GB2317477A - Security system - Google Patents

Abstract

A security system has a transmitter unit for transmitting an encoded radio signal to a base unit. A switch system is provided to activate the transmitter unit in response to some emergency event so as to activate the base unit. Pre-stored in the base unit is a plurality of telephone numbers, together with means for storing an emergency message. Activation of the base unit causes each stored number to be called in turn and, provided a response is obtained, to play to that called number the stored emergency message.

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM The present invention relates to a security system for detecting and/or responding to an emergency and transmitting a pre-recorded emergency message via telephone.

Systems are known which are adapted to respond to an emergency/alarm situation by automatically telephoning a public emergency service or private security base. However, such systems are limited in their flexibility of use and are directed primarily to protect property rather than individuals.

According to the present invention there is therefore provided a security system comprising (a) a base unit for receiving and decoding a radio signal (b) a transmitter unit for transmitting a radio signal to the base unit (c) a function-activated switch system responsive to a pre-selected emergency symptom for activating the transmitter unit wherein there is also provided connection means for connecting the base unit to a standard telephone network; recording means for recording an emergency message; storing means for storing a plurality of telephone numbers in a selected sequence; and means for dialling in sequence the telephone numbers, for delivering the emergency message to each telephone number when answered and for dialling the next number in the sequence either when not answered or once the message has been delivered to the previous telephone number in the sequence.

Preferably, the recording means is electronic.

More preferably, the transmitter unit includes a button' which transmits a signal to the base unit when pressed, for use by an individual. Conveniently, the transmitter unit and switch system are incorporated into a portable, key-fob-sized device.

Alternatively, to protect equipment such as computers, the switch system may be activated by physical movement, and conveniently the transmitter unit and switch system are then incorporated into a box for connection to the equipment to be protected.

Therefore, the security system of the present invention is a safety, security and telecommand system for connection to one or more of: a public switched telephone network; visual and audible alarm systems; electrically- or mechanically-operated equipment requiring activation or de-activation in an emergency situation; and/or other elements forming part of other communication networks.

A preferred base unit for connection to a public telephone network comprises the following parts integrated into one housing: a UHF radio receiver and one or more decoders (preferably DTMF); a quarter wave coiled whip antenna or similar; a power supply circuit; a tapeless audio recording facility; a microphone; a loudspeaker; and an autodialler circuit allowing direct connection to an approved telephone system socket and programming keypad.

For connection to alarm systems or the like, the base unit may comprise the following parts: a UHF radio receiver and decoder (DTMF); a quarter wave coiled whip antenna or similar; a power supply circuit; a programmable indicator circuit with an LCD display and keypad; and a switched output interface circuit.

A preferred radio transmitter unit comprises: a UHF radio transmitter and encoder(s); an integral wire or plate antenna; a power supply circuit and battery; an LED indicator; an operating button to key the unit and/or an operating switch or switch input circuit to key the unit; and a switch interface to match the output or contact arrangement of the function-activated switch or switches used.

The function-activated switches employed in the system may include all or any of the following types, but it is not limited to them: heat, vibration, smoke, pressure (high or low), movement, gas or noxious fume, liquid level, magnetic, key or other electrically- or mechanically- or optically-activated devices.

In operation, the transmitter unit, when keyed by either an internal or external switch circuit, will transmit an encoded radio signal to the base unit or units. The base unit(s), on receiving, detecting and decoding the signal or signals, will then preferably activate one or more of the following functions: 1) Telephone dialling and interconnect Commanding the autodialler to dial up to 6 preprogrammed telephone numbers, sequentially, automatically progressing to each subsequent number.

If either busy, unobtainable or fax tones are detected, the unit will automatically, after calling all programmed numbers, return to any previously-engaged number and attempt to re-dial that number up to a total of ten times. When the unit detects the off-hook signal from the called party telephone instrument, the unit will send the pre-recorded audio message. If so programmed, the unit will dial up and send the message to all numbers. When the message transmission ends and the unit detects the on-hook signal from the called party telephone instrument, the dialling out process will cease and the unit will return to normal ready status.

