WO2002041278A1

WO2002041278A1 - Wireless monitoring unit, system for monitoring and method of use of monitoring unit and/or system

Info

Publication number: WO2002041278A1
Application number: PCT/DK2001/000752
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bent Bjørn DAHL CHRISTENSEN
Original assignee: Dahl Christensen Bent Bjoern
Priority date: 2000-11-14
Filing date: 2001-11-14
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: DK200001706A; EP1340207A1; AU2002223494A1; PL363681A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring system (OVE, 100) comprising means (102) for reception of one or more monitoring input signals, means (102, 120, 106) for handling of one or more of the above-mentioned monitoring input signals, means (130, 132) for wireless transmission of communication, and means (120) comprising means for identification of one or more recipients of wireless communication and means for control of the transmission of wireless communication to said recipients. According to the invention, a highly adaptable monitoring unit has been obtained.

Description

Wireless monitoring unit, system for monitoring and method of use of monitoring unit and/or system

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a monitoring unit according to claim 1, a system according to claim 25, a method according to claim 30 and a builder according to claim 40.

Background of the invention Alarm systems capable of wireless transmission of an alarm signal to e.g. a mobile telephone are already known within the art.

Such systems are known from GB 2 314 659 A and DE 196 54 859 CI.

From the system in GB 2 314 659 A, an alarm call, e.g. in case of theft of a car, may be transmitted to the mobile telephone, since an alarm transmitter contains information of the phone number to which the call should be directed.

From DE 196 54 859 CI, a system for transmission of alarm calls via a wired or a wireless connection is known by means of which the alarm calls may be transmitted to a number of people whose phone numbers have been stored in a storage unit in the system.

Both systems allow for storage of phone numbers in a storage unit of an alarm unit, as this unit is programmable and as it is possible to have several numbers receive a call in case of an emergency.

However, these systems are relatively simple and an efficient alarm presupposes that the recipient, if there is only one recipient which is a mobile telephone, is available and present within a certain covered area. If there are more recipients, the situation will be that the person(s), and potentially all, receiving the call will be aware of the fact that several people may be receiving the call but none of the recipients will know which person actually receives the call and if anyone responds to that call and whether the alarm results in the necessary attention of any of the involved parties.

Similar systems are known from EP 930 792 A2 and EP 909 083 Al and suffer from similar drawbacks.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to create a monitoring unit and a system comprising such a monitoring unit which have been improved in relation to the known techniques. In particular, it is an object of the invention to create a monitoring unit and a system comprising such a unit by means of which it can be ensured that the monitoring message from the monitoring unit will result in the necessary attention being given to the monitoring message and to the circumstances causing the monitoring message to be transmitted in the first place. Thus, if the issue is e.g. an error, the error may be corrected or the necessary steps be taken to initiate correction of the error.

The invention

The invention relates to a monitoring unit (MU) comprising

- means (102) for reception of input monitoring signals (IMS) ,

- means (102, 120, 106) for processing of one or more of said input monitoring signals (IMS),

signal processing means (SPM) for establishment of at least one output monitoring signal (OMS) on the basis of said input monitoring signals (IMS) to at least one predefined recipient (PR) according to at least one predefined routing routine (RR),

means (130, 132) for wireless-transmission of said output monitoring signals (OMS) said predefined routing routines (RR) being established as a predefined configuration of messages (MSG) selected from at least one group of at least two different available message types (MSGT).

According to the invention, a monitoring unit facilitates wireless transmission of messages on the basis of input monitoring signals and the messages may be selected from a number of supported message types such as voice, text, SMS, e-mails, available alarm formats, etc.

The utilization of different message formats basically facilitates convenient and secure transmission. Not only may the recipient be addressed by means of messages which may actually be received by the recipient (wherever he is), he may also, if so desired, be addressed by redundant transmission channels or message types.

In this way, robust and secure monitoring and reporting may be established without necessarily applying wired communication.

A message may e.g. comprise an alert or another suitable alarm signal to certain specified recipients.

Basically, according to the invention, routing routines may be applied for establishment of different messages, e.g. alarms, which may be routed to one or several identified recipients when certain conditions are fulfilled.

Basically, a message type refers to a message format and an associated transmission method. Hence, a message type implicitly refers to a way of transmitting the content of a message and a way of dealing with the content of a message.

It should be noted that the way of transmitting the content of the message may of course refer to a plurality of transmission methods available for the specific format. Moreover, a message type may refer to a plurality of message formats. An example of a message type is an e-mail. The content of the message may basically comprise different message types such as text, attached audio, image, etc., and the e-mail may be transmitted via different wired or wireless transmission methods.

The routing routines may typically be stored in local storing means of the monitoring unit, and the routing routines may typically be updated or maintained by means of a suitable user interface. Such user interface may typically comprise traditional user interfaces or remote programming, e.g. by means of a mobile phone of e.g. a PDA (PDA: Personal Digital Assistant).

A unit according to the invention is a compact unit which may handle alarm and monitoring issues in a simple manner.

By letting the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication comprise sequential control (fig. 8), it is possible to combine various message formats to one or more associated recipients and easy to sequence these. Such a sequence may e.g. be a sequence comprising a first alarm message (e.g. on the basis of SMS) addressing four specific recipients, typically mobile telephones or corresponding units capable of receiving text messages. Subsequently, it will be possible to supplement the text message with an automated voice call and the sequence may finally be ended with the transmission of an e-mail to the alarm log.

By letting the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication comprise means for selection of one or more different message types in a group, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the unit.

By letting the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication be programmable, and by letting the monitoring unit comprise means that provide access to the programming carried out by an external associated and well-defined communication unit when activated, a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention may be obtained, since it becomes possible to download software, e.g. licenses for the unit from a remote position.

By letting the programming be carried out by the means for transmission of wireless communication, another advantageous embodiment of the invention may be obtained.

By transmitting communication to one or more of said recipients accompanied by a time indication of transmission, the time from an external chock generator may be advantageously imported whereby the chock generator circuit is not required in the unit.

By having said time indication determined by means of an SMS message, another advantageous embodiment of the invention may be obtained, since all SMS messages are provided with a time stamp. According to an advantageous embodiment, the unit will send SMS messages to itself at regular intervals and subsequently synchronize the internal clock with the SMS time stamp.

When, as stated in claim 2, at least two of said message types (MSGT) may be transmitted via at least two different transmission protocols or transmission systems, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the messages may be transmitted from the monitoring unit to the relevant recipient by means of redundant transmission channels.

Different transmission channels may e.g. comprise SMS (Operator 1), Voice (Operator 1), SMS (Operator 2), e-mail (Operator 3), etc.

In this way, the transmission of messages may be performed by means of redundant transmissions channels and thereby reduce the risk of message transmission failure due to breakdown at e.g. a certain telecommunication provider (operator). When, as stated in claim 3, said messages (MSG) selected from at least one group of available message types (MSGT) are wholly or partly user configurable, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

According to the invention, an available message type, e.g. an e-mail, may be user programmable, both with respect to content and identification of recipients.

Hence, the message types may be configured by editing a text, which, when certain preprogrammed conditions are fulfilled, are wirelessly transmitted to one or several predefined recipients.

In this way, the user may ensure that the individual potential recipients receive messages, which may be fully perceived, when received. In this way, events (determined by the input monitoring signals) may be presented to the relevant recipients in different suitable ways.

Such a message configuration may e.g. be performed by means of a simple text editor or e.g. simple code transmissions of the relevant text.

Hence, certain event-triggered output monitoring signals may comprise predefined text-messages stored and provided by the operative system of the monitoring unit or they may comprise customized text, i.e. defined by a user.

Messages may e.g. be configured by editing of customized audio-signals which may be transmitted to a user when certain conditions are fulfilled.

Such audio-signals may e.g. be established by a user by sampling or the audio signal may e.g. be established by configuration of an internal audio message bank comprising different audio-intervals which may be combined into one desired message. Evidently, such a message bank may also comprise complete audio messages. The sampling of messages may conveniently be established by a call (e.g. by a mobile phone) to the monitoring unit and a subsequent recording of the call on an answering machine-like basis.

When, as stated in claim 4, said at least one routing routine (RR) defines a conditional sequence of at least two messages (MSG), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

According to the invention, a conditional sequence refer to at least one sequence of at least two messages.

Moreover, a conditional sequence refers to conditions of a sequence of messages.

Evidently, such conditional sequence may comprise further sequential messages and the sequence of messages may even be supplemented by parallel transmission of wireless messages, if the telecommunication channel offers such opportunity.

Typically, such transmission involves a sequential message transmission and such transmission typically comprises conditional sequences and non-conditional sequences of messages.

When, as stated in claim 5, the conditions of the conditional sequence refer to conditions established by said input monitoring signals (IMS), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 6, the conditions of the conditional sequence refer to conditions established by said output monitoring signals (OMS), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained. When, as stated in claim 7, the conditions of the conditional sequence refers to conditions established by the identified recipients, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 8, said conditions established by the identified recipients are established on the basis of a reply by the recipient of a message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

A typical reply may be referred to as an acknowledgement which may be a reply from a recipient having received a message transmitted by the monitoring unit.

