Abstract:
The invention relates to a wireless communication device for a security system that may include a device communicator configured for wireless communication with a security panel and for providing an additional wireless communication path to a monitoring center; and a premises power supply for removably connecting the device to a power source at the premises. The device may also include an alternate power supply, and an input device for enabling a user to initiate communications. The device may also be programmed so that the device can delay the transmission of an event signal for a predetermined period of time and then initiate transmission of the event signal if it does not receive a signal from the security panel to cancel transmission of the event signal during the predetermined period of time.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/735,828, filed Dec. 11, 2012, entitled “SECURITY PANEL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM”, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a communication device for premise security systems, particularly to alarm systems that use all-in-one or self-contained wireless alarm panels, and more particularly to a system for modifying the communication system used with such panels. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is common for businesses and homeowners to have a security system for detecting alarm conditions (such as intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, etc.) at their premises and reporting these to a monitoring station and/or a server or other system that instead notifies the user for self-monitoring through their phone, PDA, etc., or for remotely interacting with and controlling lifestyle systems (such as lighting, thermostats, energy management devices, etc.). Typically, these security panels communicate with a monitoring station or other remote location over a conventional phone line, DSL or cable, or a radio that communicates with a cellular or other wireless network. The radios may operate as either a primary or a back-up communication. Radios used for security systems can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,542,721 and International PCT Application No. WO2011CA00487. 
         [0004]    In order to simplify and reduce the time of installation of such systems, some manufacturers have introduced All-in-One (“AIO”) panels that combine a keypad, alarm panel and siren, or some combination thereof, into self-contained units that communicate wirelessly with sensors and other devices. In order to communicate with a monitoring station or other remote location, the AIO panels must also be wired to the phone line/cable, or a communication radio. In order to further simplify the installation process, some manufacturers are introducing AIO panels with built-in radio modules. 
         [0005]    Radio communicators are subject to obsolesce as cellular carriers (such as AT&amp;T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) move to next generation technologies and optimize their networks in a manner that no longer support earlier technologies. For example, in 2008 the FCC permitted cellular network carriers to sunset their support of analog cellular technologies on their networks in favor of supporting only digital devices. This was not an issue for most users of the cellular network who update their smart phones and other mobile devices frequently and who had virtually all replaced their analog cell phones with digital cell phones long before the sunset date. 
         [0006]    But for security monitoring customers with analog radios installed in their premises, the radios had to be replaced or they would no longer be able to communicate with monitoring centers. The industry estimates that more than 400,000 analog radios had to be replaced by trained technicians who had to schedule appointments and roll trucks to the premises in order to perform the replacements. Because the installed base of current digital radios for security monitoring is even higher and continues to grow, and will grow at a much faster pace as radios are incorporated into AIO panels, the cost and logistical infeasibility of replacing all of those radios when they become obsolete would be staggering. 
         [0007]    It would therefore be desirable to have an additional wireless communication device that could be sent to a customer, which would allow the customer to upgrade the communication capability of the security panel by self-enrolling the device with the existing premises security panel as a replacement for the obsolete radio, without the need to have their equipment modified or replaced by a service technician. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention relates to a wireless communication device for a security system that may include a device communicator configured for wireless communication with a security panel and for providing an additional wireless communication path to a monitoring center; and a premises power supply for removably connecting the device to a power source at the premises. The device may also include an alternate power supply, and an input device for enabling a user to initiate communications. The device may also be programmed so that the device can delay the transmission of an event signal for a predetermined period of time and then initiate transmission of the event signal if it does not receive a signal from the security panel to cancel transmission of the event signal during the predetermined period of time. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment, a self-enrollable communication device for establishing communications between a security panel located at a premises and a monitoring center remote from the premises is provided. The security panel includes a local communicator for communicating wirelessly at the premises and a radio communicator for communicating with the monitoring center. The communication device includes a device communicator configured to automatically establish wireless communication with the local communicator of the security panel and remote communication with the monitoring center upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The communication device includes a premises power supply for removable connection to a power source at the premises to provide power to the device communicator. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect to this embodiment, the predetermined event is receipt of power from the premises power supply. The communication device includes an input device in which the actuation of the input device is the predetermined event. The input device is selected from the group consisting of a push button switch, a keypad, and a capacitive sensor. The device communicator is further configured to communicate with the local communicator of the security panel via a communication technology selected from the group consisting of Ethernet, Z-wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth. The device communicator is further configured to communicate with the monitoring center via a communication technology selected from the group consisting of 2G, 3G, 4G, and Long Term Evolution, LTE. The device communicator is further configured to communicate with the monitoring center via a local area network connection. The communication device includes an alternate power supply for providing power to the device communicator if power from the premises power supply is disrupted. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another embodiment, a communication device for establishing communications between a security panel located at a premises and a monitoring center remote from the premises is provided. The security panel includes a local communicator for communicating wirelessly at the premises and a radio communicator for communicating with the monitoring center. The communication device includes a device communicator configured for wireless communication with the local communicator of the security panel and for communication with the monitoring center, and so that when the device communicator receives an event signal from the security panel, the device communicator delays the transmission of the event signal for a predetermined period of time, and then initiates transmission of the event signal to the monitoring center if the device communicator does not receive a signal from the security panel to cancel transmission of the event signal during the predetermine period of time. The communication device includes a premises power supply for removable connection to a power source at the premises to provide power to the device communicator. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of this embodiment, the device communicator is further configured to communicate with the local communicator of the security panel via a communication technology selected from the group consisting of Ethernet, Z-wave, Zigbee, and Bluetooth. The device communicator is further configured to communicate with the monitoring center via a communication technology selected from the group consisting of 2G, 3G, 4G and Long Term Evolution, LTE. The device communicator is further configured to communicate with the monitoring center via a local area network connection. The communication device includes an alternate power supply for providing power to the device communicator if power from the premises power supply is disrupted. The communication device is self-enrollable, and the device communicator is further configured to automatically establish wireless communication with the local communicator of the security panel and remote communication with the monitoring center upon occurrence of a predetermined event. The predetermined event is receipt of power from the premises power supply. The communication device further includes an input device, and the actuation of the input device being the predetermined event. The input device is selected from a group consisting of a push button switch, a keypad, and a capacitive sensor. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another embodiment, a communication device for establishing communications between a security panel located at a premises and a monitoring center remote from the premises is provided. The security panel includes a local communicator for communicating wirelessly at the premises and a radio communicator for communicating with the monitoring center. The communication device includes a device communicator configured for wireless communication with the local communicator of the security panel and for communication with the monitoring center. The communication device includes an input device for actuating the device communicator to automatically establish the wireless communication with the local communicator of the security panel and remote communication with the monitoring center. The communication device includes a premises power supply for removable connection to a power source at the premises to provide power to the device communicator. When the device communicator receives an event signal from the security panel, the device communicator delays the transmission of the event signal for a predetermined period of time, and then initiates transmission of the event signal to the monitoring center if the device communicator does not receive a signal from the security panel to cancel transmission of the event signal during the predetermine period of time. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of this embodiment, the input device is selected from the group consisting of a push button switch, a keypad, and a capacitive sensor. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a drawing of a system employing the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a drawing of components of a device of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    For simplicity and ease of explanation, the invention will be described herein in connection with various embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that the features and advantages of the invention may be implemented in a variety of configurations. It is to be understood, therefore, that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of illustration, not of limitation. 
         [0019]      FIGS. 1 and 2  will be used to illustrate various aspects of the invention. Shown in  FIG. 1  are a system  100  that includes a premises  102  (such as a home or other residence) to be secured using security panel  104  and one or more sensors  105 . Sensors  105  are used to detect the occurrence of some alarm event and may communicate with security panel  104  either via a wired connection or wirelessly. For example, a contact sensor on a door or window would detect the (unauthorized) opening of the door or window, a smoke detector would detect the presence of smoke; a motion detector would sense movement, etc. Various types of such sensors are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and will not be further elaborated upon here. 
         [0020]    When sensor  105  detects an event (smoke, window opening, etc.), it sends a signal to security panel  104 . Upon receiving a signal from sensor  105 , processing technology within security panel  104  would interpret the signal, and if appropriate, generate an event signal to be sent to remote monitoring center  118 . Security panel  104  may communicate with remote monitoring center  118  in a number of ways. Security panel  104  could communicate over a conventional twisted pair telephone line via public switched telephone network (PSTN)  114 . Security panel  104  could also communicate over wireless network  120 . This may be in lieu of PSTN  114 , as a backup to PSTN  114 , or the primary means of communication with PSTN  114  being a backup. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , security panel  104  may include radio communicator  108  for communication with remote monitoring center  118  over wireless network  120 . Wireless network  120  may comprise, for example, a carrier operated cellular network, two-way radio network, or the like. Radio communicator  108  may comprise, for example, a cellular radio that employs cellular communication capability commonly known to those of skill in the art (e.g., 2G, 3G, GSM, etc.), two-way radio, and the like. Radio communicator may be physically separate from security panel  104 , or integral therewith (such as with many AIO panels). 
         [0022]    If security panel  104  is an AIO panel, it may also include an integrated keypad  105  for programming and controlling security panel  104 , as well as an integrated notification appliance  107  (such as a horn, strobe, etc.). In an AIO panel, local wireless module  106  and remote wireless communicator  108  may also be integral with security panel  104 . 
