(12) United States Patent
`Brunius
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`Mar. 20, 2001
`
`US006204760B1
`
`(54) SECURITY SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING
`COMPLEX HAVING MULTIPLE UNITS
`
`(75) Inventor: Robert Brunius, East Sound, WA (Us)
`
`(73) Assignee: Interactive Technologies, Inc., North
`St. Paul, MN (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/238,750
`.
`(22) Flled:
`Jan‘ 28’ 1999
`Related US‘ Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/073,176, ?led on Jan. 30,
`1998
`
`(51) Int. Cl.7 ................................................... .. G08B 23/00
`U-S- Cl- ........................ ..
`
`340/527; 340/531
`(58) Field of Search ................................... .. 340/529, 527,
`340/528, 506, 531, 539
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`US‘ PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5/1977 Samburg ............................ .. 340/541
`4,023,139
`340/528
`4,114,147 * 9/1978 Hile ------ -
`4,148,019
`4/1979 Durkee ............................... .. 340/531
`4,228,424 * 10/1980 Le NayIet al. .................... .. 340/506
`27232722;
`131122; 2231?.-1:
`1122212;
`4:465:904 * 8/1984 Gottsegen et a1‘ I
`340518
`4,661,804
`4/1987 Abel ................................... .. 340/539
`4,667,183 * 5/1987 Gaudio ............................... .. 340/528
`4,721,954
`1/1988 Mauch
`340/825_31
`4,754,261
`6/1988 Marino
`...... .. 340/514
`4,760,393
`7/1988 Mauch
`340/825-31
`478557713
`8/1989 Brunius ~~
`340/506
`479087604 * 3/1990 Jacob """" "
`340/528
`
`5,499,014
`5,598,456
`
`212422 340/539
`211222 3/1996 Greenwaldt
`
`
`1/1997 Feinberg .............................. .. 379/42
`
`5,625,338
`5,737,391
`5,805,063
`5,809,013
`
`4/1997 Pildner et al. ..................... .. 340/539
`4/1998 Dame et al. ......................... .. 379/37
`9/1998 Kackman
`.. 340/539
`9/1998 Kackman ........................... .. 370/253
`
`* cued by exammer
`
`Primary Examiner—Donnie L. Crosland
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Fish & Richardson P.C.,
`PA.
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A security system and method for building complexes
`havin multi le units rovides enhanced resistance to
`intrudir disabIIJement, parl?cularly for systems having a unit
`controller and user input device that are mounted Within a
`69mm"? Comm p.an€.:1' The System and. methQd a“? useful
`With residential building complexes having residential units
`such as apartments and condominiums, and commercial
`building Complexes having Commercial units Such as Offices,
`businesses, or storage facilities' A unit Controller Commu
`nicates a unit alarm condition to a main controller located
`remotely from a respective unit. The unit alarm condition
`can be communicated via Wireless communication. Also, the
`unit alarm condition is communicated Without signi?cant
`delay following the sensing of a security condition in the
`unit. For example, the unit controller can communicate the
`unit alarm condition to the main controller substantially
`immediately following sensing of the security condition. In
`this manner, the unit alarm signal is communicated to the
`main Controller before an intruder is able to gain physical
`access to the Control panel Containing the unit Controller~ A
`a
`w
`w
`invalidate the unit alarm condition communicated by the
`unit Corleone/L If the unit alarm Condition is not invalidated
`Within a delay Period, however, the main Controller gener
`ates a main alarm condition and, sending noti?cation to a
`security agency and activating a main alarm. The unit
`controller can be con?gured to activate an alarm Within the
`unit in the event user input is not received Within a second
`delay period. The system and method provide enhanced
`
`33 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`MAIN
`CONTROLLER
`
`A2
`
`____1f\__________‘t___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
`
`l
`|
`I
`I
`
`| CONTROL PANEL
`l
`,44
`I
`I
`
`USER
`INPUT
`
`P28
`40
`;-42‘
`UNIT w
`CONTROLLER
`l
`
`;
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 20, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 0f 2
`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`
`/10
`/26
`ALARM
`
`TELEPHONE
`
`UNIT SYSTEM 1
`
`UNIT SYSTEM 2
`16/
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`12
`
`MAIN
`CONTROLLER
`
`/22
`UNIT SYSTEM N
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`18
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`UNIT SYSTEM 4
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`UNIT SYSTEM 3
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`i.]