When, as stated in claim 9, the unit comprises means for establishment of output control signals (OCS) on the basis of input monitoring signals (IMS), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

Further signals, such as internally generated signals, or e.g. external signals transmitted to the monitoring unit, may be applied for triggering the output control signals.

The control signals may e.g. be applied for control of water pumps, alarm-sounding devices, control aggregates, etc.

When, as stated in claim 10, the unit comprises means for establishment of output control signals (OCS) on the basis of remote control signals (RCS), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 11, at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a text message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained. When, as stated in claim 12, at least one of said text messages may be selected from a number of available message types such as SMS messages, e-mail, or packet- switched text, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 13, at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a voice message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 14, at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a circuit-switched voice message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 15, at least one of said voice messages is packet-switched, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 16, at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a image message (MSG), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 17, said image message (MSG) is a circuit or preferably a packet-switched message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 18, the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication comprises sequential control means (SPM), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 19, the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication comprises means for selection of one or more different message types (MSGT), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained. When, as stated in claim 20, the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication (SPM) is programmable and the monitoring unit (MU) comprises means which provides access to programming carried out by an external associated and well-defined communication unit when activated, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 21, the possibility of carrying out the programming via the means for transmission of wireless communication, such as a mobile phone or other suitable mobile communication devices, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 22, communication to or from said one or more recipients (PR) is accompanied by a time indication of the transmission, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 23, said time indication is determined by means of an SMS message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 24, said monitoring unit is comprised in a robust casing, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

Moreover, the invention relates to a monitoring system according to claim 25 comprising a monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 24 and at least one recipient/transmitter (PR) of wireless communication, said monitoring unit comprising

- means (102) for reception of one or more monitoring input signals,

- means (102, 120, 106) for handling of one or more of the above-mentioned monitoring input signals, - means (130, 132) for wireless transmission of communication, and

- means (120) comprising means for identification of one or more recipients/transmitters of wireless communication and means for control of the transmission of wireless communication to said recipients/transmitters.

When, as stated in claim 26, said system in such a manner that at least one of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) is designed to receive wireless monitoring communication from the at least one monitoring unit (ONE, 100), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 27, the system is designed in such a manner that at least one of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) is designed to transmit wireless control signals to the at least one monitoring unit (ONE, 100), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 28, only a part of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) for reception of wireless monitoring communication is designed for control of the unit (ONE), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 29, the monitoring unit (ONE, MU) comprises means for registration of monitoring signals (104,108), and

means for wireless transmission of messages (e.g. SMS, Call, E-mail) depending on the registered signals by the means for registration of monitoring signals (104,108) to at least one recipient (140,150,160), wherem the means for wireless transmission of messages is configurable in such a manner that the monitoring unit may transmit a sequence of at least two messages to at least one of the recipients (140,150,160), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication (OMS) from at least one monitoring unit (ONE) to at least one associated recipient (150,140,160, PR) as stated in claim 30, characterized by the monitoring unit being designed for transmission of monitoring communication to said at least one recipient (140,150,160) in dependency on the inputs (104) of the monitoring unit and or wireless transmission of control signals from said at least one recipient (140,150,160), and by

the monitoring communication comprising communication carried out by at least one, and preferably more, communication types (e.g. SMS, Voice calls) and the transmission of these being carried out from the monitoring unit (MU) in accordance with a predefined sequence protocol (RR) for communication transmissions.

When, as stated in claim 31, an SMS message is transmitted from a monitoring unit via the wireless transmission means to at least one mobile recipient via a mobile telephone network, said transmission further comprising a subsequent initiation of at least one call to said at least one mobile recipient, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 32, said sequence protocol (RR) defines at least one alternative message in another message type to another recipient, and whereby the sequence protocol establishes conditions for the transmittal of messages by the at least one alternative message, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 33, said conditions comprise measures determining whether a previous message has been received by the intended recipient or not, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 34, said conditions trigger one or several predefined recipients (PR) to be notified if at least one of the said recipients (PR) has acknowledged receipt of a message to the monitoring unit, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

According to the invention, one or several recipients may accept responsibility for a received message, e.g. an alert, indicating that a water pump has broken or a boiler is over-heating etc.

Moreover, the invention relates to a routing builder, as stated in claim 35, said builder comprising at least three function-describing codes; Define Recipient DM, Define method of addressing DAM and Define sequence of addressing DAS,

said Define Recipient DM (fig. 5, fig. 18) being designed to define at least one and preferably more associated recipients (140,150,1609), preferably mobile telephones, by means of these phone numbers,

said Define method of addressing DAM being designed to define at least one and preferably more methods of addressing (e.g. fig. 8, SMS, Voice, E-mail) whereby the recipients (140,150,160) may be addressed in dependency of the condition of the monitoring unit (OVE), and

said Define sequence of addressing DAS (fig. 8) being designed to define the sequence of communication to be transmitted to the associated recipient(s) (140,150,160).

When, as stated in claim 36, DM, DAM and DAS are programmable in dependency of time, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

In this way, a certain message distribution scheme may be applied during e.g. working hours, while another scheme may be applied during the non-working hours in an office, on a farm, etc. When, as stated in claim 37, the builder comprises a graphical user interface (GUI), preferably windows-like, by means of which a user may establish said routing routines (RR) of at least one message (MSG) sequence, and said messages are of at least two different message types, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 40, the monitoring unit comprises means of remote monitoring via a wireless link from the at least one predefined recipient (PR) to the monitoring unit, said remote monitoring comprising transmittal of audio and/or image data recorded by measuring means (122, 124) arranged in or connected to the monitoring unit (MU), a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

According to the invention, remote-enabled monitoring, e.g. audio or image-based, may support the decisions to be taken by a mobile recipient significantly. Typically, alerts invoked by input monitoring signals are "false" since they may often be ignored following a closer inspection, if for instance a burglar alarm is not accompanied by alarm video, image or audio signals, which may be investigated remotely, e.g. by means of an appropriate image or audio viewer.

When, as stated in claim 41, the monitoring unit also comprises means for a connection to PSTN in terms of communication, and such means are designed for transmission of communication to associated recipients (140,150,160) via PSTN (Public Switched Network) depending on the monitoring input signals, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

According to this embodiment of the invention, an alternative message type may e.g. be transmitted via a fixed mobile communication network if it turns out that the preferred wireless communication fails or is unreliable.

When, as stated in claim 42, the PSTN connection is designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of an interruption of the transmission of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 43, the monitoring unit (OVE, MU) also comprises means for a connection to PSTN in terms of communication, and the means is designed for transmission of communication to associated recipients (140,150,160) via PSTN (Public Switched Network) depending on the monitoring input signals, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

When, as stated in claim 44, the PSTN connection is designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of an interruption of the transmission of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

The invention relates to a monitoring unit comprising

- means (102) for reception of one or more monitoring input signals,

- means (102, 120, 106) for processing of one or more of the above-mentioned monitoring input signals,

- means (130, 132) for wireless transmission of communication, and

- means (120) comprising means for identification of one or more recipients (fig. 5) of wireless communication and means for control of the transmission of wireless communication to said recipients.

The invention also relates to a monitoring system comprising a monitoring unit and at least one recipient/transmitter of wireless communication, said monitoring unit comprising

- means ( 102) for reception of one or more monitoring input signals, - means (102, 120, 106) for handling of one or more of the above-mentioned monitoring input signals,

- means (130, 132) for wireless transmission of communication, and

In addition, the invention relates to a system comprising at least one monitoring unit (OVE) in accordance with claims 1 to 7 and at least one associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication unit (150,140,160), said system being designed in such a manner that at least one of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) is designed to receive wireless monitoring communication from the at least one monitoring unit (OVE, 100).

By designing the system in such a manner that at least one of the wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) is designed to transmit wireless control signals to the at least one monitoring unit (OVE, 100), the authorized user is given the possibility to carry out some kind of remote control of the monitoring unit, e.g. opening of a door, control of pumps etc.

By letting only part of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) for reception of monitoring communication be designed to control the unit (OVE), it is possible to divide the recipients into a group of users only while others may be operators of the unit.

The invention also relates to a monitoring unit (OVE) comprising means for registration of monitoring signals (104,108), means for wireless transmission of messages (SMS, Call, E-mail) in dependency of the signals registered by the means for registration of monitoring signals (104, 108) to one recipient (140,150,160),

characterized by

the means for wireless transmission of messages being configurable in such a manner that the monitoring unit may transmit a sequence of at least two messages to at least one of the recipients (140,150,160).

Handling of messages, which is also called routing of alarms in terms of the invention, should be able to handle various message formats.

Examples of message formats and routing of alarms are:

Evident routing (message formats) comprises SMS, VOICE and E-MAIL as already mentioned and described above.

