Patent Publication Number: US-2002005894-A1

Title: Internet based emergency communication system

Description:
RELATED CASES/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE  
     [0001] This is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/545,948, filed Apr. 10, 2000. Applicant incorporates herein by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/545,948. 
    
    
     
       [0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing automatic, real-time or recorded, transmission of voice, data and video images from a premises to a single party or multiple interested parties using an internet website as a communications conduit. The website may be accessed only by interested parties that have been properly authorized. Access is made after an event has occurred comprising an intrusion, a fire and/or another type of emergency or other event at a premises.  
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0003] Systems for detecting and reporting intrusions and other types of events including but not limited to fire and medical emergencies are well known in the prior art. A typical system for securing and protecting the occupants of a premises, such as a home or an office building for example, includes: 1) at least one keypad/display panel; 2) a central system controller; 3) entry point sensors located at various windows and doors to the premises; 4) sensors for detecting movement, vibration or sounds within the premises in the event that the entry point sensors have been evaded; 5) sensors for detecting fire and/or smoke or other functions within or outside a premises including temperature or low heating fuel; 6) an audible and/or visual alarm; and 7) a telephone line connection.  
       [0004] The keypad/display panel is a device through which the security system is activated or de-activated by an authorized user of the premises. The keypad/display panel can incorporate a “panic switch(es)” to allow a user to immediately signal an emergency such as an intruder, fire or medical problem without the central controller being in the alarm state. Once the system has been activated using the keypad to enter an activation code, or through a key or some other form of proper activation, a signal is sent from the keypad/display panel to the central controller. The central controller continually monitors each of the entry point sensors connected through electrical wiring or other form of communication (i.e. radio frequency (“RF”)) to the central controller within the premises. In the event that a window or door is opened while the system is activated, the particular entry point sensor detects the entry and signals the central controller. Alternatively, if an intruder enters the premises without tripping one of the entry point sensors, one of the motion or other types of sensors may detect the intruder and alert the central controller that an intruder has been detected within the premises. A motion or sound sensor may be triggered without an entry point sensor detecting an open event.  
       [0005] Once the central controller receives a signal from an entry point sensor or other type of sensor it may sound an alarm. Alternatively, or in addition to the alarm, if the premises is being monitored by a remote monitoring entity, the central controller will dial a telephone number of the remote monitoring entity to provide notification of an intrusion or other form of emergency event and provide data regarding the event. The remote monitoring entity must then attempt to ascertain the exact nature of the event and whether the alarm is a “false alarm.” In situations where the remote monitoring entity cannot determine the exact nature of the alarm indication they may send a guard to the premises and/or notify local police, fire or emergency medical providers of the alarm indication who may be dispatched to the premises to investigate.  
       [0006] The primary problem with prior art security and emergency notification systems of the type described above relates to the inability of the remote monitoring entity to accurately verify an alarm indication. Therefore, there are frequently false alarms that may be caused by any number of events, including but not limited to: 1) a faulty sensor; 2) a pet moving within the premises; 3) an authorized entrant that has mistakenly tripped a sensor unknowingly; 4) an authorized entrant that has failed to deactivate the system; 5) smoke from a stove or fireplace; or 6) a child at a premises who has inadvertently requested emergency medical assistance by depressing the emergency sequence on the keypad/display. Any one of these false alarm indications will cause the alarm to be sounded and the remote monitoring entity to be immediately notified. Frequent false alarms cause neighbors to believe that alarm indications are “false”. More importantly, a high number of false alarms cause police, fire and emergency services providers to react slowly believing the subject alarm indication to be false.  
       [0007] Another problem with these types of prior art systems is that information transmitted to the remote monitoring entity only relates to how an alarm indication was activated (i.e. through the activation and control panel or through a sensor). Thus, if an actual emergency has occurred, the remote monitoring entity has no means of identifying what a perpetrator looks like, the location of a fire at the premises or the condition of person who has suffered a medical emergency. Furthermore, systems of these types do not provide real time information to emergency services providers which can be transmitted to multiple interested parties at diverse and remote locations. Nor, do these systems provide immediate notification of an alarm indication to a premises owner or manager who is not at the premises at the time of the alarm.  
