Abstract: A system, device and method for detecting an audible alarm are provided. In one embodiment, the method may include the steps of receiving an audio input, determining that the audio input has at least a threshold magnitude, determining that the audio input includes one or more a target frequencies, determining that the audio input is received for a minimum duration; and wirelessly transmitting a first notification. The transmission may be received at a second device that may transmit an alert notification to a remote device, which may be, for example, the user or remote emergency system.

Abstract: A communications network for a security network is disclosed. The communications network includes at least one master base unit, or fixed parts, and at least two slave base units, or portable parts. The communications network is configured such that each of the master base units is capable of communicating with each of the slave base units, and each of the slave base units is capable of communicating with each of the master base units. The network is also configured such that each of the master base units is capable of communicating with an outside telecommunications network, and each of the network slave base units are also capable of communicating with an outside telecommunications network. Such a communications network for a security network provides substantial redundancy and reliability in the event of one or more component failures.

Abstract: A security network for use in a building with an opening to be monitored for possible intrusion. The network includes an intrusion sensor monitoring the opening; an RFID transponder associated with the sensor; an RFID reader in wireless communication with the transponder; and a portable telephone handset having first keys activating conventional telephone capability and second keys activating interaction with the other security network components. The handset wirelessly communicates with the reader. The reader may take the form of a security cradle for the handset. Alternatively, the reader may take the form of a telephone console. The console has keys enabling a user to dial remote telephone numbers; circuitry adapted to receive wireless communications from the transponder; circuitry in wireless communication with the handset; circuitry in communication with an external network; and a processor executing program code enabling the handset to communicate with the external network via the telephone console.

Abstract: An RFID security network using system component diversity and system spatial diversity is disclosed. The security network includes a plurality of network base units, each communicating with a plurality of transponders, or security transmitters. Through appropriate distributive placement of the plurality of base units, along with appropriate placement of the transponders, the redundancy and reliability of the RF communication links between one or more base units and one or more transponders is increased. Moreover, because each of the base units is capable of being a communications gateway with an external network, including a telecommunications network, the security network's access to an outside telecommunications network is redundant and highly reliable. Accordingly, even if an intruder attempts to disable the security system communications to an external network, the inventive security network has redundant and alternative communication links to an external network.

Abstract: A multi-level meshed security network. The network includes a first level having a plurality of base units, supporting relatively high power RF communications, and a controller function. The second level has a plurality of transponders, supporting relatively low power RF communications, and at least one sensor. Each of the components of the first level communicates with each other and with each of the components of the second level.

Abstract: A clip for an RFID transponder used in a security network based on RFID techniques. The clip includes a flexible, semi-rigid body engaging the RFID transponder via a slip or snap-in placement. The clip also includes an electrical contact interconnecting with an electrical contact of the RFID transponder, a mechanical member pressing on a switch of the RFID transponder, or both when the RFID transponder is placed into engagement with the clip. Such interconnecting or pressing enables enrollment of the RFID transponder with a controller of the security network. A related method of enrolling the RFID transponder in the security network, using the clip, is also provided.

Abstract: A method for enrolling devices in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The method prevents unauthorized devices from engaging in communications by and between the various devices in the security system. While the security system may have long RF range during normal operation, the RFID readers of the security system reduce their read range during an enrollment operation. A user must be physically proximate to an RFID reader to enroll any device. The controller has an associated master key RFID transponder containing at least one code necessary for enabling enrollment of an RFID reader. This master key RFID transponder can only be read during enrollment. RFID transponders and RFID readers also exchange at least one code during the enrollment of RFID transponders. The codes can enable encrypted communications during normal system operation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling communications in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader of the security system can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The controller of the security system determines which RFID readers may transmit, at what times, and the parameters with which to transmit. The RFID transponders of the security system limit their transmissions to responses only, and only when information to transmit exists. The controller may vary the parameters used by the RFID reader based upon the RFID transponder that is being addressed. The RFID reader can detect interference or jamming, and respond.

Abstract: A communications architecture for a security network using low power and high power wireless communications. The low power and high power wireless communications will typically be operating in different frequency bands and at different transmit power levels. The security network contains base units and transponders. Base units may be in the form of cordless phone handsets or cordless phone base stations. Transmissions from a transponder may be received at more than one base unit. A base unit may forward communications from a transponder to another base unit. Transponder communications may contain identifying information and may further encrypt information sent in the communications. Base units may contain data used in determining whether to route communications to another base unit.

