CA2267327A1 - Device for receiving and transmitting an alarm - Google Patents
Device for receiving and transmitting an alarm Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2267327A1 CA2267327A1 CA002267327A CA2267327A CA2267327A1 CA 2267327 A1 CA2267327 A1 CA 2267327A1 CA 002267327 A CA002267327 A CA 002267327A CA 2267327 A CA2267327 A CA 2267327A CA 2267327 A1 CA2267327 A1 CA 2267327A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- alarm
- alarm signal
- receiving
- transmission network
- transmitting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
- H04M11/04—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
- H04M11/045—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems using recorded signals, e.g. speech
Abstract
The invention pertains to a device for receiving and transmitting an alarm. The device, which can be produced at a low cost, transmits meaningful alarm data in such a way that latter are very likely to be actually received. Upon detection of an alarm, the inventive device (1) sends an alarm signal with additional information. The alarm signal together with the additional information is converted into text or language information and then transmitted to the corresponding receivers.
Description
DEVICE FOR RECEIVING AND TRANSMITTING AN ALARM
This invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm, such as a fire alarm or a burglary alarm, over a transmission network.
l0 In a prior-art system known by the.name of "TeleNachbar" (_ "Teleneighbor"), .a commercially available sensor is provided which detects an unwanted occurrence, for example in a private house. A name key of a telephone is then activated which dials a previously agreed number of a "Telene.ighbor"..The latter recognizes the number of his calling neighbor and, upon removal of the handset, a specific signal tone indicates to him that something unusual. Through the simultaneously turned-on microphone of his neighbor's telephone, the "Teleneighbor" can "listen into" his neighbor's house or apartment. The system 20 can be easily implemented with an ISDN telephone. Via a V.24 interface, a commercially available sensor is connected. Activation is effected by few menu-driven commands. In principle, this scenario can also be implemented without ISDN. To ensure increased monitoring safety, image transmission may be effected.
To accomplish this, a camera is installed at the neighbor to be monitored which is connected to the monitoring neighbor via a telephone and the public ~ . ~~..__.._.._____ . . _ _._ _ .~... .. _...._ _..
This invention relates to an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm, such as a fire alarm or a burglary alarm, over a transmission network.
l0 In a prior-art system known by the.name of "TeleNachbar" (_ "Teleneighbor"), .a commercially available sensor is provided which detects an unwanted occurrence, for example in a private house. A name key of a telephone is then activated which dials a previously agreed number of a "Telene.ighbor"..The latter recognizes the number of his calling neighbor and, upon removal of the handset, a specific signal tone indicates to him that something unusual. Through the simultaneously turned-on microphone of his neighbor's telephone, the "Teleneighbor" can "listen into" his neighbor's house or apartment. The system 20 can be easily implemented with an ISDN telephone. Via a V.24 interface, a commercially available sensor is connected. Activation is effected by few menu-driven commands. In principle, this scenario can also be implemented without ISDN. To ensure increased monitoring safety, image transmission may be effected.
To accomplish this, a camera is installed at the neighbor to be monitored which is connected to the monitoring neighbor via a telephone and the public ~ . ~~..__.._.._____ . . _ _._ _ .~... .. _...._ _..
network. When an alarm is triggered, the neighbor can look into the house to be monitored and determine directly the reason for the alarm or which organization, such as the police or the fire brigade, has to be called.
A disadvantage of the prior-art system is that, if the line to the neighbor is busy, no alarm can be triggered. A new call could be initiated to alert the monitoring neighbor, but this is only conditionally possible. Also, the monitoring neighbor may not be at home, thus being unable to respond to the alarm directly.
Generally known are highly complex monitoring systems incorporating a control center. Via the control center, a building or a site is monitored by means of cameras. Such a system is very costly.
It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm which can be implemented at low cost and ensures that an alarm is transmitted as quickly as possible, and which permits the alarm-triggering event to be easily located.
According to the invention, this object is attained by the teaching of claim 1.
One advantage of the invention is that an alarm signal is sent in different formats over a transmission network to a predetermined or nonpredetermined recipient. The latter can immediately initiate a countermeasure. Another advantage is that a low-cost, affordable apparatus is provided which makes it possible to monitor rooms, houses, or buildings.
Neither complex wiring systems nor costly ancillary equipment are necessary.
Further advantageous features of the invention are defined in subclaims 2 to 6.
