Abstract:
The present invention relates to a mobile telephone device ( 30 ) including a single transceiver ( 33 ) for connecting the telephone device to a mobile telephone network and a controller ( 58 ) coupled to the transceiver, the controller operative to place the mobile telephone device in either a telephone condition thereby allowing a user to selectively connect to the mobile telephone network or in response to receiving an alarm signal, an alarm condition to connect the transceiver to the mobile telephone network and thereby notify a predetermined terminal of the receipt of the alarm signal.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to mobile or cellular telephones. In particular, the invention relates to a communication device utilising mobile cellular networks for installation in a vehicle or other area, which device may operate both as a telephone and as component of a security system.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Communications devices which utilise mobile or cellular infrastructure include portable handsets for personal use and, in the case of vehicles, more powerful telephone units and associated antennas permanently installed in a vehicle. Vehicle telephone installations are typically arranged for hands-free use, to avoid potential distractions when operating the vehicle. In some instances, vehicular telephone installations may merely interface a personal handset with hands-free equipment including a microphone and speaker installed in the vehicle.  
         [0003]     One particular use of mobile telephone networks is in the area of security, for example in vehicle security applications. One type of vehicle security system that may be installed in a vehicle incorporates a specially adapted telephone transceiver enabling communication with external facilities. The telephone transceiver is connected to a security control unit which coordinates the vehicle&#39;s security detectors and response units. Upon the detection of unauthorised activity by the sensors, a signal is sent from the control unit to the internal transceiver, whereupon a call is placed to a predetermined number, such as the number of the owner&#39;s mobile phone, a security monitoring service or to the police. The call may carry data specifying the identity of the vehicle and possibly its location.  
         [0004]     It will be realised in vehicular applications, where a security system with external communications facility is provided and a mobile telephone installation is provided, there may well be duplication of hardware. In particular it will be realised that there is duplication of the telephone transceiver, which generally accounts for around 80% of the capital cost of a mobile telephone for example.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, it would be advantageous for a communications device to be devised that could be used to both make and receive calls in a telephone mode and is also adapted to provide communications as part of a security system.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telephone device including:  
         [0007]     a single transceiver for connecting the mobile telephone device to a mobile telephone network; and  
         [0008]     a controller coupled to the transceiver, the controller operative to place the mobile telephone device in either: 
        a telephone condition thereby allowing a user to selectively connect to the mobile telephone network; or     in response to receiving an alarm signal, an alarm condition to connect the transceiver to the mobile telephone network and thereby notify a predetermined terminal of the receipt of the alarm signal.        
 
         [0011]     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a mobile telephone device including: 
        a single transceiver for connecting the telephone device to a mobile telephone; and     a controller coupled to the transceiver, the controller operative to place the mobile telephone device in either: 
            a telephone condition thereby allowing a user to selectively connect to the mobile telephone network; or     in response to receiving an alarm signal, an alarm condition to connect the transceiver to the mobile telephone network,    
            the controller having a security subscriber identification module for use in connection to the mobile telephone network when the mobile telephone device is in the alarm condition and a user subscriber identification module for use in connection to the mobile telephone network when the mobile telephone device is in the telephone condition.        
 
         [0017]     Each subscriber identification module enables a provider of the mobile telephone network to identify a particular account to which any telephone call made via the network by use of the identification module is to be charged, the user subscriber identification module and the security subscriber identification module being for identifying different accounts. Each subscriber identification module may include a computer readable memory device, preferably comprising electronic circuitry, the memory device having information stored thereon for permitting identification of the associated account. Conveniently, each identification module may be a conventional SIM-card.  
