`11111111111110111111010
`
`lint!!! ,111111ill11,111111111111111111111111111110111111
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0177428 Al
`Nov. 28, 2002
`Menard et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) REMOTE NOTIFICATION OF MONITORED
`CONDITION
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Raymond J. Menard, Hastings, MN
`(US); Curtis E. Quady, Burnsville,
`MN (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER &
`KLUTH, P.A.
`P.O. BOX 2938
`MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/112,690
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Mar. 28, 2002
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/279,516, filed on Mar.
`28, 2001. Provisional application No. 60/279,519,
`filed on Mar. 28, 2001.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. CI:
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`
`HO4M 11/00
`
`455/404; 455/414
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Distribution and management of detected alarm signals
`using multiple communication channels for each of a plu-
`rality of authorized data recipients. Wired or wireless com-
`munication channels are used to transfer alarm notification
`messages and responses by the authorized data recipient.
`Responses include messages to cancel or confirm. Notifica-
`tion of receipt of an alarm response message is communi-
`cated to authorized data recipients via the multiple commu-
`nication channels which may include a two-way pager, a
`cellular telephone or an e-mail address.
`
`2 7N N
`
`re--7
`
`SYSTEM
`
`RPs
`
`4
`
`CELL PHONE
`HOME PHONE
`WORK PHONE
`PAGER
`E-MAIL
`
`CELL PHONE
`HOME PHONE
`WORK PHONE
`PAGER
`RADIO
`
`t
`
`3
`
`50
`
`CELL PHONE
`HOME PHONE
`FAX MACHINE
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 1 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 1 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 1 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`V
`
`2
`
`L.
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 2 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 2 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 2 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`p100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`NOTIFYALL RPs
`AND OTHER USERS
`VIA NARROWCAST
`
`•
`
`r
`
`RPs OR OTHER USERS
`RESPOND TO MESSAGES
`
`,-290
`
`5 YST EA/
`EXECUTES FURTHER NOTIFICATION,
`DISPATCHING, DATA PROCESSING
`OR OTHERACTIONS BASED UPON
`
`REECXECUTING INSTRUCTIONS
`EIVED
`
`FIG. 2
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 3 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 3 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 3 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`(.10
`
`r 3°
`
`CENTRAL
`STATION
`
`.3---E-
`
`SYSTEM
`
`ALARM
`SIGNAL
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`r70
`
`RPs AND
`OTHER
`USERS
`
`(10
`
`(-50
`
`r70
`
`ALARM
`SIGNAL
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`c>
`
`SYSTEM
`
`1
`
`e.
`
`RPs AND
`OTHER
`USERS
`
`(-30
`
`CENTRAL
`STATION
`
`r10
`
`C70
`
`o.
`
`RPs AND
`OTHER
`USERS
`
`<3---I>
`
`SYSTEM
`
`CENTRAL
`STATION
`
`ALARM
`SIGNAL
`
`FIG. 3C
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 4 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 4 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 4 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`CENTRAL
`STATION A
`
`30A
`
`ALARM
`SYSTEM A
`
`IA
`
`CENTRAL
`STATION B
`
`RESPONDING
`AGENCYA
`
`30B
`
`75A
`
`MARIA
`SYSTEM B
`
`SYSTEM
`
`4-----1>
`
`RP A
`
`1B
`
`70A
`
`RESPONDING
`AGENCY B
`
`75B
`
`RP B
`
`708
`
`FIG. 4
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 5 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 5 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 5 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`ALARM
`SIGNAL
`
`PROCESSOR
`q LANGUAGE TRANSLATION
`q MESSAGE FORMATTING
`q CARRIER INTERFACE
`q OTHER
`
`RP
`
`FIG. 5
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 6 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 6 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 6 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`x100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`( 300
`
`DISPATCH
`RESPONDING
`AGENCY BY
`CENTRAL
