(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2003/0062997 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 3, 2003
`Naidoo et al.
`
`US 20030062997A1
`
`(54) DISTRIBUTED MONITORING FOR A VIDEO
`SECURITY SYSTEM
`
`(76) Inventors: Surendra N. Naidoo, Austin, TX (US);
`William P. Glasgow, Austin, TX (US);
`Gregory E. Feldkamp, South Lake, TX
`(Us)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`CONLEY, ROSE & TAYON, RC.
`5700 GRANITE PARKWAY,
`SUITE 330
`PLANO, TX 75024-6616 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/969,521
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`.............................. .. G08B 13/00
`(51) Int. Cl.7 .
`(52) US. Cl. ......................... .. 340/531; 340/506; 348/152
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`Asystem and method for distributed monitoring and remote
`veri?cation of conditions surrounding an alarm condition in
`a security system. A security gateway detects alarm condi
`tions at a premises and records video relating to the alarm
`condition. The security gateWay transmits an alarm noti?
`cation and the video across a network to a security system
`server in substantially real time. The security system server
`relays information to one or more distributed monitoring
`clients using rules-based routines for veri?cation of the
`alarm condition. An operator at a monitoring client deter
`mines Whether the alarm condition represents an actual
`alarm event and activates an appropriate response.
`
`110
`
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`
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`
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`
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`
`133
`
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`Monitoring
`Client
`
`131
`
`Security
`System
`Server
`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 1
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 1 0f 8
`
`US 2003/0062997 A1
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`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 2
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 2 0f 8
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`US 2003/0062997 A1
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`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 3
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 3 0f 8
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`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 4
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 4 0f 8
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`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 5
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 5 0f 8
`
`US 2003/0062997 A1
`
`Security gateway detects
`alarm condition
`
`51of
`
`Y
`
`Security gateway sends
`alarm information and alarm
`video to security system
`520 /
`server
`
`i
`
`Activate alarm on
`premises
`
`i
`
`Operator reviews
`information
`
`A
`
`530 f
`
`540
`
`Notify Customer
`
`4
`
`NO
`
`False Alarm?
`
`550 \
`
`Turn off alarm
`
`Can not
`determine
`
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`Reconfigure
`/\/ system if
`555
`necessary
`
`Contact
`Authorities
`
`545i
`
`Request additional f 560
`information
`
`FIG. 5
`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 6
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 6 0f 8
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`US 2003/0062997 A1
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`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 7
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 7 0f 8
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`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 8
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 3, 2003 Sheet 8 0f 8
`
`US 2003/0062997 A1
`
`_
`
`l
`Security system sewer provides /
`user with a digitally signed Access
`Token
`
`_
`
`950
`
`/ Remote user connects to
`
`905
`
`website
`
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`User connects to security gateway
`and provides access token to
`security gateway
`
`_
`
`Authentic’?
`
`Yes
`
`y
`
`I
`_
`_
`_
`Security gateway inspects digital
`signature on access token
`
`960
`
`/
`
`Security system server
`determines if user has
`necessary permissions?
`
`965
`
`Necessary
`permissions?
`
`940
`
`Yes
`
`f
`
`User may access account
`portion of website
`
`970
`
`Yes
`
`User may access
`designated security
`gateway features
`
`1
`
`980
`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 9
`
`

`
`US 2003/0062997 A1
`
`Apr. 3, 2003
`
`DISTRIBUTED MONITORING FOR A VIDEO
`SECURITY SYSTEM
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] The present invention is a continuation-in-part of
`US. application Ser. No.
`, ?led Sep.
`, 2001,
`titled “Video Security System.”
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0003] The present invention relates generally to a security
`system. More speci?cally, this invention relates to a device
`and method for the remote veri?cation and monitoring of
`conditions surrounding an alarm signal.
`
`[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
`[0005] Inherent in security systems is the problem of false
`alarms. In situations Where local authorities are noti?ed of
`alarms, false alarms can result in the oWner of the system
`being subject to signi?cant ?nes. In addition, false alarms
`Waste the limited resources available to the authorities to
`respond to legitimate alarm situations. It is therefore desir
`able that a security system permits veri?cation of detected
`alarm conditions.
`[0006] Conventional security systems typically protect a
`building using make/break contacts strategically placed at
`doors, WindoWs, and other potential entry points. Sensors
`are installed on doors and/or WindoWs. Motion sensors are
`installed in strategic areas inside the home. Other devices
`such as glass breakage detectors, panic or medical alert
`buttons, loW temperature and ?ood sensors can be installed
`as Well. When the system is on and a sensor is tripped, a
`signal is sent through a Wire, or using radio frequencies (on
`Wireless systems), to the main controller Which sounds a
`siren and dials out via telephone or cellular service to the
`monitoring station Whenever an alarm occurs.
