(12) United States Patent
`Script et al.
`
`111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006828909B2
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`(54) PORTABLE MOTION DETECTOR AND
`ALARM SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Michael H. Script, Buffalo, NY (US);
`Henry J. Script, Buffalo, NY (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Guardit Technologies LLC, Buffalo,
`NY (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 94 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/119,535
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 8, 2002
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2003/0020611 A1 Jan. 30, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/785,702, filed on
`Feb. 16, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,542,078, which is a continu(cid:173)
`ation-in-part of application No. 09/271,511, filed on Mar. 18,
`1999, now Pat. No. 6,215,396, which is a continuation-in(cid:173)
`part of application No. 08/865,886, filed on May 30, 1997,
`now abandoned.
`Provisional application No. 60/018,829, filed on May 30,
`1996.
`Int. Cl? ................................................ G08B 13/08
`U.S. Cl. .................. 340/545.1; 340/5.8; 340/539.1;
`340/546; 340/547; 340/548
`Field of Search ................................. 340/531, 533,
`340/539.1, 545.1, 546, 547, 548, 568.1,
`572.1, 573.1, 524, 525, 541, 5.1, 5.8; 379/37-44;
`348/143, 152, 153, 154, 155, 159, 169
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3,696,359 A
`3,696,380 A
`3,781,836 A
`3,833,895 A
`
`10/1972 Ross et a!. . ... .. ... ... .. 340/547 X
`10/1972 Murphy ...................... 340/546
`12/1973 Kruper et a!.
`.............. 340/539
`9/1974 Fecteau ............... 340/545.1 X
`
`3,925,763 A * 12/1975 Wadhwani et a!.
`...... 340/545.1
`4,148,019 A
`4/1979 Durkee ................ 340/545.1 X
`4,149,156 A
`4/1979 Blasucci .................. 340/545.2
`6/1981 Kitterman ................... 340/512
`4,271,405 A
`4,335,379 A * 6/1982 Martin ....................... 340/692
`4,446,454 A
`5/1984 Pyle ........................... 340/538
`4,511,886 A
`4/1985 Rodriguez .................. 340/534
`4,737,770 A
`4/1988 Bunius eta!. .............. 340/539
`4,888,580 A
`12/1989 Distel ...................... 340/573.1
`5,317,303 A
`5/1994 Ross eta!. .................. 340/539
`5,319,698 A
`6/1994 Glidewell eta!. ............ 379/39
`5,489,890 A
`2/1996 Moser ........................ 340/546
`5,850,180 A
`12/1998 Hess .......................... 340/541
`6,052,052 A
`4/2000 Delmonaco ................. 340/539
`6,150,936 A * 11/2000 Addy ...................... 340/539.2
`6,163,257 A
`12/2000 Tracy ......................... 340/506
`6,215,396 B1
`4/2001 Script ...................... 340/545.1
`6,661,340 B1 * 12/2003 Saylor eta!. ............... 340/541
`2003/0078029 A1 * 4/2003 Petite ......................... 455/404
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-Thomas 1 Mullen, Jr.
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Walter W. Duft
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A portable security alarm system which can be installed on
`a temporary basis and removed from an object whose
`movement is to be detected including a motion detecting and
`radio signal transmitting member for mounting proximate
`the object whose movement is to be detected, a member for
`selectively coupling and decoupling the motion detecting
`and radio signal transmitting member relative to the object
`whose movement is to be detected, a combined radio signal
`receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a
`signal from the combined motion detecting and radio signal
`transmitting member and producing an alarm, a remote
`control for actuating and deactuating the radio signal receiv(cid:173)
`ing and alarm generating member, and components for
`providing object identification information identifying the
`object whose movement is to be detected and distance
`measurement information for measuring the distance moved
`by the object.
`
`30 Claims, 16 Drawing Sheets
`
`SAMSUNG EXHIBIT 1001
`
`Page 1 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`<..9
`LL
`
`Page 2 of 29
`
`

`
`Sheet 2 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`3
`
`~
`'
`
`77
`
`73
`
`)
`
`31
`
`22
`
`54
`
`54
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`28a
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`31
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`\...