`STATION
`
`et
`
`CENTRAL
`STATION
`OPERATOR
`MANUALLY
`VOICE
`VERIFIES
`
` t,-
`
`CONFOIM
`OR NO
`RESPONSE
`OR
`LACK OF
`AUTHORITY
`
`r
`
`OPERATOR
`NOTIFY
`RPs
`
`AUTHORIZED
`CANCEL
`
`V 3000)
`
`END
`
`FIG. 6
`
`rloo
`
`r 250
`
`r
`
`( 350
`
`( 450
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`SYSTEM
`NOTIFIES
`ALL RPs
`VIA
`NAR
`-
`
`CAST ROW
`
`CONFORM
`OR NO
`RESPONSE
`CR
`LACK OF
`AUTHORITY
`
`DISPATCH
`RESPONDING
`ENCY BY
`ACGENTRAL
`STATION
`
`AUTHORIZED
`CANCEL
`
`FIG. 7
`
`NOTIFY
`SYSTEM
`OF
`DISPATCH
`
`UPDATE
`ALL RPs
`VIA
`NARROW
`
`g3YYSTEM)
`F
`
`END
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 7 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 7 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 7 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`(-100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`RESPONSE
`
`/525
`
`DISPATCH
`RESPONDING
`AGENCY
`DIRECTLY
`BY RPs
`
`(-375
`
`DISPATCHING
`RP NOTIFIES
`SYSTEM OF
`DISPATCH
`EVENT
`
`r450
`
`SYSTEM
`UPDATES
`ALL RPs
`REGARDING
`DISPATCH
`
`r 250
`SYSTEM
`NOTIFIES
`ALL RPs
`VIA
`NARROWCAST
`
`NO
`RESPONSE
`
`3000)
`
`END
`
`FIG. 8
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 8 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 8 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 8 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`( 100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`450
`
`SYSTEM
`NOTIFIES
`ALL RPs
`VIA
`NARROWCAST
`
`CONFIRM
`OR NO
`RESPONSE
`OR LACK OF
`AUTHORITY
`
`p301
`
`DISPATCH
`RESPONDING
`AGENCY
`BY SYSTEM
`
`UPDATE ALL
`RPs OF STATUS
`BY
`NARROWCAST
`
`3000
`
`END
`
`AUTHORIZED
`CANCEL
`
`FIG. 9
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 9 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 9 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 9 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`( -100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`c 710
`
`SYSTEM LOOKS UP
`ASSOCIATED ALARM
`INFORMATION SUCH AS
`ALARM DESCRIPTION, RP
`INFORMATION, LOCATION
`INFORMATION, DEFECTED
`CONDMONS
`
`r 810
`
`INFORMATION IS
`FORMATTED FOR
`PRESENTATION
`TO RPs
`
`FIG. 10
`
`r100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`SYSTEM
`LOOKS UP
`ASSOCIATED
`RESPONDING
`AGENCY SY
`LOCATION AND
`TYPE OF ALARM
`
`( -820
`
`RESPONDING AGENCY
`INFORMATION ADDED
`TO MESSAGE
`
`P825
`
`INFORMATION USED
`TO MANAGE RESPONSE
`ISSUES
`
`FIG. 11
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 10 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 10 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 10 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`(-100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`r 1,0
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`,730
`
`ir 830
`
`ALARM (INFORMATION
`TRANSLATED FOR
`EACH RP
`
`SYSTEM
`LOOKS UP
`RP LANGUAGE
`PREFERENCE
`AND
`TRANSLATES
`MESSAGES
`FOR EACH RP
`
`FIG.12
`
`( 740
`
`CHECKS FOR
`PASSWORDS
`OR OTHER
`AUTHORIZATION
`
`TRANSLATES
`ALPHA
`PASSWORDS
`INTO NUMERIC
`FOR KEYPAD
`RESPONSES
`
`r742
`
`(840
`
`PROVIDES
`ENCRYPTION
`
`INFORMATION
`SECURED FOR RPs
`
`FIG. 13
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 11 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 11 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 11 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`0100
`
`(-125
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`SYSTEM PROCESSES
`ALARM AS DEFINED
`
`•ca
`
`r100a
`
`SAME
`ACCURATE
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`(-150
`
`ADDITIONAL ALARM
`RECEIVED WITHIN "X'
`MINUTES ?
`
`NO
`
`(160
`
`"STANDARD PROTOCOL
`CONDITIONS" OR 'UPDATE
`PROTOCOL CONDITIONS'
`
`STANDARD
`
`UPDATE
`
`r165
`
`EXECUTE UPDATE
`PROTOCOL
`
`FIG. 14
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 12 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 12 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 12 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`(" 0
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`(-125
`
`SYSTEM PROCESSES
`ALARM AS DEFINED
`
`(153
`
`(-3000
`
`ARE THERE OTHER FILES
`AVAILABLE THAT CAN BE
`ACCESSED BY DEVICE
`TYPE?
`
`CONTINUE
`PROCESS
`TO END
`
`V
`
`1, 170
`
`DOES USER DESIRE
`ACCESS TO INFORMATION?
