Abstract: An RFID transponder with an associated sensor used in a security network including at least one RFID reader that transmits signals at a first frequency. The transponder has a processor controlling its other components. Transmitter circuitry coupled to a transmit antenna transmits signals to the reader at a second frequency. A receive antenna receives signals in a frequency band that includes the first frequency. One or more RF diodes obtain the signal from the receive antenna and output a power envelope signal representing the power level of the signal obtained from the receive antenna. An amplifier coupled to the output of the RF diode amplifies the power envelope signal received from the RF diode. The processor receives the amplified power envelope signal and decodes any data that have been encoded using an on-off keyed modulation scheme applied to the signal obtained from the receive antenna.

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: 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: 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: A multiple pass location processing method, for use in a wireless location system (WLS), comprises identifying a received transmission as requiring multiple pass location processing whereby the WLS produces a first, lower quality location estimate and then subsequently produces a second, higher quality location estimate. The WLS then produces the first location estimate and provides it to a first location application, and then produces the second location estimate. The second location estimate may be a more accurate estimate than the first location estimate and/or of a higher confidence than the first location estimate. This method is suitable, but not limited, for use in connection with locating a wireless transmitter involved in an emergency services call and routing the call to a call center.

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 multiple pass location processing method, for use in a wireless location system (WLS), comprises identifying a received transmission as requiring multiple pass location processing whereby the WLS produces a first, lower quality location estimate and then subsequently produces a second, higher quality location estimate. The WLS then produces the first location estimate and provides it to a first location application, and then produces the second location estimate. The second location estimate may be a more accurate estimate than the first location estimate and/or of a higher confidence than the first location estimate. This method is suitable, but not limited, for use in connection with locating a wireless transmitter involved in an emergency services call and routing the call to a call center.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a security system 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 controller capable of causing an alert in the event of an intrusion. The RFID transponder is connected to an intrusion sensor. The controller preferably communicates with the RFID reader using a power line communications protocol. The RFID transponder can contain a battery. The RFID reader contains means for transferring power to an RFID transponder for the purpose of charging any battery. The security system can contain more than one controller, whereby the RFID reader can communicate with more than one controller.

Abstract: A method, used in locating a mobile transmitter, includes providing a set of cross-correlation values, wherein each cross-correlation value is associated with a corresponding TDOA and/or FDOA estimate and is produced by cross-correlating a reference signal with a cooperating signal. The reference signal comprises a copy of a signal transmitted by the mobile transmitter as received at a first antenna and the cooperating signal comprises a copy of the same signal as received at a second antenna. The method further includes determining a most likely range of TDOA and/or FDOA estimates, and then identifying an optimal cross-correlation value within a subset of cross-correlation values corresponding to the most likely range of TDOA and/or FDOA estimates. The TDOA and/or FDOA value corresponding to the optimal cross-correlation value is then employed in calculating the location of the mobile transmitter.

Abstract: A multiple pass location processing method, for use in a wireless location system (WLS), comprises identifying a received transmission as requiring multiple pass location processing whereby the WLS produces a first, lower quality location estimate and then subsequently produces a second, higher quality location estimate. The WLS then produces the first location estimate and provides it to a first location application, and then produces the second location estimate. The second location estimate may be a more accurate estimate than the first location estimate and/or of a higher confidence than the first location estimate. This method is suitable, but not limited, for use in connection with locating a wireless transmitter involved in an emergency services call and routing the call to a call center.

Abstract: A multiple pass location processing method, for use in a wireless location system (WLS), comprises identifying a received transmission as requiring multiple pass location processing whereby the WLS produces a first, lower quality location estimate and then subsequently produces a second, higher quality location estimate. The WLS then produces the first location estimate and provides it to a first location application, and then produces the second location estimate. The second location estimate may be a more accurate estimate than the first location estimate and/or of a higher confidence than the first location estimate. This method is suitable, but not limited, for use in connection with locating a wireless transmitter involved in an emergency services call and routing the call to a call center.

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: A configuration program running on a remote server, used for configuring a security system. The server may exchange voice commands with the user of the security system on the same telephone line on which data is being exchanged. The configuration program obtains data regarding the security system and then, based upon the data, may alter the menu structure presented to the user. The said data may include a list of components installed in the security system. The user may record labels, voice or otherwise, which may then be downloaded to the security system. The security system may output any said voice labels through a speaker or audio transducer. The server and security system may authenticate each other prior to exchanging configuration data.

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 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: 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: 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.