A particular advantage arises from claim 2, according to which information on the date and time and on the location or duration and the type of the alarm condition is added to the alarm signal. Thus, a recipient of the alarm is precisely informed about the alarm and is in a position to immediately initiate countermeasures. Another advantage accruing from the subclaims is that an alarm signal can be received via a pager or via a cordless telephone or via a normal data-processing device. This enables a user of the apparatus according to the invention to receive an alarm from, e.g., his own apartment and, if necessary, initiate countermeasures.
The invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus in accordance with the invention;
and Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an alarm system.
Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an apparatus 1 for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm over a transmission network N.
The apparatus 1 includes an interface SS for interfacing to means SEN for detecting an alarm condition. This interface SS converts a detected alarm condition into an alarm signal. The apparatus 1 further includes means CL, DT, LOC for adding information to the alarm signal. A means for adding information may be a clock CL, for example. By means of this clock, the exact time of the detected alarm condition is determined. The time is added to and transmitted together with the alarm signal. Another possibility of implementing the means for adding information is to provide an additional date input device DT or to add detailed information on the location at which an alarm condition was detected.
Such information may be added using additional means LOC which contain the information on the location of the apparatus. The apparatus 1 further comprises means SYN, REC for converting the alarm signal with the additional information into a voice message or a text message, the means SYN serving to generate a voice message and the other means, REC, serving to generate a text message. The apparatus 1 further includes means A for outputting the voice or text message over the transmission network N to a recipient.
Accordingly, both voice messages and text messages are presented to the output means A. This means, however, that messages of different formats have to be output by the apparatus 1. To accomplish this, the apparatus 1 includes the interface S for interfacing the apparatus to the transmission network N. This interface S serves to output voice messages, for example. If a text message is to transmitted over the transmission network N to a recipient, a preceding modem MOD is used.
In a further development of the invention, both a voice message and a text message can be generated for the same alarm, and be sent to different recipients.
This means, for example, that a recipient is informed via a pager to which a call is made directly via the transmission network N. Furthermore, a text message is generated which is sent to a PC located in the office, for example. As a result, the probability that the recipient will actually receive the alarm signal with the additional information is much higher.
The apparatus 1 for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm further includes memory elements ROM, RAM, Mem. The memory ROM
serves to supply a microcontroller pC with essential programs. The memory Mem serves to store received messages. These memories can also be used as temporary storages for messages to be output again at a later time. The microcontroller represents the logic of the apparatus 1.
The apparatus 1 should also be capable of implementing conventional telephone functions. To this end, it is provided with a loudspeaker L and a microphone M, preferably in the form of a handset.
To implement further functions, the apparatus 1 contains a PCMCIA slot. A PCMCIA card can be inserted into this slot to load additional programs into the apparatus 1.
A disadvantage of the prior-art system is that, if the line to the neighbor is busy, no alarm can be triggered. A new call could be initiated to alert the monitoring neighbor, but this is only conditionally possible. Also, the monitoring neighbor may not be at home, thus being unable to respond to the alarm directly.
Generally known are highly complex monitoring systems incorporating a control center. Via the control center, a building or a site is monitored by means of cameras. Such a system is very costly.
It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm which can be implemented at low cost and ensures that an alarm is transmitted as quickly as possible, and which permits the alarm-triggering event to be easily located.
According to the invention, this object is attained by the teaching of claim 1.
One advantage of the invention is that an alarm signal is sent in different formats over a transmission network to a predetermined or nonpredetermined recipient. The latter can immediately initiate a countermeasure. Another advantage is that a low-cost, affordable apparatus is provided which makes it possible to monitor rooms, houses, or buildings.
Neither complex wiring systems nor costly ancillary equipment are necessary.
Further advantageous features of the invention are defined in subclaims 2 to 6.
A particular advantage arises from claim 2, according to which information on the date and time and on the location or duration and the type of the alarm condition is added to the alarm signal. Thus, a recipient of the alarm is precisely informed about the alarm and is in a position to immediately initiate countermeasures. Another advantage accruing from the subclaims is that an alarm signal can be received via a pager or via a cordless telephone or via a normal data-processing device. This enables a user of the apparatus according to the invention to receive an alarm from, e.g., his own apartment and, if necessary, initiate countermeasures.
The invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus in accordance with the invention;
and Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an alarm system.
Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown an apparatus 1 for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm over a transmission network N.