Other standardised alarm formats include SCANCOM, PA100, SIA, SPEECH. DTMF.SCANCOM, PA100 and SIA are standardized Alarm formats. These formats are transmitted via a voice call in which Tones/DTMF signals according to the relevant alarm format are transmitted. The transmission of such an alarm (for one sequence) will normally be carried out to a fixed (PSTN) telephone number, e.g. the alarm number of Falck Securitas or the alarm central of Dansikring. In other words, wireless routing via the means 130,132 to the fixed telephone network.

According to the invention, a significant advantage is obtained by combining these various routing methods into an alarm sequence. One sequence could for instance be carried out as follows:

v. Phone 1 SMS nowach vi. Phone 2 SMS wack vii. Phone 3 VOICE wack viii. Phone 7 SCANCOM wack

In the above-mentioned example, the message is transmitted as an SMS and a Voice call (pushing). If the recipient does not respond, the alarm will eventuall be sent to an alarm central using the format SCANCOM (or PA100, SIA etc.) The alarm central can for instance be routed as a fall-back cable connection to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) instead of sending it over a wireless connection, z DTMF is also a Voice call and the pre-programmed DTMF tones are transmitted after conversation has been established. This is primarily used for routing to public pager Services (personal chasers) etc.

SPEECH is a recorded voice by means of which the user can record an oral message of up to 8 seconds for each input.

The invention also relates to a method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication from at least one monitoring unit (OVE) to at least one associated recipient (140,150,160) characterized by the monitoring unit being designed for transmission of monitoring communication to said at least one recipient (140,150,160) in dependency of the inputs of the monitoring unit (104) and/or in dependency of the transmission of wireless control signals from said at least one recipient (140,150,160).

The monitoring communication comprises communication carried out in at least one, preferably more, different message formats (SMS, voice call) and the transmission of these is carried out from the monitoring unit in accordance with a predefined sequence protocol (fig. 8, fig. 9) of communication transmissions.

The invention also relates to a method of processing an SMS message transmitted via a mobile telephone network (), said method comprising transmission of at least one SMS message to (at least) one recipient and/or group of recipients and subsequent initiation of at least one call to said recipient and/or group of recipients.

In accordance with the invention, it will thus be possible to push an SMS message by literally making a call to the recipient to whom the SMS message is to be sent. The moment the call to the recipient is established via the GSM, the protocol will ensure that a data transmission (i.e. the text message) is carried all the way to the recipient.

It is understood that a recipient may also be part of a group of recipients, in which one or more recipients will be pushed by means of a call with the intent of making sure that transmitted SMS messages will actually reach the recipient(s) irrespective of the traffic on the network and of how the individual network provider has configured the priority of SMS forwarding.

By letting the method comprise transmission of at least one SMS message to at least one recipient (140) or/and group of recipients (140) and subsequently automatically initiate at least one voice call to said recipient and/or group of recipients (140), another advantageous embodiment of the invention has been obtained.

The invention also relates to an editor for the monitoring unit (OVE) comprising at least three function-describing modules, Define recipients DM, Define method of addressing DAM and Define sequence of addressing DAS, said Define recipients DM (fig. 5, fig. 18) being designed to define at least one, preferably more, associated recipients (140,150,160), preferably mobile telephones, by means of these phone numbers,

said Method of addressing (DAM) being designed to define at least one, preferably more, methods of addressing (fig. 8, SMS, Voice, E-mail), whereby the recipients (140,150,160) may be addressed in dependency of the condition of the monitoring unit (OVE), and said Define sequence of addressing DAS (fig. 8) being designed to define the sequence according to which the communication should be transmitted to the associated recipient(s) (140,1560,160).

By letting DM, DAM, DAS be programmed in dependency of time, another advantageous embodiment has been obtained.

This will e.g. be possible if the set-up of the monitoring unit is made dependent on time in the sense that certain people are paged by means of e-mails during certain periods of time while these (or typically fewer people) may be addressed by means of direct automatic Voice calls or SMS messages outside office hours.

In this connection, it should be noted that it is possible to vary the nature and method of addressing of the group over time within the scope of the invention. In this manner, certain persons or groups of persons may be on call for certain periods of time and be addressed accordingly while other persons or groups of persons, e.g. a night watcher or a security company, may be addressed during other periods of time.

The invention also relates to a monitoring unit (OVE) in accordance with claims 1 to 7 or claim 12 characterized by the unit OVE further comprising means for a connection with PSTN in terms of communication and by the means being designed for transmission of communication to associated recipients (140,150,160) via PSTN (Public Switched Network) in dependency of the monitoring input signals.

Thus, according to the invention, it will be advantageous to supplement the wireless communication with wired communication.

By letting the PSTN connection be designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of transmission interruption of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients, it is possible to have the fixed network act as a safety measure ensuring that an interruption of the wireless network does not go unnoticed by the monitoring unit. The invention also relates to a monitoring system in accordance with claims 8 to 11 characterized by the unit OVE further comprising means for a connection to PSTN in terms of communication and by these means being designed for transmission of communication to associated recipients (140,150,160), via PSTN (Public Switched Network) in dependency of monitoring input signals.

By letting the PSTN connection be designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of a transmission interruption of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients, an advantageous embodiment of the invention can also be obtained.

By letting the PSTN connection be designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of a transmission interruption of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients, it is possible to have the fixed network act as a safety measure ensuring that an interruption of the wireless network does not go unnoticed by the monitoring unit.

Figures The invention will be described in detail in the following with reference to the drawings in which

fig. 1 shows a monitoring unit according to the invention figs. 2a & 2b show a monitoring unit with an external and an internal configurator, respectively fig. 3 shows three important characteristics of an OVE configurator in according to the invention, figs. 2 to 23 show various menu items of a configurator according to the invention, fig. 24 shows a sequence protocol according to the invention, fig. 25 shows SMS pushing by means of voice mail according to the invention and fig. 26 shows the principles of the invention in a diagram. Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a monitoring unit 100 represented by a housing unit. This unit comprises an input module 102 with a number of input ports 104 of which e.g. 12 may be present in one embodiment of the invention. The input ports may have different designs and may thus be optical, electrical or even mechanical inputs, and the input ports forming part of an input module 102 may be comprised by a combination of such inputs. Furthermore, the input module 102 may have a number of different interfacing arrangements such as galvanic interfaces, optoelectronic interfaces etc.

Furthermore, the unit 100 comprises an output module 106 comprising a number of output ports 108 of which e.g. 5 may be present in one embodiment of the invention. These output ports may also be designed in a number of known ways and the output module may be designed with a number of different interfacing arrangements.

Furthermore, the unit 100 comprises a power supply 110 which, as shown in the figure, may be provided with a current from the regular 240/400 V network or with 12 VDC via the cable 112. However, the unit may also be provided with a power supply back-up unit 114, which e.g. comprises a battery, and which can ensure sufficient power supply to the unit in case of failure on the network. The back-up unit 114 will be dimensioned in such a manner that it is capable of providing sufficient energy during a pre-established period of time, e.g. a period of 24 hours.

The monitoring unit 100 comprises means 120 for control, operation and coordination of the unit and its functions as will be explained in detail later on.

A sound provider 122 may be attached to the monitoring unit 100 and may e.g. be designed as a siren for alarm purposes. Instead of or in combination herewith, the shown sound provider 122 may act as a speaker by means of which it is possible to transfer sound signals, e.g. speech, to the surroundings of the monitoring unit. Finally, two or more sound providers 122 (not shown) may be placed in connection with the monitoring unit, of which at least one may act as siren while the others act as speakers, e.g. at different locations in a buildmg or joined buildings, to which the monitoring unit is assigned.

Also, as illustrated, a sound-receiving unit, such as e.g. a microphone 124, may be connected to the monitoring unit 100, and potentially be integrated in the housing unit. In this manner, it will be possible to transmit sounds from the surroundings of the monitoring unit 100. More than one microphone 124 (not shown) may be associated with the individual monitoring unit 100 and these may e.g. be placed at different locations.

The communication to and/or from a monitoring unit 100 may be carried out by a wireless unit 130 which communicates with its surroundings via an antenna 134. This wireless unit may e.g. be a GSM unit and may e.g. comprise a GSM unit known from commonly used mobile telephones. Furthermore, it may be a UTMS unit or another mobile telephone system and a service similar to that of the SMS. The antenna 134 may form an integrated part of the wireless unit 130 or it may form a separate external part which is mounted in or on top of the monitoring unit 100. Furthermore, the antenna may be designed as a separate external part placed independently of the monitoring unit 100 but naturally connected hereto for communication purposes, e.g. by an antenna cable. When applying two or more means 130, 132, it is possible to use two or more antennas 134, correspondingly, said means 134 being directional antennas mounted in different directions pointing towards the mobile telephone network. In this manner, it is ensured that an attempt to jam (frequency jam) the monitoring unit 100 will be impossible in practice since independent wireless units with independent directional antennas 134 are applied.