         [0018]     The user subscriber identification module (SIM) may be one of a pair of subscriber identification modules both of which identify the same account, with said account being a different account from that identified by the security subscriber identification module. Usually, such twin-call SIM-cards are used to enable a user to charge the same account for calls made from a mobile phone carried by the user and calls made from a telephone installed in the user&#39;s vehicle, one of the twin-call SIM-cards being located in the vehicle telephone, and the other twin-call SIM-card being located in the user&#39;s mobile telephone. In usual operation, the user can select which of the twin-call SIM-cards to use, depending on the user&#39;s location. It is, however, a disadvantage of such a conventional system that the twin-call SIM-card in the vehicle cannot connect, via the network, to the twin-call SIM-card in the user&#39;s mobile telephone.  
         [0019]     The user SIM-card and the security SIM-card may both be located in the mobile telephone device in the form of a mobile telephone control unit for installation in the protected area, the telephone unit including a conventional GSM transceiver module and a switch for, in use, switching between connection of the GSM transceiver module to the user SIM-card and connection of the GSM transceiver module to the security SIM-card.  
         [0020]     The protected area may be a vehicle, wherein the switch can be arranged to switch the mobile telephone device to the alarm condition in response to switching off of the vehicle and to switch the mobile telephone device to the telephone condition in response to ignition of the vehicle.  
         [0021]     The mobile telephone device may thus be in the form of a mobile telephone control unit which forms part of a mobile telephone for installation in a motor vehicle.  
         [0022]     The mobile telephone device may be arranged to send an alarm message to the user&#39;s mobile telephone, using the security SIM-card, in response to the generation of an alarm signal. It should be appreciated that the user&#39;s mobile phone will typically operate with a twin-call SIM card identifying the same account as the user SIM-card in the telephone device. The alarm message may be a text message, such as an SMS-message, or it may be a voice call.  
         [0023]     The security system may include a tracking device, such as a satellite tracking device or a global positioning unit, in connection with the mobile telephone to provide a position signal thereto, the alarm message including information representative of the position of the vehicle.  
         [0024]     The mobile telephone in the vehicle may be substantially hidden from view. By “hidden from view” is meant that, when a person is seated in a driver&#39;s seat of the vehicle, no major component of the mobile telephone, such as a key-pad, is visible to the naked eye. The mobile telephone may thus have no permanently installed keypad, or the keypad may be operable between a hidden condition in which the keypad is hidden from view, and an operative position, in which the key pad is visible and is readily accessible to a driver of the vehicle.  
         [0025]     The mobile telephone may, however, include a disconnectably connectable headset comprising a microphone-and-speaker system. Instead, or in addition, the mobile telephone may include a speaker in the form of an ear-piece for location in an ear of a driver of the vehicle, the ear-piece being permanently installed in the vehicle.  
         [0026]     Thus, the mobile telephone may have no permanently installed manually operable input device, such as a key-pad, for providing a dial-up facility to the user. The mobile telephone may, however, have a dial-up system for permitting a user to control the telephone control unit by use of a conventional mobile telephone, and to connect the mobile telephone to the telephone network. The dial-up system may comprise a device for receiving audio signals from a conventional mobile telephone, the audio signals being generated in response to the pressing of keys on a keypad of the mobile telephone, and for converting the audio signals to electronic command signals for the mobile telephone, in accordance with, for instance, standard protocols such as DTMF.  
         [0027]     The mobile telephone may include a cordless keypad for interfacing with a control unit of the telephone via wireless communication signals, such as infra-red communication signals.  
         [0028]     The mobile telephone may include a user operable connection switch for connecting the telephone to the network, for instance, for answering a call received via the network, or for disconnecting from the network, the connection switch being hidden from view.  
         [0029]     The security system may be a residential security system for installation in a residence or other building, and the security system may include a portable remote control panic device for producing a wireless alarm signal when activated by a user.  
         [0030]     The invention also provides a mobile telephone for forming part of a security system as described above.  
         [0031]     The invention extends to a mobile telephone for installation in a vehicle such that the telephone is substantially hidden from view, as described above.  
         [0032]     The invention further extends to a vehicle which includes the security system, or the mobile telephone, as described above.  