`
`1
`
`1172
`
`TRANSLATE ALES FOR
`DEUVERY TO DEVICE TYPE
`
`(-174
`
`DELIVER FILES
`
`FIG. 15
`
`NO
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 13 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 13 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 13 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`SYSTEM PROCESSES
`ALARM AS DEFINED
`
`( 425
`
`0 56
`
`3000
`
`ARE THERE LINKS TO
`DYNAMIC ALARM RELATED
`DATA, DEVICES, OR
`SYSTEMS AVAILABLE?
`
`DE
`
`CONTINUE
`PROCESS
`TO END
`
`YES
`
`( 180
`
`DOES USER DESIRE
`ACCESS TO INFORMATION?
`
`NO
`
`TRANSLATE DATA
`PROTOCOLS WHEN
`NECESSARY FOR
`DEVICE TYPE
`
`CONNECT LINKS
`
`0 82
`
`r184
`
`(-186
`
`READY TO DISCONNECT ?
`
`NO
`
`PIES
`
`FIG. 16
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 14 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 14 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 14 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`r130
`
`s ys rEm
`INFORMATION
`READY FOR
`TRANSMISSION
`
`r750
`
`SYSTEM LOOKS UP
`DESTINATION ADDRESSES
`AND FORMATS MESSAGES
`APPROPRIATE TO EACH
`DEVICE TYPE
`
`MESSAGES
`DELIVEREID
`TO DEVICES
`
`r910
`
`('920
`
`r930
`
`FAX
`
`SMS WIRELESS DEVICE
`
`PAGER
`
`[3=.
`
`WAP WIRELESS DEVICE
`
`950
`
`r980
`
`r970
`
`BROWSER
`
`E-MAIL PROTOCOL
`
`VOICE
`
`PDA
`
`r 990
`Ofgrl I T MESsA &
`
`FIG. 17
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 15 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 15 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 15 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`(400
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`SYSTEM SENDS AND
`RECEIVES MESSAGES
`
`1
`
`C130
`
`r 1100
`
`NETWORK PASSES
`MESSAGES AND PROVIDES
`NETWORK-BASED
`RESPONSE INFORMATION
`
`rim
`
`DEVICES PASS AND DISPLAY
`MESSAGES AND PROVIDE
`DEVICE-BASED RESPONSE
`INFORMATION
`
`r1300
`
`USERS RECEIVE AND
`OPTIONALLY PROVIDE
`RESPONSE TO MESSAGES
`
`FIG. 18
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 16 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 16 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 16 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`RESPONSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
`
`(2010
`
`r2020
`
`(2030
`
`A
`
`AUTHORIZE
`ACCOUNT
`ACCESS
`
`STORE OR
`ACCESS
`INFORMATION
`IN HISTORY
`FILE
`
`11+CTER Cr
`WITH
`DISPATCH
`AUTOMATION
`SYSTEMS
`
`204°)
`TfiTEI2ACT
`WITH
`CUSTOMER
`FILES
`
`(-2070
`
`PROVIDE
`ACCESS TO
`FILE OR
`DYNAMIS C
`DATA LINKS
`
`ALTER
`MESSAGING
`PROCESSES
`
`INTERACT
`WITH
`PAYMENT
`PROCESSES
`
`Tr
`
`(-2090
`
`r20
`
`r 21180
`
`INTERACT
`WITH OTHER
`DATA
`SYSTEMS
`
`ACTUATE OR
`CONTROL
`APPLIANCES
`
`CHANGE
`ALARM
`SYSTEMS
`STATUS
`
`PROGRAM
`ALARM
`SYSTEM
`
`PROVIDE LOCATION
`INFORMATION TO
`ASSIST WITH
`DISPATCHING
`A RESPONSE
`AGENCY
`
`FIG. 19
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 17 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 17 of 39
`
`

`

`( 100
`
`ALARM
`RECEIVED
`
`SYSTEM
`NOTIFIES ALL
`RPs VIA
`NARROWCAST
`
`r
`
`RPs OR OTHER
`USERS
`RESPOND
`MESSAGESTO
`
`r 293
`
`EXECUTE
`RESPONSE
`DESIGNATED
`PROCESS
`
`NO
`
`TIMER EXPIRED
`BEFORE
`RESPONSE
`RECEIVED ?
