FI120064B - A method and apparatus for transmitting notifications from a remote device to a monitoring node - Google Patents

Description

METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING NOTIFICATIONS FROM A REMOTE DEVICE TO A MONITORING Node

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to notification systems and communication networks. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting notifications from a remote device to a monitoring node.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

10 An automated notification system is defined as a solution in which information about a notifier, such as an alarm, is communicated electronically to a private or public control room or control system based on a signal detected by a sensor 15 or an alarm button. The automatic notification system thus differs from the situation-specific alarm given to the emergency station or control room by telephone, radiotelephone or otherwise. In the automated notification system, the alarm system takes care of identifying the alarm object and the type of alarm or message to the control room or control system.

The automatic alarm system consists, for example, of one or more relays connected to the alarm relay. The alarm relay is still connected to the alarm hub. For example, the alarm hub is connected to a public IP (Internet Protocol) network, through which the alarm hub communicates with the control room. The control room is most often si-30 located in a firewall, the Network Address

Translator (NAT) or a private network behind a Port Address Tranlator (PAT). The firewall can include either an address converter or a port converter equivalent operation. It is important for the alarm system-35 that the control room is constantly aware of the functionality of the alarm transmitters. The control room must also be informed of situations where the alarm relay, alarm hub or network fails so that it is immediately impossible to provide an alarm to the control room. The control room must therefore be able to detect failure of the alarm transmission at any point between the alarm relay and the control room. If the alarm relay fails, it is possible to receive an active failure message from the alarm hub, but if the alarm hub or its network connection fails 10, the control room must detect the malfunction itself.

However, prior art automatic alarm systems present a number of problems. A prior art solution that is compatible with firewalls, address converters, and port converters is to maintain a continuous TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) connection between the control room node and the alarm hub. However, there is a problem with the lack of a suitable protocol for use above the TCP level. In this case, non-standard protocols must be used. In addition, TCP connections can be disconnected without permanent network failure, requiring the connection to be re-established using a higher-level protocol. The simplest solution would be to use UDP (User Datagram Protocol) 25 between the alarm hub and the control room node.

In current IP network firewalls, address converters, and port converters, address conversion between a private network and a public network address requires regular communication in order to maintain consistent address conversion. The IP address conversion performed by the aforementioned devices only occurs uniformly if pa-35 packets are sent from the same private network node to the same recipient in the public IP network within the time limit or if the same private network node receives packets from the same public IP network node. This problem limits the use of the UDP protocol in situations where it would be necessary to randomly transmit UDP messages to a private network node from a public network. Existing firewalls, address converters 5 and port converters have been designed with TCP in mind and have been specifically designed to support the needs of web browsers and email.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to solve the problems associated with the above-mentioned prior art alarm transmission systems.

With respect to the features of the present invention, reference is made to the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method for automatically transmitting notifications between a remote node connected to a data network and a monitoring node. The method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: defining a remote node for the control node; registering a monitoring node on the server; registering the remote node on said server; ordering at least one transaction information for said remote node from said server for said monitoring node; detecting the expiration of a time limit for said order with said remote node and repeating the ordering of said at least one transaction information for said remote node; receiving an external signal at said remote node; transmitting a message from said remote node to said monitoring node regarding said signal; verifying, by said monitoring node, the existence of data of said 35 remote nodes and registering said signal with said monitoring node.

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The invention also relates to a system for transmitting alarms, which further comprises a monitoring node arranged to store at least one remote node identifier, register with a server, order at least one event information from said server for said remote node, detect a timeout for said order, wear, 10 to receive a message from said remote node, to verify the identification of said remote node and to register said message; said remote node arranged to detect receiving an external signal, to send a message to said remote node regarding said 15 external signals; and said server configured to receive said order and its renewal and to forward said message regarding said external signal.