Abstract: An RFID transponder for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID transponder may be connected to an intrusion sensor. Example intrusion sensors are magnetically sensitive relay or LED detectors. The RFID transponder may also be connected to a passive infrared sensor. The RFID transponder can contain a battery, and the battery can be recharged by receiving and converting RF energy transmitted by the RFID reader. The security system also supports RFID transponders that may be carried by persons or animals, of that may contain a button used to signal an event such as an emergency. The RFID transponder typically uses backscatter modulation for responses, and can accept various modulation techniques for inbound wireless communications. The RFID transponder only responds when permitted.

Abstract: A security network containing multiple controller functions that communicate using wireless communications. The controller functions are contained within base units. One controller function may be the master controller. Other controller functions may receive a copy of the configuration data contained within the master controller. If the master controller fails, another controller function may become the master controller. The controller functions may use encryption keys to encrypt and/or authenticate communications. Some base units may contain a telecommunications interface. Controller units may relay communications between themselves to reach a telecommunications interface. Controller functions located in different buildings may communicate. Controller functions may each receive wireless communications from a transponder and combine the received communications to reduce errors.

Abstract: An RFID reader for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader can use power line carrier communications to communicate with the controllers in the security system. The RFID reader of the security system can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The controller of the security system determines which RFID readers may transmit, at what times, and the parameters with which to transmit. The RFID reader can detect interference or jamming, and respond. The RFID reader can transmit RF energy useful for detecting motion or for charging the batteries in RFID transponders. The RFID reader can receive wireless communications from active transmitters or from other RFID readers.

Abstract: A controller for use in a security system based upon RFID techniques. The controller can use power line carrier communications to communicate with other devices in the security system. The controller can use a modem or wireless module to connect to public networks. Multiple controllers can be used in a system, and the controllers can arbitrate to determine a master controller. The controller contains configuration data and tables that define the relationships between devices in the security system. The controller can receive communications from other devices in the system and can interface with legacy devices previously used with wired security systems. The controller can send messages based upon predetermined events, and can support a remote alerting function.

Abstract: A cordless telephone system including at least a first cordless base and a first handset, wherein either or both of the cordless base or the handset further contain a wireless receiver for receiving signals from at least one wireless sensor. The wireless sensor sends its wireless communications in a different frequency band than is used by the cordless telephone system. This cordless telephone system is typically based upon the same architecture and same components as a security system or security network described in cross referenced applications, but the product packaging appears in an embodiment that is more familiar to users as a cordless telephone system. The wireless sensors can be in several example forms such as intrusion sensors, which are used for example in perimeter monitoring or motion sensing, fire or smoke sensors, glass breakage sensors, or temperature sensors.

Abstract: An RFID reader for use in a security network based upon RFID techniques. The RFID reader can use wireless communications to communicate with RFID transponders and other devices in the security network. The RFID reader of the security network can be provided with multiple modulation techniques, multiple antennas, and the capability to vary its power level and carrier frequency. The RFID reader can transmit RF energy useful for detecting motion or for charging the batteries in RFID transponders. The RFID reader can contain an audio transducer, a camera, or various environmental sensors to detect parameters such as smoke, temperature, and water, among others. The program code of the RFID reader can be updated. A master controller within the security network can control operations within the RFID reader.

Abstract: A security network for a building using at least one RFID reader to communicate with at least one RFID transponder to provide the radio link between each of a number of openings and a control function capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. A gateway provides an interface between the security network and various external networks. The control function can be located in either or both of the RFID reader and the gateway. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The gateway can communicate with the RFID reader using active RF communications, power-line communications protocol, or hardwire connection. The RFID transponder can contain an energy store. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any energy store. The security network can contain more than one RFID reader.

Abstract: A carrying case is disclosed which is in the nature of a soft-sided bag formed of thermally insulating flexible sheet material. A frame inside the bag holds it open for insertion of cardboard cartons each adapted to contain a hot pizza. At the opening of the bag are a plurality of flaps which fold over each and are adapted to be secured to each other by means of buckles and/or Velcro fasteners in order to retain the contents in place and prevent heat loss.