The monitoring unit 100 may, as shown, comprise one 132 or potentially more wireless units for communication with the surroundings which results in increased reliability of operation as will be explained in detail later on. For example, two or more wireless units are intended for communication with two different types of networks and/or if the issue is one of GSM units, wireless units may be connected to different network providers such as Teledanmark Mobil, Sonofon etc. If the network with which the wireless unit 130 is associated is inactive, it will be possible to establish a connection via one of the additional wireless units 132. This may be controlled by means of the unit 120.

Finally, the monitoring unit 100 comprises an operating unit 136 which will allow remote programming or remote re-programming of the monitoring unit 100 upon activation, as will be explained in detail later on. The operating unit 136 will preferably be designed in such a manner that it its not immediately accessible for operation since it may be located behind a valve placed inside the box and be operated by means of a screw driver through a tiny opening in the box or it may be designed in such a manner that it must be operated by means of a special operating unit such as a key. The operating part 136 will preferably be designed in such a manner that it will only allow re-programming of the monitoring unit 100 for a certain amount of time following activation such as e.g. 15 minutes.

According to the invention, the monitoring unit 100 operates in a system comprising one or more external recipients and/or transmitters in relation to the system as illustrated by the means 140 to 160 in the figure. Thus, the monitoring unit 100 may communicate with one or more mobile telephones, e.g. GSM phones, UTMS phones etc. Furthermore, the communication may take place over the Internet 150 to one or more external units and via line-switching with a number of wired and wireless connection systems, e.g. via ISDN connections, to one or more computers or PCs 160. Communication may also be established by means of a wireless connection to a PSTN network 152 from which it is possible to communicate with fixed telephones 154 or by means of a modem connection 156 establishing communication to e.g. a PC in an alarm central 158 or to other PC units.

The function of the described monitoring unit 100 and the described system will be explained in detail in the following. The input ports 104 of the input module 102 may e.g. be connected through wiring to a number of sensors or the like associated with physical parameters desired to be watched, measured or monitored, e.g. with the purpose of control, consumer payment or triggering an alarm. Examples of monitoring may e.g. be in relation to temperatures, liquid levels, condition of elements (doors and/or windows are opened or closed), movements, sounds or the like. The shown embodiment comprises 12 input ports and 5 output ports.

Correspondingly, the output ports 108 of the output module 106 may be connected to control elements resulting in control or regulation of physical parameters, however, the ports 108 will preferably work as signaling, alarming or monitoring ports causing some kind of communication via one or more of the wireless units 130, 132 to external recipients 140,150 and/or 160 or a signaling or alarm in the immediate surroundings of the monitoring unit 100, e.g. a visual or audio signal or alarm.

The input module 102 and the output module 106 are connected to the unit 120 which, among others, comprises control software controlling the logic between the signals associated with the input ports 104 and the signals associated with the output ports 108, which includes mutual dependency between the input signals and the output signals, respectively.

The control software may be user-specific and/or designed by the supplier/manufacturer, preferably in dependency of user-specifications, and may be reprogrammed or changed in accordance with specific desires or wishes as will be explained later on.

In addition, the unit 120 comprising software, potentially as an integrated part of the control software mentioned above, will cause transmission of messages to the surroundings to take place by means of one or more wireless units 130, 132 depending on the input and output signals and maybe even on the programmed control logic. Also, the software may be designed to cause changes in the conditions of the of the output ports 108 of the output module 106 and/or send additional messages to the surroundings, depending on whether responses or messages are received from the surroundings, i.e. the external units 140 to 160.

The unit 120 will have the addresses of one or more intended recipients of the messages programmed, such as mobile phone numbers 140, e-mail addresses of one or more recipients associated with an e-mail service, and potentially the phone numbers of central monitoring or alarm services which may be activated in case of an emergency.

Furthermore, examples of reactions to certain conditions at the output ports 108 and/or input ports and how the programmed addresses will be contacted or an attempt of contact will be made, have also been programmed and will be illustrated by an example later on. Thus, whether one or more SMS messages should be sent to one or more of the mobile telephones 140 and the number of times it should be sent to the mobile telephones 140 is optional. Furthermore, it is possible to have one or more e-mails sent to one or more recipients associated with an e-mail service, e.g. a PC, a WAP mobile telephone or the like. It is also possible to transmit calls, e.g. Speech, a recorded voiced message or the like, to a fixed telephone number, e.g. a fixed telephone 154, just as it is possible to transmit an alarm to an emergency number at an alarm service, e.g. Falck Securitas, Dansikring or the like as illustrated in fig. 1 (152, 156, 158).

Fig. 2a shows how the control of the above-mentioned monitoring unit 100 is structured according to the invention.

As for the invention, it will be possible to add quite advantageous functionalities to the monitoring unit OVE as far as the handling of input/output is concerned. In particular, it is possible to configure the monitoring unit by means of an internal configuration editor, as shown in fig. 2a, or by means of an external configuration editor, as shown in fig. 2b, which will subsequently download the configuration parameters for the monitoring unit by directly cabled transmission or by wireless transmission. By using an external OVE configurator, as shown in fig. 2b, it will typically be attractive to use existing configuration platforms in the shape of e.g. a PC, Mac or the like, which may relatively easily be designed to handle an OVE configurator, typically an editor. The OVE configurator will thus provide the user with the possibility of configuring the parameters of the monitoring unit OVE into a desired installation and then subsequently download these to the monitoring unit OVE. The downloading may e.g. take place via a wireless interface between the OVE configurator and the monitoring unit.

Fig. 2b illustrates three important elements of the configurator of a monitoring unit in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The configurator OVE comprises three different defining modules with three different characteristics in terms of functions.

It should be noted that the modules are separate entities in order to explain the different necessary functions. Evidently, the different definitions may be established strictly in separate modules. However, it is also evident that the configuration of determining recipients, choosing message types, selecting or modifying the messages etc. may be performed in several different ways within the scope of the invention.

The configuration comprises three defining modules in terms of functions, Define Recipients DM, Define method of addressing DAM, and Define sequence of addressing DAS.

The defining module, Define Recipients DM, is used to define the recipients to which the monitoring unit should make a call. More specifically, this may e.g. consist of a menu of entered telephone numbers. These telephone numbers should preferably be telephone numbers for mobile telephones or other telecommunication units designed to receive text messages but it may also be fixed network telephone numbers, as described above, to which various messages may be transmitted in the shape of e.g. a DTMF call (e.g. routing of an alarm sequence to e.g. OPS (public pager service) or the alarm service), Speech, which is recorded voice messages, or the like.

This defining module may also be used to define an e-mail address which may be used as an external log. The use of e-mails will typically be of a log-based character according to the invention since the reception of e-mails can rarely be presumed to be received AND read real time in the same way as a regular call will typically ensure that the attention of the recipient is directed at the message more or less instantly.

However, it should be emphasized that it is possible to base part of the alarm functionalities of the system on reception/transmission of e-mails within the scope of the invention. This may e.g. be utilized if the configuration of the monitoring unit is based on the time factor indicating that certain persons are available during certain periods of time, e.g. during work hours, and may be paged by means of e-mails, while these (and typically fewer persons), may be addressed by means of direct automatic voice calls or SMS messages outside office hours.

In this connection, it should also be noted that it is possible to vary the composition and method of addressing of the various groups over time within the scope of the invention. In this manner, certain persons or groups of persons may be in charge for a certain period of time and be appropriately addressed while other persons or groups of person, e.g. a night watcher or a security company, may be addressed during other hours.

The defining module, Define method of addressing DAM, is used to define various methods by means of which the recipients may be addressed such as by SMS messages, e-mail, Voice calls, fax etc.

As mentioned above, the selected method of addressing will preferably be customized to specific applications. The defining module, Define sequence of addressing DAS, which is important to the implementation of the invention, is used to define a sequence by means of which the individual recipients or groups of recipients must/should receive various messages. By this module, it is e.g. possible to push an SMS message to a specific recipient by defining a subsequent voice call to that particular recipient.

Define sequence of addressing, or more accurately the possibility to define the sequence of addressing, represents a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The configuration DAS does thus generate the possibility of creating dependencies between the transmitted messages. Especially in the sense that dependencies may be created among the individual recipients and among groups of recipients (e.g. if a message has been transmitted to a given recipient, and whether it has been received (or not received), messages to other recipients must also be transmitted according to a given configuration-determined sequence).

In the configurator, it should also be possible to determine the conditions for interruption or continuance of a sequence. This may e.g. be carried out by means of transmission of a certain type of message to a given recipient, which is transmitted on to another recipient defined in the sequence, if no acceptance signal has been returned by the first recipient in the category of "instantaneous" or within a certain period of time from transmission of the message from the monitoring unit.

However, it should be emphasized that the three defining modules of the configuration in accordance with the invention do not necessarily have to be completely separated. The important part is that the elements actually form part of the configuration as a whole. Thus, it is easy to imagine certain parts of the sequence programming being conducted simultaneously with the definition of the methods of addressing.

Fig. 3 shows how a specific application of a monitoring editor may be designed in accordance with the invention. The shown editor has a start menu which is DOS-based in the shown example. It is implicit that the editor can be implemented in more user-friendly operational systems like Windows or Mac environments within the scope of the invention, if so required.