The invention also relates to an electronic device 20 for receiving alarms, comprising: a memory arranged to store at least one identifier of a remote node; and the application block arranged to register with the server, order at least one transaction information for said remote node from said server, detect the expiration of said subscription request, repeat ordering at least one transaction information for said remote node in response to said expiration, receive a message from said remote node, to register said word man. The invention also relates to a computer program comprising the steps of: storing a remote node identifier in a memory; registering the monitoring node on the server; ordering at least 35 one event information for said remote node for said monitoring node from said fire server; detecting a passage of said order node with said monitoring node; and 5 repeating the ordering of said at least one transaction information for said remote node; detecting the reception of an external signal at said remote node; receiving a message from said remote node; verifying, by said monitoring node, the presence of said remote node identifier; and registering said message with said monitoring node.

In one embodiment of the invention, said computer program is stored on a computer readable medium.

In one embodiment of the invention, a request for monitoring the status of the monitoring node is further transmitted from the remote node; detecting failure of said information network or related part in response to said query; transmitting said message regarding said external signal using an alternative data network to another server; and transmitting said message from the second server to said monitoring node, wherein the multimedia reception protocol block receives said message. In one embodiment of the invention, the remote node inquires about the status of the monitoring node from said server. The query is done, for example, using a quick message.

In another embodiment of the invention, an alternative monitoring node is registered to said server; and transmitting said message to the alternative control node.

In another embodiment of the invention, a message is received from said server indicating said subscription deadline. Said message 30 is received in the multimedia session protocol block of the monitoring node. In one embodiment of the invention, the multimedia session protocol block is a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) block.

In one embodiment of the invention, a multimedia session is further provided between said remote node and said monitoring node. The session is initiated by said remote node multimedia session protocol block. Session information is transmitted through said server to the multimedia session protocol block of the monitoring node. In one embodiment of the invention, said server is a multimedia session server, for example, a SIP-5 server.

In one embodiment of the invention, the monitoring node is connected to a separate alarm console computer directly or through a network connection.

In one embodiment of the invention, the notification node 10 comprises a notification hub. In one embodiment of the invention, the notification node comprises a notification relay. In one embodiment of the invention, the notification node comprises a notification relay and a notification hub.

In one embodiment of the invention, the remote node k-15 controls the state of the monitoring node. The remote node interrogates the status of the monitoring node, for example, through a server using a instant message. In one embodiment of the invention, the remote node switches to an alternative communication channel, i.e., an alternate data network towards the control node, if the control node cannot be accessed via a primary communication channel, such as an IP network.

In one embodiment of the invention, the alternative information network may be, for example, a telecommunications network such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a government network, a satellite network, a cellular network, or a private radio network.

In one embodiment of the invention, the notification center is an alarm concentrator. In one embodiment of the invention, the notification relay is an alarm relay. In one embodiment of the invention, the notification provided by the monitoring node in response to said message registration may be an audio signal or an oral or visual statement in natural language.

In one embodiment of the invention, said notification relay is arranged to communicate with said notification hub through said server.

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The embodiments of the above invention may be used together in an arbitrary combination. One or more of the above embodiments of the invention may be used in conjunction with embodiment 5 of the second invention to further form a new embodiment of the invention. For example, a method, system, electronic device or computer program according to the invention may comprise at least one of the above embodiments of the invention.

Advantages of the invention are related to simplified and facilitated communication of messages between a remote node and a monitoring node. For example, it is not necessary to use a hardware vendor-specific protocol between these nodes.

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system according to the present invention, Figure 2 shows an alarm transmission method according to the present invention, Figure 3 shows an alarm hub according to the present invention, and Figure 4 shows a monitoring node according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system according to the present invention. Figure 1 shows an IP network 100 comprising a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server 130. The SIP is described, for example, in Internet Engineering Task Force do-35 in RFC 3261. An event notification procedure is described in IETF document RFC 3265. In addition, in Figure 1 8 illustrates a cellular network 150. The cellular network 150 may be, for example, a network based on GSM, UMTS or WLAN technology. The cellular network covers at least two base stations, namely base stations 152 and 154.

