Integrated security and communications system with secure communications link

• US 20010050976A1
• Filed: 03/13/2001
• Published: 12/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ademco Inc. (Resideo Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Winick, Steven, Simon, Scott H., Beach, Christopher E., Simon, Theodore
• Granted Patent: US 6,928,148 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 379/39
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/008 Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Abstract

An integrated security and communications system combines a security system to either or both of a telephone system interface and a data interface. Users have access to voice-mail or other PBX-type telephone functions, many or all of which can be accessed not only at telephone sets, but also at keypads of the security system. Data functions such as electronic mail and possible partial or full World Wide Web access may also be provided at the keypads, as well as at connected personal computers or computer terminals. The system keypads may be enhanced to better accommodate some of the added functions. A central communications station could be used to maintain secure, shared private key encrypted communications with each premises system, using a redirector arrangement or relay to allow each premises system to communicate securely with a central monitoring station and with other systems. The secure communications system could be used without a security system to allow secure computer-to-computer communications.

Claims

1. An integrated security and communications system comprising:

a security controller having at least one sensory input, at least one alarm output and at least one control signal input/output port;

a control interface operatively connected to said at least one control signal input/output port; and

a communications unit connected to a communication channel for providing at least one communication function, a first communication port for connection to one of said at least one control signal input/output port of said security controller for providing at least one of said at least one communication function to a user at said control interface, and a second communication port for connection to a communication device at which said at least one communication function is provided to said user.

2. The system of

claim 1

wherein:

said communication channel comprises a telephone line; and

said communication device comprises a telephone.

3. The system of

claim 2

wherein said at least one communication function comprises telephony.

4. The system of

claim 1

wherein:

said communication channel comprises an Internet connection;

said communication device comprises a computer; and

said at least one communication function comprises Internet access.

5. The system of

claim 1

wherein said communication unit provides at least one function of said control interface at said communication device.

6. A security system for monitoring user premises, said system comprising:

at least one sensor;

at least one alarm output device;

at least one user control interface;

a system controller connected to said sensor, said output device and said user control interface, said at least one user control interface being used by a user to enter commands affecting a state of said system, said system, when said state indicates that said system is active, monitoring said at least one sensor and outputting an alarm on said alarm output device when said at least one sensor indicates that an alarm condition exists; and

a telephone interface unit connected to said controller and a telephone line for providing voice mail functionality including one or more of message retrieval, message waiting indication, and message header indication;

wherein;

said voice mail functionality is accessible at at least one of said at least one user control interface;

access to said voice mail functionality is restricted based on said state of said system, said voice mail functionality being accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises;

said system further having a plurality of authorized users, and having an authorization unit at said at least one user control interface for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein;

a particular one of said at least one authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said telephone interface unit presents for access, at said user control interface, only voice mail functions for which said particular authorized user is authorized.

7. The security system of

claim 6

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a keypad at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises entering said passcode on said keypad.

8. The security system of

claim 6

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises actuating said transmitter within communication range of said receiver.

9. The security system of

claim 8

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

10. The security system of

claim 6

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a respective coded token unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises presenting said token to said token reader.

11. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said voice mail functionality is activated automatically upon entry of said system into said state consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

12. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said telephone interface unit further comprises a remote access unit through which a user remotely controls, during a single telephone call session to said system from a remote location, both (a) at least one security system control function, and (b) at least one voice mail function.

13. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said voice mail functionality comprises playback of an outgoing message to an incoming caller;

said telephone interface unit further provides a call screening function at at least one of (a) said at least one telephone set, and (b) said at least one user control interface, said user control interface including a speaker; and

said call screening function is full-duplex, allowing said incoming caller to speak an announcement that is audible at said speaker during said playback of said outgoing message.

14. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said telephone interface unit further provides an aural indication at said at least one telephone set when a voice mail message has been received and is awaiting playback.

15. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line, said least one telephone set having a ringer;

wherein;

said user control interface includes a speaker; and

said telephone interface unit further provides;

a privacy function whereby said ringer can be deactivated under control of a user, and

as part of said privacy function, a privacy breakthrough function whereby a caller issues a command when said privacy function is active for broadcasting a message on said speaker.

16. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said voice mail functionality includes a toll saver feature controlled by said state of said system.

17. The security system of

claim 16

wherein said toll saver feature is active only when said state of said system indicates absence of authorized users from said premises.

18. The security system of

claim 17

wherein said toll saver feature can further be controlled by a user at said user control interface.

19. The security system of

claim 18

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said toll saver feature can be controlled by a user at at least one of said at least one telephone set.

20. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said telephone interface unit further comprises:

a calling party identification unit for displaying calling party identification data, said calling party identification data being displayed at said user control interface; and

a distinctive ringing generator responsive to said calling party identification data for generating a distinctive ringing signal different from a standard incoming ringing signal based on said calling party identification data.

21. The security system of

claim 20

wherein said distinctive ringing generator generates a first number of distinctive ringing signals, each distinctive ringing signal in said first number of distinctive ringing signals identifying at least one preselected calling party from a second number of preselected calling parties.

22. The security system of

claim 21

wherein said first number is equal to said second number, whereby each distinctive ringing signal is associated with a unique preselected calling party.

23. The security system of

claim 21

wherein said first number is less than said second number, whereby each distinctive ringing signal is associated with a plurality of said preselected calling parties.

24. The security system of

claim 21

wherein said distinctive ringing generator comprises a ringing signal interrupter for interrupting said standard incoming ringing signal in a second number of ways equal to said second number of distinctive ringing signals, to produce said second number of distinctive ringing signals.

25. The security system of

claim 20

wherein said distinctive ringing generator comprises a ringing signal interrupter for interrupting said standard incoming ringing signal to produce said distinctive ringing signal.

26. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said telephone interface unit further comprises:

a calling party identification unit for displaying calling party identification data, said calling party identification data being displayed at said user control interface;

memory for storing instructions for paging a user when said calling party identification data identifies one of at least one particular calling party; and

a processor for acting on said instructions and placing a call to a user'"'"'s pager when said calling party identification data identify one of said at least one particular calling party.

27. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface comprises a speaker;

said telephone interface unit further comprises a public address function;

whereby, when a user issues a command at said telephone set;

said telephone set is disconnected from said telephone line and connected to said speaker of said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

28. The security system of

claim 27

wherein said telephone set is connected to said speaker of each said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

29. The security system of

claim 27

wherein, on command of said user, said telephone set is connected to said speaker of any one or more of said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

30. The security system of

claim 27

wherein, when said user issues said command at said telephone set, said telephone interface unit maintains said telephone line in an off-hook condition while said public address function is in use.

31. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface comprises a microphone;

said telephone interface unit further comprises a room monitor function;

whereby, when a user issues a command at said telephone set;

said telephone set is disconnected from said telephone line and connected to said microphone of said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

32. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

wherein;

at least one programmable parameter of said security system is programmable;

(a) at said at least one user control interface;

(b) at said connected telephone set; and

(c) remotely by calling into said system on said telephone line.

33. The security system of

claim 32

wherein:

there are a plurality of said programmable parameters; and

only a subset of said plurality of programmable parameters is programmable remotely.

34. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one user-controlled processor connected via a modem to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

wherein;

at least one programmable parameter of said security system is programmable;

said telephone interface unit includes a control signal detector for detecting control signals sent from said user-controlled processor through said modem;

whereby;

responsive to said control signals from said user-controlled processor, said telephone interface unit disconnects from said telephone line and enters a user-controlled mode.

35. The security system of

claim 34

wherein in said user-controlled mode said user-controlled processor performs any one of:

programming said at least one programmable parameter of said security system;

downloading voice mail messages received as part of said voice mail functionality from said telephone interface unit to said user-controlled processor; and

uploading voice prompts composed at said user-controlled processor to said telephone interface unit.

36. The security system of

claim 34

wherein said user-controlled processor comprises a personal computer.

37. The security system of

claim 6

wherein:

said telephone line has central office voice mail associated therewith; and

said voice mail functionality comprises indicating a central office voice message waiting.

38. The security system of

claim 37

wherein said indicating central office message waiting comprises providing an indication at said user control interface.

39. The security system of

claim 38

wherein said indication at said user control interface is visual.

40. The security system of

claim 38

wherein said indication at said user control interface is aural.

41. The security system of

claim 37

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said indicating central office message waiting comprises providing an indication at said telephone set.

42. The security system of

claim 41

wherein said indication at said telephone set is aural.

43. The security system of

claim 41

wherein:

said telephone set includes a visual indicator; and

said indication at said telephone set is visual.

44. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said telephone interface unit further comprises a remote access unit through which a user controls at least one security system control function via said telephone line.

45. The security system of

claim 44

wherein said user, through said remote access unit, controls said at least one security system function from a telephone at a remote location by calling into said telephone line from said remote location.

46. The security system of

claim 44

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said user, through said telephone interface unit, controls said at least one security system function from said telephone set.