       [0008] A second type of security system that is well known in the prior art is a Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV). CCTV Systems utilize video surveillance cameras that are placed at various points within or near a premises. CCTV Systems are “closed” systems and provide authorized parties with the capability to view events, which are or have taken place at a premises in three ways: 1) A monitoring station located at the premises can be equipped with video monitors and other equipment that enables an individual or group of individuals to view the input from the various cameras connected to the System in real time. Systems that permit on-premises monitoring may also be equipped with the capability to record events over some time period using tape or digital recording devices. Recording can be reviewed by interested parties at a later date; 2) CCTV Systems can be equipped with recording devices only, thus precluding real-time monitoring but providing the capability to view recorded events at a later date; 3) CCTV Systems can be installed at several remote locations with the input from the various cameras being transmitted to a single centrally located video monitoring site equipped with apparatus that permits viewing and/or recording of events from all of the remote locations.  
       [0009] CCTV systems suffer from numerous problems: 1) they are not practical for use at residences or small businesses since continual recording of living and work environments is generally considered to be intrusive; 2) CCTV Systems require constant monitoring of transmitted video images in order to be effective in the prevention of crime, or early detection of an emergency. Such a requirement necessitates expensive personnel who can provide monitoring services; 3) CCTV Systems do not possess the capability to automatically alert an off site premises owner or manager of an emergency condition at the premises; 4) CCTV Systems do not enable real time, secure viewing of video images by multiple interested parties, including emergency services providers who are located away from the premises but who have a temporary or recurring interest in the events transpiring at the premises; 5) CCTV Systems do not enable real time voice communication between multiple interested parties, including emergency services providers who are located away from the premises but who have a temporary or recurring interest in the events transpiring at the premises; 6) CCTV Systems provide information as an emergency event unfolds, but generally cannot provide early warning for such emergencies as fires or unauthorized intrusions unless constantly monitored.  
       [0010] A third type of security system that is well known in the prior art is an “interactive video surveillance” or “remote alarm verification and video surveillance system”. These systems utilize all of the components of a standard security and emergency notification system, but in addition incorporate the use of: 1) a video controller board; 2) the components of a CCTV System; and 3) a speaker phone tied to the central system controller.  
       [0011] Interactive Video Surveillance or Remote Alarm Verification and Video Surveillance Systems (IVSS) provide the capability for automatic, real-time transmission of voice, data and video images from a premises to a single interested party using conventional telephone lines. IVSS provides the capability for: 1) a central station operator to visually verify the nature of an alarm event at a premises following an alarm event; 2) a central station operator to engage occupants of a premises in real-time voice communication following an alarm event; and 3) permit a single interested party to “dial into” a premises in order to carry out remote video surveillance when an alarm event has not been triggered.  
       [0012] IVSS suffer from numerous problems: 1) IVSS can transmit voice, data and video images to only one remote location at a time; 2) IVSS rely on low paid central station monitoring operators to control emergency conditions; 3) IVSS is not secure due to the capability for an interested party to “dial into” a system to view video images from a remote location; and 4) IVSS systems in their present form are limited to communications using conventional telephone lines.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013] The present invention offers a solution to the problems of the prior art by offering a system and method that incorporates the elements of the prior art systems, while adding and enhancing functions, and providing new and unique methods for the premises owner (or manager), emergency services, the central monitoring station and other authorized users to communicate as a group to monitor the system. The subject invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art systems by providing a practical and cost effective means for combining video monitoring, two way voice, and data communications to a central monitoring station via a proprietary website. More particularly, the invention includes capabilities and functionality which: 1) provides automatic notification to multiple interested parties of an alarm event at a premises; 2) enables the transmission of voice, data and video images between multiple remote locations simultaneously; 3) provides security by precluding a party from “dialing into a protected premises” to view real time video images; 4) provides the ability for system parameters to be reviewed and activated from remote locations when a temporary web page is initiated by a website  321 ; and 5) permits the use of wireless devices for (i) sending and receiving information regarding an alarm event, (ii) reviewing system parameters and arming an alarm system at the protected site from remote locations, and (iii) communicating with other interested parties who are sending and receiving information following an alarm event.  