`
`L L
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`N _ N E
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`C __ C _
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`R _ R 4
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`ADn 1-. NR 8
`NL __ TL R _
`E __ E 33
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`8 _
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`_ _
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`ig. 2
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 20, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 0f 2
`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`
`sTART "46
`
`GENEHATE #52
`UNIT ALARM
`
`v 5554
`
`\
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`67,.
`
`64
`/
`ACTIVATE
`UNIT ALARM
`
`INVALIDATE
`UNIT ALARM
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`t2:0 V
`
`7e -
`
`NO
`
`ALARM
`INVALIDATED?
`
`/78
`ACTIVATE
`MAIN ALARM
`
`INVALIDATE —80
`MAIN ALARM
`
`Jig. 3
`
`

`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`
`1
`SECURITY SYSTEM FOR A BUILDING
`COMPLEX HAVING MULTIPLE UNITS
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`
`This application claims priority of US. provisional appli
`cation Ser. No. 60/073,176 ?led Jan. 30, 1998.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates to security systems includ
`ing security systems useful in building complexes having
`multiple units.
`
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`
`2
`efforts to access the internal electronics, particularly if the
`housing is formed from heavy metal. Thus, in a typical
`security system, it is generally dif?cult for an intruder to
`circumvent the system by disabling the main controller.
`In security systems used for a building complex having
`multiple units, hoWever, the task of disabling the main
`controller often is less daunting for an intruder. Unlike
`singlehome security systems, a multiple-unit system typi
`cally includes a local, unit security system for each unit. An
`apartment or condominium complex, for example, may
`provide a unit security system for each residential unit. An
`of?ce building complex similarly may provide a unit secu
`rity system for each of?ce suite. Other commercial building
`complexes may include a unit security system for commer
`cial units such as businesses or storage facilities.
`The local security system includes a unit controller and a
`keypad or other user input device. Due to space and cost
`limitations, hoWever, the unit controller and keypad typi
`cally are physically integrated With one another in a com
`mon control panel. For ready access to the keypad by the
`resident, the integrated control panel is installed near the
`main door to the unit. Each unit security system has one or
`more sensors to monitor, for example, the front door and any
`accessible WindoWs. In some cases, motion sensors also may
`be provided. As in a single-home system, the sensors com
`municate With the unit controller by hardWired or Wireless
`communication.
`Instead of a link to a main controller, each unit controller
`has a direct telephone link to a remote security agency or
`police. In the event a unit controller indicates an alarm
`condition, it uses the telephone connection for noti?cation.
`Connection of each unit controller to the telephone system
`is quite costly in terms of installation. For example, each unit
`controller must be equipped With an R13 IX line seiZure
`device in order to take control of the telephone line for
`communication purposes. The line seiZure device must be
`connected betWeen the incoming telephone line and the ?rst
`telephone in the unit that connects to the line. As a result,
`signi?cant installation time is consumed by efforts to locate
`and obtain access to the proper telephone line location
`Within the unit. Also, seiZure of the telephone line by the
`security system can tie up the local telephone line for the
`unit, particularly in an emergency situation. As a further
`concern, reliance on a telephone line makes the system
`dependent on telephone service. Because telephone service
`is typically disconnected When the unit is vacant, unit
`vacancy renders the system inoperable and the unit particu
`larly vulnerable to intrusion.
`The physical integration and accessible location of the
`unit controller and keypad also makes multiple-unit security
`systems more susceptible to disablement by intruders.
