GB2281675A - Alarm response system - Google Patents

Abstract

An alarm response system includes hazard detector input means for inputting a signal from a hazard detector 2 - 5; connection means for connecting the system to a telephone line; memory means for storing a telephone number; dialling means for dialling the stored telephone number along a telephone line to which the system is connected by means of the connection means; message storage means for the storage of a pre-recorded message; and message playback means for playing back the pre-recorded message down the telephone line; the system includes control means which operates, on detection of an appropriate signal from a hazard detector via the hazard detector input means to cause the dial means to dial the telephone number and play the pre-recorded message. The hazard detector may be, for instance, a smoke detector, an intruder detector or a personal alarm. <IMAGE>

Description

ALARM RESPONSE SYSTEM Field of the Invention This invention relates to an alarm response system, particularly although not exclusively for use as a fire and/or intruder alarm response system, and to an alarm system incorporating the response system.

Backaround to the Invention Existing alarm systems (eg, fire, intruder or personal alarm systems) are only effective if somebody is able to respond to the alarm and summon appropriate assistance.

Such alarm systems are of little or no use if, for example, a property is empty when it is burgled or a fire is detected, with nobody nearby able to summon the emergency services. Nor are they effective if, for example, a sick, disabled or elderly person needs to sound the alarm for any reason but is unable to reach a telephone or otherwise to summon help.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an alarm response system, and a complete alarm system incorporating the response system, which is more reliable and effective than conventional alarm systems in situations such as those described above.

Statements of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alarm response system comprising hazard detector input means for inputting a signal from a hazard detector; connection means for connecting the system to a telephone line; memory means for storing a telephone number; dialling means for dialling the stored telephone number along a telephone line to which the system is connected by means of the connection means; message storage means for the storage of a pre-recorded message; message playback means for playing back the pre-recorded message down the telephone line; and control means which operates, on detection of an appropriate signal from a hazard detector via the hazard detector input means, to cause the dial means to dial the telephone number along the telephone line and to play back along the telephone line the prerecorded message stored in the message storage means.

An alarm response system in accordance with this first aspect of the present invention is capable of giving an immediate response, to the appropriate recipient (whose telephone number is stored in the memory means), on detection of a hazard. The response is automatic even if the hazard arises when nobody is around or if those present have been overcome by smoke or intruders or otherwise incapacitated.

The response system is simple to instal. It can be adapted to be plugged into a normal telephone jack point, and to be connected to an existing hazard detector such as a smoke alarm or burglar alarm. It is as simple for the user to set up as is a conventional answerphone and, once operational, can give great peace of mind.

The signal input to the hazard detector input means of the system, from a hazard detector, may be in response to the detection of smoke, fire, gas, an intruder or any other hazard. The signal may alternatively come from a personal alarm, of the type activated by the user himself (eg, an elderly or disabled person) to indicate that he is in distress. Such personal alarms are well known, for example taking the form of "panic buttons" appropriately positioned about the home or worn about the user's neck, which transmit a signal when appropriately activated.

The hazard detector input means is preferably capable of receiving signals from more than one hazard detector, for instance from a number of intruder or fire alarms positioned about a building.

The memory means is preferably electronic, for example a microchip. It is preferably capable of storing more than one telephone number. The control means is preferably capable of selecting, from several numbers stored in the memory means, an appropriate one to be dialled in response to a particular signal from a hazard detector(s) and the control means is preferably programmable by the user to make a desired selection of telephone number.

In use of the system, the telephone number(s) stored in the memory means may be, for example, "999" (in order to contact the emergency services); the telephone number of a doctor or nurse; the number of a friend or relative who may then alert an appropriate person; or the number of a central monitoring station.

The system preferably additionally comprises, in association with the memory means, telephone number input means, by which a user may input one or more desired telephone numbers into the memory means. The memory means preferably allows temporary storage of the number(s), so that the user may erase and replace telephone numbers as desired.

The system is preferably adapted, via the connection means, for connection into a normal telephone jack point. The connection means may be conventional, such as is used for example in known answerphone systems. The dialling means may also be conventional, and is preferably electronic in operation.

The message storage means may take any appropriate form, for instance allowing the storage of pre-recorded messages on conventional magnetic tape cassettes. However, the message storage means is more preferably a digital memory device, capable of storing sounds (typically voices) in a digitally cdded form, for transmission down a telephone line at an appropriate time. The message playback means may similarly comprise a conventional magnetic tape player or more preferably control means for transmitting the digitally coded messages, stored in the message storage means, directly down a telephone line.