The shown editor in one of several embodiments falling within the scope of the invention is built up with a start menu allowing the user to change the configuration in the monitoring unit (OVE) and thereby its functionality.

The shown menu comprises 10 menu items of which the first 3 "Write data to device", "Retrieve data from device", and "Verify data from device", provide the opportunity to upload the configuration set-up to the monitoring unit (OVE), download from the monitoring unit (OVE) and verify data in the monitoring unit (OVE).

These three menu items thus form the data interface between the monitoring unit (OVE) and the OVE configurator.

The menu item 4 provides the user with the opportunity to utilize the editor of the OVE configurator. This item will be elaborated on in the following.

The next 3 items, Write data to a FILE", 5, "Retrieve data from a FILE" and "Change default setting", 7, all refer to a file-based set-up of a set of configuration parameters that may only be read and changed in the editing environment. However, they can only be transferred to the monitoring unit (OVE) by using menu item 1.

ESC is used for termination of the program whilst menu item 8 initiates a hardware test of a connected (typically wireless) connection.

Finally, the last item 9, may be used to draw out so-called option settings from a connected unit. Option settings will be described in detail in the following. By selecting "Edit in Data",4, the associated submenu will be activated as illustrated in fig. 4.

Among other things, this submenu enables the user to define a number of so-called outbound telephone numbers. When activating this menu item, a new associated submenu will be activated as illustrated in fig. 5. The shown Phone number menu provides the user with the possibility of entering a number of outbound telephone numbers. These phone numbers are all defined as numbers to be "contacted" by the monitoring unit (OVE), 100. In the shown embodiment, the numbers may be both mobile and PSTN numbers but will primarily consist of mobile numbers if transmission of SMS messages is involved.

In addition, fig. 5 indicates a number of phone numbers, 9-12, representing so-called optional telephone numbers OPT which may be configured by the editor but they cannot be activated for use in the monitoring unit (OVE), 100, with the activated licenses. By acquiring a license from the supplier, one or more of these "dimmed" phone numbers OPT may be converted into valid phone number fields after which the "dimming" (illustrated by the gray tone) is removed.

There are two other hidden phone numbers in this menu. These are a Distributor phone number and a Manufacturer phone number and these may be activated by applying an initiation parameter to the program. These two numbers may gain access to the monitoring unit (OVE) from an external connection (i.e. a phone call) for a 15 min. period after INPUT 12 of the monitoring unit (OVE) has been activated. In this manner, the distributor may carry out a remote update for a customer. In this application, the distributor access time is limited to 15 minutes - and ONLY if the customer has deliberately activated input 12 (service button 136) - in order to avoid manipulation with the monitoring unit without prior acceptance by the customer.

Subsequent to the entry of the outbound phone numbers, as shown in fig. 5, the inputs of the monitoring unit (OVE) may be defined by activating SETUP INPUTS as shown in fig. 6. This will activate an "INPUT define menu" as shown in fig. 7. Each of these can be activated individually and configured according to the desires and requirements as shown in fig. 8.

Please note, however, that input 12 is set up as the above-mentioned service button 136 which allows external access.

Fig. 8 shows how the inputs 1 to 11 may be individually configured. Each input may be allocated a short form (abbreviation) and a dependency to another input (INPUT dependency), in this case represented by a number of one of the other inputs 2 to 11. Furthermore, each input may be defined as NORMAL or MAIN:

MAIN input is an input which does not transmit any alarm (is not routed as SMS, VOICE etc.). MAIN is a type of input that other inputs may depend on, for instance the main switch of an alarm. If the main switch is turned off, an alarm input (e.g. a sensor) will not trigger the alarm to go off provided that the sensor input has been made dependent of the MAIN input in question. It should be noted that Dependency may also be used together with other NORMAL inputs.

NORMAL inputs are inputs by means of which some kind of message will be routed

(sent) as a direct response to the input.

Furthermore, it is possible to define the type of input trigger to activate the input. The following options are available: L, H, ft, , which mean: LOW, HIGH, Rising, Falling. If "Convert input (ft) to (ft )" has been made possible under the menu AUX Settings, the following options are available: "L, H, ft U-, ^•U-, which mean: LOW, HIGH, Rising or Falling, Falling.

Furthermore, it is possible to choose the OUTPUT 5 trigger. This will be explained in the following with reference to figs. 12 and 13. The INPUT repeat time may subsequently be set at a suitable time interval.

When an alarm occurs at one of the inputs, the alarm can be routed to a number of recipients defined by the telephone numbers, as shown in fig. 5, via 8 sequences (see under each input). If all messages have been transmitted (all active sequences) and the monitoring unit (OVE) has not received clearance (acknowledgement) of the alarm and/or the input is still active, the entire sequence may be repeated at fixed intervals. The repeat function may be either disabled or be set at a fixed number of minutes between the repetitions.

In addition, an alarm sequence can be set to trigger an alarm sequence, triggered (or routed) to a number of defined recipients.

Finally, please note that the last four message definition lines are dimmed which means that they are optional and may be re-configured. In order to activate these for use in the monitoring unit (OVE), a license must be obtained from the supplier. The longest possible configurable sequence is thus 4 in this example. Many other sequence lengths may naturally also be utilized within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows an example of how the menu in fig. 8 may be completed (configured).

This menu has been allocated the short form "ex" and is made dependent on INPUT 2. The input type is set to normal , i.e. for example a sensor input. The input is set to trigger on low value, and L. INPUT repeat time is disabled.

The routing sequence has been set in such a manner that the phone number 3 (defined in the Phone number list) receives an e-mail. It has also been defined that the sequence expects a response from the recipient 3 and the waiting time is set to 3 minutes. Subsequently, recipient number 2 will receive an SMS message which does not require a response from the recipient. Finally, the last recipient 4 will receive an SMS which also requires acknowledgement.

Fig. 10 shows how INPUT 1 has been set to trigger on low value (L), and made dependent on input 2 (2), how the repeat time has been set to 0 (disabled), and the input is active (Y).

In addition, the editor comprises a miscellaneous menu (AUX. SETUP) which may make available or disable a number of different functions in the monitoring unit when activated.

SW. Mobile phone off when standby can disable or enable the transmitter of the monitoring unit, e.g. a GSM transmitter, turn it off when OVE switches to standby Report RESET to phone ref.#l may disable or enable the transmitter of the monitoring unit to transmit a message to telephone number 1 in fig. 5, if a reset occurs.

In addition, it is also possible to allocate a siren to output 5, SIREN output as OUTPUT #5.

It is also possible to provide MicroPhone Callback, which means that it will be possible to use the monitoring unit (OVE) for listening in (tapping).

Finally, the AUX.autodial SIM location 09 may define an AUX phone number in SIM location 9 in the monitoring unit. This number will allow phone number #1 operational status, i.e. the user of this phone may exercise remote control over the monitoring unit while other users, TLF-2-8(12) will merely be users.

However, it should be noted that all users may be operators if the OUTPUT control is made available to all phones. Fig. 13 shows how INPUT No. 1 looks after a SIREN output, OUTPUT #5, which has been made available. This means that output 5 of the monitoring unit (OVE) is now a regular alarm output which is active on L.

In the following with reference to figs. 14 to 16, it will be possible to predefine various types of messages in the editor, i.e. primary text messages, alternative text messages and general text messages. Activation of these messages will be described in the following.

Fig. 18 shows how the application is assigned to an e-mail recipient and that this application primarily works as a log, i.e. as a collector of the various message sequences transmitted from the monitoring unit (OVE) to the various recipients. Basically, the e-mail option is not supposed to have any primary message transmitter function (ALARM) since e-mail is not particularly well-suited for this purpose.

However, as suggested earlier, it could be convenient to use e-mail for some of the applications, especially if the editor allows a set-up with time variations.

Fig. 19 shows how the 5 output ports of the monitoring unit (OVE) may be set up with an individual flash time programmable between 0.9 and 240 seconds and this embodiment has an execution time set to 0.9 seconds. This function may e.g. be used to adjust the remote control applications of a locking mechanism for a gate, a window or a pump etc.

In addition, the menu allows the possibility of defining the repetition period for a so- called ALIVE signal. An ALIVE signal is simply a signal, e.g. an SMS, transmitted to one or more users at 24 hour intervals if the unit OVE is in normal condition.

Finally, it is possible to construct a message set-up by means of previously defined text messages combined with the technical set-up of the unit according to fig. 20. The message builder function has been made in order to ensure that the status of the monitoring unit (OVE) is transmitted to the associated recipient(s) in a suitable manner.

The message builder shown in figs. 21 to 23 provides the user with the possibility of structuring the messages transmitted from the monitoring unit (OVE) depending on whether the message should be transmitted to one or more recipients as response to an alarm (ALARM message), on whether status information from the monitoring unit is a response to a request by a user (STATUS message), whether clearance of an alarm (CLEARANCE message) is involved, or a message is transmitted from the monitoring unit due to a power failure or to rebooting (POWER/RESET message).

