Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security system. The method includes the steps of the security system monitoring a secured area, a video camera obtaining images of the secured area, detecting at least one person within the obtained images and identifying a predetermined context associated with the identified at least one person within the obtained images.

Abstract: The inventive system and method comprises a processor operable to detect an event, storage having detailed data corresponding to the event, an input device operable to receive the detailed data, one or more display devices, and an audio output device, wherein when an event is detected, a display is produced on one or more of the display devices and output on the audio output device in accordance with the detailed data corresponding to the event. In one embodiment, the detailed data includes a list of emergency telephone numbers corresponding to the event and an emergency message. In one embodiment, the input device is a graphics keypad that houses the processor, the storage, and at least one of the one or more display devices. The audio output device can be a speaker, and a microphone audio circuit. In one embodiment, the storage has battery backup.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a structure, such as a residence or other building, against intrusion, while reducing generation of false alarms when an occupant of the structure inadvertently trips a contact detector by opening an entry point (door, window, etc.) is provided. The contact detector is coupled with a motion detector that is directed to monitor motion within the structure at a location proximate to the entry point being monitored by the contact detector. Generally, when the contact detector detects that the entry point is being opened, a fault is issued to a control panel, which in turn generates an alarm. However, if motion is detected within the structure and proximate to the entry point prior to the contact detector registering an opening of the entry point, no fault is generated.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system by generating an instant message at a first location, the instant message including security system data, then transmitting the instant message from the first location over a computer network to a second location via an instant message server computer. The instant message is received at the second location, and a security system function is initiated at the second location based on the security system data from the instant message. Security system configuration data may be provided with an instant message in order to enable remote programming of the security system via the instant messaging channel. Half-duplex audio communications may also be achieved by providing digitized audio files with instant messages that may be communicated between locations.

Abstract: A key fob with a housing into which a deadbolt key is mounted such that the shank protrudes therefrom, enabling a user to turn the housing and cause the key to lock or unlock the door. Within the keyfob are a pair of switches or other sensing means configured to close on either the turning of the housing in a first (clockwise) direction or a second (counterclockwise) direction. Based on the direction the housing is turned, either a first coded signal or a second coded signal is transmitted to a control panel. The control panel will then either arm or disarm the security system based on how it has been programmed during installation. This enables the user to easily arm the system when the door is being locked and disarm the system when the door is being unlocked without requiring a separate action on the part of the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system by generating an instant message at a first location, the instant message including security system data, then transmitting the instant message from the first location over a computer network to a second location via an instant message server computer. The instant message is received at the second location, and a security system function is initiated at the second location based on the security system data from the instant message. Security system configuration data may be provided with an instant message in order to enable remote programming of the security system via the instant messaging channel. Half-duplex audio communications may also be achieved by providing digitized audio files with instant messages that may be communicated between locations.

Abstract: The inventive system and method comprises a processor operable to detect an event, storage having detailed data corresponding to the event, an input device operable to receive the detailed data, one or more display devices, and an audio output device, wherein when an event is detected, a display is produced on one or more of the display devices and output on the audio output device in accordance with the detailed data corresponding to the event. In one embodiment, the detailed data includes a list of emergency telephone numbers corresponding to the event and an emergency message. In one embodiment, the input device is a graphics keypad that houses the processor, the storage, and at least one of the one or more display devices. The audio output device can be a speaker, and a microphone audio circuit. In one embodiment, the storage has battery backup.

Abstract: A battery-powered RF sensor is provided for use in security and alarm systems for monitoring alarm state conditions, and transmitting an alarm state detection signal upon detection of an alarm state condition. The RF sensor is constructed to include an RF transmitting portion, a battery, a low-battery voltage level detection portion and a counter for periodically detecting an output voltage level of the battery, and comparing the voltage level to a first threshold voltage. If the detected battery output voltage level is determined to be less than the first threshold voltage, the low- or depleted-battery state is not immediately reported, but is reported at another time if the low-battery condition persists. That is, the low battery condition would preferably not be reported until daytime hours, other than for a dead battery condition.

Abstract: A synchronizing method and system between a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter and a battery powered receiver wherein the transmitter transmits short duration first periodic sync signals which are used by the receiver to maintain proper synchronization of the receiver with the transmitter during second periodic wake-up windows for transmission of data. The receiver wakes for a short duration at the start of each periodic wake up window to receive a possible transmission of data, and if no transmission is received goes back to sleep, and if a transmission is received stays awake to receive the full transmission of data. The receiver accurately times a number of consecutive first periodic sync signals received from the transmitter in order to more accurately determine when the receiving device should come out of a sleep mode.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the whereabouts of a patient in a house using security system components such as motion detectors and the like, and for providing automated lighting sequences to strategically located light fixtures for use as an aide in the patient walking around the house unattended.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a structure, such as a residence or other building, against intrusion, while reducing generation of false alarms when an occupant of the structure inadvertently trips a contact detector by opening an entry point (door, window, etc.) is provided. The contact detector is coupled with a motion detector that is directed to monitor motion within the structure at a location proximate to the entry point being monitored by the contact detector. Generally, when the contact detector detects that the entry point is being opened, a fault is issued to a control panel, which in turn generates an alarm. However, if motion is detected within the structure and proximate to the entry point prior to the contact detector registering an opening of the entry point, no fault is generated.

Abstract: A key fob with a housing into which a deadbolt key is mounted such that the shank protrudes therefrom, enabling a user to turn the housing and cause the key to lock or unlock the door. Within the keyfob are a pair of switches or other sensing means configured to close on either the turning of the housing in a first (clockwise) direction or a second (counterclockwise) direction. Based on the direction the housing is turned, either a first coded signal or a second coded signal is transmitted to a control panel. The control panel will then either arm or disarm the security system based on how it has been programmed during installation. This enables the user to easily arm the system when the door is being locked and disarm the system when the door is being unlocked without requiring a separate action on the part of the user.

Abstract: A security system that secures a building includes a weather detector for detecting weather conditions, such as thunder or high winds, which are likely to cause false alarms in sensors such as an acoustic glass break sensor, shock sensor and vibration sensor. The weather detector may include a sensing component that senses atmospheric conditions external to the building, such as temperature, pressure, wind speed and/or lightning. The weather detector may also include a component for receiving a data communication, such as from a radio, Internet, or telephone link, indicating that the weather condition is present in a vicinity of the building. The security system operates in a bad weather mode by requiring corroboration of intrusion detection signals from the sensors that can cause false alarms.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of automatically configuring security system control panels by using calling number information that is provided by a telephone call made to a specified telephone number, such as Calling Number Delivery (CND) information that is provided by a telephone call made to a toll free (800) telephone number. After an initial installation of a security system at an installation site, the security system control panel dials the specified telephone number to establish a telephone connection to a security company database center. The security company database center receives the calling number information that includes the telephone number of the installation site, and utilizes the telephone number of the installation site to look up in a database the security system control panel configuration information.

Abstract: A method of protecting an asset having engine which includes the steps of providing a kill switch cooperating with the engine on the asset, providing a communications receiver connected to the kill switch, providing a security system having a security panel for a protected premises, providing a communications transmitter connected to the security panel, and transmitting a signal sequentially from the security panel to the transmitter, then to the receiver and then to the kill switch. The invention also includes apparatus for protecting an associated asset having engine which includes a kill switch cooperating with the engine on the associated asset, a communications receiver connected to the kill switch, a security system having a security panel for an associated protected premises, and a communications transmitter connected to the security panel.