The apparatus 1 includes an interface SS for interfacing to means SEN for detecting an alarm condition. This interface SS converts a detected alarm condition into an alarm signal. The apparatus 1 further includes means CL, DT, LOC for adding information to the alarm signal. A means for adding information may be a clock CL, for example. By means of this clock, the exact time of the detected alarm condition is determined. The time is added to and transmitted together with the alarm signal. Another possibility of implementing the means for adding information is to provide an additional date input device DT or to add detailed information on the location at which an alarm condition was detected.
Such information may be added using additional means LOC which contain the information on the location of the apparatus. The apparatus 1 further comprises means SYN, REC for converting the alarm signal with the additional information into a voice message or a text message, the means SYN serving to generate a voice message and the other means, REC, serving to generate a text message. The apparatus 1 further includes means A for outputting the voice or text message over the transmission network N to a recipient.
Accordingly, both voice messages and text messages are presented to the output means A. This means, however, that messages of different formats have to be output by the apparatus 1. To accomplish this, the apparatus 1 includes the interface S for interfacing the apparatus to the transmission network N. This interface S serves to output voice messages, for example. If a text message is to transmitted over the transmission network N to a recipient, a preceding modem MOD is used.
In a further development of the invention, both a voice message and a text message can be generated for the same alarm, and be sent to different recipients.
This means, for example, that a recipient is informed via a pager to which a call is made directly via the transmission network N. Furthermore, a text message is generated which is sent to a PC located in the office, for example. As a result, the probability that the recipient will actually receive the alarm signal with the additional information is much higher.
The apparatus 1 for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm further includes memory elements ROM, RAM, Mem. The memory ROM
serves to supply a microcontroller pC with essential programs. The memory Mem serves to store received messages. These memories can also be used as temporary storages for messages to be output again at a later time. The microcontroller represents the logic of the apparatus 1.
The apparatus 1 should also be capable of implementing conventional telephone functions. To this end, it is provided with a loudspeaker L and a microphone M, preferably in the form of a handset.
To implement further functions, the apparatus 1 contains a PCMCIA slot. A PCMCIA card can be inserted into this slot to load additional programs into the apparatus 1.
In a further development of the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises a camera C. This camera is designed as an add-on unit and is connected to the apparatus 1 via a cable. The camera can be installed in a house, for example, be switched to a standby state, and generate a signal if a change occurs in the picture.
The above-mentioned means SEN for detecting an alarm condition may be conventional smoke sensors, water sensors, fire sensors, motion sensors, or all conceivable kinds of sensors serving to generate an alarm signal.
The above-described test messages which are transmitted via the interface S to the communications network and to a recipient may be E-mail messages, for example.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a system comprising for receiving an alarm and for generating an alarm.
The system comprises at least one apparatus 1 of the kind explained above, i.e., an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm over a transmission network. In this embodiment, however, the apparatus also serves to receive an alarm. This means that at the interface S for interfacing the apparatus to the transmission network N, data arrive from the transmission network N. These are received according to their format.
The above-mentioned means SEN for detecting an alarm condition may be conventional smoke sensors, water sensors, fire sensors, motion sensors, or all conceivable kinds of sensors serving to generate an alarm signal.
The above-described test messages which are transmitted via the interface S to the communications network and to a recipient may be E-mail messages, for example.
The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a system comprising for receiving an alarm and for generating an alarm.
The system comprises at least one apparatus 1 of the kind explained above, i.e., an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm over a transmission network. In this embodiment, however, the apparatus also serves to receive an alarm. This means that at the interface S for interfacing the apparatus to the transmission network N, data arrive from the transmission network N. These are received according to their format.
This means that a voice message or a text message is stored temporarily and reproduced in the apparatus. A
text message is displayed on a monitor MON (see Fig.
1), and a voice message is output via the loudspeaker L.
Preferably, the apparatus 1 should be so designed that a received alarm which is not answered directly will be automatically forwarded to a further recipient.
The further recipient can be informed via a wireline telephone TEL, a cordless telephone HTEL, a pager, or by E-mail via a data processing system PC, for example.
In a further development of the system, an alarm can be generated by an apparatus 1 and transmitted over the transmission network N to a control center Z. The latter may be a control center in a police station, for example. From the control center, appropriate measures are then initiated. In a further development, however, it should also be possible to transmit an alarm to a conventional telecommunications terminal and to recognize it as such by means of such a terminal.
text message is displayed on a monitor MON (see Fig.
