Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing video. The method includes the steps of a security system providing video of a secured area, a security person monitoring the provided video, the security person superimposing markings onto one or more frames of the monitored video through a display of the monitored video and the security system saving one or more video frames and markings within a set of respective files of a memory device where the video frames occupy a first file of the set of respective files and the markings occupy a second file of the set of files, where the first and second files are different and where the markings are related to the corresponding one or more video frames via a cross reference.

Abstract: An access control system, having at least one access control unit for securing a physical area and controlling entry into and egress out of the physical area, and an Ethernet routing device, is disclosed. The Ethernet routing device includes an access controller for determining access privileges to the physical area; an Ethernet switching unit for directing network communications between multiple network devices; at least one Ethernet connector for connecting the at least one access control unit to the Ethernet routing device; and an access control message interpreter for reading messages received, by way of the Ethernet connector, from the at least one access control unit and providing access control information contained in the messages to the access controller for access privilege determination.

Abstract: A motion detector and a method for detecting a tampering of the motion detector. The tampering can include a spraying or brushing of a lens of the motion detector. The motion detector comprises a lens, a single sensing section for detecting infrared signals within a protected area, and detecting vibrations on the lens in the form of acoustic signals, the vibrations and the infrared signal causing a voltage change in the single sensing section, a first and second amplifier for amplifying the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, first and second filter for filtering the voltage change for processing for tampering and motion, respectively, a microcontroller for determining if the detected voltage change is consistent with a pattern that is indicative of tampering or motion and alarm generating section for generating a tamper alarm or a motion alarm based upon the determination by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus or a respirator can be equipped with a sensor of ambient airborne conditions. A display unit can be carried by a face mask for the apparatus or respirator. Responsive to output signals from the sensor, the display unit can present an air quality indicator, or a breathability indicator to a user of the apparatus or respirator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of sensors within the security system where each sensor of the plurality of sensors is associated with an asset, detecting activation of a sensor of the plurality of sensors and displaying an image of the asset associated with the activated sensor.

Abstract: A video interface kernel with a defined application program interface includes each of a plurality of core functions for interfacing with video equipment and video processing subsystems. The core functions include such functions as video capture and video output, video recording and playback, and event notification. Functions of the video interface kernel also include video analysis functions and/or interfaces to analysis subsystems, as well as interfaces to point-of-sale terminals, access control systems, and location tracking systems. An intelligent video management module facilitates managing the interactions among the other modules of the kernel, further simplifying the application level interface.

Abstract: The inventive system and method for determining the availability of a computer network comprises a device operable to connect to at least the computer network using internet communications and using GSM, and an alarm service and/or a central server, wherein the device attempts to connect to the computer network using the internet communications and if the device fails to connect within a predetermined value, such as an amount of time or a number of tries, the device uses the GSM to notify the alarm service of the failure to connect. In one embodiment, after the device notifies the alarm service and/or central server of the failure to connect, the device continues to attempt to connect to the computer network, and if the device connects within another predetermined value, the device notifies the alarm service and/or central server of the restoral of service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for obtaining the status of a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a security system for a protected premises, coupling the security system to a central monitoring station through a short-range radio and a broadband connection that receives polling messages from the protected premises where the broadband connection forwards the polling message to the central station, the central station receiving a status request from an authorized user of the protected premises, in response to the polling message, the central station transmitting the status request to the security system through the broadband connection and short range radio system and the security system transmitting a status report through the short range radio and the broadband connection to the central monitoring station in response to the request.

Abstract: A system including at least one sensor capable of indicating the physiological presence an individual proximate thereto, an access control unit associated with the sensor that provides physiological access to a secure area and control circuits coupled to the at least one sensor, and the unit and responsive thereto to adjust a security level and alarm state in a selected region of the secure area.

Abstract: A door security apparatus including a door strike connected to a structure and electrically connected to a first energy transceiver. The door strike is in spaced mating relationship to a door. A door-locking device is coupled to the door for locking and unlocking the door to the door strike. The door-locking device is electrically connected to a second energy transceiver in spaced mating relationship and electrically communicating with the first energy transceiver. The door-locking device includes an access interface communicating with a microprocessor for receiving an access credential. A controlling device is electrically connected to the first energy transceiver, and the controlling device initiates unlocking and locking the door to the door strike using the door-locking device after evaluating the validity of the access credential received from the access interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colorimetric gas detector comprising a substrate bearing a material that can react with a gas in an atmosphere being monitored and wherein the reaction causes the material to change the radiation at which the material absorbs or radiates radiation (the color-change material). The material is located in at least one discrete area of the substrate. By providing the color change material in discrete areas, the amount of such material can be reduced and different types of color-change material can be included on a common substrate to detect two or more gases simultaneously.