`
`74
`v
`FIG. II
`
`71 f 78
`22).-b
`~ 28
`I
`FIG. 2 3l
`
`52
`
`FIG. 4
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Page 3 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`35~
`
`~ 33 \\
`Jl ,
`
`I \
`
`II
`I I
`
`FIG. 7
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Page 4 of 29
`
`

`
`+9V
`
`FIG. 9
`
`MAG
`SENSOR
`
`4
`
`TX
`
`27K
`
`ANTENNA
`'V
`
`1+12
`
`+ ...,__,.. __ TTONiET]Rj-
`12VDC
`
`RECEIVER
`
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`+
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`TRIG
`GND
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`FIG • 10
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`Page 5 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`96
`
`90
`
`98
`
`92
`
`30 0
`
`28
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Page 6 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`90
`
`\
`
`100
`I
`
`102
`I
`
`104
`I
`
`106
`I
`
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`
`CAMERA
`
`RF
`TRANSMIT
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`RF
`RECEIVE
`
`•
`• • • • • • •
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`···············'
`
`.4 ~
`
`.4 ~
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`~ r
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Page 7 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`92A
`
`\
`
`114
`I
`
`110
`I
`
`112
`I
`
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`
`IMAGE
`OUTPUT
`
`RF
`RECEIVE
`
`94
`--".
`
`COMPUTER
`
`.....
`
`""'1111
`
`~~
`
`FIG. 14A
`
`928
`
`\
`
`120
`I
`
`122
`I
`
`124
`I
`
`126
`I
`
`POWER
`SUPPLY
`
`MEMORY
`
`RF
`RECEIVE
`
`NETWORK
`INTERFACE
`
`•
`. • • • • • • • •
`
`···············'
`
`~~
`
`FIG. 148
`
`........
`
`..
`
`Page 8 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 8 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`92C
`
`\
`
`132
`I
`
`134
`I
`
`136
`I
`
`MEMORY
`
`RF
`RECEIVE
`
`NETWORK
`INTERFACE
`
`!.................
`
`. .......... ~. ~-·················································
`
`........................... ~. ~-·· ............ . ··············································
`
`... ~. ~-··························
`
`·····-
`
`/
`130
`
`BASE INTERFACE
`
`FIG. 14C
`
`Page 9 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 9 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`INFORMATION GATHERING DEVICE NOTIFIED
`OF MOVEMENT BY MOVEMENT DETECTING
`SYSTEM AND SIGNAL TRANSMITTING MEANS
`
`140
`
`/
`
`,
`
`INFORMATION GATHERING DEVICE
`ACTIVATES CAMERA TO BEGIN
`ACQUIRING IMAGES
`
`v 142
`
`,,
`RF TRANSMITTER SENDS IMAGE INFORMATION v
`
`TO REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`
`144
`
`,
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`RECEIVES INFORMATION FROM
`INFORMATION GATHERING DEVICE
`
`146
`
`/
`
`,,
`
`..................................................
`
`··········· ········ ................
`
`. ................................................
`
`148A
`
`1488
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`FORWARDS RECEIVED
`INFORMATION TO COMPUTER
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`BUFFERS RECEIVED
`INFORMATION
`
`COMPUTER FORWARDS
`INFORMATION TO NETWORK
`HOST
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION DEVICE
`FORWARDS INFORMATION TO
`NETWORK HOST
`
`150A
`
`FIG. 15
`
`150B
`
`Page 10 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 10 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`v 200
`
`204
`
`DATA STORE
`
`D/ A CONVERSION
`
`202
`
`/
`
`.--- CONTROL LOGIC
`
`SENSE
`INPUT!-I ____ __~
`
`~ 3
`
`j_
`
`,,
`
`RFOUTPUT
`
`206
`
`/
`
`j
`
`RFINPUT
`
`PARALLEL DATA
`
`- - - SERIAL DATA
`CONTROL
`
`FIG. 16
`
`20
`
`Page 11 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`DATA STORE
`
`_. ............................ .
`
`v224
`
`LOOK-UP / 226
`TABLE
`
`I 234
`I
`
`..............
`
`VISUAL
`DISPLAY
`
`222
`
`/
`
`~-~
`r-v' SPEECH SYNTHESIS 1
`
`"236
`
`CONTROL LOGIC
`
`.......
`
`.......
`
`, ...... .