A notification hub 110 (ATS) and a notification relay 120 (ATM) are connected to the IP network 100. The notification relay 120 communicates with the notification hub 110 via the IP network 100. The notification relay 120 is connected to the mobile station 122 via a direct connection such as, for example, 10 serial ports. The notification hub 110 is again connected to the mobile station 112 via a similar direct connection. The mobile stations 112 or 122 may be either standard mobile phones or non-user interface devices intended for use only with a computer. In one embodiment of the invention, terminals coupled to arbitrary alternative communication media may be used in place of mobile stations 112 and 122. Alternative communication media may be, for example, a telecommunications network such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), a government network, a satellite network, or a private radio network. A firewall 142 is also connected to the IP network 100, which comprises an address converter (NAT). A private IP network 140 is also connected to the firewall 142. The one to 25 private network 140 may be a network managed by an alarm center or, for example, a security company. A private SIP server 144 and a node 146 are connected to the IP network 140. The node 146 is further provided with a terminal 147 which displays notification information. The server 30 may be called a monitoring node. The SIP server 144 is further connected directly to the mobile station 145, which may be either a normal cellular telephone or a non-user interface device used only in connection with a computer. In Example 35 of Figure 1, mobile stations 112 and 122 communicate with cellular network 150 via base station 152, while mobile station 145 communicates with cellular network 9,150 via base station 154. In the system illustrated in Figure 1, mobile stations 112, 122, and 145 serve as an alternative communication path for communication between notification hub 120, notification hub 110, and node 146 5.

In the system illustrated in Figure 1, the node 146 registers with the SIP server 130 and the node 146 acknowledges the registration, as indicated by the bidirectional arrow 160. Registration takes place using, for example, 10 "SIP REGISTER" messages. At registration, node 146 is identified, for example, using a telephone number or logical name according to ITU-T standard E.164. Once registered in the system by the control room node 146, the private notification hubs may register with the SIP 15 server 130. In Figure 1, the notification hub 110 registers with the SIP server 130 using an E.164 address or logical name. The registration and its acknowledgment are illustrated in Figure 1 by a bidirectional arrow 162. After or before registration, the existence of the notification 20 hub 110 is reported using, for example, the http protocol separately to the control room node 146. The node 146 sends an event order request e.g. , where it identifies the E.164 address or logical name of the alarm hub, for the SIP server 130. In an embodiment of the invention, an application type also identifies an event type. The event subscription request creates a UDP (User Datagram Protocol) based dialogue between the SIP server 130 and the node 30,146. The SIP server 130 acknowledges the event request request, for example, with a "200 OK" message in which it identifies the period of validity of the order request. In one embodiment of the invention, the subscription request validity period is defined as a time sufficient for firewall 142 to maintain consistent description of the private and public IP address of node 146 in firewall 142. Notification hub 110 may query server status and, for example, off. The notification hub 110 then moves to first use the back-up connection via the mobile station 112 to the mobile station 5 5 and then to the SIP server 144, which also includes SIP client functions along with the SIP server function. The function of the SIP server 144 is to provide the node 146 with a uniform interface for notifying alerts or other notifications 10 regardless of whether the cellular network 150 or the IP network 100 is used. The SIP server 144 obscures the visibility of the server 146 with respect to the cellular network 150 or the IP network 100. The client function on the SIP server receives messages from the mobile station 145 and the server function transmits corresponding SIP messages to the node 146. In the system of Figure 1, when an alarm is triggered or detected by another external sensor or device, 20 relays connected to the notification relay 120 when the signal is issued, the notification relay 120 communicates with the notification hub 110 using the UDP or TCP protocol. Upon receipt of the communication by the notification hub 110, the notification hub 110 generates an instant message which it forwards to the SIP server 130. The instant message identifies at least the identification of the sensor or device that sent the alarm relay or other signal. The instant message is addressed to the address of the node 146 E. 164 or the logical name of the node 146. The SIP-30 server 130 forwards the instant message to the node identified by its destination address or logical name. In this case, the instant message is transmitted from the SIP server 130 to the firewall 142 node 146 to the public IP address, from which the firewall 142 routes the instant message 35 to the node 146 over the private IP network 140. Node 146 checks that the sender's logical name or E.164 address is specified in the information of node 146, otherwise the message is rejected directly without any action. This prevents responding to instant messages sent by parties outside the alarm system. Node 146 converts the instant message to terminal 147 in a format according to the protocol used.