`
`1YES r 296
`
`EXECUTE
`"TIMER EXPIRED,
`RESPONSE
`RECEIVED'
`PROCESS
`
`FIG. 20
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 17 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`x250
`
`280
`
`SYSTEM
`SIMULTANEOUSLY
`STARTS DELAY
`TIMER
`
`(-282
`
`TIME
`PASSES
`
`( 299
`
`TIMER
`EXPIRED
`
`EXECUTE
`'TIMER
`EXPIRED'.
`PROCESS
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 18 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 18 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 18 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`r 2100
`
`SYSTEM DIALS
`OR OTHERWISE
`VOICE
`CONNECTS
`WITH RPs
`
`(- 2120
`
`PBX WITH
`IVR ANSWER ?
`
`NO
`
`YES
`
`r2125
`
`21301
`
`r 2110
`
`(-2115
`
`TELEPHONE
`OR 011-IER
`ANSWER
`INDICATION ?
`
`NO
`
`RETRY
`
`YES
`
`RETRY "X"
`TIMES AT
`'I" INTERVAL
`
`DONE
`
`( 2133
`
`DELIVER
`"ANSWERING
`SERVICE"
`MESSAGE
`
`r2136
`
`EXECUTE PBX
`EXTENSION
`CODES
`
`ANSWERING
`SERVICE ?
`
`INTERRUPTED
`BY USER
`PICK UP '7
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`2140)
`
`AUTHORIZE
`USER OR
`EXTEND WAIT
`DELAY ?
`
`(-2145
`
`MEND
`OPTION
`
`EXTEND WAIT
`"A" SECONDS
`"B' TIMES
`ALLOWED
`
`DONE
`
`AUTHORIZE OPTION
`
`r 2150
`
`YES
`
`RECEIVE
`CORRECT
`AUTHORIZATION
`INFORMATION ?
`
`NO
`
`r 2155
`
`RETRY
`AUTHORIZATION
`"C" TINES
`
`DONE
`
`x 2160
`
`r 2170
`
`r 2199
`
`DELIVER
`MESSAGE
`VIA VOICE
`GENERATOR
`
`4
`
`QUERY
`FOR USER
`RESPONSE
`
`DELIVER
`INFORMATION
`TO SYSTEM
`
`FIG. 21
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 19 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 19 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 19 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`3160
`
`FAX SERVICES
`
`CENTRAL
`SERVERS,
`PROCESSING,
`APPUCATIONS
`AND
`DATABASES
`
`3170
`
`MAPPING AND
`LOCATION DATABASES
`RELATED SERVICES
`
`WEB SERVERS
`AND SERVICES
`
`3180
`
`3190
`
`BILLING, AR
`CF EDIT SERVICES
`
`3220
`
`01HER USER
`GROUPS
`
`3150
`
`E-MAL
`
`3140
`
`3130
`
`3120
`
`SMS MESSAGING
`
`COMMUNICATION
`SERVICES
`
`LANGUAGE
`TRANSLATION
`SERVICES
`
`3110
`
`INTERACTIVE
`VOICE SERVICES
`
`3240
`
`RESPONDING
`AGENCIES
`
`3210
`
`CENTRAL
`STATIONS
`
`3230
`
`AFFLIATED
`ORGANIZATIONS
`
`FIG. 22
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 20 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 20 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`
`
`Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 20 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`°
`
`0
`
`CALL LIST ONE
`
`START
`ALARM
`TIMER
`START
`
`INFO ONLY
`
`INFO NO
`PASSWORD
`
`INFO WITH
`PASSWORD
`
`FAX
`
`1-WAY
`SPAS
`
`1-WAY
`PAGER
`
`PDA
`
`MCR
`PAGE
`
`2-WAY
`SMS
`
`TIMER OUT
`NO RESPONSE
`
`CONTINUED
`ON NEXT
`PAGE
`
`ALARM
`INFO +
`CALL
`BACK #
`TO
`CANCEL
`NMI
`
`ALARM
`INFO +
`OPTIONS
`TO
`CANCEL
`CONFIRM
`OR
`CHANGE
`
`E-MAIL
`
`PASSWORD
`
`INTERACTIVE
`VOICE
`
`WAP
`
`INFO +
`OPTIONS
`TO
`CANCEL
`CONFIRM
`OR
`CHANGE
`
`FIG. 23A
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 21 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 21 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 21 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`TIMER OUT
`NO RESPONSE
`
`OPTIONS
`
`©
`CANCEL
`OR NO
`RESPONSE
`
`DO NOT
`PRESENT TO
`DISPATCH
`
`CALL UST ONE
`
`NOTIFY
`USERS OF
`CANCEL
`BY RP
`
`CALL UST TWO
`
`DISPATCH
`AGENCY
`
`0
`DISPATCH
`OR NO
`RESPONSE
`
`C.)