         [0023]    In addition to enabling communication between security panel  104  and radio communicator  108 , security panel  104  may include wireless module  106  also enables security panel  104  to communicate locally with additional wireless device  110 , either directly or indirectly (for example, via a local wireless router  116 ). 
         [0024]    Further illustration of an embodiment of additional wireless device  110  is shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown, additional wireless device  110  may include a communicator having a local communication module  122 , remote communication module  124 , and processor  126 . Additional wireless device  110  may further include, input  128 , premises power supply  130 , and back-up power supply  132 . Local communication module  122  may include appropriate processing chips/circuitry, and an antenna to enable additional wireless device  110  wirelessly receive the event signal from (and transmit other signals to) security panel  104 —either directly from local wireless module  106  or indirectly through a wireless router  116 . This may be accomplished using any number of wireless network technologies, such as Ethernet, Z-wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and the like. 
         [0025]    Remote communication module  124  similarly may enable additional wireless device  110  to communicate with remote monitoring center  118  via wireless network  120 . This may be accomplished using any number of cellular technologies (such as 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE, etc.), two-way radio, and the like. Alternatively, Remote communication module  124  may connect to remote monitoring center  118  by connecting to a local area network (such as via wireless router  116 , or a wired connection) that is connected to the Internet. Such technologies are well known to those of skill in the art and will not be further elaborated upon here. 
         [0026]    The components of additional wireless device  110  may be powered via premises power supply  130  or back-up power supply  132 . Premises power supply  130  may comprise, for example, removable connector  131 , such as power cord for plugging into a standard electrical outlet, and a transformer (not shown) for drawing and utilizing household current to power the device; alternatively the transformer can be embedded in the device with prongs on the device that can be plugged directly into a standard electrical outlet. Back-up power supply  132  may comprise, for example, a battery, or other replaceable/rechargeable source of power that can be contained in the device. 
         [0027]    Processor  126  contains programming to control the reception and transmission of signals by additional wireless device  110 , and allows additional wireless device  110  to initially engage in communication with security panel  104 . This may be accomplished automatically, for example by sensing an initial powering of the additional wireless device  110  (either by premises power supply  130  or by back-up power supply  132 ). 
         [0028]    Alternatively, additional wireless device  110  may also include an input  128  to allow a user, for example, to reset the device, or trigger the device to communicate with security panel  104 . Input  128  may comprise a push button switch, a keypad, a capacitive sensor, or other input devices known to those of skill in the art. 
         [0029]    In the event that there is a change in wireless network  120 , such as a change in communication protocols (such as 2G to 3G, etc.), that necessitates a change to wireless communicator  108 , then system  100  can be easily upgraded by simply adding (or replacing) additional wireless device  110  to the system. This has the advantage that it can be done easily by a user of the system, without the need to incur the cost of sending trained service technicians to the premises to otherwise replace or upgrade the system. 
         [0030]    In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a wireless communication device can be sent to a customer, which allows the customer to upgrade the communication capability of the security panel by self-enrolling the device with the existing premises security panel as a replacement for the obsolete radio, without the need to have their equipment modified or replaced by a service technician. 
         [0031]    Similarly, such a device could be used as additional protection against situations known as ‘smash and crash.’ Most alarm panels have built-in delays (CP-01 or other) between the time a sensor is activated and the time an alarm is transmitted to a monitoring center to allow the home owner time to disarm the system. Thus, most security panels are potentially susceptible to being disabled or destroyed by an intruder upon entering the home before they send an alarm signal to the monitoring center, if the intruder can get to the panel and fully disable it during the delay period. 
         [0032]    This susceptibility may be greater in an AIO panel because the AIO panel with its built-in keypad is usually mounted in a visible location close to the primary point of ingress and may chirp when a sensor is activated (as opposed to a traditional alarm panel that is usually mounted in an out-of-site location like a basement or closet and will therefore transmit an alarm signal even if the perpetrator destroys the keypad near the point of ingress). 
         [0033]    The additional wireless communication device of the present invention can help mitigate this risk by receiving an alarm signal sent by the AIO panel without delay when a sensor has been activated, waiting for a delay period, and then sending an alarm signal to the monitoring center unless it receives a second signal from the AIO panel indicating that the alarm event has been cancelled (such as by the user entering their passcode on the keypad on the AIO panel). 
         [0034]    If the AIO panel is destroyed during the delay period, the device can still send the alarm signal to the monitoring center at the end of the delay period. Because the device can be plugged into any outlet in the premises (it can be placed behind furniture, in a closet, etc.) and will not make a noise when activated, it is less likely to be located and potentially destroyed during the delay period. 
         [0035]    It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.