`
`j\
`~
`
`220
`
`\
`I l AID CONVERSION
`
`'
`
`RECEIVER
`
`ANTENNA
`
`FIG. 17
`
`~
`AUDIO
`._ __ R_EC_O_RD_I_N_G_---"1 312
`I
`
`...
`
`\l
`
`MODEM
`
`v 238
`
`'····················
`
`..
`
`KEYPAD
`\
`310
`
`TO/FROM REMOTE HOST
`
`PARALLEL DATA
`
`- - - SERIAL DATA
`
`CONTROL
`
`\
`
`30
`
`Page 12 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 12 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`I 230
`
`/232
`
`xxyyzzOO
`
`FRONT DOOR
`
`- - 228
`
`226
`
`xxyyzzOl
`
`~
`
`BACK DOOR
`
`xxyyzznn
`
`ANYWHERE
`
`FIG. 18
`
`Page 13 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 13 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`ALARM SYSTEM PLACED
`IN LISTENING MODE
`
`240
`
`NO
`
`244
`
`246
`
`248
`
`250
`
`YES
`
`ALARM SOUNDS
`
`ESTABLISH CONNECTION
`WITH REMOTE HOST
`
`TRANSMIT UNIQUE
`IDENTIFIER
`
`DISCONNECT FROM
`REMOTE HOST
`
`STOP ALARM AND RESET I
`
`v254
`
`FIG. 19
`
`Page 14 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 14 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`264
`
`/
`
`260
`
`266
`
`267
`
`/
`I
`
`/
`CONTROL
`PROGR.A.t\1
`
`REGlSTRA TION
`AND
`I'ROVISIONING
`\
`
`268
`
`262
`
`...... " ....... ., .................................................. I
`I
`
`TELEPHONE
`UNES
`
`FIG. 20
`
`Page 15 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`RECEIVE MODEM CALL
`FROM SUBSCRIBER
`ALARM SYSTEM
`
`v 270
`
`,.
`
`RECEIVE DATA BURST
`FROM SUBSCRIBER
`ALARM SYSTEM
`
`274
`
`•
`
`AUTHENTICATED
`SUBSCRIBER?
`
`[/272
`
`I 276
`
`NO
`
`SEND TO
`ADMINISTRATOR
`FOR VERIFICATION
`
`YES
`
`LOOK-UP SUBSCRIBER v
`
`IN DATABASE
`
`278
`
`MATCH UNIQUE IDENTIFIER
`TO OBJECT IDENTIFICATION V 280
`INFORMATION
`
`DETERMINE
`FORWARDING INFORMATION
`
`282
`
`,,
`ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION
`TO FORWARDING ADDRESS
`
`v284
`
`DELIVER OBJECT
`IDENTIFICATION
`INFORMATION
`
`v286
`
`~-------.!·'----------.v 288
`TERMINATE SECURITY
`ALERT SEQUENCE
`
`FIG. 21
`
`Page 16 of 29
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 7, 2004
`
`Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`SUBSCRIBER CONTACTS REMOTE
`COMPUTER HOST AND HOST
`ESTABLISHES COMMUNICATION
`SESSION
`
`/
`
`290
`
`PROMPT FOR REGISTRATION
`INFORMATION OR NEW
`ACCOUNT SET UP
`
`292
`
`296
`
`NO
`>-----1
`
`EXECUTE ACCOUNT
`SETUP DIALOG
`
`YES
`
`298
`
`INITIATE PROVISIONING
`SESSION
`
`DISPLAY ON-LINE FORM
`LISTING PROVISIONING
`INFORMATION SELECTIONS
`
`SUBSCRIBER SUBMITS FORM
`
`UPDATE SUBSCRIBER'S
`DATABASE INFORMATION
`
`300
`
`302
`
`304
`
`306
`
`TERMINATE PROVISIONING
`SESSION
`
`308
`
`UPDATE LOOK-UP TABLE
`IN SUBSCRIBER'S
`RECEIVER MEANS
`
`FIG. 22
`
`Page 17 of 29
`
`

`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`1
`PORTABLE MOTION DETECTOR AND
`ALARM SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is based on provisional application Ser.
`No. 60/018,829, filed May 30, 1996 in the name of the same
`inventor, and it is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
`No. 09/785,702, filed Feb. 16, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No.
`6,542,078), which is a continuation-in-part of application
`Ser. No. 09/271,511, filed Mar. 18, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No.