`CHANGE
`ALARM
`EVENT
`
`CALL LIST THREE
`
`DISPATCH
`OR NOTIFY
`OTHER
`CALL LIST
`
`NOTIFY
`USERS OF
`DISPATCH
`
`OPTIONAL
`RE-NOTIFY
`
`FIG. 23B
`
`0
`CALL UST FOUR
`
`OPTIONS TO
`NOTIFY RPs
`ONLY
`
`END
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 22 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 22 of 39
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 28, 2002 Sheet 22 of 22
`
`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`0
`
`Q
`0
`
`-4-
`
`3
`0
`
`C.
`
`0
`
`0 0
`
`
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 23 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 23 of 39
`
`

`

`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`1
`
`Nov. 28.2002
`
`REMOTE NOTIFICATION OF MONITORED
`CONDITION
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Application serial No. 60/279,516 (entitled REMOTE
`NOTIFICATION OF MONITORED CONDITION, and
`filed on Mar. 28, 2001), the specification of which is herein
`incorporated by reference.
`[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
`Application serial No. 60/279,519 (entitled MESSAGE
`MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD, and filed on
`Mar. 28, 2001), the specification of which is herein incor-
`porated by reference.
`[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 09/219,737 (entitled DETECTION
`SYSTEM USING PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
`DEVICE WITH RESPONSE, and filed on Dec. 22, 1998),
`the specification of which is herein incorporated by refer-
`ence, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application
`serial No. 60/098,270 (entitled DETECTION SYSTEM
`USING CONFERENCE MONITORING, and filed on Aug.
`28, 1998), the specification of which is herein incorporated
`by reference.
`[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. patent
`application Ser. No. 09/793,373 (entitled EMERGENCY
`RESPONSE INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION, and filed
`on Feb. 26, 2001), the specification of which is herein
`incorporated by reference.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`[0005] The document relates generally to security, alarm
`or detection systems and wireless networks and in particular
`to the use of remote messaging, using, for example, long
`range, bidirectional, wireless networks.
`
`BACKGROUND
`In the security alarm industry, detection devices at
`[0006]
`a premise detect various conditions at the premise. These
`conditions may indicate that a fire, burglary, medical, envi-
`ronmental or other condition exists. The security system
`then transmits the information to a central response center
`(central station) that then coordinates the response activities
`of others back to the premise. However, many alarms are
`false, which results in needless dispatching of police, fire
`and medical teams. This creates numerous problems for
`public response agencies, endangers public safety and
`increases costs to consumers and industry providers;
`[0007] As a result, some central dispatch centers attempt
`to place a telephone call to the premise in an effort to
`communicate with the alarm user to determine if the alarm
`reported is false. If falsity cannot be established, then the
`central dispatch contacts an emergency response service and
`authorities are dispatched. Despite these efforts, statistics
`show that on average, more than 95% of all reported alarms
`are false.
`[0008] What is needed is an improved system that reduces
`the costs associated with false alarms.
`
`SUMMARY
`In one embodiment, the present subject matter
`[0009]
`provides nearly simultaneous communication of an alarm
`notification signal to one or more remote users via multiple
`communication channels.
`
`[0010] Consider a home security system with a commer-
`cially provided monitoring service. Assume that the pro-
`tected home has three responsible parties, namely Adult A,
`Adult B and Adult C. A processor at the monitoring service
`maintains a computerized list of contact numbers and
`addresses for each responsible party. For example, the list
`for Adult A may include a cellular telephone number, an
`office telephone number and an e-mail address. The list for
`Adult B may include a home telephone number, a two-way
`pager and a facsimile machine. The list for Adult C may
`include a cellular telephone number and a trunked radio
`channel.