1), and a voice message is output via the loudspeaker L.
Preferably, the apparatus 1 should be so designed that a received alarm which is not answered directly will be automatically forwarded to a further recipient.
The further recipient can be informed via a wireline telephone TEL, a cordless telephone HTEL, a pager, or by E-mail via a data processing system PC, for example.
In a further development of the system, an alarm can be generated by an apparatus 1 and transmitted over the transmission network N to a control center Z. The latter may be a control center in a police station, for example. From the control center, appropriate measures are then initiated. In a further development, however, it should also be possible to transmit an alarm to a conventional telecommunications terminal and to recognize it as such by means of such a terminal.
Claims (7)
1. An apparatus (1) for receiving a detected alarm condition and for transmitting an alarm over a transmission network (N), comprising:
an interface (SS) for interfacing to means (SEN) for detecting an alarm condition, said interface (SS) converting the detected alarm condition into an alarm signal;
means (CL, DT, LOC) for adding information to the alarm signal;
a means (SYN, REC) for converting the alarm signal with the information into a voice message or a text message;
means (A) for outputting the voice or text message over the transmission network (N) to a recipient; and an interface (S) for interfacing the apparatus (1) to the transmission network (N).
an interface (SS) for interfacing to means (SEN) for detecting an alarm condition, said interface (SS) converting the detected alarm condition into an alarm signal;
means (CL, DT, LOC) for adding information to the alarm signal;
a means (SYN, REC) for converting the alarm signal with the information into a voice message or a text message;
means (A) for outputting the voice or text message over the transmission network (N) to a recipient; and an interface (S) for interfacing the apparatus (1) to the transmission network (N).
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for adding the information add information on the date and time and on the location and/or duration and the type of the detected and received alarm condition.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the text messages transmitted over the transmission network are E-mails.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for transmitting the alarm signal converted into a voice or text message to predetermined recipients.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the predetermined recipient receives the alarm signal via a pager or via a cordless telephone or via a data-processing terminal or via a wireline telephone.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 which implements conventional telephone functions.
7. An alarm system comprising an apparatus for receiving a detected alarm condition and transmitting an alarm as claimed in claim 1 and a receiving device for receiving a transmitted alarm signal.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP1997/004182 WO1999007136A1 (en) | 1997-07-31 | 1997-07-31 | Device for receiving and transmitting an alarm |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2267327A1 true CA2267327A1 (en) | 1999-02-11 |
Family
ID=8166701
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002267327A Abandoned CA2267327A1 (en) | 1997-07-31 | 1997-07-31 | Device for receiving and transmitting an alarm |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU3850797A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2267327A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999007136A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2368490B (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2004-05-05 | Nokia Networks Oy | Messaging system |
| FR2852476A1 (en) * | 2003-03-11 | 2004-09-17 | France Telecom | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING MOBILE TELEPHONES |
| US20070161372A1 (en) * | 2006-01-04 | 2007-07-12 | Gary Rogalski | Cordless phone system with integrated alarm & remote monitoring capability |
| US8825043B2 (en) | 2006-01-04 | 2014-09-02 | Vtech Telecommunications Limited | Cordless phone system with integrated alarm and remote monitoring capability |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5225997A (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1993-07-06 | Sygnus Controls Inc. | Automatic monitoring and remote reporting device |
| US5402466A (en) * | 1992-10-20 | 1995-03-28 | Dynamo Dresden, Inc. | Home voice mail and paging system using an answering machine and a wide variety of alarms |
| DE4324459A1 (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 1995-01-26 | Alcatel Sel Rft Gmbh | Method and arrangement for automatic transmission of information via a telephone network |
| NL9301947A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 1995-06-01 | Nedap Nv | Anti-theft system for expensive equipment. |
| JP2638480B2 (en) * | 1994-06-22 | 1997-08-06 | 日本電気株式会社 | Alarm information distribution device |
| EP0821514A1 (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1998-01-28 | Alcatel | Device for entering and transmitting an alarm |
-
1997
- 1997-07-31 CA CA002267327A patent/CA2267327A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-07-31 WO PCT/EP1997/004182 patent/WO1999007136A1/en active Application Filing
- 1997-07-31 AU AU38507/97A patent/AU3850797A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU3850797A (en) | 1999-02-22 |
| WO1999007136A1 (en) | 1999-02-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |