Abstract: A load limiting circuit includes a transistor switch, for providing current to a load and a latching circuit having a control input, and a latch output driving the transistor switch. A current sensing transistor interconnects with the transistor switch, to sense current in excess of a threshold to the load. The current sensing transistor drives the control input to the latching circuit. An external controller may drive and monitor the control input. The controller may thus turn the transistor switch on and off, and be notified of an over-current condition. The latching circuit may turn the transistor switch off permanently. As well, the controller may attempt to set the load limiting circuit after an over-current condition.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.

Abstract: A bi-directional current limiter may be configured to receive an AC signal and bi-directionally limit the loop current to a predetermined current value. A first and second zone may be configured in series with the AC signal and bi-directional current limiter. The first and second zone may include unidirectional current limiters to limit a unidirectional current that is proportionately less than the bi-directionally limited current. A first opto-coupler circuit (ISO1) may be configured to detect both high and low current states in the current loop circuit. Second and third opto-coupler circuits (ISO2 and ISO3) associated with the first and second zones may be configured to detect only high current states in the current loop circuit. The status of the first and second zones may then be determined by an analysis of the current level in the current loop circuit during two half cycles as determined by the various current limiters.

Abstract: An alarm system includes one or more audio stations, and an audio station network interface. The audio stations communicate wirelessly with the audio station network interface. The audio station network interface communicates with a monitoring center over a cellular network, to allow audio monitoring of the premises at the audio stations. The audio station network interface may be called by the monitoring center. Calls may optionally be placed by it in response to user interaction with one of the audio stations.

Abstract: An interface circuit configurable in input and output modes comprises a current source; an input/output node; a diode to prevent current from flowing from the input/output node to the current source; a first switch to short-circuit the diode when closed; and a second switch to form a ground path from the input/output node when closed. In input mode, the first switch is closed and the state of a connected sensor circuit may be measured. In the output mode, the first switch is open, and the second switch may be closed to activate an output circuit. In the output mode, power dissipation may be monitored, and the diode may protect the current source and measurement node from current flowing through the output circuit. In the input mode, closing the first switch may prevent the diode from introducing measurement errors due to non-linear attenuation of perturbative AC signals.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for transferring security event data over one of a plurality of cellular networks of different cellular carrier. A minimum acceptable signal quality for a connection between a radio transceiver and a cellular network is set. The signal quality for a connection between the radio transceiver and each of a plurality of cellular network receivers for the different cellular carriers is then determined. The radio transceiver is connected to the cellular network receiver for the cellular carrier exhibiting the greatest signal quality above the minimum acceptable signal quality. If this connection fails or is lost, the radio transceiver is connected to the cellular network receiver for an alternate cellular carrier exhibiting the next greatest acceptable signal quality above the minimum acceptable signal quality. Security event data is then transmitted from the radio transceiver to a remote central monitoring facility over the established cellular connection.

Abstract: Alarm panels are assigned to monitoring servers at a monitoring station by an allocation server. Each panel obtains the data network address of its assigned monitoring server by contacting the allocation server, upon installation/configuration. The provided data network address is stored at the panel for later use. This allows the allocation server to fairly and flexibly distribute monitoring responsibility for the many panels across multiple monitoring servers.

Abstract: A user-centric management application system and method for a security system that conceptualizes the security devices and the tasks to perform on the security devices as separate objects with common properties and behavior. Operators of the system create abstract containers, called dockviews, which the operator adds objects to in order to perform specific tasks. Because the operator assigns user access to dockviews and objects, the system tailors system access for both application users and tenants of the security system based on policy objectives. Dockviews have the ability to open in separate application windows to support priority display and isolation of critical management tasks. The system provides integrated user administration, event management and reports capability, a consistent “look and feel,” and system-wide automated event notification via a watchlist window.

Abstract: A user-centric management application system and method for a security system that conceptualizes the security devices and the tasks to perform on the security devices as separate objects with common properties and behavior. Operators of the system create abstract containers, called dockviews, which the operator adds objects to in order to perform specific tasks. Because the operator assigns user access to dockviews and objects, the system tailors system access for both application users and tenants of the security system based on policy objectives. Dockviews have the ability to open in separate application windows to support priority display and isolation of critical management tasks. The system provides integrated user administration, event management and reports capability, a consistent “look and feel,” and system-wide automated event notification via a watchlist window.

Abstract: A method for removing noise from an electrical signal in an alarm system using a software filter, the method including the steps of converting the electrical signal from an analog signal into a digital signal, wherein the digital signal includes a series of sampled values, entering a most recent of the sampled values into a circular index containing a number of previously sampled values, multiplying each of the values in the circular index by a predetermined filter coefficient, and summing products of each of the multiplied circular index values and filter coefficients to arrive at a filtered digital signal value.

Abstract: A control panel of an alarm system at a premises stores call-back numbers/addresses and provides these to a monitoring center, as required. In embodiments, the call-back numbers/address may be provided along with the signalling of an alarm condition. In other embodiments, call-back numbers/addresses may be retrieved from the panel at the request of an operator or installer, or periodically. Call-back numbers/address may be stored or updated at the panel by installers or occupants, or automatically.

Abstract: A method at an alarm monitoring station and security system arrangement for detecting alarm signals originating at security systems on incoming calls carried by a telecommunications line includes, for each call, measuring a noise level on the line in the absence of signals originated by the security systems. Based on the measuring, at least one signal detection threshold above the noise level is set, wherein a level of a signal must exceed the signal detection threshold in order to be detected as a data signal. Alarm data signals in the call are detected using the signal detection threshold.

Abstract: An alarm system includes an alarm panel that signals sensed alarm conditions at a premises to a monitoring server over a packet switched data network. The alarm panel also senses and buffers audio at the premises. In response to a sensed alarm condition, buffered audio, buffered prior to signalling the sensed alarm condition, is transferred to the monitoring station. The alarm panel may further receive live audio from the premises. Data representing live audio and buffered audio may be transferred concurrently, allowing an operator at a monitoring center to listen to audio arising from events before and after an alarm is signalled. The alarm system may further allow real-time communication between the monitoring center and panel.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enhancing the throughput of signals from a security system receiver to an associated automation server. Multiple parallel Ethernet connections or ports are provided between the receiver and server to enable multiple signals to be transmitted between the two when such signals are received from a client's security system panel. The system and method may access the ports in a variety of orders to provide efficient transmittal of signals from the receiver to the server. In one embodiment, received event signals may be routed though the ports in numeric sequence, forward or reverse. In another embodiment, received event signals may be routed preferentially to the first port, if it is not busy. If the first port is busy then the signal may be routed to the second port, and so on. In a further embodiment, received event signals from specific client panels may be directed through predetermined ports, and a predetermined automation server at the central monitoring facility.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enrolling wireless security system devices (alarms, detectors, lights) in a security system. A controller is provided and is capable of exchanging wireless signals with the devices. The system has an enroll mode where the wireless devices transmit enroll signals to the controller. The enroll signals contain an identifier associated with each device. An installer uses a keypad or other interface device to review each of the devices that have sent a signal, and to accept them for enrollment or ignore them. After review, the controller sends a signal to the devices instructing them to cease transmitting enroll signals to the controller. If the power of an enrolled device is cycled (battery replacement), another enroll command is sent to the controller. The controller determines whether the device was already enrolled, and if it has the controller sends a signal to the device to stop sending the enroll command.

Abstract: A planar antenna includes a ground plane on a substrate, a radiating element coupled to the ground plane on the substrate, and a feed line. An impedance tap point is defined by a connection between the feed line and the radiating element and the length of the radiating element defines the resonant frequency of the antenna. A first portion of the radiating element includes an impedance adjustment mechanism for defining the impedance tap point of the antenna and consequently the impedance of the antenna. A second portion of the radiating element includes a frequency adjustment section which adjusts the length of said radiating element and consequently the resonant frequency of the antenna.

Abstract: A stand-alone portable alarm update tool includes a memory interface for receiving a computer readable memory; a serial port for interconnection to a security alarm panel, by way of a complementary port; a processor; and processor readable memory in communication with the processor, storing software adapting the processor to upload and download configuration files from a removable memory received by the memory port, to the alarm panel, by way of the serial port. Conveniently, the tool may be packaged in a hand-held casing, and which may also house a battery. In this way, the tool may be readily transported by an installer, without being unnecessary heavy or bulky.

Abstract: A security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for communicating heartbeat signals representative of the condition of a security system to a monitoring station. A controller is provided that transmits a heartbeat signal to a monitoring station within a given time period and awaits an acknowledgement signal from the monitoring station. If an acknowledgement signal is received within a time interval from the transmission of the heartbeat signal, then the time period is reset and another heartbeat signal is not sent until the next time period. If an acknowledgement signal is not received by the controller within a few seconds of transmitting the heartbeat signal, then another heartbeat signal is sent from the controller to the monitoring station. Heartbeat signals are only transmitted from the controller if an acknowledgement signal is not received from the monitoring station. In this manner, the amount of data sent over a communication link is reduced.

Abstract: An alarm system at a premises reduces the overall delay in signalling an alarm condition in the presence of an entry delay timer. The alarm system establishes, or commences the establishment of a network connection prior to the expiry of the entry delay. This allows an alarm message to be quickly dispatched upon expiry of the entry delay timer, or if a tamper condition is sensed.