GB2366129A

GB2366129A - Remote monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2366129A
Application number: GB0112116A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Groom
Original assignee: ASCOT MAN SOLUTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: ASCOT MAN SOLUTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2000-05-18
Filing date: 2001-05-18
Publication date: 2002-02-27
Also published as: GB0112116D0; GB0011865D0

Abstract

A remote monitoring system comprises an on site control unit 1, means 2 for transmitting a signal via a telecommunications system, and remotely located means 18 for receiving the transmitted signal, the control means having at least one signal input provision, which signals are to be remotely monitored, and further comprising an on site display screen 30, an on site user input means 32, and an interface 30 for connecting the television and user input means to the control unit. The interface incorporates means to display images on the display screen according to user inputs and/or software control menus, and user input selection means to control the transmission of a generated message to the remote monitoring station.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> Title: Monitoring System DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a monitoring system.

In our co-pending International patent application published as WO 99/48070 we describe a monitoring system by which certain functions in a property can be monitored remotely including utility meter readings and various alarm units such as intruder detectors, smoke alarms, fire detectors and water (flood) detectors. That specification utilises the convenience of a GSM mobile telephone system for the remote communications to a monitoring station which can note the utility meter readings and act on any alarm signals. It also discusses using the monitoring system to control certain household functions such as central heating from the remote location by incorporating appropriate receivers, decoders and switching apparatus.

In our co-pending UK patent application No. 99284556 we describe the use of a fixed telecommunications line for transmitting and/or receiving signals. A computer at the monitoring station is used to interrogate the signals randomly or at predetermined intervals.

In our co-pending UK patent application No. 0005593.9 we describe a carbon monoxide monitoring system comprising a carbon monoxide detector and means for transmitting a signal when a predetermined level of carbon monoxide is detected. That signal is transmitted via a telephone system to a remote monitoring station and there is also disclosed a means for controlling a gas shutoff valve at the location where the gas monitoring means is located.

Such monitoring systems have applications for occupied and unoccupied properties and the present invention aims to further capitalise on the connection

possibilities afforded by telephone connections, be they fixed or GSM systems, especially in relation to monitoring of occupied premises, but without limitation to same.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a remote monitoring system comprising an on site control unit, means for transmitting a signal via a telecommunications system, and remotely located means for receiving the transmitted signal, the control means having at least one signal input provision which signals are to be remotely monitored, and further comprising an on site display screen, conveniently television, or other monitor, and on site user input means, conveniently a keyboard or any other item selector, and an interface for connecting the television and user input means to the control unit, the interface incorporating means to display images on the display screen according to user inputs and/or software control menus and user input selection means to control the transmission of a generated message to the remote monitoring station.

The system provides a means for someone at the on-site location to communicate with the remote monitoring station which would be particularly useful for landlords/tenant situations where existing remote monitoring functions are present and where the interface provides a further means of communication. One particular application is to report any matters which require action by the landlord, for example, defects and/or repairs of the premises. The telecommunications system may use any telecommunications network be it fixed or wireless and can include embedded data only type engine devices.

The present invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which illustrates the present invention schematically.

The drawing illustrates a main control unit 1 which receives input from one or more sources 3 to be monitored and generates a data signal in a suitable form to be sent via a telecommunications network either fixed or wireless such as a telephone line or via a

GSM phone, (e.g. the communication link 10) to a computer 20 via a modem 18 at a remote location. The control unit is programmed to connect to the monitoring unit. Such a system facilitates remote monitoring of for example utility meter readings and "alarm" sensors and can even permit remote controller certain facilities at the so called home site where the control unit 1 and transmitter 2 can also receive incoming communications from the remote station as described in any of our aforementioned co-pending patent applications.

According to the invention, such a system is further enhanced by the provision of an interface 30 which includes a micro-controller, conveniently with embedded software, but which may be re-programmable, and text/graphic generation means. The interface has an input connection for a keyboard 32 and an input/output connection with the main control unit as well as a TV output connection line 34. Optionally the interface unit may have a composite video input connection to allow information to be overlaid over an existing signal. E.g. message waiting symbols etc.

The software creates one or more menu screens which can be viewed on the television screen 36, and the keyboard enables the user to select options from the menu and to input data including text messages which can be relayed to the remote monitoring location via the control unit 1 and transmitter 2.

One function of the interface is to communicate problems at the home site to the remote monitoring station such as might be advantageous in a landlord/tenant situation where problems experienced at the home could be directly logged with the landlords monitoring unit so that, for example, problems regarding repairs can be properly addressed and the necessary work put in hand. As an alternative to a purposed designed keyboard, the remote control hand unit for the television could be used to select options from an on-screen menu.

Once the user has generated a message and signalled that it is to be sent, it is passed to the control unit which dials up the remote location and sends the message, either when the signal is received or when next programmed to communicate with the remote station. Alternatively, waiting messages can be collected by an action indicated by the remote station.

One example of a specification for TV interface unit is as follows: INPUTS Composite video via a RCA connector, fed in by video source E.g. VCR recorder.

PS/2 interface from wired or wireless keyboard or other user input. RS232 ASCII control signals from the control unit.

OUTPUTS Composite video via a RCA connector, outputted to a TV receiver with option for text overlay.

RS232 ASCII characters to iTech main control unit. POWER SOURCE Unite to be powered by a 3 pin Plug top supply. MAIN ELECTRONICS At the heart of the unit is a text overlay chip, such as ST STV5730A, and a micro- controller such as Microchip PIC16C76.

AUXILIARY COMPONENTS A PS/2 compatible Keyboard may be used through the PS/2 interface, this can be IR or cable version. Custom PS/2 keyboard TBA.

S OFTWARE/FIRMWARE

There will be firmware embedded into the micro-controller, which will enable the input and output functions as above and control of the video text display. ENCLOSURE Plastic

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A remote monitoring system comprising an on site control unit, means for transmitting a signal via a telecommunications system, and remotely located means for receiving the transmitted signal, the control unit having at least one signal input provision, which input signals are to be remotely monitored, and further comprising an on site display screen, an on site user input means, and an interface for connecting the on site display screen and the user input means to the control unit, the interface incorporating means to display images on the display screen according to user inputs and/or software control menus and user input selection means to control the transmission of a generated message to the remote monitoring station.
2. A remote monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the on site display means is a television monitor.
3. A remote monitoring system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the on site user input means is an item selector such as a keyboard.
4. A remote monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the interface comprises a micro controller incorporating control software.
5. A remote monitoring system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the interface has text/graphic generation means.

<Desc/Clms Page number 7>
6. A remote monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to S, wherein the telecommunications system uses a fixed telecommunications network.
7. A remote monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to S, wherein the telecommunications system uses a wireless telecommunications network.
8. A remote monitoring system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the telecommunications system includes embedded data only type engine devices.
9. A telecommunications system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.