In one embodiment of the invention, two or more servers or nodes may register to receive messages sent to the same E.164 address or logical name. In this case, a copy of the alert message is generated for each server or node registered in this way in the alert message. This achieves duplication of the alert server. For example, when node 146 fails, the other server can receive the alert messages and transmit them to the display of the terminal 15 of the alert center. The entire alarm center can also be duplicated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the notification proxy 120 is arranged to communicate with the notification hub 110 via the SIP server 130. In this case, the notification relay 120 sends an instant message or establishes a session to the notification hub 110 via server 130 using the address or logical name of the notification hub 110 as the recipient information.

In one embodiment of the invention, the notification center kit is an alarm concentrator. In one embodiment of the invention, the notification relay is an alarm relay.

FIG. 2 illustrates an announcement transmission method according to the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the message delivery system implementing the method is according to Figure 1.

In step 200, remote node information is reported to the monitoring node. In one embodiment of the invention, the monitoring node is, for example, the node 146 illustrated in Figure 1. The monitoring node may include a separate alarms console or other monitoring console that is connected directly or over the network to the monitoring node. In one embodiment of the invention, remote node 12 includes one notification hub and at least one notification hub that covers communication with at least one alarm relay, sensor, or external device. In one embodiment of the invention, the remote node is an independent alarm, measuring or sensor device directly connected to one or more sensors, measuring devices or alarm relays. In one embodiment of the invention, the information of the remote node is defined using a terminal connected to the monitoring node. In one embodiment of the invention, the remote node information is provided to the monitoring node via a network, for example, from a remote node or a separate computer device associated therewith. The remote node information includes, for example, the address or logical name of the remote node. The address can be of type 15, for example an E.164 address.

In step 202, the monitoring node registers to a server, such as the SIP server 130 shown in Figure 1. Registration is performed using, for example, a "SIP REGISTER" message indicating the information needed to reach the 20 monitoring nodes, such as a logical name or IP address name or logical address.

In step 204, the remote node sends the registration-25 message to the server. The registration message covers, for example, the logical name or IP address of the remote node and the logical name or IP address of the current location of the remote node. For example, location refers to the location of a remote node in a topology 30 of a data network, including, in an embodiment of the invention, geographic location information. The registration message may be, for example, a "SIP REGISTER" message.

In step 206, the monitoring node orders event information of said remote node to the monitoring node. Event-35 data includes, for example, changes in remote node status, such as remote node failure information. For example, "SIP

13 SUBSCRIBE "message. In response to the order message, the server notifies the monitoring node in an acknowledgment message, for example" 200 OK ", how often the monitoring node needs to re-order its server 5 information about the remote node. In an embodiment of the invention is set to be less than the address conversion performed by the firewall used by the control node or the other commonly used address conversion period.

At step 208, the remote node inquires about the status of the monitoring node. The remote node interrogates the status of the monitoring node, for example, via a server using a instant message. In one embodiment of the invention, the remote node switches to use 15 alternative communication channels, such as a telecommunications network, in the direction of the monitoring node if the control node cannot be accessed via the primary communication channel such as the IP network 100 of FIG.

20 At step 210, the monitoring node detects that the time period indicated in the data order acknowledgment message has elapsed.

In step 212, the monitoring node renews the event information order message to the transmission server. In this case, the acknowledgment given to the new order message again informs the server of the new deadline for renewing the order.