47. The security system of

claim 6

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said telephone interface unit monitors said telephone line and, when an outgoing telephone call is placed on said at least one telephone set, logs said outgoing telephone call.

48. The security system of

claim 47

wherein:

said telephone interface unit comprises memory for storing data identifying numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted; and

when an outgoing call is placed on said telephone set to one of said numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted, said telephone interface unit prevents said outgoing call from being completed.

49. The security system of

claim 48

wherein:

said memory further stores at least one user code; and

when said user code is entered during said outgoing call, said telephone interface unit allows said outgoing call to be completed to one of said numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted.

50. The security system of

claim 6

wherein said user control interface is connected to an external data network for at least one of (a) sending, and (b) receiving, data.

51. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

access to said electronic mail is restricted based on said state of said system.

52. The security system of

claim 51

wherein said electronic mail is accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

53. The security system of

claim 52

having a plurality of authorized users, wherein:

when a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit, said user control interface presents, for access at said user control interface, only electronic mail addressed to said particular authorized user.

54. The security system of

claim 53

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a keypad at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

55. The security system of

claim 53

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

56. The security system of

claim 55

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

57. The security system of

claim 53

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

58. The security system of

claim 52

having a plurality of authorized users, wherein:

when a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user, said user control interface presents access, at said user control interface, to electronic mail message sending from said particular authorized user.

59. The security system of

claim 58

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a keypad at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said particular authorized user; and

said presentation of said indicium comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

60. The security system of

claim 58

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

61. The security system of

claim 60

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

62. The security system of

claim 58

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

63. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail;

said system has at least one authorized user; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit, said user control interface sends an electronic mail message to a predetermined recipient advising of said entry of said command by said one of said at least one authorized user.

64. The security system of

claim 63

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a keypad at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

65. The security system of

claim 63

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

66. The security system of

claim 65

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

67. The security system of

claim 63

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

68. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said external data network is the Internet;

said data comprise World Wide Web pages;

said system has at least one authorized user; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit, said system retrieves a World Wide Web page directed to said one of said at least one authorized user and displays said World Wide Web page at said user control interface.

69. The security system of

claim 68

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a keypad;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

70. The security system of

claim 68

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

71. The security system of

claim 70

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

72. The security system of

claim 70

wherein:

said transmitter is encoded with multiple codes;

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of a selected one of said multiple codes by said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said system retrieves a different World Wide Web page based on which of said multiple codes has been selected.

73. The security system of

claim 68

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

74. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit;

said external data network is the Internet; and

said activation of said authorization unit logs said one of said at least one authorized user onto the Internet at said user control interface.

75. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said one of said at least one user uses said external data network to access a financial institution to perform a financial transaction;

said indicium is registered with said financial institution as an identifier of said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said indicium is sent to said financial institution as part of said financial transaction.

76. The security system of

claim 50

wherein functions of said system are remotely accessible via said external data network.

77. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via said external data network and said alternate channel and awaits acknowledgment thereof; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said external data network and said alternate channel, said system terminates transmission of said security data on a second one of said external data network and said alternate channel.

78. The security system of

claim 77

wherein:

one of said external data network and said alternate channel normally operates faster than another of said external data network and said alternate channel; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said external data network and said alternate channel before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said another of said external data network and said alternate channel.

79. The security system of

claim 77

further comprising a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said acknowledgment from said central communication station, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for said acknowledgment to be communicated from said central communication station to said system.

80. The security system of

claim 79

wherein said query to said external network comprises a query to said central communication station.

81. The security system of

claim 77

wherein said alternate channel is said telephone line.

82. The security system of

claim 50

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via a plurality of channels; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said plurality of channels, said system terminates transmission of said security data on each other one of said plurality of channels.

83. The security system of

claim 82

wherein:

one of said plurality of channels normally operates faster than others said plurality of channels; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said plurality of channels before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said others of said plurality of channels.

84. The security system of

claim 50

wherein said system accepts commands from a user via said external data network.

85. The security system of

claim 84

further comprising a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said commands from said user, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for commands issued by said user to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

86. The security system of

claim 50

wherein said system sends security data signals to predetermined recipients via said external data network.

87. The security system of

claim 50

comprising more than one of said user control interface, each said user control interface functioning as an independent terminal of said external data network.

88. The security system of

claim 50

further comprising a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive data, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for data sought to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

89. A security system for monitoring user premises, said system comprising:

at least one sensor;

at least one alarm output device;

at least one user control interface; and

a system controller connected to said sensor, said output device and said user control interface;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface is connected to an external data network for at least one of (a) sending, and (b) receiving, data.