Message Builder:

The monitoring unit (OVE) comprises a message builder which may be used to customize messages transmitted from the unit (OVE) to SMS and E-mail recipients.

This function enables the user to build up his own messages so that they fit the application and the environment of receivers using the monitoring unit (OVE).

In order to illustrate this, two examples of of an Alarm trigger on input 2 are introduced below of which example 1 shows a technical user example whilst example 2 is based on the use of a remote control in connection with an irrigation plant.

Example 1. Input 2 = LOW:

ID=547856 ALARM INPUT 2 P=00000000000 S=10111111111 O=01000 NOWACK

Example 1. Input 2 = HIGH:

ID=547856 ALARM INPUT 2 P=00000000000 S=11111111111 O=01000 NOWACK Example 2. Input 2 =LOW:

Jens Olesen -Field at outskirts of Hobro // Irrigator turned off at 12:47:15pm

Example 2. Input 2 = HIGH:

Jens Olesen -Field at outskirts of Hobro // Irrigator turned on at 12:55:27pm

As can be seen from the examples above, the same alarm (incident) may be transmitted in a variety of ways depending on which is more suitable.

By using a monitoring unit (OVE), it is possible to build up outbound messages so that they may comprise many independent elements. Such messages may be:

• ALARM MESSAGE

SMS/E-mail transmitted from the monitoring unit (OVE) when any input is triggered according to the predefined trigger conditions of the INPUT.

• STATUS MESSAGE

SMS/E-mail transmitted from the monitoring unit (OVE) when a monitoring unit (OVE) is requested to provide a status report to the transmitter.

• CLEARENCE MESSAGE

SMS/E-mail transmitted from the monitoring unit (OVE) when the monitoring unit (OVE) has a pending alarm cleared (cancelled). Pending alarm is a reality when the sequence list for the input which has been triggered comprises a sequence demanding a response such as "wait for acknowledgement".

• POWER/RESET MESSAGE SMS/E-mail transmitted from the monitoring unit (OVE) when the monitoring unit has experienced a power failure and/or has been rebooted.

The above-mentioned outbound messages may be built up by many independent elements. In the present version, it is possible to chain up to 15 independent elements to a message in the above-mentioned category.

These elements are numbered as follows:

1) ID-TEXT: a) Responds to monitoring unit (OVE) with an individual ID with the text format: 'TD=xxxxxx".

2) PRIMARY TEXT: a) Responds with the primary text pre-programmed into the relevant input

No.

3) ALTERNATIVE TEXT: a) Responds with the alternative text pre-programmed into the relevant input No.

4) The text ALARM: a) Fixed text wich may be used in the message build-up.

5) INPUT NO: a) Responds with the text "LNPUT=xx", in which xx is the actual input NO. triggered in connection with the alarm.

6) ABBREVIATED TEXT: a) Fixed programmable abbreviation, normally used instead of an input No.

7) PENDING STATUS: a) Responds with the text "P= il i2 i3 i4 i5 16 i7 i8 i9 ilO il 1 il2", in which il - il2 represent inputs 1 to 12, and show the value 0 or 1, depending on whether pending alarms for the inputs have not been treated/cleared (see wait for acknowledgement). E.g. P=01010000000 which shows pending alarms for input 2 and input 4.

8) INPUT STATUS: a) Responds with the text"S= il i2 i3 i4 i5 i6 i7 i8 i9 ilO il 1 il2", in which il — il2 represent inputs 1 to 12, and show the value 0 or 1 depending on the actual status of the inputs. E.g. S=001000010000 which shows that input 3 and input 8 are logically high whilst the other inputs are logically low.

9) OUTPUT STATUS: a) Responds with the text "O= ol o2 o3 o4 o5", in which ol - o5 represent the actual output settings of the outputs 1 to 5. E.g. O=01100 which shows that output 2 and output 3 are active.

10) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TEXT: a) Responds with the text "WACK" eller "NACK" depending on the type of alarm programmed in the alarm sequence for the relevant alarm transmission. If an alarm is transmitted as a "WACK ("Wait for acknowledgement"), the alarm expects the input in question to be answered/cleared/reset to the relevant input. Otherwise, the alarm will continue the sequence routing to other recipients on the list or the sequence for the the input in question will be repeated. b) If the alarm type is "No wait for acknowledgement", the response is "NACK".

11) TEXT: "=": a) Fixed text "=" which may be used in the message build-up. 12) L.Crtl. Ph. No.: a) Responds with the phone number of the most recent user to have controlled the monitoring unit (OVE) (transmitted control information such as output control).

13) FORWARDING: a) Transmits Actual forwarding information to the user. If no forwarding, the text reads " NO FORW.", if forwarding, a forwarding with the following format is transmitted: FORW( 2=>3 5=>4 12=>8 ) which (e.g.) means that Phone No. 2 has been forwarded to Phone No. 3, etc.

14) TEXT "STATUS" a) Fixed text "STATUS" which may be used in the message build-up.

15) CLEARED by "nnn": a) Transmits information of the Phone No. which has cleared or unset the latest alarm. Usually used together with "Cleared message". E.g.: "ALARM 02 CLEARED BY 40207575".

16) POWER FAILURE: a) Fixed text "POWER FAILURE/RESET" normally used together with the POWER RESET MESSAGE type.

17) TEXT "=ON/OFF": a) Responds with the text "=ON" eller ' -OFF" depending on the current status of the input in question. If an alarm message has e.g. been built by the two elements 2 and 17, and the primary text for the input is "PUMP in well", the following two messages may be received depending on the relevant input level: b) PUMP in well = ON c) PUMP in well = OFF 18) Same as 17, but with inverted indication of the ON/OFF text.

19) Sequence No. a) Responds with the text "SEQ=nn", in which nn is the sequence No. (from 1 to 8) for the relevant alarm transmission. Thereby, the recipient is able to see how many other recipients have received the alarm message before him.

20) Inp > TEXT(P/A): a) Responds with Primary text of the input in question which has the logical

HIGH value, and responds with Alternative text if the input has the logical LOW value.

b) In this manner, it is possible to send different messages depending on the logical level of the input. In other words, individual text messages for each input and individual text messages for each input level.

21) Time of Alarm: a) Responds by showing the time of activation of the alarm. The time indication is taken from the built-in real-time clock in the monitoring unit

(se patent claim for inexpensive clock).

b) Response format: TIME=dd:mm:yy:hh:mm:ss.

22) SIREN ON mess.; a) Responds with the text "SIREN ON" if the programming of the alarm in question has resulted in activation of a siren.

23) 23 - 27, fixed general texts to be added to a message.

The two previously mentioned examples could be built up as follows: Example 1: 1 4 5 7 8 9 10

Example 2: 23 20 21

Fig. 24 shows a practical method of implementation of a sequence protocol according to the invention.

The sequence protocol corresponds to the practical implementation of the editor tool shown in fig. 8 in which the last four lines in the sequence are defined (i.e. they are configurable in the editor but not ready for implementation in the OVE). If the license comprises more lines, these could be added accordingly. It is understood that the number of lines may be significant within the scope of the invention.

The protocol initially shows a dependency to an alarm which is LNPUT-controlled. There is a protocol for each of the inputs 1 to 11 as shown in fig. 24.

The subsequent lines first and foremost indicate the recipient of a message triggered by the input 1. The recipient may be identical with or different from the one in line 1. In fig. 13, these have been chosen to represent a sequence of recipients 3, 2 and 4. In each line, it is possible to define a requirement of acknowledgement which will result in other messages being initiated (potentially to other recipients), if a response is not returned.

Fig 25a illustrates the important elements of part of the invention in relation to a GSM-based monitoring system.

The illustrated network comprises a network of base stations BS. The base stations BS are designed for wireless communication with mobile subscribers MS 1, MS 2. The base stations BS communicate with a number of MSCs (Mobile Switching Centres). These, in turn, communicate with one or more SMS-Cs (Short Message Service Centres). The SMS-Cs operate like some kind of database for SMS messages to be distributed.

As for the implementation of the SMS (Short Message Service) in the GSM, it will only be possible to transmit a text message of 160 characters from one mobile subscriber MSI to another MS2. The handling of the SMS messages from one mobile subscriber MSI to another MS2 by the system will take its starting point in the channeling of a transmitted text message from MSI to the MSC via the involved base station(s). The SMS message will subsequently be stored in a database in the SMS-controlled SMS-C. After that, the message will be passed on to the intended recipient MS2. According to the GSM implementation, the SMS message will always be associated with an attached and transmitted ID which shows the phone number of the transmitter of the SMS message. Apart from that, the GSM protocol also shows that the message is basically channeled through the mobile network with low priority.