`Speci?cally, intruders can disable the unit controller by
`essentially smashing the common control panel upon entry
`into the unit. When the intruder enters the unit through the
`main door, an associated sensor communicates a sensor
`signal to the unit controller. In response, the unit controller
`initiates a delay timer for the entry delay to alloW a resident
`time to disable the security system. With its convenient
`location, hoWever, an intruder has sufficient time to smash
`the control panel before expiration of the entry delay. As a
`result, the unit controller can be disabled before an alarm
`signal is sent via the telephone line. In other Words, the unit
`security system can be rendered inoperable by an intruder
`before the alarm is activated.
`
`BACKGROUND INFORMATION
`
`In a typical security system, a main controller communi
`cates With sensors positioned throughout a surveillance area,
`such as a home or business, to monitor various security
`conditions. For purposes of immunity from attack, the main
`controller forms a control panel that often is housed in a
`heavy, metal box. The control panel is typically placed in a
`remote location in the surveillance area such as in a base
`ment or utility closet. The housing provides some degree of
`protection against an intruder trying to disable the internal
`circuitry for the main controller.
`The sensors placed throughout the surveillance area may
`include door/WindoW sensors, passive infrared sensors for
`motion, temperature sensors, and the like. Each sensor
`includes a transmitter. When a change in condition is sensed,
`the transmitter associated With a sensor transmits a sensor
`signal. The sensor signal includes information conveying the
`change in condition to the main controller. The sensor signal
`also can be transmitted to the main controller by hardWired
`communication. The various sensors are assigned Zone
`numbers present in the main controller according to speci?c
`conditioning requirements.
`The security system also includes a keypad or other user
`input device that is placed remotely from the control panel
`associated With the main controller. The keypad typically is
`placed or located near the entrance door for the house. This
`keypad may communicate With the main controller by
`hardWired or Wireless communication. In some cases, the
`keypad may take the form of a portable, Wireless unit that is
`carried by the resident, e.g., on a keychain.
`When the resident opens a door that is monitored by a
`door/WindoW sensor, the sensor transmits a sensor signal to
`the main controller indicating that the door has been opened.
`At that time, the main controller initiates a timer, giving the
`homeoWner a delay period in Which the security system can
`be disarmed using the keypad that is near the door. The delay
`period is usually referred to as the entry delay. If the security
`system is not disarmed Within the entry delay, e.g., thirty
`seconds, the main controller enters an alarm state and
`generates an alarm signal. In response to the alarm
`condition, the security system may sound an alarm. Also, the
`main controller may be tied to a telephone system for the
`purpose of notifying a security agency or police of the alarm
`condition.
`In the event an intruder enters the home and attempts to
`disable the security system, he is faced With tWo levels of
`dif?culty. First, the main controller is located remotely from
`the main entrance and keypad. Indeed, the main controller
`often Will be difficult to locate Within the entry delay. Also,
`the intruder may misdirect his efforts toWard the hardWired
`keypad next to the door, Which Will have no effect on the
`function of the remote control panel. Second, the housing
`containing the main controller Will sloW the intruder’s
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`SUMMARY
`The present invention is directed to a security system and
`method for building complexes having multiple units. Such
`
`

`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`
`3
`building complexes include residential building complexes
`having residential units such as apartments and
`condominiums, and commercial building complexes having
`commercial units such as of?ces, businesses, or storage
`facilities. Such a building complex also may include units in
`multiple buildings. The present invention provides enhanced
`resistance to intruder disablement, particularly for systems
`having a unit controller and user input device that are
`mounted Within a common control panel.
`In existing systems, it is possible for an intruder to disable
`the control panel before expiration of an applicable entry
`delay period, thereby preventing communication of a unit
`alarm condition, such as door entry, via the telephone line.