Preferably, the system additionally comprises message input means, by which a user may input a desired message for playback over the telephone line. The message input means will typically comprise a microphone, through which the user may speak, and means for converting the sound received through the microphone into a stored recording in the message storage means. The input means and message storage means may comprise, for instance, a solid state digital voice recording system of known type.

Preferably, the control means acts to effect playback of the pre-recorded message, down the telephone line, a number of times, to ensure that the message has been properly received and understood by the intended recipient.

The control means of the system can be electrical or electronic in operation, and preferably comprises a microprocessor. The control means is preferably programmable by the user in at least some respects. It may, for instance, be activated by the user via an input keyboard and/or switches of conventional type. Ideally, once programmed, the control means should be such that the system as a whole is capable of completely automatic, stand-alone operation.

The system may be powered in any appropriate fashion.

Preferably, it is connectable to a mains power supply.

More preferably, it includes a rechargeable battery, to allow its continued operation during interruptions in the mains power supply, and an associated charging circuit for maintaining the rechargeable battery in a fully charged condition during normal operation of the mains power supply.

An alarm response system according to the invention may include other features for the convenience of its users.

For instance, it may include a loud speaker, through which to play back messages recorded by the user using the message input means, for the user to verify and/or alter those messages. It may also include display means, for instance an LCD display, by which programming and other relevant information may be displayed to the user.

Ideally, the system is connectable to an output from an existing alarm (such as a fire alarm or an intruder alarm), the existing alarm acting as the hazard detector for detecting the presence of a hazard, and supplying to the hazard detector input means of the response system a signal, when a hazard has been detected, to which the control means of the system may respond. In this way, the system of the invention acts as an interface between a user's existing alarm and his telephone outlet, without the need for human intervention.

Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a complete alarm system, comprising an alarm response system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, together with a hazard detector to which the hazard detector input means of the alarm response system is or may be connected, in such a way as to allow signals to pass from the hazard detector to the alarm response system on detection of a hazard by the detector.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the operation of an alarm response system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the programming and installation details for the system illustrated in Figure 1; and Figures 3-5 are respectively a plan view, an end view and a side view of an alarm response system according to the invention.

Detailed Descrintion of the Drawings Referring firstly to Figure 1, an alarm response system according to the present invention is labelled 1 or "WRB5OO ALARM CENTRE". The system is able to receive signals from, in this case, four separate hazard detectors 2-5, which may be conventional fire, intruder or personal alarms, perhaps positioned at different points in a building.

Signals from hazard detectors 2-5, generated when an appropriate hazard is detected, enter the control means (not shown) of the system 1 via inputs 6-9 respectively.

In response to these signals, the control means then causes a stored telephone number to be dialled over an existing telephone line (10) to which the system 1 is connected.

When the call is answered by its intended recipient 11, the control means of the system causes a pre-recorded message to be played to the recipient over the telephone line 10.

This prompts the recipient to telephone for the required assistance, 12, for example the police, fire brigade, ambulance service or doctor responsible for the person in distress. Alternatively, the designated recipient 11 may itself be the police, fire or ambulance service.

An LCD display 13, provided with the alarm system 1, displays information to the user about the current status of the system and the way in which it has been programmed.

The block diagram of Figure 2 shows how the alarm system 1 should be installed, connected both to a 13 amp mains power supply 14 (through a conventional wall socket) and a telephone jack plug 15. The figure also shows how the system 1 is connected via cables to the outputs of alarms 2-5.

The system can be seen to have a keypad 16, through which the user may input telephone numbers and other programming information to the control means; a microphone 17, through which the user may input a voice message for storage and subsequent transmission down the telephone line; and a loud speaker 18, through which a recorded message may be played back to the user for verification.

Figure 2 shows schematically how the user would program the system for subsequent operation, by inputting an appropriate message via the microphone 17, and by inputting at keypad 16 appropriate program details such as the telephone number(s) to be called on detection of signals from one or more of the alarms 2-5.

The control means of the system is such that the user may input a number of different operating programs, corresponding for instance to different times of day or to the receipt of signals from the different alarms 2-5. For instance, one particular message and phone number may be programmed for use when a signal is received from one of the alarms at a particular time, whereas a different message and phone number may be input for use when a signal is received from another alarm or at another time.

The control means of the system matches up the signals from the alarms 2-5 with the appropriate pre-recorded messages and telephone numbers, determining the source of the alarm signal and an appropriate response. It then instructs the dialling of the appropriate telephone number, and controls transmission of the appropriate pre-recorded message down the telephone line. The message is only passed when the intended recipient has answered the telephone. To ensure that the recipient has correctly received and understood the message, it is repeated eight times before the control means cuts the telephone connection.