         [0033]     According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a security system for protection of an area, the system including: 
        an alarm arrangement for detecting unauthorised activity in respect of the protected area and for generating an alarm signal in response to detection of the unauthorised activity; and     a mobile telephone device connected to the alarm arrangement, the mobile telephone device being operable in an alarm condition to connect to a mobile telephone network and notify a predetermined terminal of the generation of the alarm signal and in a telephone condition to allow a user to connect to the mobile telephone network.       
 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]     The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows, schematically, part of a mobile telephone installed in a vehicle, the mobile telephone being for co-operation with an alarm arrangement installed in the vehicle to form a security system.      FIG. 2  shows, schematically, a further part of the telephone and the security system of  FIG. 1 ;      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of the security system of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;      FIG. 4  shows, schematically, a security system installed in a building; and      FIG. 5  shows a schematic block diagram of a further embodiment of a security system installed in a vehicle.       
 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]     In FIGS.  1  to  3  of the drawings, reference numeral  10  generally indicates a security system in accordance with the invention, the security system  10  being installed in a motor vehicle (not shown). The security system  10  includes an alarm arrangement  12  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) for detecting unauthorised activity such as tampering with or unauthorised entry into the vehicle.  
         [0043]     In conventional fashion, the alarm arrangement  12  has an alarm control unit  14  which is connected by electrical relays to a series of detectors for measuring a plurality of parameters which may indicate potential tampering with the vehicle. In this example, the detectors include: vehicle door indicators  15  for detecting the status of the doors of the vehicle; an ignition detector  16  for detecting activation of ignition while the alarm arrangement  12  is armed; a motion detector  17  for detecting motion in a cabin of the vehicle while the alarm arrangement  12  is armed; a low battery detector  18  for detecting when the voltage of the vehicle&#39;s main battery  19  is below a predetermined level; and a motion detector  20  for detecting movement of the vehicle relative to the ground, while the alarm is armed.  
         [0044]     The alarm control unit  14  is also, in conventional fashion, connected by suitable relays to response units for automatically responding to detection of tampering with the vehicle, inter alia to immobilize the vehicle, the response units including fuel pump cut-offs  21 , ignition cut-offs  22 , indicator light flashers  23 , and an alarm siren  13 . The alarm control unit  14  is powered by the battery  19  of the vehicle, and is grounded, at  24 .  
         [0045]     The system  10  also includes a remote control unit  125  for locking the vehicle, at  25 , or unlocking the vehicle, at  26 , as well as for arming the alarm, at  27 , or disarming the alarm, at  28 . The remote control unit  125  is controlled by a portable remote control  29 , which communicates with the remote control unit  125  via a wireless infra-red signal, in conventional fashion.  
         [0046]     The security system  10  includes a mobile telephone  30  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) which operates on the GSM-standard, the mobile telephone  30  being permanently installed in the vehicle. In some cases the mobile telephone  30  may be in the form of a retro-fitted kit, and in others installed by a vehicle maker during manufacture. The telephone  30  of the embodiment includes a mobile telephone device in the form of a mobile telephone control unit  31  which is connected, via a master data bus  32  to the alarm unit  14 . In use, when tampering with the vehicle is detected by the alarm arrangement  12 , an alarm signal is sent from the alarm control unit  14  to the telephone unit  31 , via data bus  32 .  
         [0047]     The telephone unit  31  houses a GSM transceiver module  33  for effecting connection to a GSM-network (not shown), the module  33  being connected to an antenna  34  which is mounted on the vehicle. It will be realised that transceiver modules for other mobile telephone systems, such as CDMA, GPRS and the like may alternatively be employed.  
         [0048]     The telephone unit  31  also provides two SIM-card sockets  36 ,  38  for removably receiving GSM subscriber identification modules in the form of conventional SIM-cards. A user SIM-card  37  is located in SlM-card socket  36 , and a security SIM-card  39  is located in SIM-card socket  38 . In certain countries, depending on the mobile telephone network operators, the telephone unit  31  will have only one socket for removable receiving a single subscriber identification module that performs the function of the user SIM-card  37  and the security SIM-card  39  as is detailed further below.  