       [0014] The use of a website enables the authorized users to simultaneously view the video data transmitted from the site while maintaining group voice and data contact regardless of their current location. In particular, video cameras are strategically located within a protected premises to record activity at various entry points or in other central passageways throughout the premises. Additional video cameras can be added at other locations as desired for specific monitoring functions such as at or near storage locations for valuables. Sensors within the premises may detect a variety of events, including: 1) security breach, 2) fire, 3) smoke, 4) panic, or 5) maintenance. Once an event is detected while the system security and video controllers have been activated, the following events occur: 1) the video controller activates the camera and associated lamp monitoring the tripped sensor; 2) the security system controller begins the process of transmitting data to the central monitoring station; and 3) the transmission signal from the system controller to the central monitoring station is intercepted by the video controller that initiates communications to the website.  
       [0015] Communications to the website is by one of the following internet compliant communications means: standard phone line, broad band bi-directional cable connection, digital subscriber line (“DSL”), wireless phone service or any other internet compliant communication format. Once the website connection has been made, the security system transmits data to the website indicating the premises&#39; account number. The website database is accessed to determine the central monitoring station that services the identified account. The website then routes the video, data and voice channel outputs from the activated site to the central monitoring station. The website simultaneously places a call to the premises owner or manager (referred to collectively as “owner”) to notify them of the system alarm condition.  
       [0016] Once the owner and the monitoring station are on line to the website they may communicate by voice channel while simultaneously viewing video and sensor data from a temporary web page opened on the website. If an emergency exists, emergency services providers such as police, fire, medical or maintenance services personnel are notified. They can connect to the website to access voice and data channel connections as well as being able to see the cause of the problem through the viewing or reviewing of the video signal being recorded at the premises. In an embodiment of the present invention, a remote monitor that is notified and gains access to the website may be any one of a number of individuals or entities. For example, they may include: 1) the facility owner&#39;s web compliant pager; 2) the facility owner&#39;s web compliant cellular telephone; 3) a remote computer site designated by the facility owner; 4) a remote central monitoring site; 5) the local police department; 6) the local fire department; or 7) any other authorized entity designated by the facility owner. The alerted party is provided with a temporary internet web page address to view the video data that is being posted to that website. For security purposes, each user may be required to enter an access code to gain entrance to the website. The alerted party can determine whether there is an actual emergency by examining the real time video and audio data or recorded data from the site thereby eliminating, or at least greatly reducing, false alarms and nuisance calls.  
       [0017] The present invention provides a security system and method for imaging an event to confirm the identity of the intruder, or that the intruder is an authorized entrant. It also provides real time video, audio, data and recording of an event to be posted to an internet website for access by an authorized user for viewing, review and to determine an appropriate course of action to handle the event. The present invention also eliminates or reduces false alarms and nuisance security calls. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0018]FIG. 1 is a prior art security system using various sensors;  
     [0019]FIG. 2 is a prior art security system using video surveillance;  
     [0020] FIGS.  3 A-B are block diagrams of the security system of the present invention;  
     [0021]FIG. 4A is a flow chart that shows a sequence of steps executed during the operation of the security system of the present invention; and  
     [0022]FIG. 4B is a flow chart that shows a sequence of steps executed during the operation of another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
     [0023] The present invention relates to security systems and methods, and more particularly, to security systems and methods using local video surveillance combined with transmission of recorded data such as video or audio sequences to an internet website from the secured premises. Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used to identify particular elements of the described systems and methods.  
     [0024]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art basic security system  11  for home or commercial use. Basic security system  11  includes temperature or other maintenance function (i.e. low heating fuel) sensors  12  and entry point sensors  13  that may be in the form of switches for detecting an open event at an entry point such as a door or a window. Basic system  11  may also include motion sensors  15  for detecting movement within the protected premises in the event that an entry point sensor is bypassed without being activated. In addition or as an alternative to motion sensors  15  are beam detectors that are activated by movement through the sensors path. Beam sensors  17  are typically located in doorways, hallways or other passageways where a beam can be transmitted and received across a relatively narrow area. Finally, basic system  11  may include fire/smoke detector  18 , audio detectors  19  for detecting noise generated by an intruder such as the breaking of glass or some other audible sound, and/or broken glass detector  20 .  
     [0025] Each of sensors/detectors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  is connected to system controller  21 . Controller  21  is normally a microprocessor-based device that is programmed to monitor input lines connected to sensors/detectors  12   13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 . Other inputs to controller  21  include a keypad/display  23  through which a user may activate, deactivate or issue other commands to basic system  11 . An auxiliary keypad  25  is optional and may allow a user to activate, deactivate or issue other commands to basic system  11  from a location separate from keypad  23 . For example, main keypad  23  may be near an entry to the premises while auxiliary keypad  25  may be located in a master bedroom. It should be understood that keypad/displays  23 ,  25  may be replaced with numerous alternative activation and deactivation devices. These devices may include, but not be limited to a keyswitch, an electronic or magnetic stripe card and reader, a finger print imaging device, or other well known security activation/deactivation devices for ensuring that access is limited to authorized users.  