`
`[0007] When a contact is broken an alarm is sounded or
`relayed to a central control station located Within the build
`ing, nearby to the building, or remotely to a central control
`station of the security company. Besides make/break sen
`sors, security companies also use P.I.R. (passive infra red)
`sensors Which sense heat differences caused by animate
`objects such as humans or animals. Also used are vibration
`sensors Which, When placed upon a WindoW for eXample,
`detect When the WindoW is broken, and radio frequency (rf),
`radar, and microWave sensors, as Well as laser sensing. As
`With the make/break sensors, When any one of the sensors
`indicates a detection, a system alarm is indicated. Atrouble
`indication is also given if an alarm unit for the building to
`Which the sensors are connected senses that a path to a
`sensor is interrupted or broken.
`
`[0008] With many current alarm systems, all that the
`receiver of an alarm, Whether at a local or remote central
`station, knoWs is that an alarm has occurred. HoWever, the
`occurrence of an alarm provides no indication as to its cause.
`Thus, the operator has no other knoWledge by Which he can
`determine if an alarm signals the presence of a real intruder,
`or if it is a false alarm. Sensors may commonly go off during
`inclement Weather (they are sensitive to large electromag
`netic ?elds such as occurring during lightning conditions).
`Such an erroneous condition is properly referred to as a false
`
`alarm. Regardless of Why they occur, all false and unWanted
`alarms detrimentally affect the ef?ciency and operation of a
`security system.
`[0009] Many criteria determine Whether or not an alarm
`condition eXists. For eXample, When a person opens a door
`monitored by a sensor, a potential alarm condition is created.
`HoWever, an alarm system typically has a keypad or other
`coded system control by Which, if an appropriate entry is
`made Within a prescribed period of time, signi?es that the
`alarm condition is not to be acted upon. Rather, the entrant
`is someone authoriZed to enter the premises. Further, the
`class of intruder (e.g., human or animal) may be perfectly
`acceptable in one set of circumstances, but not so in another.
`The common situation is one Where an intruder is a human,
`and his presence results in an alarm being given.
`[0010] One technological approach to obtaining such veri
`?cation is through the use of separate audio monitors
`operating in concert With separate alarm sensors. US. Pat.
`Nos. 4,591,834 and 4,918,717 are directed to such systems.
`For example, US. Pat. No. 4,591,834 refers to the use of
`miniature, loW-frequency dynamic microphones. Alarm
`activities noted at the microphones are veri?ed via a separate
`netWork of discriminator sensors Which comprise geo
`phones. Signal processing techniques are utiliZed to distin
`guish alarm activity. Intrusion and discriminator sensors are
`arranged in knoWn patterns comprised of multiple sensors of
`each type. US. Pat. No. 4,918,717 refers to a system
`Wherein a number of microphones are distributed about a
`secured premises in relation to other intrusion sensors. Upon
`detection of an intrusion alarm, the microphones can be
`manually enabled one at a time from the central station to
`alloW an operator to listen to audio activity in proximity to
`the sensor alarm.
`
`[0011] Another approach is the use of video images to
`monitor a location. HoWever, in prior art devices these
`images have been loW-resolution, freeZe-frame pictures,
`making it dif?cult for a vieWer to discern What is being
`shoWn. In addition, in many prior art devices, the video
`images may not be received by the monitoring party until
`several moments have passed after the recorded event has
`actually taken place likely causing any response to be late
`and less effective.