         [0049]     The user SIM-card  37  is a so called “twin-all” SIM-card, which means that it is one of a pair of SIM-cards which identify the same subscriber account when a call is made via a GSM network provided by an associated mobile telephone network provider (not shown). The other twin-call SlM-card (not shown) of the pair of twin-call SIM-cards is located in a mobile telephone (not shown) which is carried on the person of a user (not shown) of the vehicle.  
         [0050]     The security SIM-card  39  is associated with a subscriber account different from the subscriber account with which the twin-call SIM-cards are associated. Where there is a single SIM-card that performs the functions of the security SIM-card and the user SIM-card, the single card will have its own unique number that differs from the number of the mobile telephone that is carried on the person of the user.  
         [0051]     The telephone unit  31  includes a switch  40  for switching connection of the GSM transceiver module  33  between the user SIM-card  37  and the security SIM-card  39 . In this example, the switch  40  is arranged to connect the GSM transceiver module  33  to the twin-call SIM-card  37  when the ignition of the vehicle is switched on or when the alarm is disarmed, and to connect the security SIM-card  39  to the GSM transceiver module  33  in response to switching off of the ignition of the vehicle or arming of the alarm. The telephone unit  31  provides an indicating arrangement for indicating which of the SIM-cards  37 ,  39  is connected to the GSM transceiver module  33 , in this case being a pair of indicating lights  35 . Thus, the telephone unit  31  is operable in a telephone condition, wherein the GSM transceiver module  33  is in connection with the user SIM-card  37 , and in a security condition, in which the GSM transceiver module  33  is in connection with the security SIM-card  39 .  
         [0052]     Alternatively, where there is a single SIM-card associated with a single subscriber account the switch is arranged to notify a predetermined terminal of the generation of the alarm signal by the alarm arrangement. This notification is affected via the SIM-card when the ignition of the vehicle is switched off or the alarm is armed and the terminal contacted could, for example, be the user&#39;s mobile telephone (not shown) wherein the notification could be by way of text message or a voice call. For receiving telephone calls in the vehicle the user will divert or forward his mobile hand set to the SIM-card in the telephone unit. Should the user receive a telephone call whilst the mobile telephone device is in the alarm condition, the mobile telephone device will automatically forward the call to the user&#39;s voice mailbox of his mobile handset. Again, the telephone unit  31  is operable in a telephone condition, wherein the GSM transceiver module  33  is in connection with the SIM-card for making and receiving calls via the mobile telephone network, and in a security condition, in which the GSM transceiver module  33  is arranged to notify a predetermined terminal of the generation of the alarm signal by the alarm arrangement.  
         [0053]     The telephone unit  31  is connected to an auxiliary power supply in the form of a 12V back-up battery  41 , for powering the telephone unit  31  and the alarm control unit  14  in the case of failure of the main battery  19 .  
         [0054]     The telephone  30  includes a hands-free microphone  42  and a speaker  44  for permitting a user to use the telephone  30  in a hands-free manner, when the user is seated in the vehicle, the microphone  42  and speaker  44  being connected to the telephone unit  31  via bi-directional amplifier  46 . The microphone  42  and amplifier  46  is integrated into the dashboard or console (not shown) of the vehicle, so that it is substantially hidden from view. Naturally, the speaker  44  may be provided by an existing conventional speaker system connected to a radio system installed in the vehicle. The kit  30  additionally provides a socket  43  for connection of the amplifier  46  to a conventional hands-free headset  45 . In the usual manner, a vehicle radio mute relay  54  is provided for automatically muting the radio system of the vehicle when the telephone  30  is in operation.  