     [0026] Basic system  11  can be operated in local mode or central monitoring mode. In local mode, basic system  11  utilizes an audible alarm  27  to alert the user or premises owner that an intrusion has been detected. In central monitoring mode, basic system  11  may utilize audible alarm  27 , but more importantly, an auto dialer and modem  29  is activated to notify a central monitor that an intrusion has occurred.  
     [0027] In operation, a user activates basic system  11  by inputting an activation signal on keypad  23  or auxiliary keypad  25 . Once basic system  11  has been activated, system controller  21  continuously monitors the activity of sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 . In the event that an intrusion is detected at any of these devices, system controller  21  turns on audible alarm  27  and/or notifies central monitor  31  through auto dialer and modem  29 . The user can deactivate basic system  11  at any time by inputting a deactivation signal on keypad  23  or auxiliary keypad  25 . In addition, a panic signal may be input to keypads  23 ,  25  to set off alarm  27  and contact central monitor  31  in the case of an emergency even if system  11  has not been activated.  
     [0028]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a prior art video surveillance system  32  that may be used by itself or in conjunction with the basic security system  11  for home or commercial use. A set of cameras  33   a - n  are positioned throughout a premises for performing video surveillance. Each camera  33   a - n  is connected to a video switch  35  that permits security personnel to switch between the video signals transmitted from each of cameras  33   a - n . A digital encoder  37  may be used to encode the video signal from the selected camera before it is transmitted to a video monitor  39  that is reviewed by the security personnel. The system may also use the analog signals from video switch  35  to directly drive the video monitor  39  if it is an analog type unit. The video signal from the digital encoder  37  or the video switch  35  can be recorded by a video recorder  41  to preserve the video transmissions from cameras  33   a - n  for future viewing and review. The video transmissions allow the security personnel to actually remotely view the premises to determine the cause of an intrusion signal sent by a sensor or detector of basic system  11 . Even if a security system  11  is not in use, cameras  33   a - n  may be used to display an image on a monitor in real time or by review of recorded data from video recorder  41  for events that occur at the protected premises  
     [0029]FIG. 3A is a block diagram of a security system  311  of the present invention. Security system  311  contains some of the same components of basic security system  11 . In addition, security system  311  contains some of the same components of video surveillance component  32 . In security system  311  of the present invention, sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  operate in the same manner as described above with respect to basic security system  11 , except that they include an identification code for specifying which sensor has been tripped. For at least some of sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  and preferably for each of the sensors, a surveillance camera  33   a - n  covers the area around a particular sensor or sensors. For each camera  33   a - n , a corresponding lamp  313   a - n  is located proximate thereto to illuminate the area under surveillance by a particular camera. Data, voice and audio signals are captured or imaged by cameras  33   a - n  that are each equipped with a microphone and a speaker indicated at each camera as an audio subblock. The microphone and speaker permit two way communication between each camera  33  and website  321 . The data, voice and audio signals are transmitted and received using available technology from a number of sources, including Axis, Inc.  
     [0030] Lamps  313   a - n  are controlled by a lamp switch  315  to select the appropriate lamp for illuminating an area covered by a corresponding selected camera  33   a - n . A video controller  316  is used as in basic security system  11  for the purpose of switching between the different cameras  33   a - n . A video encoder  317  receives the video output signal of a camera and prepares the video signal for transmission by transmitter  319 . Transmitter  319  uses a communication standard such as MPEG or JPEG for transmission of the data, voice, and video information from system  311 . An alternative proprietary compression and communication standard may be used for signal transmission from system  311 . The communication standard used for data transmission from system  311  by communication link  320  will depend on the type of data link between system  311  and website  321 . Examples of different standards are broadband bi-directional cable, a digital subscriber line (“DSL”), phone line, radio frequency (“RF”) link, ISDN, cell phone link, or any other internet compliant communication standard or “data format.”  