If the recipient MS2 is not covered or simply turned off, the SMS message will be stored by the SMS-C storage unit and subsequently be sent to MS2 later when coverage has been established. However, it is understood that the low priority status on the transmission of the SMS messages results in the risk of SMS messages accumulating in the SMS-C for long or short periods of time, whether coverage has been established or not, since the SMS messages are given low priority in relation to all other traffic on the mobile telephone network.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the SMS messages may be accelerated. This will be explained in detail with reference to fig. 25B.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a monitoring unit according to the invention may be designed with a sequence protocol which may establish an advantageous sequence of communication to the recipient via the mobile telephone network. As illustrated in fig. 25B, transmission of one or more SMS messages from a transmitter MSI to a recipient MS2 may be followed up by a call (voice mail) from MSI to MS2. According to the GSM network, the call will be routed with high priority to the recipient MS2 (this naturally presupposes that the recipient is covered and that his phone is on). Once a call has been established, the SMS-C will immediately initiate transmission of the stored SMS messages to MS2 simultaneously with the call.

Thus, it is understood that the SMS messages may be accelerated through the system by finishing off with a call to the recipient MS2.

This feature makes it possible to use SMS messages in systems which normally require or encourage "real time" transmission between the transmitter and the recipient.

SMS command set

The monitoring unit (OVE) has an SMS command set that makes it possible to send different commands to the monitoring unit (OVE) and subsequently receive a response hereto.

The following may be remote-controlled by an SMS message.

1. Outputs (output 1 through output 5) may be controlled by an SMS message.

2. Actual status may be retrieved from monitoring unit (OVE) such as "Pending alarm", present status of inputs 1 through 12, and present output settings for outputs 1 through 5.

3. The monitoring unit (OVE) may be reset (power-on) by an SMS message.

4. The monitoring unit (OVE) may be remotely configured by one or two SMS messages and a local PC is therefore not required in the field in order to program the individual set-ups of the monitoring unit (OVE). 5. Emergency log file may be retrieved from the monitoring unit (OVE) provided that there is a need for special documentation. The emergency log file comprises the following: a) Power failure and Power-on reset of the monitoring unit (OVE). b) Relative time registration of all events in relation to SMS time stamps. c) All alarms being triggered. d) All SMS messages sent incl. phone numbers and whether transmission was successful or not. e) All received SMS messages and by whom they have been transmitted. f) All pending alarms together with time of clearance. g) All commands to the monitoring unit (OVE) which have been received and the associated phone number(s). h) All unauthorized attempts to access the alarm unit and the associated phone number(s).

The emergency log file may include approx. 1000 events and will not be deleted, even if power is disconnected.

6. For the functions 4) and 5), a Cellink with an RS232 Interface (PC to SMS receiver/transmitter) is required. The supplier will thus need a special computer program in order to be able to program the settings remotely and to retrieve the emergency log file.

The following may be controlled from a normal mobile telephone by an SMS message:

1. STATUS REQUEST: a) If an SMS is transmitted with the command "STA", the monitoring unit will respond with the actual status back to the transmitter. The status has the following format: XXXXXX STATUS P il i2 i3 i4 i5 i6 i7 i8 i9 ilO il l S il i2 i3 i4 i5 i6 i7 i8 i9 HO il l O ol o2 o3 o4 o5 Where: xxxxxx = ID for anAlarm SMS unit

P il-il 1 = Pending alarm status for inputs 1 to 11

S il-il 1 = Current input level for inputs 1 to 11

O ol-o5 = Current output level for outputs 1 to 5

OUTPUT control: a) If a message is transmitted with the following command: "O2=0" or "02=1", output 2 will be set to active and inactive, respectively. b) Once the command has been accepted by the monitoring unit, a response is returned to the transmitter with the same format as that of "Status request".

c) If "O2" is transmitted, the output will flash instead of being permanently switched on/off.

DEVICE RESET a) If an SMS is transmitted with the command "RES", the monitoring unit will reset and respond with a power-failure or reset message back to the transmitter. The status message has the following format:

XXXXXX POWER FAILURE / RESET

4. GET PROGRAMMED PROFILE:

If an SMS is transmitted with the command "GPF", the monitoring unit will return the profile stored in the EEPROM/FLASH of the alarm unit. 5. UPLOAD NEW PROFILE TO THE MONITORING UNIT:

If an SMS is transmitted with the command "UPD", the monitoring unit will perceive the subsequent characters as EEPROM/FLASH data and store these. In order for the EEPROM/FLASH data to be accepted, the checksum must be

OK. This function is used for remote updates of the monitoring unit (OVE).

6. GET EMERGENCY LOG FILE FROM CELLINK:

If an SMS is transmitted with the command "EMC", the monitoring unit will respond with the event log file stored in the monitoring unit (OVE).

7. GET option settings:

If an SMS is transmitted with the command "ROP", the monitoring unit will respond with the current optional setting in the monitoring unit (OVE).

8. GET Manufacturer's serial number:

If an SMS is transmitted with the command "RSN", the monitoring unit will respond with its serial number which is required for option expansion.

9. Install new option (remote):

If an SMS is transmitted with the command "» { 16 digit code }", the option(s) acquired will be filed in the monitoring unit. The code, a 16 digit code, is purchased from the manufacturer or the distributor.

Combinations of SMS commands:

SMS messages may combined so that only one SMS message is required in order to execute more commands by one sentence.

The SMS messages are combined by a separator sign"," by means of which multiple messages may be built. A multiple SMS command may e.g. look as follows: O1=1,O3=0,O5=0,STA,RES

This command implies that: Output 1 is set on active Output 3 is set on inactive Output 5 is set on inactive Status of the monitoring unit is respond The monitoring unit is reset

The monitoring unit will not be reset until all commands have been completed and all respond messages have been returned.

Who is entitled to send SMS commands to the monitoring unit (OVE)?:

Only the holder of Phone No. 1 on the phone list may carry out the following commands:

Programming of outputs Force the monitoring unit to reset

Remote-programming of the profile of the monitoring unit (OVE) Retrieve the emergency log file

All programmed telephone numbers 1 to 12 are entitled to retrieve status messages.

Special precautions during mobile telephone power-down:

If the set-up has been programmed in such a manner that the mobile telephone will power down when the monitoring unit is not in alarm mode, an SMS message cannot be delivered to the unit.

Thus, the following power on/off system has been introduced. When there is no alarm and the mobile telephone is turned off, the mobile telephone will be briefly turned on every 15 minutes. If the mobile telephone receives a command upon initiation, it will remain open for 15 minutes during which time the monitoring unit may receive additional commands.

Summary

In brief, the advantageous features of the invention may be summerized as follows:

Monitoring unit (High security SMS alarm system).

Special features:

• Combined INPUT alarm system and OUTPUT remote control <=> SMS messages

• PENDING alarm status which is announced together with a dedicated alarm.

• Alarm sequence protocol with "Wait for Ack. / No. Wait for Ack."

• Combination of SMS with and without Ack. • Individual trigger system for INPUTs, low-high-falling-rising.

• Request for Current status

• Clearance of Pending status, and response to all recipients of an alarm, and who cleared the alarm.

• Combination of SMS and Voice, for security reasons -Referred to as SMS PUSHING.

• Combination of SMS, VOICE, E-MAIL, SPEECH, SCANCOM, PA100, SIA, DTMF in an Alarm Sequence.

• Remote control of outputs

• Static or FLASH control of outputs or a combination of the two. • Individual FLASH time on outputs.

• Output configuration of siren signal, and programmable time registration hereof. • Individual INPUT definition, and trigger criteria for activation of OUTPUT SIREN

• Remote and individual status request

• Remote update of Programming profile, and remote retrieval hereof. • Remote retrieval of log file.

• Combination of SMS commands in an SMS message

• Event log file with timer tick relative to the SMS time stamp, avoiding a real time clock.

• Only authorized and differentiated access to the monitoring unit. • Registration of unauthorized attempts of access

• Dual SIM and/or Dual GSM for high security level.

• Programmable alive message.

• Low cost real time clock with automatic time setting (no clock circuit)

• Options code management • Data port for connection with other equipment, primarily Video, special sensors (data).

• Power Down protocol, Mobil terminal switches off when no alarm.

• Microphone and loud speaker request feature.

• Statistical module, such as signal-handling inputs, which may trigger messages and/or outputs. Internal registers (counters) which may be chained mathematically and thereby be used for professional monitoring.

• Service Switch for distribution or Manufacturer's Access. When activated => 15 minutes of remote control.

• Low cost model, complete in housing comprising GSM-module, AlarmLine, Battery.

• Combined with GPS positioning unit (4 inputs, 2 outputs).

• Combination into a separate unit which may transmit alarms via both wireless networks (GSM/DCS) and fixed networks (PSTN/ISDN).

Fig. 26 illustrates the basic principles of the invention. The diagram illustrates a monitoring unit MU, e.g. a monitoring unit as described in fig. 1.

The monitoring unit MU comprises signal processing means SPM and associated data storage means DSM.

The monitoring unit comprises means, e.g. an input port, for reception of input monitoring signals IMS.

Exemplary input means is illustrated in fig. 1.

The input means may typically be a data port receiving relevant measured monitoring signal. The measured signals may be preprocessed externally or the monitoring unit may comprise the relevant processing hardware, such as A/D converters, amplifiers etc.

Moreover, the unit comprises means SPM for processing of one or more of said input monitoring signals IMS according to signal processing routines stored in the associated data storage means DSM.