2) Automatic switching The base unit will, either separately or in connection with the function described in 1) above and on receiving and detecting and decoding the radio signal, activate the switching interface circuit whose output is then used to trigger all or any of the following devices: audio alarms; visual alarms; paging or PMR transmitters; fire systems including automatic fire doors, shutters, louvres, curtains and sprinkler systems; emergency lighting systems; any mechanically or electrically operated equipment or machinery requiring activation or de-activation in an emergency situation; other communication devices.

By way of example, the present invention will now be illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front elevation of a security system according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a block diagram of a base unit according to the present invention.

Referring to the figures, the security system comprises a transmitter unit (1)-(4) which houses an encoder (1), antenna (2), battery power supply (3) and panic button (4). The base unit (5) has an antenna (6) and houses a signal receiver and decoder (7) to receive and decode the signal received from the transmitter, a rechargeable battery (8) to power the unit (5) and an electronic (tapeless) audio recording/playback circuit (9). A microphone (10) is connected to the recording circuit (9) for recording a message. An autodialler (11) is connected to the telephone system via a switching interface (19) and the recording/playback circuit (9). An LCD display (12), visible from the outside of the unit (5), indicates the status of the unit together with an LED indicator (14) which lights up during recording or playback. A 12-button keypad membrane (13) indicates key values for programming telephone numbers, PIN, real-time clock and for operating the audio circuit (9). A loudspeaker (15) is provided within the unit through which the amplified (18) message may be played back. A PSTN connection cord and interface and/or automatic switch output interface (neither shown) is/are also provided.

Claims (11)

1. A security system comprising: (a) a transmitter unit for transmitting an encoded radio signal to a base unit; (b) a function-activated switch system responsive to a pre-selected emergency symptom for activating the transmitter unit; and (c) a base unit for receiving and decoding a radio signal from the transmitter unit, the base unit further comprising connection means for connecting the base unit to a standard telephone network, recording means for recording an emergency message, storing means for storing a plurality of telephone numbers in a selected sequence, and means for calling in sequence the telephone numbers, for delivering the emergency message to each telephone number when answered and for calling the next number in the sequence either when the message has been delivered to the previous telephone number in the sequence or no reply was obtained from the previous telephone number in the sequence.

2. A security system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recording means includes an electronic memory.

3. A security system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transmitter unit includes a 'panic' button for use by an individual and which button, when pressed, transmits a signal to the base unit.

4. A security system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transmitter unit and switch system are incorporated in a portable, key-fob-sized device.

5. A security system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the switch system is activated by physical movement, and the transmitter unit and switch system are incorporated into a box adapted for connection to equipment to be protected by the security system.

6. A security system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base unit for connection to a public telephone network comprises the following components, integrated into one housing: a UHF radio receiver and one or more decoders; an antenna; a power supply circuit; a tapeless audio recording facility; a microphone; a loudspeaker; an auto-dialler circuit allowing direct connection to an approved telephone system socket; and programming keypad.

7. A security system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the radio transmitter unit comprises: a UHF radio transmitter and at least one encoder; an integral antenna; a power supply circuit and battery; an LED indicator; an operating button to key the unit and/or an operating switch or switch input circuit to key the unit; and a switch interface to match the output or contact arrangement of a function-activated switch or switches with which the unit is to be used.

8. A security system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the function-activated switch is selected from one or more of heat, vibration, smoke, pressure (high or low), movement, gas or noxious fume, liquid level, magnetic, key or other electrically- or mechanically- or optically-activated devices.

9. A method of operating a security system comprising a transmitter unit, a function-activated switch system responsive to a pre-selected emergency symptom for activating the transmitter unit, and a base unit for receiving and decoding a radio signal from the transmitter unit, wherein the base unit further comprises connection means for connecting the base unit to a standard telephone network, recording means for recording an emergency message, storing means for storing a plurality of telephone numbers in a selected sequence, and calling means for calling in sequence the telephone numbers, in which method, following activation of the transmitter unit by said switch system responding to a pre-selected emergency symptom, the transmitter unit transmits a coded signal to the base unit, and the base unit then calls the first number in said sequence and provided the called number replies, delivers the prerecorded emergency message, whereafter or in the event the first called number does not reply the second number in the sequence is called for delivering the emergency message thereto, and so on through the pre-stored sequence of numbers.

10. A security system as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

11. A method of operating a security system as claimed in claim 9 and substantially as hereinbefore described.