`In accordance With the present invention, hoWever, the unit
`controller communicates the unit alarm condition to a main
`controller Without signi?cant delay folloWing the sensing of
`a security condition in a respective unit. In particular, the
`unit controller preferably communicates the unit alarm con
`dition to the main controller substantially immediately fol
`loWing sensing of the security condition. In this manner, the
`unit alarm signal is communicated to the main controller
`before the intruder is able to gain physical access to the
`control panel containing the unit controller.
`The user input device alloWs a user to enter information
`or otherWise act to invalidate the unit alarm condition
`communicated by the unit controller. If the unit alarm
`condition is not invalidated Within an entry delay period,
`hoWever, the main controller generates a main alarm con
`dition. Upon generation of the main alarm condition, the
`main controller can send noti?cation to a security agency or
`police and activate a main alarm. Thus, efforts to disable the
`unit controller folloWing entry into the unit are futile
`because the unit alarm signal has already been communi
`cated to the main controller. The unit controller can be
`con?gured to activate an alarm Within the unit in the event
`user input is not received Within a second entry delay period
`maintained by the unit controller. In this manner, the unit
`controller, if operable, can operate to provide a unit alarm in
`conjunction With the noti?cation or alarm activities initiated
`by the main controller.
`In addition to improved reliability, the security system and
`method of the present invention offers signi?cant installation
`advantages. For example, the unit controller preferably
`communicates With the main controller via Wireless com
`munication. Hard-Wired communication is possible but less
`preferred. Also, the unit controller does not need to be
`connected to a telephone line. Instead, the main controller is
`connected to the telephone line and provides the link to a
`remote security agency or police. As a result, the unit
`controller does not require hardWired connections With the
`telephone line and, in particular, does require the cumber
`some task of installing a line seiZure device. Thus, the
`security system and method greatly facilitate installation of
`a system in each unit and signi?cantly reduce the overall
`time and cost of installing security systems in multiple units.
`As a further advantage, the security system and method of
`the present invention provide improved reliability for moni
`toring security conditions in vacant units. When a unit is
`vacant, telephone service ordinarily disconnected until the
`next occupancy. Thus, existing unit systems that rely on a
`telephone line connection are inoperable during vacancy. As
`a result, the vacant unit is vulnerable to intruder theft or
`vandalism or unauthoriZed occupancy, e.g., “squatting.”
`With the system and method of the present invention,
`hoWever, telephone service is not necessary for operation.
`Rather, the unit controller communicates With the main
`controller via Wireless communication, and the main con
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`troller maintains continuous telephone service. As a result,
`the system and method are equally effective during periods
`of unit vacancy.
`In a ?rst embodiment, the present invention provides a
`security system for a building complex having multiple
`units, the system comprising a main controller, a sensor for
`sensing a security condition in one of the units and gener
`ating a sensor signal indicative of the security condition, a
`unit controller for communicating a unit alarm signal to the
`main controller Without signi?cant delay folloWing genera
`tion of the sensor signal, and a user input device for
`receiving user input to invalidate the unit alarm signal, the
`unit controller communicating an alarm invalidation signal
`to the main controller in response to the user input, Wherein
`the main controller generates a main alarm signal in the
`event the unit controller does not communicate the alarm
`invalidation signal Within a delay period folloWing commu
`nication of the unit alarm signal.
`In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a
`method for monitoring security in a building complex hav
`ing multiple units, the method comprising sensing a security
`condition in one of the units, communicating a unit alarm
`condition to a controller located remotely from the unit in
`Which the security condition is sensed, the unit alarm
`condition being communicated Without signi?cant delay
`folloWing sensing of the security condition, monitoring user
`input to invalidate the unit alarm condition, invalidating the
`unit alarm condition in response to the user input, and
`indicating a main alarm condition in the event the unit alarm
`condition is not invalidated Within a delay period folloWing
`communication of the unit alarm condition.