`[0012] An additional problem With some eXisting security
`systems is that once a person has left the property, it is
`common for that person to Worry that he or she has forgotten
`to activate or arm the security system. In addition, such
`persons may have the desire to monitor the property even in
`the absence of alarm conditions. Further, a person may have
`the desire to modify aspects of the security system While
`they are absent. In prior art systems, it has been necessary to
`telephone a neighbor to ask them to check on the property
`and report back to the person.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0013] In one broad respect, the present invention
`describes a security system for providing security monitor
`ing, comprising: a security gateWay located at a designated
`premises, Wherein the security gateWay is operable to detect
`an alarm condition and to record video of at least a portion
`of the premises relating to the alarm condition, said video
`hereinafter referred to the Alarm Video; a security system
`server operatively coupled to the security gateWay, Wherein
`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 10
`
`

`
`US 2003/0062997 Al
`
`Apr. 3, 2003
`
`the security gateway is con?gured to transfer to the security
`system server a noti?cation of the alarm condition and the
`corresponding Alarm Video to the security system server in
`substantially real time; a plurality of monitoring clients
`operatively coupled to the security system server; Wherein
`the security system server is con?gured to transfer the
`noti?cation of the alarm condition and the Alarm Video to
`one or more of the plurality of monitoring clients, referred
`to as designated monitoring clients, based upon a prede?ned
`set of one or more rules; and Wherein said designated
`monitoring clients are con?gured to display at least a portion
`of the Alarm Video and the Associated User Data, and
`Wherein said designated monitoring clients are con?gured to
`notify the security system server Whether the noti?cation of
`the alarm condition corresponds to an actual alarm condi
`tion. In a narroW respect, the set of rules comprises a
`geography-requirement that must be met by the designated
`monitoring clients. In another narroW respect, the set of rules
`comprises one or more minimum resource requirements that
`must be met by the designated monitoring clients. In a
`narroWer respect, one or more minimum resource require
`ments comprises an availability requirement. In another
`narroWer respect, the one or more minimum resource
`requirements comprises a netWork-ef?ciency requirement.
`In another narroW respect, at least one of the plurality of
`monitoring clients is designated as having a pro?ciency, and
`Wherein said set of rules comprises a pro?ciency require
`ment that must be met by the designated monitoring clients.
`In another narroW respect, the set of rules comprises an
`availability requirement that must be met by the designated
`monitoring clients. In another narroW respect, at least one of
`the plurality of monitoring clients is operatively coupled to
`the security system server through the Internet. In another
`narroW respect, at least one of the plurality of monitoring
`clients is located at a location apart from the other of the
`plurality of monitoring clients.
`
`[0014] In another broad respect, the present invention
`describes a method for providing monitoring in a security
`system comprising a security system server operatively
`coupled to a plurality of monitoring clients, Wherein at least
`one of the plurality of monitoring clients is located at a
`location apart from the other of the plurality of monitoring
`clients, comprising the steps of: the security system server
`receiving noti?cation of an alarm condition and video cor
`responding to the alarm condition, referred to as Alarm
`Video; the security system routing the noti?cation of the
`alarm condition and the Alarm Video to one or more
`monitoring clients, referred to as designated monitoring
`clients, based upon a prede?ned set of rules; the designated
`monitoring clients displaying the noti?cation of the alarm
`condition and Alarm Video; the respective operator at each
`of the designated monitoring clients determining Whether
`the noti?cation of the alarm condition corresponds to an
`actual alarm condition; and notifying the security system of
`the operator’s determination. In a narroW respect, the set of
`rules comprises a geography-requirement that must be met
`by the designated monitoring clients. In another narroW
`respect, the set of rules comprises one or more minimum
`resource requirements that must be met by the designated
`monitoring clients. In a narroWer respect, one or more
`minimum resource requirements comprises an availability
`requirement. In another narroWer respect, one or more
`minimum resource requirements comprises a network-effi
`ciency requirement. In another narroW respect, at least one
`
`of the plurality of monitoring clients is designated as having
`a pro?ciency, and Wherein said set of rules comprises a
`pro?ciency requirement that must be met by the designated
`monitoring clients. In another narroW respect, the set of rules
`comprises a netWork-ef?ciency requirement that must be
`met by the designated monitoring clients.
`[0015] In another broad respect, the present invention
`describes a security system for providing security monitor
`ing, comprising: a plurality of security gateWays, each
`located at a designated premises, Wherein each security
`gateWay is operable to detect an alarm condition and to
`record video of at least a portion of the respective premises
`relating to the alarm condition, said video hereinafter
`referred to the Alarm Video; a plurality of security systems
`servers, each security systems server operatively coupled to
`at least some of the plurality of security gateWays such that
`each of the plurality of the security gateWays is operatively
`coupled to at least one of the plurality of security systems
`servers, Wherein each security gateWay is con?gured to
`transfer to the one or more security system servers to Which
`said security gateWay is operably coupled, a noti?cation of
`the alarm condition and the corresponding Alarm Video in
`substantially real time; a plurality of monitoring clients
`operatively coupled to the plurality of security system
`servers; Wherein the security system servers are con?gured
`to transfer the received noti?cation of the alarm condition
`and the Alarm Video to one or more of the plurality of
`monitoring clients, referred to as designated monitoring
`clients, based upon a prede?ned set of one or more rules; and
`Wherein said designated monitoring clients are con?gured to
`display at least a portion of the Alarm Video and the
`Associated User Data, and Wherein said designated moni
`toring clients are con?gured to notify the security system
`server Whether the noti?cation of the alarm condition cor
`responds to an actual alarm condition. In a narroW respect,
`at least one of the plurality of monitoring clients is opera
`tively coupled to the security system server through the
`Internet. In another narroW respect, at least one of the
`plurality of monitoring clients is located at a location apart
`from the other of the plurality of monitoring clients.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0016] The folloWing draWings form part of the present
`speci?cation and are included to further demonstrate certain
`aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better
`understood by reference to one or more of these draWings in
`combination With the detailed description of speci?c
`embodiments presented herein.