90. The security system of

claim 89

wherein said data comprise electronic mail.

91. The security system of

claim 89

wherein said at least one user control interface:

is used by a user to enter commands affecting a state of said system, said system, when said state indicates that said system is active; and

monitors said at least one sensor and outputs an alarm on said alarm output device when said at least one sensor indicates that an alarm condition exists.

92. The security system of

claim 91

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

access to said electronic mail is restricted based on said state of said system.

93. The security system of

claim 92

wherein said electronic mail is accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

94. The security system of

claim 93

having a plurality of authorized users, and having an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein:

a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said user control interface presents for access at said user control interface only electronic mail addressed to said particular authorized user.

95. The security system of

claim 94

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a keypad;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

96. The security system of

claim 94

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

97. The security system of

claim 96

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

98. The security system of

claim 94

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

99. The security system of

claim 93

having a plurality of authorized users, and having an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein:

a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said user control interface presents access at said user control interface to electronic mail message sending from said particular authorized user.

100. The security system of

claim 99

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a keypad;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit indicium comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

101. The security system of

claim 99

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

102. The security system of

claim 101

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

103. The security system of

claim 99

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a respective token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

104. The security system of

claim 89

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail;

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user, said user control interface sends an electronic mail message to a predetermined recipient advising of said entry of said command by said user.

105. The security system of

claim 104

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a keypad;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

106. The security system of

claim 104

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

107. The security system of

claim 106

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

108. The security system of

claim 104

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

109. The security system of

claim 89

wherein:

said external data network is the Internet;

said data comprise World Wide Web pages;

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user, said system retrieves a World Wide Web page directed to said one of said at least one authorized user and displays said World Wide Web page at said user control interface.

110. The security system of

claim 109

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a keypad;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

111. The security system of

claim 109

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

112. The security system of

claim 111

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

113. The security system of

claim 111

wherein:

said respective transmitter is encoded with multiple codes;

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of a selected one of said multiple codes by said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said system retrieves a different World Wide Web page based on which of said multiple codes has been selected.

114. The security system of

claim 109

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader;

said indicium comprises a respective token uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said reader.

115. The security system of

claim 89

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

one of said at least one authorized user activates said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said external data network is the Internet; and

said activation of said authorization unit logs said one of said at least one authorized user onto the Internet at said user control interface.

116. The security system of

claim 89

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said one of said at least one user uses said external data network to access a financial institution to perform a financial transaction;

said indicium is registered with said financial institution as an identifier of said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said indicium is sent to said financial institution as part of said financial transaction.

117. The security system of

claim 89

wherein functions of said system are remotely accessible via said external data network.

118. The security system of

claim 89

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via said external data network and an alternate channel and awaits acknowledgment thereof; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said external data network and said alternate channel, said system terminates transmission of said security data on a second one of said external data network and said alternate channel.

119. The security system of

claim 118

wherein:

one of said external data network and said alternate channel normally operates faster than another of said external data network and said alternate channel; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said external data network and said alternate channel before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said another of said external data network and said alternate channel.

120. The security system of

claim 118

further comprising a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said acknowledgment from said central communication station, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for said acknowledgment to be communicated from said central communication station to said system.

121. The security system of

claim 120

wherein said query to said external network comprises a query to said central communication station.

122. The security system of

claim 118

wherein said alternate channel is said telephone line.

123. The security system of

claim 118

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via a plurality of channels; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said plurality of channels, said system terminates transmission of said security data on each other one of said plurality of channels.

124. The security system of

claim 123

wherein:

one of said plurality of channels normally operates faster than others of said plurality of channels; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said plurality of channels before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said others of said plurality of channels.

125. The security system of

claim 89

wherein said system accepts commands from a user via said external data network.

126. The security system of

claim 125

further comprising a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said commands from said user, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for commands issued by said user to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

127. The security system of

claim 89

wherein said system sends security data signals to predetermined recipients via said external data network.

128. The security system of

claim 89

comprising more than one of said user control interface, each said user control interface functioning as an independent terminal of said external data network.

129. The security system of

claim 89

further comprising a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive data, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for data sought to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

390. The security system of

claim 99

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a respective token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

130. A secure communications system comprising:

a first communication station connected to a communication medium;

a central communication station connected to said communication medium; and

at least a second communication station connected to said communication medium;

wherein;

all communication between said first communication station and said central communication station is initiated by said first communication station;

communication between said first communication station and said second communication station is established by leaving a message for said first communication station at said central communication station indicating communication is desired between said first communication station and said second communication station; and

when said first communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said first communication station receives said message for said first communication station, maintains its initiated communication with said central communication station and instructs said central communication station to relay communications between said first communication station and said second communication station.

131. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein said message for said first communication station is left by said second communication station.

132. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein said message for said first communication station is left by said central communication station.

133. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein:

said first communication station includes a first firewall between said first communication station and said communication medium; and

said first firewall allows only communication originating at said first station and prevents communication originating on said communication medium.

134. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein:

said first communication station further comprises a first station encryption processor for encrypting and decrypting communications using a first digital key identified with said first station;

said central communication station further comprises;

a central encryption processor for encrypting and decrypting communications using a digital key, and

key memory for storing said first digital key and associating said stored first digital key with said first communication station;

said first communication station uses said first station encryption processor to encrypt with said first station digital key each communication sent to said central communication station, and to decrypt with said first station digital key each communication received from said central communication station; and

said central communication station uses said central encryption processor to encrypt with said first station digital key each communication sent to said first communication station and to decrypt with said first station digital key each communication received from said first communication station.

135. The secure communications system of

claim 134

wherein:

all communication between said second communication station and said central communication station is initiated by said second communication station;

communication between said second communication station and said first communication station is established by leaving a message for said second communication station at said central communication station indicating communication is desired between said second communication station and said first communication station; and

when said second communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said second communication station receives said message for said second communication station, maintains its initiated communication with said central communication station and instructs said central communication station to relay communications between said first communication station and said second communication station.

136. The secure communications system of

claim 135

wherein said message for said second communication station is left by said first communication station.

137. The secure communications system of

claim 135

wherein said message for said second communication station is left by said central communication station.

138. The secure communications system of

claim 135

wherein:

said second communication station includes a second firewall between said second communication station and said communication medium; and

said second firewall allows only communication originating at said second station and prevents communication originating on said communication medium.

139. The secure communications system of

claim 135

wherein:

said second communication station further comprises a second station encryption processor for encrypting and decrypting communications using a second digital key identified with said second station;

said key memory of said central communication station further stores said second digital key and associates said stored second digital key with said second communication station;

said second communication station uses said second station encryption processor to encrypt with said second station digital key each communication sent to said central communication station, and to decrypt with said second station digital key each communication received from said central communication station; and

said central communication station uses said central encryption processor to encrypt with said second station digital key each communication sent to said second communication station and to decrypt with said second station digital key each communication received from said second communication station.

140. The secure communications system of

claim 139

wherein:

said first communication station is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a central alarm monitoring station.

141. The secure communications system of

claim 139

wherein:

said first communication station is a first premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a second premises alarm system.

142. The secure communications system of

claim 139

wherein:

said first communication station is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a remote communications terminal.

143. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein:

all communication between said second communication station and said central communication station is initiated by said second communication station;

communication between said second communication station and said first communication station is established by leaving a message for said second communication station at said central communication station indicating communication is desired between said second communication station and said first communication station; and

when said second communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said second communication station receives said message for said second communication station, maintains its initiated communication with said central communication station and instructs said central communication station to relay communications between said first communication station and said second communication station.

144. The secure communications system of

claim 143

wherein said message for said second communication station is left by said first communication station.

145. The secure communications system of

claim 143

wherein said message for said second communication station is left by said central communication station.

146. The secure communications system of

claim 143

wherein:

said second communication station includes a second firewall between said second communication station and said communication medium; and

said second firewall allows only communication originating at said second station and prevents communication originating on said communication medium.

147. The secure communications system of

claim 143

wherein:

said first communication station is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a central alarm monitoring station.

148. The secure communications system of

claim 143

wherein:

said first communication station is a first premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a second premises alarm system.

149. The secure communications system of

claim 143

wherein:

said first communication station is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a remote communications terminal.

150. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein:

said first communication station is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a central alarm monitoring station.

151. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein:

said first communication station is a first premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a second premises alarm system.

152. The secure communications system of

claim 130

wherein:

said first communication station is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication station is a remote communications terminal.

153. The secure communications system of

claim 130

further comprising:

at said central communication station, at least one service agent unit for communicating between said first communication station and at least one service on said communications medium;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one service requires a secure identifier for access thereto; and

at least one of said at least one service agent unit comprises secure identifier storage, a user at said first communication station registering said user'"'"'s secure identifier for said at least one of said at least one service;

whereby;

when said user accesses said at least one of said at least one service, said user need not transmit said secure identifier over said communication medium, said secure identifier being transmitted securely by said service agent unit from said secure identifier storage.