`In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a
`security system for a building complex having multiple
`units, the system comprising a sensor, located in one of the
`units, for indicating a security condition in the unit, a main
`controller located remotely from the unit in Which the sensor
`is located, a unit controller, located in the unit in Which the
`sensor is located, for communicating a unit alarm condition
`to the main controller substantially immediately folloWing
`indication of the security condition, a unit alarm associated
`With the unit in Which the sensor is located, a user input
`device for receiving user input indicating invalidation of the
`unit alarm condition, Wherein the unit controller and at least
`a portion of the user input device are mounted in a common
`housing, the unit controller invalidating the unit alarm
`condition in response to the user input and activating the unit
`alarm in the event the user input is not received by the user
`input device Within a unit delay period folloWing indication
`of the unit alarm condition, Wherein the main controller
`indicates a main alarm condition in the event the unit alarm
`condition is not invalidated by the unit controller Within a
`main delay period folloWing communication of the unit
`alarm condition the main controller, the main controller
`activating a main alarm upon indication of the main alarm
`condition.
`In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a
`security system for a building complex having multiple
`units, the system comprising a plurality of unit controllers,
`each of the unit controllers being associated With one of the
`units and monitoring security conditions Within the respec
`tive unit, the unit controllers generating unit alarm signals in
`response to sensed security conditions, a main controller,
`positioned remotely from the unit controllers, for receiving
`the unit alarm signals from the unit controllers.
`The details of one or more embodiments of the invention
`are set forth in the accompanying draWings and the descrip
`
`

`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`
`5
`tion below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the
`invention Will be apparent from the description and
`drawings, and from the claims.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a security system
`for use in a building complex having multiple units;
`FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a unit security
`system for use With the security system of FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 3 is a How diagram illustrating the operation of a unit
`security system as shoWn in FIG. 2.
`Like reference numbers and designations in the various
`draWings indicate like elements.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a security system
`10 for use in a building complex having multiple units. As
`shoWn in FIG. 1, security system 10 includes a main
`controller 12, unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, a telephone
`interface 24, and an alarm 26. Security system 10 is appli
`cable to a variety of building complexes having multiple
`units including residential building complexes having resi
`dential units such as apartments or condominiums, and
`commercial building complexes having commercial units
`such as of?ces, businesses, or storage facilities. Unit systems
`14, 16, 18, 20, 22 monitor various security conditions Within
`respective units in the building complex. Main controller 12
`operates in a supervisory capacity, communicating With each
`of unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or some subset thereof, to
`monitor the security conditions among the units in the
`overall building complex.
`Each unit system 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 is associated With one
`of the units in the building complex, and typically is located
`Within a particular unit. Thus, for n units, security system 10
`typically Will include n unit systems. It is conceivable,
`hoWever, that a single unit system 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 could
`be associated With tWo or more adjacent units. Main con
`troller 12 typically Will be located remotely from the units
`monitored by unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. For example,
`main controller 12 can be located in a central security or
`utility room Within the complex, or at a site remote from the
`complex. Communication betWeen main controller 12 and
`unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can be Wireless or hard-Wired
`depending on the building complex. Wireless communica
`tion is preferred, hoWever, for ease of installation as Well as
`reliability of communication. In particular, unlike a hard
`Wired link, the Wireless link cannot be physically severed by
`an intruder.
`Unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 monitor security condi
`tions such as intruder entry into the respective units, e.g., by
`door or WindoW entry or motion detection. The monitored
`security conditions also may include the presence of ?re,
`smoke, or irregular temperatures Within the unit. Main
`controller 12 monitors the status of unit systems 14, 16, 18,
`20, 22, for example, by listening for unit alarm signals
`transmitted from the unit systems. Alternatively, main con
`troller 12 could be con?gured to periodically poll the
`individual unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 for unit alarm
`conditions. If one of unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 indicates
`a security condition, main controller 12 is operative to notify
`a security agency via interface 24 to the public telephone
`netWork. For example, main controller 12 may send noti?
`cation to a municipal entity such as the police or ?re
`department, or to a private security service. Also, main
`controller 12 may be con?gured to notify a resident of the
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`security condition. Main controller 12 also can be equipped
`to activate a main alarm 26. Main alarm 26 may provide
`audible output, visible output, or a combination of both, and
`can be located With main controller 12 or at another location
`Within the building complex.
`FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a unit system 14
`for use With security system 10 as shoWn in FIG. 1. Unit
`system 14 includes a control panel 28, one or more (1-n)
`sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and a unit alarm 40. Control panel
`28, sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and unit alarm 40 ordinarily
`Will be located Within a single unit. Control panel 28
`includes a unit controller 42 and a user input device 44. Unit
`controller 42 and user input device 44 are mounted together
`in control panel 28, i.e., in a common housing, to conserve
`space and facilitate installation. As an alternative, unit
`controller 42 and user input device 44 conceivably could be
`housed separately but located adjacent one another. Control
`panel 28 can be mounted, for example, on a Wall adjacent the
`main door of the respective unit. In this manner, control
`panel 28 is readily accessible by a resident upon entry into
`the unit. Each sensor 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 is located Within a
`particular unit to monitor local security conditions Within the
`unit. For example, sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 may take the
`form of door/WindoW entry sensors, motion sensors, ?re,
`smoke, or temperature sensors, or a combination of such
`sensors.
`Sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 communicate With control
`panel 28 and, in particular, unit controller 42 by Wireless or
`hardWired communication. Upon the detection of a security
`condition, a respective sensor 30, 32, 34 36, 38 communi
`cates an indication of the security condition to unit controller
`42, for example, by transmitting a sensor signal. The sensor
`signal typically Will represent a change in the status of a
`monitored condition. For example, a sensor 30, 32, 34, 36,
`38 con?gured to monitor a door Will transmit a sensor signal
`to unit controller 42 When the door is opened. Upon receipt
`of a sensor signal from one of sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, unit
`controller 42 indicates a unit alarm condition and commu
`nicates it to main controller 12, for example, by transmission
`of a unit alarm signal. The unit alarm signal can be com
`municated to main controller 12 by Wireless or hardWired
`communication. Telephone communication betWeen unit
`controller 42 and main controller 12 is possible but generally
`undesirable due to greater dif?culty of installation and the
`possibility that the telephone line for the respective unit
`could be tied up during an emergency situation. Also,
`reliance on telephone service can make the unit vulnerable
`to intrusion during periods of unit vacancy. HardWired
`communication links are susceptible to physical tampering,
`and also are less desirable. Accordingly, it is preferred that
`unit controller 42 communicate With main controller 12 by
`Wireless radio frequency communication.
`User input device 44 accepts user input to invalidate the
`unit alarm condition. In particular, unit controller 42 com
`municates With user input device 44 to receive indication of
`the user input for invalidation of the unit alarm condition.
`User input device 44 may take a variety of forms. For
`example, user input device 44 could be an alphanumeric
`keypad that alloWs entry of a code to indicate invalidation of
`the unit alarm condition. Alternatively, user input device 44
`could be con?gured to accept a key that can be turned to
`indicate invalidation of the unit alarm condition. As a further
`alternative, user input device could take the form of a radio
`frequency receiver that receives an invalidating code from a
`transmitter carried by a unit resident, e.g., on a keychain. In
`any event, user input device 44 alloWs the system user to
`invalidate the unit alarm condition and disarm unit system
`14.
`
`

`
`US 6,204,760 B1
`
`7
`User input device 44 is not capable of preventing unit
`controller 42 from communicating the unit alarm signal to
`main controller 12. Instead, unit controller 42 communicates
`the unit alarm signal to main controller 12 Without signi?
`cant delay folloWing receipt of a sensor signal. In particular,
`unit controller 42 transmits the unit alarm signal to main
`controller 12 Within a period of time during Which an
`intruder is capable of obtaining physical access to control
`panel 28 folloWing entry into the unit. Preferably, unit
`controller 42 communicates the unit alarm signal to main
`controller 12 substantially immediately folloWing receipt of
`the sensor signal. In this manner, unit controller 42 is
`capable of circumventing efforts to disable unit system 14 by
`damaging control panel 28. In other Words, the unit alarm
`condition is communicated before the intruder has the
`chance to disable control panel 28.