`
`[0017] It is to be noted, hoWever, that the appended
`draWings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the
`invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
`its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally
`effective embodiments. In addition, although the ?gures may
`depict embodiments Wherein each of the components rep
`resent different devices or locations, they can be combined
`into a single device or location. In addition, a single com
`ponent may be comprised of a combination of components.
`[0018] FIG. 1 is a simpli?ed block diagram of a security
`system according to one embodiment of the disclosed sys
`tem and method.
`
`[0019] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a
`security system according to one embodiment of the dis
`closed system and method.
`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 11
`
`

`
`US 2003/0062997 A1
`
`Apr. 3, 2003
`
`[0020] FIG. 3 is a simpli?ed block diagram of a security
`system utilizing the cable infrastructure according to one
`embodiment of the disclosed system and method.
`
`[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a security system
`featuring redundancy according to one embodiment of the
`disclosed system and method.
`
`[0022] FIG. 5 is a ?oWchart of the operation of the
`security system according to one embodiment of the dis
`closed system and method.
`
`[0023] FIG. 6 is a more detailed block diagram of a
`security gateWay according to one embodiment of the dis
`closed system and method.
`
`[0024] FIG. 7 is a more detailed block diagram of a
`security system according to one embodiment of the dis
`closed system and method.
`
`[0025] FIG. 8 is a ?oWchart of depicting the operation of
`a remote terminal accessing a security system according to
`one embodiment of the disclosed system and method.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0026] The present invention addresses several shortcom
`ings of the prior art With a security system and framework
`that is con?gured to deliver real-time information, including
`video and/or about alarm conditions to monitoring personnel
`for them to verify alarm conditions and take appropriate
`folloW up action. As a further advantage, the frameWork may
`be easily adapted for use in other applications that incorpo
`rate real-time information and video delivery.
`
`[0027] The term “security system” is used broadly to mean
`a system for monitoring a premises, e.g., for the purpose of
`discouraging and responding to burglaries, ?res, and other
`emergency situations. Such a security system is suited for
`residential homes, but may also ?nd use With schools,
`nursing homes, hospitals, businesses or any other location in
`Which real-time information may be useful in obtaining
`adequate response upon the occurrence of alarm conditions.
`By integrating broadband features, including audio and
`video capabilities, Web access and Wireless capabilities,
`embodiments of the present invention provides audio and
`video alarm veri?cation, 24-hour monitoring capabilities,
`and a secure Web-site With remote access features and
`security-focused content. Embodiments of the present
`invention may be used to reduce false alarms, improve
`police effectiveness, and generally increase its users’ peace
`of mind While they are aWay from home.
`
`[0028] Referring to the draWings, FIG. 1 is a high-level
`block diagram of an exemplary security system according to
`one embodiment of the present invention. The security
`system 100 includes a security gateWay 115 (also called a
`“base station”), Which is typically located at the desired
`premises 110 to be monitored, and a monitoring client 133,
`typically located at a central station and operatively coupled
`to security gateWay 115 through a netWork 120. Often,
`security gateWay 115 is located at the target site. HoWever,
`on some occasions, some or all components of security
`gateWay 115 may be located remotely, but remain opera
`tively coupled to security sensors 105 and video cameras
`112 Which are at the premises. Upon detection of an alarm
`condition, security gateWay 115 captures video (usually
`
`through an attached video camera 112) of the target site, and
`sends the video to security system server 131 in real time.