`6,215,396), which is a continuation-in-part of application
`Ser. No. 08/865,886, filed May 30, 1997 (Abandoned).
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The invention relates generally to an improved motion
`detector and alarm system for actuating an alarm device in
`response to movement of an object, and more particularly to 20
`a portable motion detector and alarm system which is easy
`to install and operate and is capable of detecting motion
`relative to a variety of predetermined positions.
`2. Prior Art
`The problem of protecting homes, businesses and other
`premises against unauthorized intrusions is becoming
`increasingly important due to the increase in vandalism,
`theft and even physical attacks upon the inhabitants. Various
`prior art systems have been developed to address the prob-
`lem and numerous examples exist of alarm or warning
`devices. One commonly used protective system involves
`wiring doors and windows in such a manner that an unau(cid:173)
`thorized opening of the door or window activates an electric
`circuit which in turn produces an alarm.
`For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,271,405 to Kitterman dis(cid:173)
`closes an alarm control system for protecting a premises
`including a four conductor bus line leading from a master
`control station and extending about the interior perimeter of
`the premises. Sensors positioned near each port of entry to 40
`be monitored are connected in parallel relationship to the
`bus line. Each sensor carries a biased reel carrying line
`secured to a window, door, screen or the like. Disturbance of
`a sensor causes a magnetically responsive switch therein to
`generate a pulse triggering circuitry within the control 45
`station to activate the desired alarm device.
`While effective, this system requires extensive wiring of
`the premises as a bus line must be routed about the interior
`perimeter of the premises between a master control station
`and the ports of entry at which the motion sensors are to be
`located. Hence, this system is time consuming and compli(cid:173)
`cated to install, and installation may require expertise
`beyond that of the average home or business owner. Once
`installed, the sensors of this system are not easily relocated.
`Further, the system may be defeated by cutting the wires 55
`extending between the sensors and the master control sta-
`tion.
`U.S. Pat. No. 3,781,836 to Kruper et al discloses an alarm
`system including a magnetic pulse generator for producing
`an output pulse in response to a change in magnetic flux in
`response to an intrusion of a designated area. A radio
`transmitter circuit responds to the pulse from the magnetic
`pulse generator by transmitting a signal to a remote receiver
`circuit which in turn generates a pulse for actuating an
`intrusion alarm circuit. The system requires a complex
`linkage assembly to translate motion of the object to motion
`of a magnet. In addition a relatively bulky pick-up coil
`
`2
`assembly is necessary to generate the pulse to be applied to
`the transmitter circuit.
`U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,380 to Murphy discloses a portable
`alarm device with a battery or low voltage operated sound
`5 signal triggered by a magnetic reed switch which is closed
`to complete the circuit by a magnet attached to a movably
`mounted arm, the poles of the magnet being positioned
`perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the contact
`strips of the reed switch to cause the reed switch to close
`10 when the magnet is in either of two positions relative to the
`switch.
`A need remains for a motion detection and signal gener(cid:173)
`ating system which is small in size, easily transportable,
`easy to install and which can sense motion relative to any
`15 desired initial position of an object. An additional desirable
`capability of the foregoing system would be to provide
`information about the detected motion to the owner of the
`object, or a remote location such as a law enforcement or
`other security agency It would likewise be desirable to
`provide identification information about a specific object
`whose motion has been detected in the event that the motion
`detection and signal generating system is implemented to
`detect motion at multiple locations (e.g., doors, windows)
`within a larger security area (e.g., a residence, an office or
`25 otherwise).
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`30
`
`Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
`provide a system for detecting the movement of an object
`comprising: an object whose movement is to be detected,
`movable magnet means coupled to the object such that
`movement of the object results in movement of said mov(cid:173)
`able magnet means, and means for detecting movement of
`the movable magnet means and providing an indication of
`35 the movement. The means for detecting is in communication
`with the movable magnet means.
`The system further includes radiating means for wire(cid:173)
`lessly transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the
`indication of movement, the radiating means being coupled
`to the means for detecting. The object whose movement is
`to be detected may be coupled to the movable magnet means
`by a wire means which can also serve as the radiating means.