     [0031] A website  321  with a temporary web page  375  is used to post the data transmission so that it may be viewed and evaluated by authorized viewers. Website  321  may be accessed by a variety of authorized viewers including but not limited to the premises owner from any remote location  323 , a police department  325 , a fire department  327 , an emergency medical service  329 , the premises owner  339  from a permanent designated site, or any other entity  331  authorized by the user of security system  311 . Additionally, website  321  may transmit other types of signals such as a message to be left on the owner&#39;s/manager&#39;s designated voicemail box  333  or an email message to be sent to a user&#39;s designated email address  335 . The website  321  may also call a designated phone  337  to notify the owner of an event either by making live contact or sending a page message.  
     [0032] In operation, a user activates security system  311  through keypad/display  23  or auxiliary keypad/display  25 . As with basic security system  11 , activation occurs when the user depresses a series of keys that typically represent a code selected by the user and programmed into the system. As with the prior art systems, many other activation/deactivation systems may be employed. The same code is typically used to de-activate the system by depressing the series of keys while security system  311  is in its active state. Other codes entered on either keypad/display  23 ,  25  may be used for immediately enabling audible alarm  27 , and connecting to website  321  if the user is in a panic situation. Once activated, system controller  21  continuously polls temperature/maintenance sensor  12 , entry point sensors  13 , motion detectors  15 , beam detectors  17 , fire/smoke detector  18 , audio detectors  19 , and broken glass detector  20 . If an intrusion or emergency is detected at any of these sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 , video controller  21  transmits a signal to video/audio controller  316  to turn on the particular camera  33   a - n  and lamp  313   a - n  respectively covering the tripped sensor/detector.  
     [0033] The particular camera begins shooting to “capture” or “image” events occurring in the area it covers while the corresponding lamp illuminates the covered area in the event that it is dark. Video controller  316  passes the video signal from the active camera to video/audio encoder  317 . Video/audio encoder  317  encodes video signals in a selected data format. At the same time, the video/audio signals are transmitted by controller  316  to video/audio recorder  318  for recording and playback at a later time. If it is desired to record the video/audio signals, recorder  318  may receive signals from encoder  317  as an alternative to receiving the signal directly from controller  316 .  
     [0034] Encoder  317  passes the encoded video/audio signal to transmitter  319  in the data format for transmission to website  321 . Transmitter  319  is typically a DSL modem, manufactured by Cabletron, Inc. of Rochester, N.H. Since keypad/display panel  23 ,  25 , or a sensor  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  has already activated the system controller  21 , controller  21  has opened the two way combined data, audio and video channel to website  321  through transmitter  319  and communications link  320 . Communications link  320  connects system  311  to website  321 .  
     [0035] It is also possible for an authorized entity to perform a variety of functions on system  311  by accessing system  311  through website  321 . Examples of such functions are activating or deactivation system  311 , checking the status of system  311 , checking the status of a particular sensor to determine temperature at temperature sensor  12 , fuel level at a fuel level sensor (not shown), or other functions such as a history of past events that may be stored and accessed by system controller  21 .  
     [0036]FIG. 3B shows another embodiment of the invention including a CCTV console  322  with a group of individual display monitors  324   a - n . CCTV console  322  may be a closed circuit television system used in the prior art and described with respect to FIG. 2. As incorporated in the present invention, cameras  33   a - n  may be continually used to display images on display monitors  324   a - n  of CCTV console  322  . In addition, the security system status display  314  may be one or more indicator lamps, a computer screen, or other signaling devices for indicating to security personnel or other users (collectively referred to as “security personnel”) any activity at corresponding sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 . Display monitors  324   a - n  may be viewed by security personnel to remotely view different locations within the premises being covered by cameras  33   a - n . Cameras  33   a - n  can be selected to view an alarm location as indicated by security system status display  314 . The number of display monitors  324   a - n  is typically less than the number of cameras  33   a - n . However, the cameras are switchably connected to display monitors  324   a - n  by video/audio controller  316  that is a type of switch. Security personnel may cause the output of particular cameras  33   a - n  to be viewed on the display monitors  324   a - n  of CCTV console  322  by operating camera selector  328 .  