`
`[0029] For purposes of the present invention the term
`“premises” refers to any location to be monitored, Whether
`residential, commercial, public, or secured. Further, the term
`“a” is generally used in the present disclosure to mean one
`or more. Still further, the terms “coupled” and “operatively
`coupled” mean connected in such a Way that data may be
`exchanged. It is understood that “coupled” and “operatively
`coupled” do not require a direct connection, a Wired con
`nection, or even a permanent connection. It is suf?cient for
`purposes of the present invention that the connection(s) be
`established for the sole purpose of exchanging information.
`
`[0030] In general, netWork 120 may be a public netWork
`or private netWork, a single netWork or a combination of
`several netWorks. In most embodiments, netWork 120 may
`be, but is not required to be, an IP-based netWork. In some
`embodiments it may be desirable for all or a portion of
`netWork 120 to include publicly available netWorks, such as
`the Internet, to avoid the need for installing, purchasing, or
`leasing additional infrastructure. HoWever, in some systems,
`eg those that use high-bandWidth transmissions, it may be
`desirable to include dedicated high-bandWidth connections
`including, Without limitation, as leased lines, frame relay
`netWorks, and ATM netWorks, Within netWork 120. Further,
`in some systems it may be desirable to use a netWork 120
`With quality of service guarantees given the real-time nature
`of the information that is transmitted.
`
`[0031] In the present disclosure, the term “high-speed” or
`“high-bandwidth” connections generally means those con
`nections capable of providing enough bandWidth for data to
`be transmitted to the central station in real-time. In one
`embodiment, high-speed connections are those capable of
`transmitting at speeds of at least 128 KBPS. High-speed
`connections include but are not limited to cable modem
`connections, xDSL connections, and high-speed Wireless
`connections.
`
`[0032] Generally, security gateWay 115 is a processor
`based device that functions to detect alarm conditions at a
`target site, to capture information relating to such alarm
`conditions, and upon occasion of an alarm condition, to send
`such information ultimately to security system server 131
`for veri?cation and response. Monitoring client 133 is
`generally a softWare program that may be used to display
`some or all of the information provided by security gateWay
`115. Monitoring client 133 may be a stand-alone program or
`integrated into one or more existing softWare programs. One
`or more operators may then use this information to evaluate
`Whether the alarm condition corresponds to an actual alarm
`condition and then take additional action, if desired, such as
`alerting the appropriate authorities. Advantageously, in
`many instances the incidence of false alarm being reported
`to the authorities is reduced, and the response effectiveness
`of the authorities is improved.
`
`[0033] Security system 100 may include one or more
`sensors 105 coupled to security gateWay 115 to detect alarm
`conditions. Security system 100 is not limited to any speci?c
`type or model of sensor 105. Any sensor 105 may be used,
`depending on the desired type and level of protection.
`Examples include, Without limitation, magnetic contact
`sWitches, audio sensors, infrared sensors, motion detectors,
`?re alarms, and carbon monoxide sensors. Alarm sensors
`
`SecureNet Technologies, LLC Exhibit 1007 Page 12
`
`

`
`US 2003/0062997 A1
`
`Apr. 3, 2003
`
`105 may be Wired directly into an alarm control panel built
`into security gateWay 115 or they may be Wirelessly con
`nected. The type of sensor 105 to be used depends on the
`speci?c application for Which security system 100 is
`designed. In some embodiments, multiple alarm sensors 105
`may be used. In such multiple sensor embodiments, security
`gateWay 115 may consider data from all, some, or one of
`sensors 105 in the detection of alarm conditions.
`
`[0034] In addition, security system 100 includes one or
`more video cameras 112 that is operable to capture video of
`monitored premises 110. Camera 112 may be (but is not
`required to be) a 360-degree camera or a panoramic camera.
`In addition, security gateWay 115 may be con?gured to
`create an association betWeen one or more sensors and an
`associated video camera 112. Whether separate alarm sen
`sors 105 are present or not, security gateWay 115 may use
`video from video camera 112 to assist in the determination
`of Whether an alarm condition eXists and thereby Whether to
`generate and send an alarm signal to the security system
`server 131. For eXample, in one embodiment, sensors 105
`such as motion detectors, infra-red and audio sensors may be
`replaced by an intelligent alarm module that is able to detect
`motion or intrusion by analyZing the video image generated
`from camera 112. In another embodiment, security gateWay
`115 may analyZe images from camera 112 and audio sound
`from an audio sensor 105 to detect an alarm condition. In
`some embodiments, the sensitivity of system 100 may be
`adjusted to account for the siZe and speed of intruders. For
`eXample, system 100 may be adjusted to trigger an alarm if
`a person Walks across a monitored area but not a dog
`Walking across the same area. Advantageously, a visual
`intelligent security system based on changes in the video
`image eliminates the need for many sometimes-expensive
`hardWare sensors. Intelligent alarm applications typically
`require a signi?cant amount of processing by security gate
`Way 115, but may be easier to setup, maintain and upgrade
`since they are generally programmable. In one embodiment
`described beloW in greater detail, security gateWay 115 may
`include a processor and memory to record and process video
`information for the intelligent alarm application.
`[0035] The alarm video sent to the security system server
`131 preferably begins at least just prior to the occurrence of
`the alarm condition and may end upon after the conclusion
`of the alarm condition, or alternatively, after a speci?ed
`duration. Preferably, the segment shoWs enough of a time
`period to provide monitoring personnel With enough infor
`mation to determine Whether the alarm signal is a false alarm
`or not. In some embodiments, the segment of real-time video
`may be compressed using any compression techniques
`knoWn by one of skill in the art. For eXample, this may
`involve the use of video compression algorithms such as
`“mpeg.” Further, the resolution and/or color depth of the
`video may be reduced to decrease the required transmission
`bandWidth.
`
`[0036] In one embodiment, alarm video is transmitted at
`least 3 frames per second. In addition, the alarm video may
`have an end resolution (i.e., after interpolation and/or image
`enhancement, etc.) of 320 piXels by 240 piXels or higher, and
`optionally may be transmitted in color. Further, said alarm
`video may but is not required to include a corresponding
`audio portion.
`[0037] It is noted that the present invention is not limited
`to any particular audio, video, or communications standards.
`
`The present invention may incorporate any such standards,
`including, Without limitation: H.323, ADPCM, H.263,
`MPEG, UDP, and TCP/IP.
`[0038] In some embodiments, security gateWay 115 may
`be installed similar to a conventional security system, e.g.,
`mounted betWeen studs in an un?nished area of the resi
`dence, for eXample a utility room. Preferably, cabling to
`security gateWay 115 is restrained such that the cables
`cannot be pulled out of the unit, and security gateWay 115
`panel may be in a cabinet that can be locked to prevent
`unauthoriZed physical access.
`[0039] In addition, because security gateWay 115 is
`coupled to a netWork 120, it may be desirable to implement
`precautions to minimiZe risk from hackers, e.g., by mini
`miZing the number of access points for hackers Who might
`try to gain access to the unit. In addition, communication
`With security gateWay 115 may be restricted and security
`gateWay 115 may strictly control access, similar to a ?reWall
`With most ports blocked and having no external Way to open
`them.
`
`[0040] In addition, some embodiments of the present
`invention may include the functionality to alloW access to
`security gateWay 115 and security system server 131 using
`a remote station 155 operatively coupled to security gateWay
`115 and security system server 131. Remote user 155 must
`?rst be authenticated by security system server 131. It is
`noted that the present invention contemplates the use of any
`authentication techniques. Once authenticated, remote user
`may access some or all of the features of base station 115.
`These features may include, Without limitation, arming or
`disarming the security system; adjusting sensitivities of
`sensors (if present); adjusting alarm condition detection
`sensitivity; remote surveillance; adjusting camera settings;
`and revieWing alarms and recordings. These functions may
`also include remote surveillance, referred to as “lifestyle
`video.”
`
`[0041] Remote user 155 may connect to security system
`server 131 and base station 115 (after authentication)
`through netWork 120. Because a remote user does not
`necessarily need real-time access to alarm video, a loW
`bandWidth connection may be used to connect remote sta
`tion 155 to security system server 131 and base station 115.
`After authentication, security system server 131 may be
`con?gured to create a data connection betWeen remote
`station 155 and security gateWay 115 such that communi
`cations betWeen remote station 155 and security gateWay
`115 bypass security system server 131. Advantageously, this
`avoids netWork bottlenecks at the security system server
`131, particularly When transmitting large amounts of data
`such as during the transmission of streaming video.
`
`[0042] In one embodiment, remote user 155, once authen
`ticated, may perform remote surveillance through base sta
`tion 115. The remote surveillance feature alloWs remote user
`155 to vieW all or portions of the video signal from video
`camera 112. Depending on the bandWidth of the connection,
`the video may be of a loWer quality than that transmitted to
`security system server 131 for veri?cation of alarm signals.
`For eXample, in one embodiment, the video transmitted to
`remote user 155 may have a loWer frame rate, loWer
`resolution, and/or loWer color depth. In addition, remote
`user 155 may be able to con?gure the quality of the video for
`