154. A secure communications system for communicating between first and second communication stations connected to a communications medium;

said system comprising;

a central communication station connected to said communication medium and having a secure digital session key generator;

wherein;

each of said first and second communication means further comprises a respective encryption processor for encrypting and decrypting communications using a digital key;

all communication with said first communication station is initiated by said first communication station;

all communication with said second communication station is initiated by said second communication station;

communication between said first communication station and said second communication station is established by generating at said secure digital session key generator a secure digital session key and leaving a respective message at said central communication station for each of said first and second communication stations, each said respective message including said secure digital session key;

when said first communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said first communication station receives said message including said secure digital session key;

when said second communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said second communication station receives said message including said secure digital session key; and

said first and second communication stations communicate with one another using said secure digital session key and said respective encryption processors.

155. An integrated security and communications method comprising:

providing a security controller having at least one sensory input, at least one alarm output and at least one control signal input/output port;

providing a control interface operatively connected to said at least one control signal input/output port; and

providing a communications unit connected to a communication channel for providing at least one communication function, a first communication port for connection to one of said at least one control signal input/output port of said security controller for providing at least one of said at least one communication function to a user at said control interface, and a second communication port for connection to a communication device at which said at least one communication function is provided to said user.

156. The method of

claim 155

wherein:

said communication channel comprises a telephone line;

said communication device comprises a telephone; and

said at least one communication function comprises telephony.

157. The method of

claim 155

wherein:

said communication channel comprises an Internet connection;

said communication device comprises a computer; and

said at least one communication function comprises Internet access.

158. The method of

claim 155

further comprising providing at least one function of said control interface at said communication device.

159. A security method for monitoring user premises, said method comprising:

providing at least one sensor;

providing at least one alarm output device;

providing at least one user control interface;

connecting a system controller to said sensor, said output device and said user control interface, said at least one user control interface being used by a user to enter commands affecting a state of a security system;

when said state indicates that said system is active, monitoring said at least one sensor and outputting an alarm on said alarm output device when said at least one sensor indicates that an alarm condition exists; and

connecting a telephone interface unit to said controller and a telephone line for providing voice mail functionality including one or more of message retrieval, message waiting indication, and message header indication;

wherein;

said voice mail functionality is accessible at at least one of said at least one user control interface;

access to said voice mail functionality is restricted based on said state of said system, said voice mail functionality being accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises;

said system further having a plurality of authorized users, and having an authorization unit at said at least one user control interface for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein;

a particular one of said at least one authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said telephone interface unit presents for access, at said user control interface, only voice mail functions for which said particular authorized user is authorized.

160. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises entering said passcode on said keypad.

161. The security method of

claim 159

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver at said user control interface;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises actuating said transmitter within communication range of said receiver.

162. The security method of

claim 161

wherein said receiver and said coded transmitter are wireless.

163. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

providing a token reader at said user control interface; and

providing as said indicium a respective coded token unique to each said at least one authorized user;

wherein;

said activating of said authorization unit comprises presenting said token to said token reader.

164. The security method of

claim 159

wherein said voice mail functionality is activated automatically upon entry of said system into said state consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

165. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising remotely controlling, through a remote access unit which a user remotely controls, during a single telephone call session to said system from a remote location, both (a) at least one security system control function, and (b) at least one voice mail function.

166. The security method of

claim 159

wherein said voice mail functionality comprises playback of an outgoing message to an incoming caller;

said method further comprising;

connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line; and

providing a call screening function at at least one of (a) said at least one telephone set, and (b) said at least one user control interface, said user control interface including a speaker;

wherein;

said call screening function is full-duplex, allowing said incoming caller to speak an announcement that is audible at said speaker during said playback of said outgoing message.

167. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

connecting at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line; and

providing an aural indication at said at least one telephone set when a voice mail message has been received and is awaiting playback.

168. The security method of

claim 159

wherein said user control interface includes a speaker;

said method further comprising;

connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line, said least one telephone set having a ringer;

providing a privacy function whereby said ringer can be deactivated under control of a user; and

providing, as part of said privacy function, a privacy breakthrough function whereby a caller issues a command when said privacy function is active for broadcasting a message on said speaker.

169. The security method of

claim 159

wherein said voice mail functionality includes a toll saver feature controlled by said state of said system.

170. The security method of

claim 169

wherein said toll saver feature is active only when said state of said system indicates absence of authorized users from said premises.

171. The security method of

claim 170

further comprising controlling said toll saver feature at said user control interface.