At step 214, the remote node detects an alarm has occurred or detects a signal transmitted by another external device 30. This is done, for example, so that the remote node notification hub receives information about the alarm or external signal from an alarm relay which has been tripped by a relay or whose sensor indicates, for example, an elevated temperature 35 or which otherwise detects a signal from an external connected device.

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In step 216, the remote node generates an instant message containing the information necessary to identify the alert object or other notifying object. The remote node forwards the instant message via the pal-5 or directly to the monitoring node. The server can duplicate a quick message to multiple monitoring nodes if the monitoring node is backed up by one or more backup nodes.

In step 218, the monitoring node checks whether the remote node and / or the reporting object defined in the instant message 10 have been defined for the monitoring node according to the procedure of step 200. If the remote node and / or the reporting object is not known in the control node information, the instant message is rejected. Rejection is necessary because the public network used for transmitting instant messages cannot guarantee that instant messages from other network nodes than remote nodes are not sent to the monitoring node.

In step 220, the instant message and the notification information contained therein are registered in the monitoring node. This means, for example, that the monitoring node sends alarm or other notification information for display to a terminal or console connected to the monitoring node.

Figure 3 shows a notification hub according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows a notification hub 300 which may be represented, for example, by a mobile station, laptop, desktop computer, handheld computer or other computer device. The notification hub includes a processor 310 and a mass memory 320. The mass storage 30 may be, for example, a hard disk, flash memory, or optical memory. The notification hub 300 also covers direct access memory 330, which may be, for example, RAM. When processor 310 performs the functions of the invention, direct access memory 310 covers, for example, 35 protocols block 332, SIP block 334 and application block 336. The notification hub also covers Ethernet interface 340 and mobile terminal 350. In one embodiment of the invention, protocol block 332 is an IP protocol. Application block 336 communicates with the monitoring node or other devices either directly using protocol block 332 or SIP block 334. SIP block 334 5 is more generally a multimedia session protocol block. Application block 336 and SIP block 334 may communicate with the mass storage 320. In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile communication interface 350 is a serial port. In one embodiment of the invention, the notification hub can cover any LAN interface of a min-10, such as a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) or a Bluetooth connection. In one embodiment of the invention, protocol block 332 is part of the notification center operating system, which may be, for example, 15 LINUX®. The notification hub blocks 332 - 336 may be implemented in many different ways.

Figure 4 shows a monitoring node according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows a monitoring node 400 which may be represented, for example, by a mobile station, a laptop, a desktop computer, a handheld computer or other computer device. The monitoring node 400 covers the processor 410 and the mass memory 420. The mass memory may be, for example, a hard disk, a flash memory or an optical memory. The monitoring node 400 also covers direct access memory 430, 25 which may be, for example, RAM. When processor 410 performs the functions of the invention, direct access memory 430 covers, for example, protocol block 432, SIP block 434, and application block 436. The monitoring node 400 also covers Ethernet interface 440. In one embodiment of the invention, protocol block 432 is an IP protocol. Application block 436 communicates with the remote node, server or other devices using either directly protocol block 432 or SIP block 434. SIP block 434 is more generally a multimedia session protocol-35 block. Application block 436 and SIP block 434 may communicate with the mass storage 420. In one embodiment of the invention, the monitoring node can cover any type of LAN interface, such as wireless local area network (WLAN), Ultra Wide Band (UWB) or Bluetooth. In one embodiment of the invention, protocol block 432 is part of a monitoring node operating system, which may be, for example, LINUX®. The blocks 432 to 436 of the monitoring node can be implemented in many different ways.

In Figures 3 and 4, blocks 332 to 336 and 432 to 436 can be implemented as processes executed under the operating system of the alarm hub or monitoring node. The blocks may then be separate processes or they may be implemented as one or more threads, whereby one thread or process will execute one or more blocks. The process or thread may be an expression of a program block. A program block may contain a set of routines, procedures, methods or functions provided by the object. The blocks may be implemented as one or more computer programs that perform the function corresponding to the blocks. The computer programs may be stored in the mass memory of the alarm hub or monitoring node or in a separate computer readable storage medium, such as a memory card, magnetic or optical disk. Computer programs may also be included in the 25 carriers to be modulated.