It will be seen from the above that the system 1 is very easily programmed by the user, using the keypad 16 and built-in microphone 17. It is, in fact, no more difficult to program than the average video player or answerphone, and has great versatility in that it may be connected to smoke detectors, gas detectors, burglar alarms and many other types of hazard detector. The system is also notably simple to instal, requiring connection only to a mains power supply and to a telephone outlet.

Programming information, telephone numbers and recorded messages will remain resident in the memory of the system until it is re-programmed; a rechargeable battery (not shown) is provided as backup, enabling the system to function normally for several hours even during an interruption in the power supply.

Referring now to Figures 3-5, the entire system 1 is housed in a bespoke injection moulded ABS casing 19, suitable for wall or table mounting. It is provided with a PSU and a flying lead, terminated with a British Telecom (trademark) jack plug. Installation of the device, by connection to a BT jack socket, would not in any way impair the function or performance of the existing telephone line.

In order to operate the system shown in Figures 1-5, the user would typically need to carry out the following instructions: 1. To Enable Alarms: i) Press key 'A' (not shown) on keypad 16 ii) Select alarm numbers (1 to 4) on keypad.

iii) Press key 'F' (not shown) to enter, after selecting alarm numbers.

The alarms selected are now shown on the display 13.

This is the normal display.

2. To Enter Telephone Numbers: i) Press key 'E' (not shown) on keypad 16.

ii) The display 13 will show "Telephone Number 1" .

iii) If the number is correct press 'F' to enter.

iv) If the number displayed is not correct, it may be changed by using the keypad to type in the new number.

v) Press 'F' to enter the number.

vi) "Telephone Number 2" will now be displayed.

vii) Follow the instructions for number 1 for the remaining telephone numbers.

viii) When all four numbers have been selected, the display automatically returns to normal.

3. To Record a Messaae: i) Press key 'D' (not shown) on keypad.

ii) Speak into the microphone 17.

iii) Press 'F' to enter.

4. To Check Messaae: i) Press key 'c' (not shown) on keypad.

5. To Demonstrate: i) Switch any enabled alarm on, using switches 1 to 4 (not shown) on keypad.

(Note that the alarm numbers 1 to 4 and telephone numbers 1 to 4 correspond to each other in this case.) The message recorded might typically include, for instance, the location of the alarm (and hence of the detected hazard) and other special instructions for responding thereto.

An alarm response system, and complete alarm system, in accordance with the present invention could be used in a large number of different areas. These include not only conventional home security and safety, but also the protection of mobile security vehicles; security in larger establishments such as shops, banks, building societies, post offices, garages, prisons, military establishments, hospitals and government buildings; detection of leaks of gas or other toxic substances; the protection of boats in distress (the system may be connected to the boat's normal radio telephone); monitoring safety in lifts; protecting patients in nursing homes; etc. In larger establishments, individual personnel may issued with remote controlled transmitters by which to activate the alarm system.

The system may be programmed to contact, via the telephone line to which it is connected, a central monitoring station of the type set up to receive distress calls from the elderly, the disabled and others and take appropriate action.

Claims (10)

1. An alarm response system comprising hazard detector input means for inputting a signal from a hazard detector; connection means for connecting the system to a telephone line; memory means for storing a telephone number; dialling means for dialling the stored telephone number along a telephone line to which the system is connected by means of the connection means; message storage means for the storage of a pre-recorded message; message playback means for playing back the pre-recorded message down the telephone line; and control means which operates, on detection of an appropriate signal from a hazard detector via the hazard detector input means, to cause the dial means to dial the telephone number along the telephone line and to play back along the telephone line the prerecorded message stored in the message storage means.

2. An alarm response system according to Claim 1 provided with means to plug the system into a normal telephone jack point.

3. An alarm response system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the hazard detector input means is adapted to be responsive to a signal input from a smoke alarm, a burglar alarm or a personal alarm.

4. An alarm response system according to any of the preceding claims in which the memory means is in the form of a microchip.

5. An alarm response system according to any of the preceding claims in which the memory means is capable of storing more than one telephone number and the control means is capable of selecting an appropriate telephone number to be dialled in response to a particular signal from a hazard detector.

6. An alarm response system according to any of the preceding claims and additionally including telephone number input means by which a user may input one or more desired telephone numbers into the memory means.

7. An alarm response system according to any of the preceding claims in which the system additionally includes message input means by which a user may input a desired message for playback over the telephone line.

8. An alarm response system according to any of the preceding claims and including a hazard detector which is capable of communicating with the hazard detector input means on detection of a hazard by the detector.

9. An alarm response system according to Claim 1 and substantially as herein described.

10. An alarm response system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.