172. The security method of

claim 171

further comprising connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line;

wherein;

said toll saver feature can be controlled by a user at at least one of said at least one telephone set.

173. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

displaying calling party identification data at said user control interface; and

responsive to said calling party identification data, generating a distinctive ringing signal different from a standard incoming ringing signal based on said calling party identification data.

174. The security method of

claim 173

further comprising generating a first number of distinctive ringing signals, each distinctive ringing signal in said first number of distinctive ringing signals identifying at least one preselected calling party from a second number of preselected calling parties.

175. The security method of

claim 174

wherein said first number is equal to said second number, whereby each distinctive ringing signal is associated with a unique preselected calling party.

176. The security method of

claim 174

wherein said first number is less than said second number, whereby each distinctive ringing signal is associated with a plurality of said preselected calling parties.

177. The security method of

claim 174

wherein said generating of distinctive ringing signals comprises interrupting said standard incoming ringing signal in a second number of ways equal to said second number of distinctive ringing signals, to produce said second number of distinctive ringing signals.

178. The security method of

claim 173

wherein said generating of distinctive ringing signals comprises interrupting said standard incoming ringing signal to produce said distinctive ringing signal.

179. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

displaying calling party identification data at said user control interface;

storing instructions for paging a user when said calling party identification data identifies one of at least one particular calling party; and

acting on said instructions and placing a call to a user'"'"'s pager when said calling party identification data identify one of said at least one particular calling party.

180. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

providing a speaker at at least one of said at least one user control interface;

providing a public address function at said telephone interface whereby, when a user issues a command at said telephone set;

said telephone set is disconnected from said telephone line and connected to said speaker of said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

181. The security method of

claim 180

further comprising connecting said telephone set to said speaker of each said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

182. The security method of

claim 180

further comprising, on command of said user, connecting said telephone set to said speaker of any one or more of said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

183. The security method of

claim 180

further comprising, when said user issues said command at said telephone set, maintaining said telephone line in an off-hook condition while said public address function is in use.

184. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

connecting at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

providing a microphone at at least one of said at least one user control interface;

providing a room monitor function at said telephone interface unit whereby, when a user issues a command at said telephone set;

said telephone set is disconnected from said telephone line and connected to said microphone of said at least one of said at least one user control interface.

185. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

wherein;

at least one programmable parameter of said security system is programmable;

(a) at said at least one user control interface;

(b) at said connected telephone set; and

(c) remotely by calling into said system on said telephone line.

186. The security method of

claim 185

wherein:

there are a plurality of said programmable parameters; and

only a subset of said plurality of programmable parameters is programmable remotely.

187. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising connecting at least one user-controlled processor via a modem to said telephone line through said telephone interface unit;

wherein;

at least one programmable parameter of said security system is programmable; and

said telephone interface unit includes a control signal detector for detecting control signals sent from said user-controlled processor through said modem;

said method further comprising;

responsive to said control signals from said user-controlled processor, disconnecting said telephone interface unit from said telephone line and placing said system in a user-controlled mode.

188. The security method of

claim 187

wherein in said user-controlled mode said user-controlled processor performs any one of:

programming said at least one programmable parameter of said security system;

downloading voice mail messages received as part of said voice mail functionality from said telephone interface unit to said user-controlled processor; and

uploading voice prompts composed at said user-controlled processor to said telephone interface unit.

189. The security method of

claim 187

wherein said user-controlled processor comprises a personal computer.

190. The security method of

claim 159

wherein:

said telephone line has central office voice mail associated therewith; and

said voice mail functionality comprises indicating a central office voice message waiting.

191. The security method of

claim 190

wherein said indicating central office message waiting comprises providing an indication at said user control interface.

192. The security method of

claim 191

wherein said providing indication at said user control interface comprises providing visual indication.

193. The security method of

claim 191

wherein said providing indication at said user control interface comprises providing aural indication.

194. The security method of

claim 190

further comprising connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line;

wherein;

said indicating central office message waiting comprises providing an indication at said telephone set.

195. The security method of

claim 194

wherein said providing an indication at said telephone set comprises providing an aural indication.

196. The security method of

claim 194

wherein:

said telephone set includes a visual indicator; and

said providing an indication at said telephone set comprises providing a visual indication.

197. The security method of

claim 159

wherein said telephone interface unit further comprises a remote access unit through which a user controls at least one security system control function via said telephone line.

198. The security method of

claim 197

wherein said user, through said remote access unit, controls said at least one security system function from a telephone at a remote location by calling into said telephone line from said remote location.