Abstract: The inventive system and method for enabling external applications to display data in the security system has a table with a plurality of rules and an interface for processing the external application data for display, such that when an alert occurs in the security system, one of the rules defines a response to the alert and the device performs the response. This system and method protects the integrity of the security system as well as allows the display of data by external applications on the security system.

Abstract: The inventive system and method for enabling interactive collaboration among video surveillance operators is presented. The device has a message including an incident or meta data having a source identifier, a meta data composer, a transport layer, and a display device, such that the message is packaged using the meta data composer and transmitted using the transport layer to the display device. One embodiment facilitates sharing using a common console, and the other facilitates sharing to one or more operators; both embodiments use a common Meta Data messaging mechanism. Meta data refers to any surveillance related data that is worthy of sharing between operators. It includes, but is not necessarily limited to, salvo information, camera, incident related data, video device location details, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a security panel coupled to a plurality of security sensors, a central monitoring station monitoring the security panel, coupling the security panel to the central panel through an Ethernet connection and periodically generating a heartbeat within the security panel that is periodically sent to the central station to confirm the operability of the Ethernet connection. The Ethernet connection may include a voice over Internet protocol connection or a voice and video over Internet protocol connection.

Abstract: A wireless access apparatus for controlling access into a secure area comprises a first power source and a second power source. A controller automatically switches between the first and second power source based at least on a calculated power level of the first and second power source. The controller is connected to either the first or the first and second power source based on the switching. The access apparatus includes a switch having a first position for connecting the first power source to the controller and a second position for connecting second power source to the controller and an electromechanical transducer coupled to the controller for unlocking or locking an entrance into the secure area. The controller determines access to the secure area using information received from an access card.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a sensitivity of an acoustic detector. The acoustic detector receives a signal from a remote device. The signal embodies an operating instruction for the acoustic detector. The signal is decoded into an operating instruction for the acoustic detector. The sensitivity of the acoustic detector is adjusted according to the operating instruction. The acoustic detector can increase or decrease the sensitivity. After the sensitivity is adjusted, the acoustic detector sends a confirmation of the adjustment to the user.

Abstract: A security system is provided. The security system includes a security processor having a plurality of inputs that receive signals from security sensors in a secured area and at least one data output path that couples the received signals from the security sensors to a central monitoring station and a network interface device coupled to the security processor that couples signals between the security processor and central monitoring station through a network connection, said network interface selected from the group consisting of a television set-top box, digital video recorder, DSL modem, fiber-optic modem, VSAT satellite transceiver and personal computer, and said network connection selected from the group consisting of a public or proprietary network connection, an Internet connection, a PSTN connection, and a cable TV distribution system connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an intruder. The method includes the steps of receiving an echo from opposing sides of a curtain line extending through the secure area, determining a difference between the received echoes, determining a phase difference of the signal and generating an alarm when the determined phase changes sign between successively received echoes.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method and system that combines arming and disarming of a security system with activation and deactivation of call forwarding, enabling a single input by an authorized user to alter the state of the security system and to activate or deactivate call forwarding. Further, when changing the state of the security system, a user authorization component determines whether call forwarding should be activated. Hence, forwarding of calls is based on both user criteria and the state of the system. Additionally, the state of call forwarding can be changed by an authorized user via the security system.

Abstract: A door access control system includes a pair of housings. One housing is mounted in the door. The other is mounted adjacent to the door in the surrounding frame. The one housing includes an inductor, control circuits coupled to the inductor and a door side interface. The other includes an inductor, control circuits coupled to the inductor and a frame side interface. The door side interface can be coupled to door mounted devices including a card reader, a request for exit interface and a lock interface. The frame side interface can be coupled to frame side communication links which in turn are coupled to a displaced door access control unit. Communication between housings can be carried out via the inductors.