`The system further includes means for receiving the
`predetermined signal, the means for receiving being separate
`from and located at a distance from the radiating means. The
`system preferably includes means for generating an alarm
`signal when the predetermined signal is received by the
`means for receiving. The alarm signal thus generated may be
`50 audible, visual or electronic and may include speakers,
`warning horns, lamps and the like.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a method
`of detecting movement of one or more objects comprising
`the steps of: a) coupling each object whose movement is to
`be detected to a corresponding movable magnet such that
`movement of any object results in movement of the corre-
`sponding magnet; b) detecting the motion of the correspond(cid:173)
`ing magnet; c) transmitting a predetermined signal in
`response to the detected motion, and, d) receiving the
`60 predetermined signal at a distance from the object, or
`objects, whose motion is to be detected.
`The method may include the further step of providing an
`alarm signal when the predetermined signal is received by
`the receiver means. The alarm signal may be audible,
`65 visible, or may be an electronic alarm signal which is
`transmitted to a remote alarm center via a telecommunica-
`tions means such as a telephone line.
`
`Page 18 of 29
`
`

`
`US 6,828,909 B2
`
`4
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
`
`3
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move(cid:173)
`ment detection and alarm system which may be affixed to a
`wide variety of objects including inside doors, outside gates,
`garage doors, children's barriers such as "baby gates",
`valuable wall hangings and paintings, and countless other 5
`objects.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move(cid:173)
`ment detection and alarm system which is portable and is
`easily packed in a suitcase and transported with a traveler to
`be later installed on motel or hotel room doors, windows 10
`and/or any objects within the room, whenever additional
`protection is desired by the traveler.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move(cid:173)
`ment detection and alarm system that provides movement
`information to a remote location, such as a law enforcement 15
`or security agency.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move(cid:173)
`ment detection and alarm system wherein the movement
`information includes an indication of the distance that is
`moved for measuring purposes.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move(cid:173)
`ment detection and alarm system that provides object iden(cid:173)
`tification information either locally at or near the site of the
`object or remotely to a designated location such as a 25
`telephone number, email address, etc.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move(cid:173)
`ment detection and alarm system wherein the object iden(cid:173)
`tification information is locally or remotely programmable.
`It is a further object of the invention to provide a move- 30
`ment detection and alarm system wherein the movable
`magnet means and the radiating means are part of a remotely
`controllable trigger unit having both a radio transmitter and
`a radio receiver.
`The present invention relates to a portable security alarm 35
`system which can be installed on a temporary basis and
`removed from an object whose movement is to be detected
`comprising a motion detecting and radio signal transmitting
`member, means for selectively coupling and decoupling said
`motion detecting and radio signal transmitting member 40
`relative to said object whose movement is to be detected,
`and a combined radio signal receiving and alarm generating
`member for receiving a signal from said combined motion
`detecting and radio signal transmitting member and produc(cid:173)
`ing an alarm. The alarm system also preferably includes a 45
`remote control member for selectively actuating and deac(cid:173)
`tuating said combined radio signal receiving and alarm
`generating member. The alarm system also preferably
`includes an information gathering device for gathering
`movement information and a remote notification device for
`providing the movement information to a remote location.
`As an optional feature, the alarm system can be implemented
`such that the signal from the combined motion detecting and
`radio signal transmitting member includes an identification
`code that is used to provide object identification information 55
`either locally or to a remote location. Local or remote
`programmable means can be provided for selectively asso(cid:173)
`ciating the object identification information with the iden(cid:173)
`tification code. As an additional optional feature, the com(cid:173)
`bined motion detecting and radio signal transmitting 60
`member can be adapted to provide distance information
`representing a distance moved by an object whose move(cid:173)
`ment is to be detected. The combined motion detecting and
`radio signal transmitting member can also include radio
`signal receiving means and control logic means to facilitate 65
`remote control of the device for polling or programming
`purposes.
`
`The foregoing and other objects and features of the
`present invention will become more fully apparent from the
`following description and appended claims, taken in con(cid:173)
`junction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding
`that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the
`invention and are, therefore not to be considered limiting of
`its scope, the invention will be described with additional
`specificity and detail through use of the accompanying
`drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram showing the components of
`the system according to the present invention as they appear
`muse.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the motion sensing and
`transmitting means of the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the motion sensing and
`transmitting means of the present invention taken along lines
`20 3-3 of FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of the motion
`sensing and transmitting means of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the sensing means.
`FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the movable magnet means.
`FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of the motion
`sensing and transmitting means of the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the
`motion sensing and transmitting means of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
`transmitting means according to the present invention.
`FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
`receiver means according to the present invention.
`FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the structure for affixing
`the outer end of the retractable wire to the object whose
`movement is to be detected.
`FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the system
`of the invention including a remote notification device and
`an information gathering device.
`FIG. 13 is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`details of the information gathering device of FIG. 12.
`FIG. 14A is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`details of a first embodiment of the remote notification
`device of FIG. 12.
`FIG. 14B is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`details of a second embodiment of the remote notification
`device of FIG. 12.
`FIG. 14C is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`50 details of a third embodiment of the remote notification
`device of FIG. 12.
`FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing operational steps
`performed by the information gathering and remote notifi(cid:173)
`cation devices of FIG. 12.
`FIG. 16 is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`optional aspects of the motion sensing and transmitting
`means of the present invention.
`FIG. 17 is a detailed functional block diagram showing
`optional aspects of the receiver means of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of a unique
`identifier look-up table.
`FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing operation of the alarm
`system of the invention.
`FIG. 20 is a functional block diagram showing optional
`aspects of a remote computer host of the present invention.
`
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`5
`FIG. 21 is a flow diagram showing operation of the
`remote computer host of FIG. 20 during a subscriber reg(cid:173)
`istration and provisioning operation.
`FIG. 22 is a flow diagram showing operation of the
`remote computer host of FIG. 20 during a security moni-
`taring and response operation.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 1HE
`INVENTION
`
`The following detailed description of the embodiments of
`the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1-10, is not
`intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but
`is merely representative of the presently preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ments of the invention. The presently preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ments of the invention will be best understood by reference
`to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like
`numerals throughout.
`FIG. 1 shows, in pictorial block diagram form, the major
`components of the movement detecting device and alarm
`system 10 of the present invention. The system is comprised 20
`of at least one movement detecting and signal transmitting
`means 20, including a retractable wire means 22, a receiver
`means 30 and a remote control means 40.
`More than one movement detecting and signal transmit(cid:173)
`ting means 20 may be utilized in implementing the system
`of the present invention. One movement detecting and signal
`transmitting means 20 may be placed on each object whose
`movement it is desired to detect. For example, in a room
`with four windows 25 and two doors 24, six movement 30
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20 may be utilized,
`one on each window and one on each door. However, only
`one receiver means 30 is necessary regardless of the number
`of movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20
`used. There is no limit to the number of movement detecting 35
`and signal transmitting means 20 which may be used with
`one receiver.
`Each movement detecting and signal transmitting means
`20 is coupled to one object, such as a door 24, or window 25,
`whose movement is to be detected. In a preferred
`embodiment, the coupling means is a retractable wire 22
`which extends from movement detecting and signal trans(cid:173)
`mitting means 20 to the object, 25 or 24, whose movement
`is to be detected. One end of retractable wire 22 is affixed to
`the object and the other is coupled to movable magnets (best 45
`illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) located inside casing 31 of
`movement detecting and signal transmitting means 20. Typi-
`cal means of affixing the end of retractable wire 22 to an
`object include VELCRO tabs, glue, removable tape, and the
`like.
`Receiver means 30 is configured to receive a predeter(cid:173)
`mined signal which is wirelessly transmitted by movement
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20 whenever the
`object whose movement is to be detected, is displaced from
`a predetermined position. The object whose movement is to
`be detected need not be in any particular position when the
`end of retractable wire 22 is affixed thereto. If the object is
`a window, such as depicted at 25, the window may be closed,
`or it may be partially or fully open, when retractable wire 22
`is affixed. Any displacement from its position when retract- 60
`able wire 22 is affixed will be detected and alarmed.
`Accordingly, a window may be left in a partially open
`position, as for example, to provide fresh air to a room, while
`the occupant attends to other matters, or sleeps. Any dis(cid:173)
`placement from the partially open position will cause the
`alarm signal to be generated. Even in a situation wherein an
`intruder reached into the window and removed movement
`
`5
`
`6
`detecting and signal transmitting means 20 from the
`window, the predetermined signal would be transmitted and
`the alarm signal generated, thus warning the occupant of an
`intrusion.