The embodiments of the above invention may be used together in an arbitrary combination. One or more of the above embodiments of the invention may be used in conjunction with another embodiment of the invention to further form a new embodiment of the invention.

The invention is not limited only to the above exemplary embodiments, but many modifications are possible within the scope of the inventive idea defined by the claims.

Claims (15)

A method for automatically transmitting notifications between a remote node connected to a data network and a monitoring node, characterized in that method 5 comprises the steps of: defining a remote node (110, 120) for the monitoring node (146); registering the monitoring node with the server (130); registering the remote node with said server; 10 ordering at least one transaction information for said remote node to said monitoring node from said server; detecting the passage of a time limit for said order with said monitoring node and repeating the ordering of said at least one transaction information for said remote node; detecting the reception of an external signal at said remote node; transmitting a message from said remote node to said monitoring node regarding said signal; verifying, at said monitoring node, the existence of data from said remote node; and registering said signal with said monitoring node if the information of said remote node is with said monitoring node. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said method further comprises the steps of: transmitting from the remote node the status of the monitoring node; detecting failure of said information network or related part in response to said query; transmitting said message regarding said signal using an alternative data network to another server 35; and transmitting said message from the second server to said monitoring node. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said method further comprises the steps of: registering an alternative monitoring node on said server; and transmitting said message to the alternative monitoring node. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said method further comprises the step of: receiving a message from said server indicating said subscription deadline. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises the step of: establishing a multimedia session between said remote node and said monitoring node. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that said server is a multimedia session server. A system for transmitting notifications, characterized in that the system comprises: a monitoring node (146, 400) arranged to store the identifier of at least one remote node (110, 120), register with a server (130), order at least one event information from said server (130) , detecting the expiration of said order node, repeating at least one transaction information for said remote node (110, 120) in response to said expiration of said time period, receiving a message from said remote node (110, 120), verifying the identification of said remote node and registering said message, if the information of said remote node is with said monitoring node; Arranged by said remote node (110, 120) to detect receiving an external signal of the earth, to transmit a message to said remote node regarding said external signal; and said server (130) arranged to receive said order and its renewal and to forward said message regarding said external signal. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that said system further comprises: 10 said remote node arranged to send a monitoring node status query, detect a failure of the data network or a related part in response to said query, relay said message regarding said external signal using a cellular 15 network to another server. ; and said second server forwards said message from the second server to said monitoring node. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that said system further comprises: an alternative monitoring node to register on said server and receive a copy of said message; and 25, said message transmitted by said server to said monitoring node and said alternative monitoring node. The system of claim 7, characterized in that said system further comprises: said server arranged to send a message indicating said order amount. The system of claim 7, characterized in that said system further comprises: said remote node arranged to form a multimedia session for said monitoring node. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that said server is a multimedia session server. An electronic device for transmitting messages, characterized in that the device comprises: a memory (410, 420) arranged to store at least one identifier of a remote node; and 10 application blocks (436) arranged to register with the server, order at least one transaction information from said server for said remote node, detect a lapse of said subscription period, repeat only one transaction information for said remote node in response to said expiry, receive a message from said remote node identifying said remote node and registering said message if the information of said remote node exists in said memory (410, 420) of said 20 electronic devices. 14. A computer program, characterized in that said computer program comprises the steps of: storing a remote node identifier in a memory; registering the monitoring node on the server; 25 ordering at least one transaction information for said remote node to said monitoring node from said server; detecting the expiration of a time limit for said order with said monitoring node and re-ordering said at least one transaction information for said remote node; receiving a message from said remote node; verifying with said monitoring node the existence of said remote node identifier; and 35 registering said message with said monitoring node if the information of said remote node is with said monitoring node. A computer program according to claim 14, characterized in that said computer program is stored on a computer readable medium.