GB2448485A

GB2448485A - Monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2448485A
Application number: GB0705856A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Storrar; Billy Mitchell
Original assignee: ANNE MITCHELL; SUSAN STORRAR
Current assignee: ANNE MITCHELL; SUSAN STORRAR
Priority date: 2007-03-27
Filing date: 2007-03-27
Publication date: 2008-10-22
Anticipated expiration: 2027-03-27
Also published as: GB0705856D0; GB2448485B

Abstract

A monitoring system for use in monitoring environmental conditions such as presence of CO and smoke which makes use of a packet-switched transmitter arranged to transmit a text message (such as one compatible with GSM short message service) indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detector to at least one remote station.

Description

Monitoring system This invention relates to a monitoring system for

obtaining environmental condition data, more particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a monitoring system for logging and conveying information indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the monitoring system to a user or group of users. Even more particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to a carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring system for measuring CO levels, logging and conveying information indicative of the CO level and/or status of the CO monitoring system to the user or group of users.

Often it is important to monitor a particular environmental condition in an area to ensure that the particular environmental condition is maintained at an appropriate level. For example, it is important to determine the concentration level of particular gases in an area and activate a warning when the concentration level of a gas is at a predetermined level. The predetermined level of gas may be dangerous for the particular environment.

For example, CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. Appliances fueled with natural gas, petroleum (LP gas), oil, kerosene, coal or wood may produce CO. In addition, burning charcoal and running cars produce CO.

Domestic properties and caravans can have many gas appliances and CO produced by the gas appliances can accumulate in the living space of such domestic properties and caravans. In particular, CO levels can increase in the living space when such appliances are faulty or ventilation is impaired.

Every year many people become ill or die from CO poisoning due to CO produced by faulty or poorly maintained fuel-burning appliances, by burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent and by vehicles left running in enclosed spaces, such as garages.

Also, it may be important to determine the concentration level of particulates in an area. For example, the level of particulates can indicate that there is smoke from a fire in the area.

Gas and smoke detectors are known which are battery-powered and have audio alarms. These audio alarms are activated when the level of gas or smoke is above a predetermined threshold value.

However, these units can malfunction or fail so the audio alarm is not activated if an excessive gas or smoke level is detected. Also sometimes the audio alarm may not be heard by those in the vicinity of the alarm and exposed to excessive gas or smoke levels. For example, they may be asleep or noise from other sources may drown out the alarm sound and they may not react to the alarm promptly. A high level of CO gas can also cause drowsiness which may impair the ability of the user from sensing and/or reacting to an alarm, It is also possible that those in the vicinity of the alarm may not understand its significance or purpose and fail to react accordingly.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a monitoring system comprising: a detector capable of obtaining environmental condition data; at least one power source arranged to power the monitoring system; a packet switched transmitter; and an aerial; wherein the packet switched transmitter is arranged to transmit a text message comprising data indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detector to at least one communication means remote from the monitoring system.

The environmental condition and integrity of the monitoring system itself can be monitored by a user or group of users from the communication means at a location remote from the monitoring system. A text message includes information in a simple, succinct, user friendly form to enable the user to quickly digest the message and act accordingly. The packet switched transmitter enables the text message to be transmitted quickly and efficiently. Mobile telephony technology provides an efficient means to communicate directly with various communications devices without requiring the installation of wires to connect to the network. This helps the users ensure that the environmental condition is carefully monitored at all times. In addition the operational status of the detector can be communicated. For example, if the detector is properly functional a signal or message indicative of the "healthy" status of the detector can be communicated in the text message.

It will be appreciated that the term user may refer to a single user, a group of users, a responsible person, a resident or any other person having an interaction with the monitoring system described herein.

Preferably, the monitoring system further comprises a first data storage means arranged to store user and/or detector identification details and contact details for at least one communication means.

The first data storage means stores data to identify the detector and its location so that this information can be conveyed to the communications means. The contact details enable the monitoring system to send data directly to the various communications means.

Preferably, the first data storage means comprises a GSM compliant subscriber identity module (S lM).

The SIM card enables the monitoring system to access the network and store contact details, such as telephone and facsimile numbers for the various communication means in a prescribed format to enable the monitoring system to take advantage of mobile telephony technology.

Preferably, the packet-switched transmitter is a GPRS transmitter.

Preferably, the text message complies with the GSM short message service.

Preferably, the communications means comprises a second data storage means capable of storing the data indicative of the environmental condition.

The second data storage means can store details of the environmental condition from the most recent data indicative of the detected environmental condition or a range of values of such data, taken at different times in various locations. This enables the monitoring system to log and record such data.

Preferably, the environmental condition data comprises data indicative of a level of at least one gas and/or at least one particulate in an area surrounding the detector.

This enables a user to remotely monitor the gas and/or particulate level.

For example, the particulate level can indicate the presence of smoke from a fire. It is also useful to monitor various gases due to their harmful properties, for example.

Preferably, the at least one gas comprises carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is dangerous in excessive levels and it is important to monitor the level of CO gas in certain environments where there is a risk of CO gas accumulation.

Preferably, the monitoring system comprises data processing means arranged to receive and process the data indicative of the detected environmental condition and output a resultant signal based on a comparison of the data indicative of the detected environmental condition with a stored threshold value.

For example, the data processing means can determine whether the CO level is above a predetermined CO level threshold value. This indicates that the CO level is above the normal CO level for the surrounding atmosphere or that the CO level has reached a dangerous level.

Preferably, the data indicative of the detected environmental condition is transmitted to the at least one communication means periodically.

Preferably, the at least one power source comprises a mains power source. Additionally, the at least one power source comprises a backup power source, such as a battery or backup generator.

The mains power source is a reliable source of power to ensure that the detector is always powered on. If the mains power source fails the backup power source can provide power to the detector for a predetermined period of time or indefinitely until the mains power source can be restored.

Preferably, the monitoring system is arranged to transmit data indicative of the operational status of the detector via the packet switched transmitter and the aerial to the at least one communication means.

Preferably, the operational status of the detector is determined by whether or not one of the mains power source and the backup power source malfunctions, is low, is inadequate and/or is disconnected from the detector.

Preferably, the data indicative of the operational status of the detector is transmitted to the at least one communication means periodically.

The operational status of the detector can be monitored by the at least one communication means at a location remote from the monitoring system.

This enables the user to take appropriate action if the detector is not functional. For example it may be necessary to investigate why either the mains power source or the backup power source has malfunctioned, It may also be necessary to call the emergency services to have them investigate the source of the malfunction. This can also alert the user to the need to replace the battery.

Preferably, at least one of the communications means is arranged to receive data indicative of the operational status of the detector at a periodic interval and the at least one communications means generates an alarm signal or message if it does not receive that data indicative of the operational status of the detector at the periodic interval.

This provision provides a warning if both the mains power source and backup power source fail simultaneously. The communication means sends a warning to the user if the data indicative of the operational status of the detector is not sent to it periodically.

Preferably, the monitoring system comprises an alarm being activated by the resultant signal when the data indicative of the detected environmental condition exceeds the stored threshold value.

For example, the alarm can alert those in the vicinity of the alarm to an excessive level of gas and/or particulate in the surrounding atmosphere.

Preferably, the alarm is an audio alarm and/or a visual alarm.

Audio and visual stimulations can alert those in the vicinity of the alarm to its activation so that they can vacate the building or take other appropriate action.

Preferably, the visual alarm comprises lighting means. More preferably, the lighting means comprises at least one LED.

The lighting means can be activated when the alarm is on to enable those in the vicinity of the monitoring system to be alerted to the alarm by further visual sensory means and to improve visibility so that they can evacuate the building or area. LEDs have low power consumption and can remain on over a prolonged period of time. This is particularly advantageous if the monitoring system becomes reliant on a backup power supply having a finite life span.

Preferably, the alarm is activated when the data indicative of the operational status of the detector indicates that one of the at least one power source is not operational or not connected to the monitoring System.

The alarm can alert those in the vicinity of the alarm to a malfunction of the one of the power sources so that this can be rectified to ensure that the detector is always connected to two power sources. If one of the power sources fails the other can be used to power the detector.

Preferably, the at least one communication means comprises a receiver which can receive data from the monitoring system.

The data indicative of the level of the at least one gas and/or the at least one particulate and/or the data indicative of the functionality of the monitoring system can be received so that the user can monitor this data.

More preferably, the at least one communication means is a transceiver which can receive data from the monitoring system and transmit control instructions to control the monitoring system. Preferably, the control instructions comprise instructing the monitoring system to transmit data indicative of the operational status of the detector.

The communication means can receive data on the monitoring system. It can also control the operation of the monitoring system, such as activating a detector test. The detector test can also be performed without the need to examine the detector on site. This has the advantage that the user does not need to visit the site of the detector to verify that the detector is in Preferably, the text message further comprises data indicative of any one or combination of the following: the detector identification details, location of the detector and address of the detector.

This information enables the user to be informed of the location and address of the detector.

Preferably, text message further comprises data indicative of any one or combination of the following: time, date, the level of the at least one gas and/or the at least one particulate, event description or the occurrence prompting transmittal of the text message.

This information informs the user of the level of the at least one gas and/or the at least one particulate and the particular time and date of the reading.

It also notifies the user whether the alarm was triggered to alert the user to a normal or emergency situation so that the user can take appropriate action. For example if the level of the at least one gas and/or the at least one particulate is excessive the user can evacuate the building and inform the appropriate emergency services.

The user is enabled to assess the significance of the reading of the level of the at least one gas and/or the at least one particulate. The user can take appropriate action, such as vacating the building, contacting the emergency services or detecting and terminating the source of the problem.

Preferably, the at least one communication means comprises display means for displaying the text message in graphical format.

The communication means can convey information visually to the user.

This has the advantage that the user is not solely dependent on detecting an audio alarm. In addition, more detailed information can be relayed to and stored on the communication means.

Preferably, the at least one communication means is any one or combination of the following: a computer, a telephone, a facsimile, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant or any other suitable communication means.

These commonly used communications devices are readily available and accessible as a means of communication for potential users of the monitoring system. Some of these communications devices are also easily portable. It is also possible for the monitoring system to contact emergency services using these communications devices and provide them with succinct details of an emergency situation. This can include details of the location, address and gas and/or particulate level readings to enable them to act efficiently.

Preferably, the at least one communication means comprises storage means for storing a database. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one communication means comprises display means for displaying information from the database in graphical format.

The database can be stored in any one or number of the communications means. For example, information regarding the monitoring system and/or regarding the detected environmental condition can be stored and/or displayed by a user or group of users having access to a particular communication means. This information enables the user to maintain a record of the usual or normal gas and/or particulate level for a particular location and particular times of day in that location. This information may be useful for calibrating a suitable stored threshold value to indicate an abnormal or unusual gas and/or particulate level reading.

Preferably, the database generates a database report on the basis of the data indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detector periodically. Preferably, the database report is transmissible to at least another of the communication means.

For example, Current Heath and Safety and Environmental legislation provides that there are measures in place to ensure that CO levels in buildings are monitored. In order to comply with these measures, CO detectors must be installed and maintained in the buildings. Reports may be generated at regular intervals to enable the landlord, the Local Authorities, tenants, the health and safety authority or any other suitable person or group to assess their significance or take appropriate action.

The database reports can be used to confirm that CO detectors are installed in a particular building or area and precautions have been taken to ensure that they are properly functional. The database reports also provide a record of data regarding the CO level readings over a period of time to show that the CO level is being monitored. The database reports can be used to show that the CO monitoring system is in compliance with Health and Safety or Environmental legislation.

Preferably, the monitoring system comprises a housing, the housing being shaped to accommodate the detector, the at least one power source, the packet switched transmitter and the aerial, and a mounting to enable the housing to be mounted on a surface.

The housing protects the various components from damage and can be mounted on a wall or ceiling using the mounting. The housing is compactly shaped to entirely encase the various components of the monitoring system while being of reduced dimensions so that it can be neatly fixed to a wall, ceiling or other surface in a domestic environment. The compact integrated design of the housing and/or components enable the housing to be of reduced dimensions.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a monitoring network comprising: at least two monitoring systems according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein each of the detectors is locatable at a different location and all the detectors are arranged to transmit text messages to a common communications means.

The information from various detectors at different locations can be accumulated on a single communications means to give an indication of particulate and/or gas levels across an area, for example whole streets or districts or in different areas of a building or a number of buildings.

Preferably the common communications means comprises a database for storing the data indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detectors.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a CO monitoring system according to an aspect of the present invention and various communication devices.

Referring to Figure 1, a CO monitoring system 2 and various communication devices 4 are shown.

The CO monitoring system 2 comprises a CO detector 6, a power source 8, which includes a mains power supply 1 0 and a backup power supply 12, such as a battery, a data storage device 14, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM), a transmitter 16, an aerial 18, an audible or visual alarm 20 and a test button 21.

