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 security system installation kit carries a coded designation of the characteristics of the components of the kit. An installer can use a wireless telephone, which is executing a scanning application, to sense or read the coded designation. The telephone can transmit the component parameters to an installation server. The server can transmit installation instructions back to the telephone. Those instructions can be visually or audibly presented to the installer facilitating the process. The installer, via the telephone and the server, can test the installed components for proper operation.

Abstract: A security system control system using a host object with a near field communication device and a target object with a near field communication device. The target object broadcasts a carrier signal to the host object. Using the near field communication device, the host object modulated identification information on the carrier signal and broadcasts the modulated signal. The target object demodulates the signal to determine if a user associated with the identification information is authorized to perform the intended control function. The target object determines the intended control function based upon a detection criterion. The target object causes the intended control function to be performed if the associated user is authorized to control the intended control function such as to arm or disarm the security system. The identification information can expired after a predetermined period of time. The target object updates the identification information after expiration.

Abstract: A security system, such as in a home or other building, includes a broadcast band RF transmitter for transmitting an audio message that can be received by a user on a common home or car radio, for example. The audio message may be provided in response to a command that is transmitted to the security system by a user from a wireless key fob or the like. The user command may instruct the security system to arm or disarm itself, for instance. The audio message, which can be received on a selected channel on a car's radio receiver, informs the user that the command has been executed. The audio message may include a voice message such as “system armed” or “system disarmed”, a musical passage, a beep, chirp, or the like.

Abstract: A multi-stage verification system including a first and second identification device to verify the identity of the user and to determine if the user is under duress. When a user approaches an entrance to a building, a first identifier is detected by the first identification device, the identifier is compared to a pre-stored identifier. If there is a match, the user inputs at least one biometric input into the second identification device. The biometric input is compares with pre-stored information in two different databases, a biometric template database and a duress indicator database. If there is a match with the duress indicator database, a silent alarm signal is transmitted to a central monitoring station and the security system is disarmed. If there is a match with the biometric template database, the security system is controlled in the intended manner.

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: An inventive system and method for a buddy security system is presented. The system and method enable the buddy security system in which messages can be exchanged between two distinct security systems. The inventive system is operable on a network having dynamic IP addresses using a centralized database of real time IP addresses. An MSO maintains the centralized database including basic information for connecting the control panels of the security systems to each other. The first and second security systems each have a control panel having a dynamic IP address; the control panel of the second system provides information to and can be controlled by the control panel of the first system. The dynamically IP address of each control panel is obtained from the centralized database.

Abstract: A system and method for determining dimensions of a package during imaging for supply chain management is provided. The system and method utilize a value of an auto focus control voltage when an image of a package is in focus to calculate a magnification ratio. The calculated magnification ratio is used to multiply the dimensions of the package image to obtain the dimensions of the package.

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.

Abstract: A passive wireless system for monitoring a protected area. The passive wireless system comprises at least one passive sensor for sensing an event, a reader for receiving signals from the at least one passive sensor, a plurality of exciters disposed within the protected area for transmitting a radio frequency pulse at a variable time interval to the at least one passive sensor, and a controller for controlling each of the plurality of exciters to transmit the radio frequency pulse at the variable time interval. The radio frequency pulse powers the passive sensors.

Abstract: A rotatable wireless electrical coupler is disclosed that presents a wireless alternative to mechanical slip rings, such as are used in rotatable mechanical assemblies such as dome cameras. The rotatable wireless electrical coupler is designed to provide for the wireless transfer therethrough of electrical power, video and data signals. A rotatable multi-function transformer of the electrical coupler is designed primarily for the transfer of electrical power therethrough, and can also be used for the transfer of data signals. A rotatable electrical capacitor of the electrical coupler is designed primarily for the transfer of video data signals therethrough, and can also be used for the transfer of control and feedback data signals. In a dome camera, the rotatable wireless electrical coupler transfers power and data signals to and from a rotatable platform/section on which is mounted a video camera, pan and tilt motors and other associated electrical components.

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: An alarm reporting system and method for reporting alarms to a central monitoring station via low-power femtocells is presented. An alarm reporting system comprises a plurality of sensors, an alarm reporting module that receives alarm signals from the plurality of sensors, and a logic unit that generates an alarm message related to the alarm signal. The alarm reporting module further comprises a low-power cellular transceiver to transmit the alarm message to the femtocell. The femtocell is connected to a fixed network such as the internet.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for a buddy security system is presented. The system and method enable the buddy security system in which messages can be exchanged between two distinct security systems. The inventive system is operable on a network having dynamic IP addresses using a centralized database of real time IP addresses. An MSO maintains the centralized database including basic information for connecting the control panels of the security systems to each other. The first and second security systems each have a control panel having a dynamic IP address; the control panel of the second system provides information to and can be controlled by the control panel of the first system. The dynamically IP address of each control panel is obtained from the centralized database.

Abstract: A system and method for determining dimensions of a package during imaging for supply chain management is provided. The system and method utilize a value of an auto focus control voltage when an image of a package is in focus to calculate a magnification ratio. The calculated magnification ratio is used to multiply the dimensions of the package image to obtain the dimensions of the package.

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 video analytics function is disclosed for use in a video monitoring applications to control and monitor streaming video from a video source arranged to monitor a field of view (FOV) and providing for end-user input to identify and modify a compression level of at least one object or area field encompassing the field of view (FOV) based on a monitoring priority of the at least one object. The inventive operation realizes reduced bandwidth and processing requirements for monitoring the FOV because of a reduction in streaming video data based on the compression level, which includes a fully-masked compression level. The novel function provides for reconstructing the FOV for viewing at an end-user interface, e.g.’ a remote workstation, and inputting end-user commands at the end-user interface to create an object field encompassing the at least one object or area field within the FOV. The compression level is defined based on a monitoring priority for the at least one object, or object field area.

Abstract: A monitored voltage inverter for a security system is disclosed. A voltage inverter is coupled to the power supply of the control panel which can provide AC power to the network hardware devices. The voltage inverter converts the DC voltage of a back-up power supply to household or commercial AC current. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage inverter is mounted on the printed circuit board and is coupled to the network hardware devices.

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.

Abstract: A security system control system using a host object with a near field communication device and a target object with a near field communication device. The target object broadcasts a carrier signal to the host object. Using the near field communication device, the host object modulated identification information on the carrier signal and broadcasts the modulated signal. The target object demodulates the signal to determine if a user associated with the identification information is authorized to perform the intended control function. The target object determines the intended control function based upon a detection criterion. The target object causes the intended control function to be performed if the associated user is authorized to control the intended control function such as to arm or disarm the security system. The identification information can expired after a predetermined period of time. The target object updates the identification information after expiration.