     [0037] Switch  326  located on or proximate to CCTV console  322  may be actuated by security personnel upon viewing an event requiring website  321  notification. Actuation of switch  326  causes the video output of a particular selected camera  33   a - n  to be transmitted to website  321  in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIG. 3A. Different images can be provided to website  321  for display on temporary web page  375  by security personnel manually selecting among positions on camera selector switch  328  to select an output of a particular camera  33   a - n  to be sent to video/audio encoder  317 . The remaining elements of this embodiment of the invention are the same as those of FIG. 3A except that a central monitor site may not be required. Notification to authorized entities to inform them to access website  321  is performed by security personnel in a manner similar to that performed by central monitor  31 . Or, security personnel may notify other authorized entities by manually using a phone, pager or other well known notification techniques. In addition, a central monitor  31  as described with respect to FIG. 3A can be employed. Central monitor  31  has a reduced role in this configuration of the invention due to the presence of security personnel at the premises. However, central monitor  31  may become critical in the event that security personnel are incapacitated, forced to leave the premises in an emergency or are otherwise unavailable to view display monitors  324 . In that case, central monitor  31  may assume remote access to switch  328  to provide services as described with respect to FIG. 3A.  
     [0038] When security personnel are available and are viewing display monitors  324 , their actions in actuating switch  326  function similarly to the setting off of one of sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  with the exception that the security personnel or other user determines which camera  33   a - n  provides the images to website  321  to be displayed on temporary web page  375  where it can be viewed by an authorized party or parties.  
     [0039]FIG. 4A is a flow chart illustrating the sequence of events for operation of the system of the present invention. First, website  321  is in a wait state  401  awaiting an input from the alarmed premises. When website  321  receives a connect input  403  from system  311 , an account code  403 - 1  for system  311 , identifying the particular premises is provided. In addition, an identification code  403 - 2 , identifying tripped sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  is provided to inform the website of the particular sensor/camera pair that has been tripped. Website  321  uses the provided account code to verify within its database of existing customers that the connected premises are an active account. Upon proper verification, a temporary event web page  375  is created  407  specific to the account and the event that has occurred for the premises that has connected to website  321 . At this point, website  321  is ready to receive video/audio data transmitted by connected system  311 . The event being imaged by system  311  is displayed on temporary web page  375  for review  411  along with the identification code of the camera/sensor pair transmitting the data related to the event. At the same time, the information provided by system  311  is recorded  413  by recorder  347  for later playback and for archival purposes.  
     [0040] The account information received from system  311  by website  321  for verification  405  is also used to determine the proper central monitor  31  in its database that services the account  415 . Along with central monitor information, website  321  may access owner information  417  and transmit a signal to alert the owner  330  via voicemail  333 , e-mail  335 , or phone  337 . The central monitor  31  is alerted to the event  419  and notified of the temporary web page established for this event  407  along with the account number, the event number and the camera/sensor identification code. The signal transmitted to the owner  417  contains the same pertinent information as the signal transmitted  419  to central monitor  31 . Both central monitor  31  and owner  330  are able to access the temporary web page  407 ,  422  simultaneously. Central monitor  31  views video images and listens to audio signals  423 . Two-way communication is enabled using the selected data format to allow central monitor  31  to converse with individuals at the premises. Depending on the owner&#39;s location, they may also have the same capabilities  425  via links  323 ,  330 , or possibly more limited capabilities such as audio only through a telephone.  
     [0041] After central monitor  31  and/or owner  330  view real time video images, recorded video images and engages in conversation with individuals at the alarmed premises, a determination can be made as to the nature of the event  427  that has caused the alarm. If the event is not an emergency and does not require any action, central monitor  31  and/or owner  330  can make that determination and log out of temporary web page  407  closing out activity for that event. If the event requires further action, the revealed cause of the alarm permits central monitor  31 , with assistance from owner  330  (or alone if owner is unavailable), to determine an appropriate course of action to handle the alarm event  429 . It should be understood that there are numerous ways to notify entities that may access website  321 . For example, rather than website  321  sending signals directly to owner  330  at step  417 , central monitor  31  may be the primary party that is notified and notification of all other entities may be the responsibility of central monitor  31 .  