The CO monitoring system 2 is encased in a housing which can comprise a rigid material, such as plastics material or metal. The housing is of reduced dimensions to compactly encase the CO monitoring system 2.

The housing includes a mounting to enable the housing to be mounted on a surface, such as a wall or ceiling or any other suitable mounting means.

It will be appreciated that the housing can be shaped to be recessably mounted on a suitable surface.

The communication devices 4 include a database server 22, a web server 24, an e-mail server 26, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 27, a cellular telephone 28 and a facsimile machine 30 which can receive and display information, such as text messages, from the CO monitoring system 2. For example, the database server 22 is connected to a database monitor 34 which can display information in graphical format. The communication devices 4 may also convey information to a user by any other suitable means, such as an audio signal.

The CO detector 6 is capable of measuring CO level in the surrounding atmosphere and is connected to the transmitter 16 and the power source 8. It will be appreciated that the means for measuring the CO level or CO concentration are known in the art. Any suitable device for measuring the CO level may be used in the present invention. The CO detector 6 can incorporate data processing means for processing data indicative of the measured CO level or status of the CO detector 6. The CO monoxide detector 6 is arranged to send CO level readings to the transmitter 16.

The mains power supply 10 provides power to the CO monitoring system 2 and, if the mains power supply 10 fails the backup power supply 12 provides power to the CO monitoring system 2.

The transmitter 16 is connected to the aerial 18 and the power source 8.

The transmitter 16 can be a circuit switched transmitter or a packet switched transmitter, typically, a GSM or GPRS transmitter. The aerial 18 enables data to be sent via a communications channel 32 to the communication devices 4.

The data storage device 14, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) is connected to the transmitter 16. The data storage device 14 stores information such as a CO monitoring system identification code, location, address etc. which can be sent via the transmitter 16. The data storage device 14 also stores information to enable the transmitter 16 to access the communications channel 32 and contact details for the communications devices 4 to enable information to be sent to the communications devices 4.

In use, the CO detector 6 monitors the CO level in the surrounding atmosphere. It captures readings of the CO level at predetermined intervals of time or constantly. These readings of the CO level or concentration are obtained using known CO level measurement devices.

These CO level readings can be sent to the data storage device 14 or transmitter 16 at predetermined intervals of time. The data indicative of the CO level can be sent via the transmitter 16 and aerial 18 to the various communications devices 4 by text message, such as a text message compliant with the OSM short message service. It will be appreciated that this data can be sent to the various communications devices 4 by any other suitable means.

For periodic readings under normal conditions, other details may also be sent to the various communications devices 4. These include details of the instance of the reading, including a date and time stamp, the location of the CO detector 6 and the identification of the CO detector 6. It will be appreciated that these details may be sent only to the database server 22 under normal conditions and details may be sent less regularly to the other communications devices 4. For example, the details may be sent to the other communications devices 4 once per day and when the alarm 20 is activated.

The CO detector 6 may process the CO level readings and send an alarm signal to activate the alarm 20 when the CO level in the atmosphere is greater than a CO level threshold value, which is a predetermined value.

The threshold value can be based on industry standard values. It is also possible to obtain a usual or normal CO level for a particular location and particular times of day in that location by obtaining an average or range of the CO level readings in normal conditions. These statistical values can be evaluated using information stored on the database server 22. This average value or range of values can be used to calibrate a suitable CO level threshold value or values for a particular location or particular times of day.

The alarm 20 can be an audio alarm, such as a continual tone or beep at regular intervals of time or a visual alarm, such as a flashing light or LED.

The CO monitoring system 2 can be provided with a lighting means, for example an LED. The alarm signal can activate the lighting means to switch it on. The alarm 20 can also have both audio and visual ouputs.

The CO detector 6 can also communicate the alarm signal and details of the event to the communications devices 4, via text message or any other suitable means. The alarm signal can be sent to a user or group of users.

The alarm signal can be sent to the user's computer 22, 24, 26, PDA 27, facsimile machine 30 or cellular telephone 28. It will also be appreciated that the alarm signal can be sent to the user's telephone or any other suitable receiver to be conveyed to the user in the form of a suitable visual or audio message. The user can be the operator, the local authority, the tenant, the landlord, the police, the emergency services or any other

suitable person.

When the alarm 20 is activated, the usual information sent under normal conditions, such as the CO level reading, details of the instance of the reading including a date and time stamp, location of the CO detector 6 and identification of the CO detector 6, can be communicated to the database server 22 and the other communications devices 4. In addition, an event identification code indicative of the event that activated the alarm 20 can be sent to the database server 22 and the other communications devices 4. This information can be in the form of a text message.

In addition, the CO detector 6 can be activated to determine that it is properly functional by conducting a CO detector test. For example, it can be tested to confirm that it is connected to an active power source 8, that the mains power supply 10 and backup battery 12 are operational and that the alarm 20 is operational. It will be appreciated that any one or combination of these CO detector tests can be incorporated in the CO detector 6.

The CO detector test can be initiated by the user pressing the test button 21 on the CO monitoring system 2, by sending a suitable signal or text message via one of the communications devices 4 or by any other suitable activation means. For example, the occupant or tenant can test the integrity of the CO detector 6 by activating such a test.

In addition, data indicative of the operational status of the CO detector 6 can be automatically sent to one of the communications devices 4, for example once per day.

If the CO detector test is successful this confirms that the CO detector 6 is properly functional. Conversely, if the CO detector test is unsuccessful this confirms that the CO detector is not properly functional. The result is communicated to the database server 22 and it may also be communicated to the various communications devices 4 so that the user is notified. If the CO detector test fails the failure result is also communicated to the database server 22 and the various communications devices 4. The failure result also activates the alarm 20. It will be appreciated that the text message incorporating the details of the test result can include suitable information to enable the user to take appropriate action.

When the CO detector test is conducted, the usual information sent under normal conditions, such as the CO level reading, details of the instance of the reading including a date and time stamp, location of the CO detector 6 and identification of the CO detector 6, can be communicated to the database server 22 and the other communications devices 4. In addition, an event identification code can be sent to indicate whether the test was a success or a failure. It will be appreciated that further information such as battery power data or details of the cause of the failure of the CO detector test may also be sent to the database server 22 and the other communications devices 4.

In addition, an identification of the occurrence, for example an alarm 20 activation, a user activated CO detector test or a periodic reading,that prompted the transmittal of information from the CO detector may be sent to the communications devices 4. This data may be stored on the database server 22 and the other communications devices 4 and retrieved as required.

The CO detector test can be conducted periodically to ensure that the CO detector 6 is properly functional and the results of the CO detector test are recorded in the database server 22 to maintain a record of the functionality of the CO detector 6. The CO detector 6 also sends data indicative of the CO level readings and various other associated data to the database server 22. This data may be sent in the form of a text message which may be processed into a suitable format before being stored in the database server 22. It will be appreciated that the information in the database server 22 or a portion of this information can, alternatively or additionally, be stored in any one or number of the communications devices 4.

Regular database reports can be automatically generated from the information stored in the database server 22 or communications devices 4 or the user can activate the generation of such database reports periodically or on demand.

Information regarding the CO monitoring system 2, various events, such as alarm activation, and CO level readings from the CO detector 6 can be stored and displayed for viewing by a user or group of users having access to the database server 22. The information can relate to data accumulated over a specific period of time and from numerous CO detectors 6. The database reports can contain information for a specific period of time and specific CO detectors 6. The user can also issue an instruction from one of the communications devices 4 to generate the database report.

The information from the database and database reports can be sent to any of the communications devices 4. The communications devices 4 can display and/or store the database reports. The database reports from the database server 22 can be displayed on the database monitor 34. It will be appreciated that the database reports can be a text message or any other

suitable format.

Although a CO monitoring system 2 is shown and described. It will be appreciated that the present invention relates to any monitoring system capable of monitoring any gas and/or particulate in the atmosphere. It will also be appreciated that the monitoring system can monitor any other environmental condition, such as temperature which is sometimes monitored in conventional fire alarms. Various methods of gas and/or particulate detection are known and, as such, they are not described in this application.

It will also be appredated that the monitoring system can monitor any other environmental conditions in any gas, liquid or solid matter.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art once given this disclosure that various modifications, changes, improvements and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A monitoring system comprising: a detector capable of obtaining environmental condition data; at least one power source arranged to power the monitoring system; a packet switched transmitter; and an aerial; wherein the packet switched transmitter is arranged to transmit a text message comprising data indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detector to at least one communication means remote from the monitoring system.

2. A monitoring system according to claim 1, in which the operational status of the detector is also communicated.

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3. A monitoring system according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the monitoring system further comprises a first data storage means arranged to store user and/or detector identification details and contact details for at least one communication means.

