . Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or, on the electromagnetic spectrum, light waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to processor  504  for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system  300  can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to bus  502  can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on bus  502 . Bus  502  carries the data to main memory  506 , from which processor  504  retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory  506  may optionally be stored on storage device  510  either before or after execution by processor  504 . 
     Computer or computing system  500  also includes a communication interface  518  coupled to bus  502 . Communication interface  518  provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link  520  that is connected to a local network  522 . For example, communication interface  518  may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, communication interface  518  may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface  518  sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. 
     Network link  520  typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, network link  520  may provide a connection through local network  522  to a host computer  524  or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)  526 . ISP  526  in turn provides data communication services through the worldwide packet data communication network, now commonly referred to as the “Internet”  528 . Local network  522  and Internet  528  both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link  520  and through communication interface  318 , which carry the digital data to and from computer or computing system  500 , are exemplary forms of carrier waves transporting the information. 
     Computer or computing system  500  can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link  520 , and communication interface  518 . In the Internet example, a server  530  might transmit a requested code for an application program through Internet  528 , ISP  526 , local network  522  and communication interface  518 . One such application program may provide for, or participate in, sending or receiving data [e.g., reporting on the activation of a smoke detector (or on smoke or fire status, or other related information) as described herein for various embodiments] to or from an offsite device. The received code may be executed by processor  504  as it is received, and/or stored in storage device  510 , or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer or computing system  500  may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave. 
     Again, following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a” and “an” mean “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. 
     While the detailed description has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the description. For example, although the detailed description has been described in the context of an extended smoke alarm system that includes at least one hand-held flashlight having wireless-signal-receiving functionality as being an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed embodiments may equally be applicable to other arrangements of devices, e.g., wherein a bracelet or necklace vibrates on a deaf wearer after the device receives wireless signals from a smoke detector of the system.