         [0055]     Although not illustrated, the kit  30  can include a private or personal speaker housed in an ear-piece which is shaped and dimensioned for insertion into an ear of a driver of the vehicle. This ear-piece is permanently installed in the vehicle, to form a permanent part of the kit  30 . The kit  30  will then include a user operable control for switching between a general mode in which the vehicle radio speakers are used for sound production, and a personal or private mode in which the radio speakers are muted, and the audio of the telephone  30  is produced exclusively through the ear-piece.  
         [0056]     The telephone  30  is also provided with a connection switch in the form of a push button  48 , which provides an answer/hang-up function, for permitting the user to connect the GSM transceiver module  33  to the network in response to the reception of a telephone call via the network, and to disconnect from the network to end the call. This button  48  is hidden from view, in this case being located behind a steering column (not shown) of the vehicle.  
         [0057]     A conventional key-pad  50  is connected to the telephone unit  31 , for providing control over the telephone  30  and permitting dial-up by the user. However, it should be appreciated that this permanently installed keypad  50  is optional, and if it is desired that the telephone  30  should be substantially hidden from view, this key-pad  50  will be omitted. To permit control of the telephone unit  31 , and to provide a dial-up facility, when the key-pad  50  is omitted, the telephone  30  includes DTMF tone decoder  52 , for decoding audio signals generated by a conventional mobile telephone in response to pressing of the keys of the mobile phone. The decoder  52  decodes these audio signals and converts them into command signals for controlling the telephone unit  31 . A cradle (not shown) may be provided for holding the mobile telephone, the cradle being located adjacent the microphone  42 , so that a user can, in use, place the mobile telephone in the cradle and press the desired keys on the mobile telephone, the microphone relaying the audio signals to the decoder  52 . The kit  30  thus enables a conventional mobile telephone to serve as a removable key-pad for the telephone  30 .  
         [0058]     Although not shown in the drawings, the kit  30  can be configured to have a cordless or wireless key-pad which communicates with the control unit  31  via wireless infra-red signals, in a manner similar to the operation of remote control devices. This cordless key-pad could be hidden from view when not in use, for instance being located in a cubby hole of the vehicle, or being located in a recess in the dashboard, the recess being openably closed by a closure member in the form of a hingedly displaceable flap.  
         [0059]     The user-operable peripherals of the telephone  30 , such as the microphone  42 , speaker  44 , key-pad  50 , and connection switch  48  are connected to the telephone unit via a telephone unit interface  56 .  
         [0060]     The telephone unit  31  is also in connection with an electronic processor in the form of a central processing unit (CPU)  58  of the vehicle, the CPU being provided, in conventional fashion, with sufficient random access memory (RAM)  60  and an audio module  62 . The CPU  58  is programmed to govern the functioning of the alarm arrangement  12 , which is also connected to the CPU  58 , and the telephone  30 .  
         [0061]     In use, the telephone  30  functions in a manner similar to a conventional vehicle telephone system when the user is located in the vehicle. The GSM transceiver module  33  can connect to the GSM network through the user SIM card  37 , as the other twin call SlM-card in the user&#39;s mobile telephone will not be in use. However, when the vehicle is switched off and the alarm arrangement  12  is armed, the switch  40  automatically switches the GSM transceiver module  33  into connection with the security SIM-card  39 . In the event of an alarm signal being generated by the alarm arrangement  12 , the telephone  30  automatically connects to the GSM-network, through the security SIM-card  39 , and sends an SMS or voice message to the user&#39;s mobile telephone, which operates with the twin-call SIM-card identical to the user SIM-card  37 . The SMS message contains an alarm message notifying the user of the detection of unauthorised tampering with the vehicle. The sending of this SMS message is in addition to the usual responses to tripping of the alarm, such as wailing of the siren, flashing of the vehicle&#39;s indicators, and immobilisation of the vehicle.  
         [0062]     The control unit  31  has a user operable mode switch  98  for switching the control unit  31  between a house mode, in which the unit  31  can form part of a security system for a building such as a house, and a vehicle mode, in which the unit  31  is configured to form part of a vehicle security system, as described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  3 .  