`
`[0011] When the monitoring service receives an alarm
`signal from the protected home, the processor accesses the
`call lists for Adult A, Adult B and Adult C and transmits an
`alarm message to each number or address on the list. Thus,
`for Adult A, the cellular telephone will begin to ring, the
`office telephone will ring and an incoming e-mail message
`will appear. For Adult B, the home telephone number will
`ring, a message will be sent to the two-way pager and a
`message will be transmitted to the facsimile machine. For
`Adult C, the cellular telephone will ring and the trunked
`radio will receive a call. At this point, the monitoring service
`awaits a reply from the first of either Adult A, Adult B or
`Adult C. Assume Adult B receives the alarm message on the
`two-way pager and he is the first to reply by operating a
`user-accessible key on the pager. The reply message sent to
`the monitoring center indicates that the alarm is to be
`cancelled. In this case, the monitoring service, after authen-
`ticating the reply from the pager of Adult B, will discard, or
`otherwise ignore, the alarm signal. The monitoring service,
`in this case, does not call the public safety answering point
`(PSAP). An audible alarm sounding at the protected home,
`nevertheless, may continue to signal an alarm. The moni-
`toring service, after having authenticated the reply from
`Adult B, then transmits an update message to each of Adult
`A and Adult C. In one embodiment, a message is transmitted
`to Adult B to confirm receipt of the cancellation signal sent
`from the two-way pager. The update messages to Adult A
`and Adult C may indicate that Adult B has already supplied
`a cancellation command, and that no further action is
`expected.
`
`If, on the other hand, Adult B transmits a "confirm
`[0012]
`alarm" signal using the two-way pager, then the processor at
`the monitoring service proceeds to transmit a request for
`assistance to the PSAP. A message is then transmitted to the
`call lists for Adult A and Adult C to indicate that the alarm
`signal has been verified by Adult B. Adult B may receive a
`confirmation signal. The monitoring service may send a
`message to Adult A, Adult B and Adult C requesting that one
`of the adults meet an authority at the premises.
`
`In one embodiment, an incoming message is
`[0013]
`received by a first interface coupled to the processor and an
`outgoing message is transmitted by a second interface
`coupled to the processor. The incoming and outgoing inter-
`faces may include a telephone line connection, an Internet
`connect, a wireless radio transceiver and other hardware and
`systems adapted to perform the functions described herein.
`
`[0014] Other variations of the present subject matter are
`also contemplated.
`
`In one embodiment, the present subject matter
`[0015]
`provides nearly simultaneous communication of an alarm
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 24 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 24 of 39
`
`

`

`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`Nov. 28.2002
`
`2
`
`status signal to one or more remote users via multiple
`communication channels. The status signal may indicate the
`outcome of an alarm notification signal.
`[0016] Disclosed herein is a system and method for remote
`notification of a monitored condition. The alarm may
`include a coded or uncoded signal associated with an
`emergency or non-emergency event or condition. Examples
`of alarms include a burglar alarm, a fire alarm or a medical
`emergency alarm. Other sensors may also generate an alarm
`signal, such as, for example, mechanical, environmental,
`maintenance, usage, access or other type of sensor. Alarms
`may be triggered by one or more sensors located in or on an
`object or premise or an alarm may be manually triggered by
`a person. The alarm may result in the dispatch of emergency
`or service personnel. An alarm event may include a single
`detected instance or occurrence, for example, and an alarm
`condition, for example, may indicate persistent detected
`status. In one embodiment, alarm events are treated as alarm
`conditions.
`[0017] An alarm may be generated by a vehicle, object, or
`person. An alarm may be associated with a mobile or fixed
`location.
`[0018]
`In some cases, the alarm signal is monitored by a
`central station. For example, a fire alarm signal may be
`communicated to a central station for further dispatch to a
`fire department or other emergency personnel. In one
`embodiment, the alarm signal is communicated to a central
`monitoring station or location, via wired or wireless tech-
`nology. In one embodiment, the alarm signal is communi-
`cated (directly or indirectly) from the alarm system to a
`responsible party (RP). The RP may be one of a plurality of
`RPs that are notified of art alarm event or condition using a
`narrowcast method. The RP(s) are authorized or able to take
`action relative to the alarm event or condition. For example,
`the RP may be a neighbor or relative of the homeowner
`associated with the premises that generated the alarm signal.
`[0019]
`In one embodiment, an RP is notified of an alarm
`event or condition for the purpose of seeking verification of
`the alarm or cancellation of the planned response to the
`alarm. Cancellation of the planned response to the alarm, in
`one embodiment, includes aborting or terminating dispatch
`of emergency personnel. In one embodiment, an RP is
`notified of an alarm event or condition for the purpose of
`initiating follow up or taking action relating to the alarm
`event or condition. For example, the RP may be asked to
`meet emergency personnel at the alarm site or tend to a
`broken entry door or window.
`[0020]
`In one embodiment, the RP is notified by a fac-
`simile transmission, a pager message, an e-mail message, a
`cellular telephone message or a telephone message using
`plain old telephone service (POTS). In one embodiment, a
`pager message may be transmitted using various protocols,
`such as one-way protocol, short message service (SMS), a
`wireless application protocol (WAP), or a two-way pager
`protocol. In one embodiment, the notification includes inter-
`active voice messaging which allows the RP to engage in an
`interactive dialog to retrieve salient information regarding
`the alarm condition.
`[0021]
`In one embodiment, various devices arc used to
`communicate the notification to the RP, including for
`example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal
`computer, a facsimile machine, a pager, a cell phone, or an
`ordinary telephone.
`
`In one embodiment, the group of RPs that are to be
`[0022]
`notified of a particular alarm condition or event may of any
`size. For example, a group may include family members or
`officers of a corporation. The group may also include a
`selected subset of employees, neighbors, responding agen-
`cies, maintenance or service providers or others. The noti-
`fication of multiple parties, or transmitting to multiple
`addresses, is known as "narrowcasting."
`
`In one embodiment, the notification message is
`[0023]
`decoded, or translated into an alternative native language,
`prior to transmission.
`
`In one embodiment, the notification is forwarded to
`[0024]
`the RP as a one-way message with no expectation of a reply.
`In one embodiment, the notification is forwarded to the RP
`as a two-way message and includes a request for a response
`from the RP. The present system determines if a reply or
`response is requested and presents it to a dispatcher as
`needed. The narrowcasting of messages may operate in a
`parallel fashion with multiple simultaneous transmissions to
`multiple RPs. This narrowcast method increases the likeli-
`hood of a message reaching an RP so that the RP can cancel
`or validate an alarm event in a timely manner, thus prevent-
`ing false dispatching of agencies (which is significant cost
`and safety issue) or assuring a rapid response to a valid
`alarm.
`
`In one embodiment, multiple messages are sent
`[0025]
`simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously), that is, narrow
`cast to multiple RPs and/or multiple addresses at one time,
`solving the problem of manual serial notification, which
`may require a significant time before the list of RPs is
`exhausted, thus, prolonging the response time. Indeed a
`serial approach may further threaten lives or property in a
`time critical situation.
`
`[0026] One embodiment of the present method and system
`of monitoring permits multiple attempts to reach multiple
`RPs with each RP having multiple contact numbers or access
`information. For example, a single RP may have a home
`telephone number, a work telephone number, a cellular
`telephone number, a pager telephone number, an e-mail
`address, a facsimile machine telephone number and a radio
`communication channel. In one embodiment, the alarm
`notification signal is transmitted simultaneously or nearly
`simultaneously, and automatically, using each of the selected
`communication channels in an attempt to contact an RP. As
`noted above, the present system and method includes the
`ability to transmit an alarm notification message to multiple
`RPs, each having multiple contact numbers.
`
`[0027] This summary is intended to provide a brief over-
`view of some of the embodiments of the present system, and
`is not intended in an exclusive or exhaustive sense, and the
`scope of the invention is to be determined by the attached
`claims and their equivalents.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`In the drawings, like numerals describe substan-
`[0028]
`tially similar components throughout the several views. Like
`numerals having different letter suffixes represent different
`instances of substantially similar components.
`
`[0029] FIG. 1 includes a schematic diagram depicting an
`overview of the present system.
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 25 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 25 of 39
`
`

`

`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`Nov. 28, 2002
`
`3
`
`[0030] FIG. 2 includes a block diagram depicting a pro-
`cess according to the present system.
`
`[0031] FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depict embodiments of
`alarm reception and processing pathways.
`
`[0032] FIG. 4 includes a block diagram depicting an
`overview of the connections of the present system to users.
`
`[0033] FIG. 5 includes a flow chart depicting an overview
`of converting an alarm signal into a notification message for
`an RP.
`
`[0034] FIG. 6 includes a flow chart illustrating an alarm
`dispatch process.
`
`[0035] FIG. 7 includes a flow chart illustrating an alarm
`dispatch process according to one embodiment of the
`present system.
`
`[0036] FIG. 8 includes a flow chart illustrating a process
`according to one embodiment of the present system.
`
`[0037] FIG. 9 includes a flow chart illustrating a process
`according to one embodiment of the present system.
`
`[0038] FIG. 10 includes a flow chart illustrating retrieval
`of account information according to one embodiment of the
`present system.
`
`[0039] FIG. 11 includes a flow chart illustrating accessing
`responding agency information associated with an alarm
`event.
`
`[0040] FIG. 12 includes a flow chart illustrating translat-
`ing a notification message in a first language into a second
`language.
`
`[0041] FIG. 13 includes a flow chart illustrating security
`management in one embodiment of the present system.
`
`[0042] FIG. 14 includes a flow chart illustrating updating
`of alarm information.
`
`[0043] FIG. 15 includes a flow chart illustrating accessing
`of related alarm files.
`
`[0044] FIG. 16 includes a flow chart illustrating accessing
`data links of users.
`
`[0045] FIG. 17 includes a flow chart illustrating format-
`ting a message for selected devices used by RPs or agencies.
`
`[0046] FIG. 18 includes a flow chart illustrating sources
`of responses to messages.
`
`[0047] FIG. 19 includes a flow chart illustrating selected
`uses of responses received from RPs and other users.
`
`[0048] FIG. 20 includes flow chart illustrating using a
`timer in response management.
`
`[0049] FIG. 21 includes a flow chart illustrating an inter-
`active voice response application.
`
`[0050] FIG. 22 includes a block diagram illustrating one
`embodiment of the present system in a distributed process-
`ing environment.
`
`[0051] FIGS. 23A and 23B include a flow chart illustrat-
`ing the use of a timer to manage RP response.
`
`[0052] FIG. 24 includes a block diagram of an example
`embodiment of a system according to the present subject
`matter.
`
`DETAILED SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
`
`[0053] This detailed description provides a number of
`different embodiments of the present system. The embodi-
`ments provided herein are not intended in an exclusive or
`limited sense, and variations may exist in organization,
`dimension, hardware, software, mechanical design and con-
`figuration without departing from the claimed invention, the
`scope of which is provided by the attached claims and
`equivalents thereof.
`
`Overview
`
`[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present
`system and method. In the figure, a central station is coupled
`to three representative alarm signal sources. Automobile
`theft alarm 1, residential fire or burglar alarm 2, and personal
`alarm 3 are independent alarm signal sources and each is in
`communication with system 50. Other alarm sources are
`also contemplated. In one embodiment, system 50 receives
`an alarm signal by a wireless or wired communication
`channel from an alarm signal source. Upon receiving an
`alarm signal, system 50 then attempts to contact a designated
`RP. In the figure, three RPs are depicted, each having several
`means of communicating. For example, RP 4 may be
`contacted by cellular telephone, a home telephone, a work
`telephone, a pager, or an e-mail address. In addition, RP 5
`may be contacted by cellular telephone, a home telephone,
`a pager or a radio. In the embodiment shown, RP 6 may be
`contacted by cellular telephone, home telephone or a fac-
`simile machine. Additional RPs may also be included, each
`having more or less alternative means of contacting.
`
`In one embodiment, the customer of system 50
`[0055]
`specifies or selects one or more call lists as well as the entries
`on each call list. In one embodiment, a call list includes the
`name of an RP as well as one or more access, addresses, or
`contact numbers for reaching that RP. For example, alarm
`source 2 may be associated with a call list for RP 4 and a call
`list for RP 5. One or more call lists per alarm source is
`contemplated. In one embodiment, a dispatcher manually
`attempts to contact an RP by accessing the entries in a call
`list.
`
`In one embodiment, an RP receives a notification
`[0056]
`message sent by a wireless network to a user device. The
`user device may be of several different designs. For
`example, in one embodiment it may be a two-way pager
`adapted for response messaging. Using response messaging,
`a two-way pager receives a message and optional multiple-
`choice responses. The user, or RP, is prompted to ;elect a
`response for reply transmission by the wireless network. In
`one embodiment, a two-way pager is adapted to provide
`system control options to an RP.
`
`In one embodiment, the user device includes a
`[0057]
`programmable two-way paging device such as the Motorola
`PageWriterTM 2000. This is a class of device that functions
`as both a two-way pager and a handheld computer also
`known as a PDA.
`
`In another embodiment, the user device includes a
`[0058]
`cellular telephone. The cellular telephone may be analog or
`digital and compatible with one or more of several commu-
`nication technologies. Exemplary cellular communication
`technologies include Personal Communications Services
`(PCS), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), or Time
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 26 of 39
`
`RESIDEO-999
`EX1021
`Page 26 of 39
`
`

`

`US 2002/0177428 Al
`
`Nov. 28.2002
`
`4
`
`Division Multiple Access (TDMN) or others. The cellular
`telephone may have programmable capability such as is
`found in a NokiaJ 9000 series of devices.
`
`In one embodiment where the RP utilizes a pager
`[0059]
`or cell phone as the user device, a security password is
`e