GB2384604A

GB2384604A - Remote property monitoring system using mobile phone text messaging

Info

Publication number: GB2384604A
Application number: GB0201439A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walter Blackburn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-23
Filing date: 2002-01-23
Publication date: 2003-07-30
Also published as: GB0201439D0

Abstract

A unit allowing remote monitoring of an area via the use of a mobile network SMS system. The unit can be added to an external alarm system or may be used on it own. The unit is triggered by the external alarm system or by one of the internal sensors which include a piezo electric sensor, a panic button, a temperature sensor and a flood water detector. Once triggered an SMS text message containing the location and the cause of the alarm may be sent to one or more mobile phone numbers. The unit can be secured by a four digit alphanumeric number and can be controlled and provide status information remotely. Four auxiliary outputs are provided on the unit for switching external devices.

Description

Patent Specification For A Complete Property Monitorms System 1. This invention relates to a unit that allows both domestic and business premises to be remotely monitored via use of the GSM (Global System for Mobiles) SMS (Short Messaging Service) system.

2. Once fitted the unit will automatically monitor and identify the following : * The trigger of fire and smoke alarms.

* Flood water level.

* Extreme heat caused by fire.

* Extreme cold which may say freeze water pipes.

* The trigger of ANY domestic or business alarm system (where already fitted) . The unit also contains a panic button which must be physically pressed.

Once one of the above have been identified by the unit, it will be triggered.

3. Once the unit has been triggered it will automatically send an SMS alert message containing the site name or home name of the premises and stating the cause of the trigger to up to four pre-programmed mobile phone numbers.

4. All communication with the unit is carried out via SMS which can be done from any mobile phone and makes use of the Pay As You Go contract free GSM mobile phone network, although any contract SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card could be used. It requires no costly contract with a 3rd party monitoring station.

5. The unit requires to be programmed by the user with:

* A four digit alphanumeric PIN number which should be unique to the user. The PIN number is in place for security purposes The PIN number may be changed at any time by the user provided the"original"PIN number is entered first. The number of PIN numbers is in excess of 2 million per unit.

* A"site name"or"home name"to allow the unit to be uniquely identified, possibly in circumstances where more than one premise require monitoring.

The mobile phone number or numbers that are to receive SMS alert messages upon trigger.

6. Every SMS to the unit must consist of the user's PIN number along with a specific command.

7. When the command is received by the unit it validates the pre-programmed PIN number for authenticity and if the PIN is valid the command is executed. The unit in return acknowledges via SMS with the system status.

8. The unit will only respond to an SMS containing the correct PIN number otherwise the unit will simply ignore the SMS.

9. All settings and phone numbers are stored in non-volatile memory, l. e. the settings and numbers are not lost should the power to the unit be removed.

10. Once the unit has been triggered, it can be commanded by any one of them to contact all pre-programmed mobile phone numbers and SMS them that the matter is being dealt with.

11. Should the unit be triggered as a false alarm the unit can be commanded to contact all pre-programmed mobile phone numbers and SMS message to alert them that the trigger was a false alarm and no action is required.

12. The unit can easily (3 wires only) be added to ANY alarm system or can be used stand alone with an external power supply. A typical connection scenario is shown in Figure Ion page 5.

13. The unit can be powered from a 12volt battery using the supplied clips or can be externally powered using a suitable mains power supply.

14. If the unit is to be added to an existing alarm panel, then the following 3 wires must be connected to the panel: * 12 volts positive to the alarm panel back-up battery.

* Ground also connected to the alarm panel battery.

* Sirenlbell box connection.

A small screw on aerial is also connected to the unit to allow it to communicate with the GSM network..

15. Four inputs are provided to trigger the unit: 'An external connection to the alarm panel. This usually attaches to the siren output of the alarm system leading to the external bell box. Where necessary the level of this signal required to trigger the unit can be programmed using any mobile phone providing the PIN number is correct.

A piezo electric sensor is used to detect the presence of high frequency sounds caused by smoke detectors and internal sirens. These are digitally filtered inside the unit to remove any unwanted noise. Again, the level is programmable.

* A panic button mounted on the unit will trigger the system when pressed.

'A flood water detector set to trigger the unit should water rise above a certain level.

o The external temperature of the unit. (both high and low extremes can be programmed).

Any combination of the above can be enabled or disabled to trigger the unit.

16. The components internal to the unit are outlined in Figure 2 on page 6. They comprise of a micro-controller unit, an interface unit and a GSM Modem. The micro-controller constantly monitors the state of its inputs for activity. Should any of the inputs be triggered for longer than 5 seconds (to prevent false alarms or inadvertently triggering the alarm), then the micro-controller unit will send the appropriate SMS commands to the GSM modem spaced over a 30 second period.

Each alert SMS is passed to the GSM network and onto the mobile phone numbers. Due to the nature of the SMS system, the notification of an alarm can be held by the network for up to 30 days (depending on the chosen network) until the phone acknowledges the SMS.

17. Four auxiliary outputs are provided to allow -the unit to switch external devices such as a central heating system and domestic lights using external relays.

18. The flood sensor is mounted externally to the unit, but the thermal sensor can be left attached to the outside of the unit or remotely mounted.

Claims

Claims 1. The unit outlined in this document can be attached to ANY alarm system using just

3 connections providing 24 hours a day real time monitoring to anywhere in the world that has a GSM infrastructure without the use of costly monitoring centres.
2. It monitors environmental extremes capable of damaging property such as flood, extremes of temperature and smoke and alerts up to 4 individual mobile phones.
3. All programming and setting up of the unit can be done from any mobile phone using the correct PIN number.
4. Each unit can be given a unique site name to identify the originator should more than one premises require monitoring.

5 It requires no contract with a third party monitoring centre.

6 It can control domestic lights, central heating systems and electric door bolts from any mobile phone.