         [0063]     In  FIG. 4  of the drawings, reference numeral  70  generally indicates a further embodiment of a security system in accordance with the invention, the security system  70  being for protection of a building, in this case a house (not shown). Unless otherwise indicated, like reference numerals indicate like parts in FIGS.  1  to  3  and  FIG. 4 .  
         [0064]     The system  70  includes a house alarm system  12  which includes an alarm control unit  14  which is connected to a telephone control unit  31  identical to the telephone control unit  31  described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  3 . The alarm control unit  14  is powered by a mains power supply  72 , although it is also connected to an auxiliary power supply in the form of a 12V battery of electrochemical cells. The control unit  14  is also in connection with a gate opener  74 , auxiliary sensors  76  for sensing violation of a perimeter of the house, a light switch  78  for controlling outdoor lights (not shown) of the house, and an alarm siren  80 . Provision is also made for arming, at  82 , the alarm arrangement  12 , and for disarming, at  84 , the alarm arrangement  12 .  
         [0065]     The alarm arrangement  12  includes a portable remote transmitter  86  which includes a panic button  88 , the transmitter  86  being arranged to transmit a wireless panic signal in response to pressing of the panic button  88 . A receiver  90  is responsive to the panic signal to activate the alarm unit  14  for generation of an alarm signal.  
         [0066]     The telephone unit  31  is connected to a wall-mounted interface unit  92  which incorporates a microphone  42 , speaker  44 , and key-pad  50 .  
         [0067]     In use, the system  70  functions as a telephone, permitting an occupant of the house to make and receive telephone calls via the GSM network, the wall-mounted interface unit  92  providing a hands-free interface facility. As before, such conventional telephone calls are routed through the user SIM-card  37 , which is a twin call SIM-card.  
         [0068]     However, when the alarm is triggered, the telephone unit  31  automatically makes a call to the user&#39;s mobile phone, using the security SIM-card. The system  70  can be configured additionally to make calls to appropriate emergency response units. A user can carry the remote transmitter  86  on the user&#39;s person, so that, in the event of the user being surprised by an intruder, or in the case of an emergency, the user can press the panic button  88  to trigger the alarm and cause transmission of the alarm message by the control unit  31 .  
         [0069]      FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment of a vehicle security system  10  as described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  3 , like reference numerals again indicating like parts. The system  10  includes a tracking system  94  comprising a global positioning system (GPS) antenna  96  and a GPS unit  98 , the GPS unit  98  being connected to the CPU  58  of the vehicle.  
         [0070]     In use, the tracking system  94  continuously tracks the position of the vehicle. When the alarm arrangement  12  generates an alarm signal, and an alarm message is sent to the user via the GSM network, the position of the vehicle is noted and the alarm message includes information about the location of the vehicle, preferably providing GPS co-ordinates of the vehicle&#39;s location.  
         [0071]     It is an advantage of a security system as described with reference to the drawings, that it provides for emergency notification of a user on the mobile telephone of the user. This is not the case with conventional security systems of this kind, as the twin-call SIM-card in a conventional vehicle telephone system is usually identical to the twin-call SlM-card in the user&#39;s mobile telephone.  
         [0072]     It is also an advantage of the vehicle security system of FIGS.  1  to  3  that the system is substantially obscured or hidden from view, so that it is not possible for a potential burglar to establish whether or not a particular vehicle is fitted with the security system by peering through windows of the vehicle. Furthermore, the telephone unit  31  can be used in a variety of applications, and can be sold as a unit for do-it-yourself retro-fit installation.  
         [0073]     The applicant envisages that the control unit  31  can be used in other applications which are not related to security, such as a monitoring application in which the telephone control unit  31  is configured automatically to alert a user by means of a SMS-message when, for instance, predetermined values of performance variables of machinery located at a remote location are not met.  
         [0074]     It will of course be realised that the above embodiments have been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention, and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth in the following claims.