Abstract: A system is described for enabling one or more user devices to view and interact with a three-dimensional (3-D) scene. The system comprises a data server 12 having a processor executing a program to create a virtual 3-D scene, and a user device 10 communicating remotely with the data server by way of a wired or wireless network. The user device 10 runs a user interface program for transmitting commands to the data server to modify the virtual 3-D scene and for displaying on a user screen an image that includes image data received from the data server as an encoded stream. The data server 12 is operative additionally to transmit commands to the user device for the purpose of altering the user interface.

Abstract: An alert broadcast method includes wirelessly transmitting a first message from a first cellular communication device to a central transceiver. The first message has a characteristic identifying the first message as an alert message. A location of the first cellular communication device is determined. A plurality of second cellular communication devices that are within a proximity of the first cellular communication device are identified. A second message is transmitted from the central transceiver to the second cellular communication devices. The second message is dependent upon the first message.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes sensing a security breach, and providing an indication to a user that an alarm signal will be issued in response to the sensing of the security breach. The indication perceptibly changes with time.

Abstract: A building security arrangement includes a sensor for emitting an audible alarm signal. A security system installed in the building detects the audible alarm signal and transmits an electrical alarm signal over a public switched telephone network in response to the detection of the audible alarm signal. A central monitoring station receives the electrical alarm signal over the public switched telephone network and notifies an alarm authority in response to receiving the electrical alarm signal.

Abstract: A control for a system in a building. The control includes a tracking device, a controller, and a programmer. The tracking device is configured to travel with a vehicle and to determine where the tracking device is located. The controller is configured to be located in the building, to communicate with the tracking device, to communicate with the system in the building, to determine an event that should be executed based on information received from the tracking device and a programmed event trigger. The programmed event trigger includes a programmed location for the tracking device. The controller generates a command for the system in the building to execute the determined event. The programmer is configured to communicate with a user interface. The user interface includes an interactive map and one or more geographical boundary tools for creating one or more event triggers on the map. A user uses the user interface to program the event triggers.

Abstract: An alert broadcast method includes wirelessly transmitting a first message from a first cellular communication device to a central transceiver. The first message has a characteristic identifying the first message as an alert message. A location of the first cellular communication device is determined. A plurality of second cellular communication devices that are within a proximity of the first cellular communication device are identified. A second message is transmitted from the central transceiver to the second cellular communication devices. The second message is dependent upon the first message.

Abstract: A control for a system in a building. The control includes a tracking device, a controller, and a programmer. The tracking device is configured to travel with a vehicle and to determine where the tracking device is located. The controller is configured to be located in the building, to communicate with the tracking device, to communicate with the system in the building, to determine an event that should be executed based on information received from the tracking device and a programmed event trigger. The programmed event trigger includes a programmed location for the tracking device. The controller generates a command for the system in the building to execute the determined event. The programmer is configured to communicate with a user interface. The user interface includes an interactive map and one or more geographical boundary tools for creating one or more event triggers on the map. A user uses the user interface to program the event triggers.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes providing a plurality of sensors, and detecting at least one event with the sensors. A decision whether to initiate an alarm signal is dependent upon the detecting by each of the sensors, which of the sensors has detected the at least one event, and what nonzero number of times a first of the sensors has detected the at least one event.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes sensing a security breach, and providing an indication to a user that an alarm signal will be issued in response to the sensing of the security breach. The indication perceptibly changes with time.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes detecting a presence of a person in proximity to a user interface. The user interface is caused to generate audible messages dependent upon the detection of the presence of a person in proximity to the user interface.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes providing a plurality of sensors, and detecting at least one event with the sensors. A decision whether to initiate an alarm signal is dependent upon the detecting by each of the sensors, which of the sensors has detected the at least one event, and what nonzero number of times a first of the sensors has detected the at least one event.