`Receiver means 30 can be any receiver known in the art
`capable of receiving the signal transmitted through retract(cid:173)
`able wire 22. In response to the transmitted signal, receiver
`means 30 initiates a local alarm which can be audible or
`visual. In addition, receiver means 30 may initiate contact
`10 with police, medical, rescue or other emergency facilities or
`agencies. Receiver means 30 can be AC powered and may
`be equipped with an on/off switch. Receiver means 30 need
`not be co-located with movement detection and signal
`transmitting means 20 and can be positioned anywhere
`15 within reception distance of the transmitted signal. Receiver
`means 30 may be positioned anywhere about the room or the
`area to be protected and may be placed up to a distance of
`150 ft. to 200 ft. or greater from movement detecting and
`signal transmitting means 20.
`In a preferred embodiment receiver means 30 is powered
`by alternating current (AC). Therefore, it must be located
`such that a power cord, or an extension thereof, can be
`extended to the nearest AC outlet. Alternate embodiments of
`receiver means 30 may be powered by battery, or may
`25 include battery backup means to supply power to receiver
`means 30 in the event of a power failure.
`In a preferred embodiment, receiver means 30 is a com(cid:173)
`mercially available BLACK WIDOW receiver unit, or simi(cid:173)
`lar units, which may be purchased off-the-shelf from various
`electronics supply companies such as Whitney Electronics
`or Holsfelt Electronics. An AC adapter such as that depicted
`at 26 in FIG. 1 may be used to provide the correct operating
`voltage for receiver means 30. In a preferred embodiment of
`the present invention a BLACK WIDOW RF receiver Model
`#2. CL manufactured by LCD Co. of California was used as
`a receiver. FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram, of a type
`well understood by those of ordinary skill in the electronics
`arts, of a receiver unit suitable for use in the present
`40 invention.
`Returning to FIG. 1, the system of the present invention
`may also include a remote control unit 40 which may be
`purchased from the same source as receiver means 30.
`Remote control means 40 controls the operating state of
`receiver means 30. That is, remote control means 40 may be
`used to electronically enable or disable receiver means 30
`such that the response of receiver means 30 to the signal
`transmitted by retractable wire 22 can be controlled. Remote
`control means 40 preferably includes a panic button which,
`50 when depressed or otherwise enabled, transmits a signal
`which instantly activates the alarm function of receiver
`means 30. The means for activating can be a switch 27
`which may be operated by hand to cause remote control unit
`40 to activate the alarm signal, or to discontinue the alarm
`55 signal after it has been activated by either the predetermined
`signal or the remove control unit 40 itself.
`This feature serves as a "panic" button, i.e., a means of
`triggering the alarm within receiver means 30 to attract
`attention or call for aid in the presence of other emergencies.
`When it is desired to discontinue the alarm signal, switch 27
`may be set to a position which causes the previously
`activated alarm signal to stop. Such remote control units and
`receivers are well known in the electronic arts and are
`commonly used in other electronics applications.
`65 Accordingly, remote control unit 40 is also readily available
`from commercial sources and may be purchased and utilized
`in the system of the present invention "off-the-shelf." The
`
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`20
`
`25
`
`7
`transmitter circuit of remote control unit 40 may be used as
`a model for transmitter 4 (FIG. 9) of the movement detector
`and signal transmitting means 20 of the present invention
`such that both transmit the proper signal for receiver means
`30.
`This feature may also serve as a means of testing the
`system 10 to determine its operational status, i.e., ready to
`operate (or armed), or malfunctioning. If switch 27 is
`manually set by the operator to a position designed to
`activate the alarm signal within receiver means 30, and no
`alarm signal is produced, a malfunction condition is present.
`If the alarm signal within receiver means 30 is produced, the
`system 10 may be considered "armed" or ready to operate.
`Once system 10 is configured as desired, i.e., each move(cid:173)
`ment detecting and signal transmitting means 20 is posi(cid:173)
`tioned on a corresponding object whose motion is to be
`detected, and receiver means 30 is armed, any movement of
`window 25 or door 24 will cause a predetermined signal to
`be radiated from movement detecting and signal transmit(cid:173)
`ting means 20 and wirelessly transmitted to receiver means
`30. Receiver means 30 will receive the transmitted prede-
`termined signal and provide an al