4. A monitoring system according to claim 3, in which the first data storage means stores data to identify the detector and its location so that this information can be conveyed to the communications means.

5. A monitoring system according to claim 3 or claim 4, in which the first data storage means comprises a GSM compliant subscriber identity module (SIM).

6. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the packet-switched transmitter is a GPRS transmitter.

7. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the text message complies with the GSM short message service.

8. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the communications means comprises a second data storage means capable of storing the data indicative of the environmental condition.

9. A monitoring system according to claim 8, in which the second data storage means is arranged to store details of the environmental condition from the most recent data indicative of the detected environmental condition or a range of values of such data, taken at different times in 0 15 various locations.

10. A monitoring system according to claim 9, in which the CO environmental condition data comprises data indicative of a level of at C'J least one gas and/or at least one particulate in an area surrounding the detector.

11. A monitoring system according to claim 10, in which the at least one gas comprises carbon monoxide.

12. A monitoring system according to any of claims 8 to 11, in which the monitoring system comprises data processing means arranged to receive and process the data indicative of the detected environmental condition and output a resultant signal based on a comparison of the data indicative of the detected environmental condition with a stored threshold value.

13. A monitoring system according to any of claims 8 to 12, in which the data indicative of the detected environmental condition is transmitted to the at least one communication means periodically.

14. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one power source comprises a mains power source and a backup power source, such as a battery or backup generator.

15. A monitoring system according to claim 14, in which the monitoring system is arranged to transmit data indicative of the operational status of the detector via the packet switched transmitter and the aerial to the at least one communication means. Co

16. A monitoring system according to claim 15, in which the operational status of the detector is determined by whether or not one of the mains power source and the backup power source malfunctions, is low, is inadequate and/or is disconnected from the detector.

17. A monitoring system according to claim 15 or claim 16, in which the data indicative of the operational status of the detector is transmitted to the at least one communication means periodically.

18. A monitoring system according to claim 17, in which at least one of the communications means is arranged to receive data indicative of the operational status of the detector at a periodic interval and the at least one communications means generates an alarm signal or message if it does not receive that data indicative of the operational status of the detector at the periodic interval.

19. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the monitoring system comprises an alarm being activated by the resultant signal when the data indicative of the detected environmental condition exceeds the stored threshold value.

20. A monitoring system according to claim 19, in which the alarm is an audio alarm and/or a visual alarm.

21. A monitoring system according to claim 19 or claim 20, in which the alarm is activated when the data indicative of the operational status of the detector indicates that one of the at least one power source is not operational or not connected to the monitoring system.

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22. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one communication means comprises a receiver which can receive data from the monitoring system.

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23. A monitoring system according to claim 22, in which the at least one communication means is a transceiver which can receive data from the monitoring system and transmit control instructions to control the monitoring system.

24. A monitoring system according to claim 23, in which the control instructions comprise instructing the monitoring system to transmit data indicative of the operational status of the detector.

25. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the text message further comprises data indicative of any one or combination of the following: the detector identification details, location of the detector and address of the detector.

26. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the text message further comprises data indicative of any one or combination of the following: time, date, the level of the at least one gas and/or the at least one particulate, event description or the occurrence prompting transmittal of the text message.

27. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one communication means comprises display means for displaying the text message in graphical format.

28. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the CO at least one communication means is any one or combination of the following: a computer, a telephone, a facsimile, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant or any other suitable communication means.

29. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, in which the at least one communication means comprises storage means for storing a database.

30. A monitoring system according to claim 29, in wliich the at least one communication means comprises display means for displaying information from the database in graphical format.

31. A monitoring system according to claim 29 or claim 30, in which the database generates a database report on the basis of the data indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detector periodically.

32. A monitoring system according to claim 31, in which the database report is transmissible to at least another of the communication means.

33. A monitoring system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a housing, the housing being shaped to accommodate the detector, the at least one power source, the packet switched transmitter and the aerial, and a mounting to enable the housing to be mounted on a surface.

34. A monitoring network comprising: at least two monitoring systems according to claim 1, wherein each of the detectors is locatable at a different location and all the detectors are CO arranged to transmit text messages to a common communications means.

35. A monitoring network according to claim 34, in which the common communications means comprises a database for storing the data indicative of the detected environmental condition and/or the operational status of the detectors.