     [0042] As discussed with respect to FIGS.  3 A-B, each camera  33   a - n  includes a speaker and microphone pair indicated by the incorporated audio block that can be used to communicate between system  311  and website  321  for access and use by central monitor  31  and/or the premises owner through link  330 . After evaluation of the transmitted information  429 , if an emergency exists, central monitor  31  and/or the owner can take action to cause website  321  to provide notification  431  to any of the following: 1) a remote location  323  (designated by the owner); 2) police  325 ; 3) fire department  329 ; 4) emergency medical personnel  329 ; or 5) other authorized users  331 . Notification is achieved by sending a voicemail message  341 , email message  343 , or a direct phone call  345  as illustrated by step  431 . Alternatively, the central monitor  31  may initiate a voicemail, phone call, or email to any of the aforementioned authorized access entities  323 ,  325 ,  327 ,  329 ,  331  via the website. The authorized entities  323 ,  325 ,  327 ,  329 ,  331  access website  321  and view the combined data, voice and video information in real time (or as recorded earlier) simultaneously with central monitor  31  and/or owner  330  to evaluate the event  433 . The various entities can act cooperatively to determine the appropriate type of equipment they may need to send to the premises in an emergency situation or act as otherwise required  435 .  
     [0043] Once action is taken and temporary web page  375  is no longer needed, it is closed  437 . It should be understood that any review of the events required after temporary web page  375  is closed is possible by examining recordings on recorder  318  at the protected site  311  or, on recorder  347  at website  321 .  
     [0044] Operation of another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3B is described with respect to FIG. 4B. For the most part, the steps are the same as those described with respect to FIG. 4A with differences denoted. Initially, website  321  is in wait state  401 . When an event occurs  402 , security personnel present in the premises may detect the event by viewing various remote locations within the premises on video display monitors  324   a - n  of the CCTV console  322 . The different camera images are selected using camera selector  328  on CCTV console  322 . Security system sensor display  314  indicating the alarm status of the various sensors  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  is located on or near CCTV console  322 . If security system sensor display  314  indicates a sensor  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20  has become active, security personnel may select a camera  33   a - n  covering the sensor indicated to view that area and determine whether there is an event requiring action. If an event is viewed, security personnel actuate switch  326  to connect the premises to website  321 . It is also possible to configure system  311  such that a premises connection  403  occurs automatically upon a sensor detecting an event as described with respect to FIG. 3A. This configuration is particularly useful in situations where security personnel are incapacitated, forced to leave the premises in an emergency, or are otherwise unavailable. In either case, an account code  403 - 1  and an ID code  403 - 2  are transmitted from the system controller to website  321  as described with respect to FIG. 3A.  
     [0045] Once a premises is connected  403 , the following steps occur in a manner similar to those described with respect to FIG. 3A: 1) account verification  405 ; 2) open temporary web page  407 ; 3) data transmission  409 ; 4) display data  411 ; 5) record event  413 ; and 6) database access  415 . In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, database access may not require contacting a central monitor since security personnel are already on site. However, use of a central monitor  31  may be an added benefit in the event that security personnel are incapacitated, forced to leave the premises in an emergency, or are otherwise unavailable. Once the database has been accessed, any appropriate authorized entities are notified  417 . This may include a property owner, a designated representative of a company occupying the premises such as the director of security, the police, fire, emergency medical, maintenance contractors or others that provide necessary services. The security personnel at the premises, along with the authorized entities connect to website  321  at step  422 . They view the premises  425  on temporary web page  375  opened on website  321  and determine the nature of the event  27  occurring. A course of action  429  is determined and the parties act in accordance with that course of action. Once the event has been addressed appropriately, temporary web page  375  is closed. If security personnel cannot remain at their post to direct the coordination of the event, they will use switch  327  of CCTV console  322  to activate transmission of video, audio and data to website  321  and to indicate that the central monitor site  31  or other designated coordinator, control the monitoring of the event response by remotely selecting among the input signals to controller  316  from cameras  33   a - n.    
     [0046] Through the use of website  321 , individuals and services  323 ,  325 ,  327 ,  329 ,  330 ,  331 ,  339  and central monitor  31  will be able to access system  311 , when authorization has been approved, to perform functions such as: 1) turning on the alarm system  311  when the owner or manager has inadvertently forgotten to do so upon leaving the premises; or 2) obtaining system reports for access, maintenance, and other functions. System  311  will not customarily allow an outside source to turn on the cameras  33   a - n . This function will have a hardware settable option in system controller  21  to override the default condition and allow authorized access through the website  321  to turn on the video cameras if the premises owner or manager approves.  
     [0047] Although the invention has been described above, variations or modifications can also be used with the invention. For example, the maintenance sensor has been described with respect to monitoring the ambient temperature of the premises. It is also possible to include a sensor that is capable of detecting the presence of water in a basement or other area of the premises. In addition, the order and method of notification to the various entities can be configured in many ways. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims: