Abstract: An interface unit adapts an existing alarm system, e.g., an existing automobile alarm system, so that it selectively provides additional alarm features not previously available. Such features are made available, at least in part, through use of the components of the existing alarm system. Thus, there is no need to remove the existing alarm system, or (in one embodiment) to even cut or relocate any of the wires used with the existing alarm system. All that is required is to install the interface unit and couple it in an appropriate manner to the existing system. The features made available through the interface unit selectively include voice messages that are triggered: whenever the alarm system senses a violation event, to indicate the arming or disarming of the system, or to report to the owner the violation events that have occurred since the system was last armed.

Abstract: An alarm system senses the presence of a person sufficiently near a protected object, such as an automobile, to inflict damage thereto, and provides verbal warnings to the person. The alarm system includes a proximity detector that senses the proximity of a person to the protected object and means for generating vocal signals using electronic speech generation circuits. Such vocal signals typically instruct the person to back away from the protected object, thereby preventing the person from inflicting any damage to the object. The user may select various operating modes and performance options in how the system is used.

Abstract: An alarm system for detecting, signaling and reporting the occurrence of a penetration towards or an unauthorized entry into a defined area, such as towards or into a closed automobile. The alarm system includes a proximity detector to detect an intrusion into a prescribed zone or region around the defined area, and one or more sensors to sense an unauthorized entry event or attempted entry event into the defined area. The alarm system further includes means for generating vocal speech warning or alarm signals for the purpose of: (1) drawing attention to the fact that an unauthorized penetration or entry event has been sensed, and (2) providing vocal reports to indicate the status of the system and to alert the owner of the system that a prior unauthorized event was detected. During use of the system, the user of the system can select various operating modes and report options, thereby providing flexibility in how the system is used.