`User input device 44 is incapable of preventing the
`transmission of the unit alarm signal. HoWever, entry of user
`input into user input device 44 Within an entry delay period
`alloWs a resident to invalidate the unit alarm signal.
`Speci?cally, upon generation of the unit alarm signal, unit
`controller 42 starts a timer that indicates the elapse of a unit
`delay period. The unit delay period should be suf?cient to
`alloW a typical user to enter the required information into
`user input device 44. If an indication of the required user
`input is received from user input device 44 prior to expira
`tion of the unit delay period, unit controller 42 transmits a
`unit alarm invalidation signal to main controller 12.
`Upon receipt of the original unit alarm signal, main
`controller 12 starts a separate timer that indicates the elapse
`of a main delay period. The unit and main delay periods can
`be of approximately the same length, but are timed sepa
`rately by unit controller 42 and main controller 12, respec
`tively. If the unit alarm invalidation signal is received from
`unit controller 42 prior to expiration of the main delay
`period, main controller 12 does not indicate a main alarm
`condition by generation of a main alarm signal.
`Consequently, main controller 12 does not notify a security
`agency of the security condition, nor activate an alarm, as
`illustrated in FIG. 1. Instead, main controller 12 invalidates
`the main alarm, resetting itself to Wait for the next unit alarm
`signal from one of the unit systems 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 in the
`building complex. Similarly, upon generation of the unit
`alarm invalidation signal, unit controller 42 does not activate
`alarm 40, and instead resets itself to aWait a subsequent
`sensor signal from one of sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38.
`If the user input is not received from user input device 44
`prior to expiration of the unit delay period, unit controller 42
`does not generate the unit alarm invalidation signal. Instead,
`under ordinary circumstances, unit controller 42 activates
`alarm 40, Which may be positioned Within the unit to provide
`audible output, visible output, or both. If control panel 28 is
`destroyed by an intruder, unit controller 42 may be rendered
`inoperable. In this case, unit controller 42 may be incapable
`of activating alarm 40, but also cannot generate the unit
`alarm invalidation signal. Thus, Whether the unit period
`expires or control panel 28 is destroyed, unit alarm signal
`has already been sent to main controller 12. In either case,
`in the absence of a unit alarm invalidation signal, the main
`delay period timed by main controller 12 expires. With
`further reference to FIG. 1, upon expiration of the main
`delay period, main controller 12 proceeds on the basis of the
`unit alarm signal to notify a security agency via telephone
`interface 24 and activate alarm 26. Consequently, it is
`apparent that security system 10 is capable of operating
`successfully to detect an intruder or other security condition
`despite the possible efforts of an intruder to disable it by
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`8
`destroying control panel 28. At the same time, security
`system 10 alloWs a resident to enter user input for a period
`of time folloWing transmission of the original unit alarm
`signal to disarm unit system 14.
`FIG. 3 is a How diagram illustrating the operation of a unit
`system 14 as shoWn in FIG. 2. Upon system initialiZation, or
`the start of operation, as represented by block 46, unit
`controller 42 begins to listen for sensor signals transmitted
`from sensors 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, as represented by block 48.
`Unit controller 42 continues to listen, as represented by loop
`50, until a sensor signal is received. Upon receipt of a sensor
`signal, unit controller 42 immediately generates a unit alarm
`signal, as represented by block 52, and transmits the unit
`alarm signal to main controller 12. Unit controller 42 then
`starts a timer t1, as represented by blocks 54 and 56. As the
`timer t1 is incremented, unit controller 42 compares it to the
`unit delay period T“, as represented by block 58. As long as
`the unit delay period Tu has not expired, unit controller 42
`continues to listen for user input from user input device 44,
`as represented by block 60 and loop 62. If appropriate user
`input ha