Abstract: An alarm or security system (10) employs sensors (12) interspersed throughout a building (B). Groups of the sensors are connected to respective control panels (P1-Pn) which are interconnected with each other for communications therebetween. Each control panel operates audio annunciators (20) for sounding an audio alarm when a sensor goes into alarm, as well as visual indicators (22) for providing a visual indication of an alarm condition. A method of synchronizing the sounding of the audio alarm and providing the visual indication includes designating one control panel a master panel (M) and the other panels as slave panels (S). The master panel generates a command signal for activating the audio annunciators and visual indicators to produce an audible alarm and a flashing light each of which separately indicates an alarm situation within the building.

Abstract: A method of remotely communicating with a control panel (CP) of an alarm system (A) so to access information about the system and its operation. A communication's connection is first established between the control panel and a remote location (R). The communications channel preferably uses the internet (I). Once a communication's link is established, a login algorithm is exchanged in order to validate permissions once complete, analog values from various detectors are retrieved, as is other requested information about the system and its operation. Different people with different responsibilities as to the system have controlled levels of access to the system. Downloaded information is used to prepare various reports as to the status of the system, necessary maintenance and repairs, and performance evaluations such as incidence of false alarms.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the status of an alarm or security system (10) installed at a facility (F). A sensor (S) responds to the occurrence of a predetermined condition by going into alarm and an indication thereof is communicated to a call center (CC) which forwards the information to a monitoring site (M1-Mn). The monitoring site then processes the information about the status condition and determines what action is to be taken in response thereto. Before forwarding the information to the monitoring site, the call center first sends a protocol message to the monitoring site querying whether or not the monitoring site is available to receive forwarded status condition information. The information is forwarded only if the monitoring site responds affirmatively to the message. Otherwise, the call center either retains and processes the received status condition information, or forwards it to a second monitoring site.

Abstract: A communications system for an alarm or security system. A plurality of sensors are installed in a facility detect an alarm condition together with a control unit interconnected with the sensors and to which an alarm indication is sent by a sensor going into alarm. A communications path is established by which an alarm signal is transmitted from the control unit to an alarm processing station. A central database, remote from the facility, is accessible from the alarm processing station and includes up-to-date, pertinent information relating to the facility including its address and description, information about the sensor that triggered the alarm, a past history of other alarms, and special instructions regarding how responders should respond in the event hazardous materials are located in an area of the facility where the sensor is located. The system further includes a communications capability for providing this information to responders in route to the facility, including text and graphic information.

Abstract: A method of integrating tasks common to the design, installation, and operation of a fire alarm and security system in a facility. Tasks included in the process include the initial design of the system, and any subsequent changes thereto; monitoring of the bidding process by preparing system's requirement statements, review of RFQ's, providing cost estimates and pricing for equipment, wiring, installation, and other system costs, preparing the bid together with necessary compliance and exception statements. Once a bid is accepted, subsequent monitoring and inspection of the system set-up is also done. The result is a single point source for all of the steps involved in putting an alarm system in place. The method further includes use of a single database storing information developed at each stage of system design and installation to provide a logical reporting progression.