Moreover, the signal processing means SPM is adapted for establishment of at least one output monitoring signal OMS on the basis of said input monitoring signals IMS to at least one predefined recipient PR according to at least one predefined routing routine RR.

The routing routine RR is stored in the associated data storage means DSM.

Moreover, the monitoring unit MU comprises means for wireless transmission of the output monitoring signals OMS.

The means may be integrated in the monitoring unit or the means may be connected via a suitable, wired or wireless link. The predefined routing routines RR are established in a predefined configuration of messages MSG selected from at least one group of at least two different available message types MSGT.

The routing routines RR may be established by means of an editor according to figs. 2 A and 2B.

An exemplary editor (also referred to as a builder) environment is illustrated in the fig. 3 to fig. 23.

Moreover, the monitoring unit MU may comprise a suitable communication input adapted for reception of input control signals. Such signals may e.g. be signals transmitted from an authorized person, typically one of the predefined recipients PR.

The signals received, also referred to as remote control signals RCS, may be processed by the data processing means DPM, e.g. with the purpose of facilitating a more or less remote control of the unit. This control may e.g. include remote control of audio, image or video equipment associated with the monitoring unit MU, remote control of locks, dispensers, etc. A part of this remote control may e.g. be performed by means of an output interface also incorporated in the monitoring unit MU and by means of output control signals.

The above mentioned routing routines RR define a number of messages MSG of at least two message types.

The messages may typically be wholly or partly configured by the user. They may also comprise a hybrid setup, where the user may define part of a message, e.g. an easily perceivable text combined with a specific event explaining text or codes. Moreover, the user should be able to predefine different message types and he should be able to establish the circumstances, i.e. conditions, under which the messages are transmitted from the monitoring unit, in particular.

Several examples of features of the monitoring unit MU may be found in fig. 1 to fig. 25B.

Claims

Patent Claims

1.Monitoring unit (MU) comprising

- means (102) for reception of input monitoring signals (IMS) ,

means (130, 132) for wireless transmission of said output monitoring signals (OMS)

ommunication to said recipients, said predefined routing routines (RR) being established in a predefined configuration of messages (MSG) selected from at least one group of at least two different available message types (MSGT).

2. Monitoring unit (MU) according to claim 1, wherein at least two of said message types (MSGT) may be transmitted via at least two different transmission protocols or transmission systems.

3. Monitoring unit (MU) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said messages (MSG) selected from at least one group of available message types (MSGT) are wholly or partly user configurable.

4. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein said at least one routing routine (RR) defines a conditional sequence of at least two messages (MSG).

5. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the conditions of the conditional sequence refer to conditions established by said input monitoring signals (IMS).

6. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the conditions of the conditional sequence refer to conditions established by said output monitoring signals (OMS).

7. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the conditions of the conditional sequence refer to conditions established by the identified recipients.

8. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 7 wherein said conditions established by the identified recipients are established on the basis of a reply by the recipient of a message.

9. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the unit comprises means for establishment of output control signals (OCS) on the basis of input monitoring signals (IMS).

10. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the unit comprises means for establishment of output control signals (OCS) on the basis of remote control signals (RCS).

11. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a text message.

12. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of said text messages may be selected from a number of available message types such as SMS messages, e-mail, packet-switched text.

13. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a voice message.

14. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises a circuit-switched voice message.

15. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein at least of said voice messages is packet-switched.

16. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of said configurable messages (MSG) comprises an image message (MSG).

17. Monitoring unit (MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 16, wherein said image message (MSG) is a circuit or preferably a packet-switched message.

18. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 17, wherein the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication comprises sequential control means (SPM).

19. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 18, wherein the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication comprises means for selection of one or more different message types (MSGT).

20. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 19, wherein the means for control of the transmission of wireless communication (SPM) is programmable and the monitoring unit (MU) comprises means which provides access to programming carried out by an external associated and well-defined communication unit when activated.

21. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 20 comprising means for carrying out the programming via the means for transmission of wireless communication, such as a mobile phone or other suitable mobile communication devices.

22. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 21, wherein communication to or from said one or more recipients (PR) is accompanied by a time indication of the transmission.

23. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 22, wherein said time indication is determined by means of an SMS message.

24. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 23, wherein said monitoring unit (MU) is comprised in a robust casing.

25. Monitoring system comprising a monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 24 and at least one recipient/transmitter (PR) of wireless communication, said monitoring unit comprising

means (102) for reception of one or more monitoring input signals,

means (102, 120, 106) for processing of one or more of the above-mentioned monitoring input signals,

means (130, 132) for wireless transmission of communication, and

26. Monitoring system comprising at least one monitoring unit (OVE, MU) according to any of the claims 1 to 24, and at least one associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication unit (150,140,160), said system being designed in such a manner that at least one of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) is designed to receive wireless monitoring communication from the at least one monitoring unit (OVE, 100).

27. Monitoring system according to claim 26, wherein the system is designed in such a manner that at least one of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) is designed to fransmit wireless confrol signals to the at least one monitoring unit (OVE, 100).

28. Monitoring system according to claim 26 or 27, wherein only part of the associated wirelessly addressable telecommunication units (150,140,160) for reception of wireless monitoring communication is designed for control of the unit (OVE).

29. Monitoring unit (OVE, MU) comprising means for registration of monitoring signals (104,108),

means for wireless transmission of messages (e.g. SMS, Call, E-mail) depending on the registered signals by the means for registration of monitoring signals (104,108) to at least one recipient (140,150,160), wherein the means for wireless transmission of messages is configurable in such a manner that the monitoring unit may fransmit a sequence of at least two messages to at least one of the recipients (140,150,160).

30. Method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication (OMS) from at least one monitoring unit (OVE) to at least one associated recipient (150,140,160, PR) characterized by the monitoring unit being designed for transmission of monitoring communication to said at least one recipient (140,150,160) in dependency on the inputs (104) of the monitoring unit and/or wireless transmission of confrol signals from said at least one recipient (140,150,160), and by the monitoring communication comprising communication carried out by at least one, and preferably more, communication types (e.g. SMS, Voice calls) and the transmission of these being carried out from the monitoring unit (MU) in accordance with a predefined sequence protocol (RR) for communication transmissions.

31. Method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication (OMS) according to claim 30, whereby an SMS message is transmitted from a monitoring unit via the wireless transmission means to at least one mobile recipient via a mobile telephone network, said transmission further comprising a subsequent initiation of at least one call to said at least one mobile recipient.

32. Method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication (OMS) according to claim 30 or 31, whereby said sequence protocol (RR) defines at least one alternative message in another message type to another recipient, and whereby the sequence protocol establishes conditions for the transmission of messages by the at least one alternative message.

33. Method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication (OMS) according to any of the claims 30 or 32, whereby said conditions comprise measures determining whether a previous message has been received by the intended recipient or not.

34. Method of transmission of wireless monitoring communication (OMS) according to any of the claims 30 or 32, whereby said conditions trigger one or more of the predefined recipients (PR) to be notified if the at least one recipient (PR) has acknowledged receipt of a message to the monitoring unit.

35. Builder for a monitoring unit (OVE), preferably according any of the claims 1 to 24, said builder comprising at least three function-describing codes; Define Recipient DM, Define method of addressing DAM and Define sequence of addressing DAS, said Define Recipient DM (fig. 5, fig. 18) being designed to define at least one and preferably more associated recipients (140,150,1609), preferably mobile telephones, by means of these phone numbers,

said Define sequence of addressing DAS (fig. 8) being designed to define the sequence of communication to be fransmitted to the associated recipient(s) (140,150,160).

36. Builder according to claim 35 wherein DM, DAM and DAS are programmable in dependency of time.

37. Builder according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the builder comprises a graphical user interface (GUI), preferably windows-like, by means of which a user may establish said routing routines (RR) of at least one message (MSG) sequence, said messages being of at least two different message types.

38. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 24, wherein the monitoring unit comprises means of remote monitoring via a wireless link from the at least one predefined recipient (PR) to the monitoring unit, said remote monitoring comprising transmittal of audio and/or image data recorded by measuring means (122, 124) arranged in or connected to the monitoring unit (MU)

39. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1 to 24 or 38, wherein the monitoring unit also comprises means for a connection to PSTN in terms of communication, and by such means being designed for transmission of communication to associated recipients (140,150,160) via PSTN (Public Switched Network) depending on the monitoring input signals.

40. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1-24 or 38-39, wherein the PSTN connection is designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of an interruption of the transmission of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients.

41. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1-24 or 38-40, wherein the monitoring unit (OVE, MU) also comprises means for a connection to PSTN in terms of communication, and by these means being designed for transmission of communication to associated recipients (140,150,160) via PSTN (Public Switched Network) depending on the monitoring input signals.

42. Monitoring unit according to any of the claims 1-24 or 38-41, wherein the PSTN connection is designed as a fall-back transmission path in case of an interruption of the transmission of the wireless communication connection to the associated recipients.