199. The security method of

claim 197

further comprising:

connecting at least one telephone set to said telephone line;

wherein;

said user, through said telephone interface unit, controls said at least one security system function from said telephone set.

200. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising:

connecting at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

monitoring said telephone line and, when an outgoing telephone call is placed on said at least one telephone set, logging said outgoing telephone call.

201. The security method of

claim 200

further comprising:

storing data identifying numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted; and

when an outgoing call is placed on said telephone set to one of said numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted, preventing said outgoing call from being completed.

202. The security method of

claim 201

further comprising:

further storing at least one user code; and

when said user code is entered during said outgoing call, allowing said outgoing call to be completed to one of said numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted.

203. The security method of

claim 159

further comprising connecting said user control interface to an external data network for at least one of (a) sending, and (b) receiving, data.

204. The security method of

claim 203

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

access to said electronic mail is restricted based on said state of said system.

205. The security method of

claim 204

wherein said electronic mail is accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

206. The security method of

claim 205

wherein said system has a plurality of authorized users;

said method further comprising, when a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit;

presenting, for access at said user control interface, only electronic mail addressed to said particular authorized user.

207. The security method of

claim 206

further comprising providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

208. The security method of

claim 206

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver; and

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said particular authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

209. The security method of

claim 206

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said particular authorized user;

said method further comprising

activating said authorization unit by presenting of said coded token to said reader.

210. The security method of

claim 205

wherein:

said system has a plurality of authorized users;

said method further comprising, when a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user;

presenting access, at said user control interface, to electronic mail message sending from said particular authorized user.

211. The security method of

claim 210

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said particular authorized user; and

said presentation of said indicium comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

212. The security method of

claim 210

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver; and

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said particular authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

213. The security method of

claim 210

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said particular authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

214. The security method of

claim 203

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

said system has at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising, when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit;

sending an electronic mail message to a predetermined recipient advising of said entry of said command by said one of said at least one authorized user.

215. The security method of

claim 214

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

216. The security method of

claim 214

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver;

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

217. The security method of

claim 214

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

218. The security method of

claim 203

wherein:

said external data network is the Internet;

said data comprise World Wide Web pages; and

said system has at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising, when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit;

retrieving a World Wide Web page directed to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

displaying said World Wide Web page at said user control interface.

219. The security method of

claim 218

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

220. The security method of

claim 218

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a receiver; and

said indicium comprises a transmitter coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating of said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

221. The security method of

claim 220

wherein:

said transmitter is encoded with multiple codes; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of a selected one of said multiple codes by said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

retrieving a different World Wide web page based on which of said multiple codes has been selected.

222. The security method of

claim 218

wherein:

said authorization unit comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

223. The security method of

claim 203

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit; and

said external data network is the Internet;

said method further comprising, on activation of said authorization unit by said one of said at least one authorized user;

logging said one of said at least one authorized user onto the Internet at said user control interface.

224. The security method of

claim 203

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said one of said at least one user uses said external data network to access a financial institution to perform a financial transaction; and

said indicium is registered with said financial institution as an identifier of said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

sending said indicium to said financial institution as part of said financial transaction.

225. The security method of

claim 203

further comprising:

transmitting security data signals to a central communication station via said external data network and an alternate channel and awaiting acknowledgment thereof; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said external data network and said alternate channel, terminating transmission of said security data on a second one of said external data network and said alternate channel.

226. The security method of

claim 225

wherein:

one of said external data network and said alternate channel normally operates faster than another of said external data network and said alternate channel; and

transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said one of said external data network and said alternate channel begins before transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said another of said external data network and said alternate channel.

227. The security method of

claim 225

further comprising:

providing a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network, said firewall allowing only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said acknowledgment from said central communication station, initiating communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for said acknowledgment to be communicated from said central communication station to said system.

228. The security method of

claim 227

wherein said query to said external network comprises a query to said central communication station.

229. The security method of

claim 225

wherein said alternate channel is said telephone line.

230. The security method of

claim 203

further comprising:

transmitting security data signals to a central communication station via a plurality of channels; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said plurality of channels, terminating transmission of said security data on each other one of said plurality of channels.

231. The security method of

claim 230

wherein:

one of said plurality of channels normally operates faster than others of said plurality of channels; and

transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said one of said plurality of channels begins before transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said others of said plurality of channels.

232. The security method of

claim 203

further comprising accepting commands from a user via said external data network.

233. The security method of

claim 232

further comprising:

providing a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network, said firewall allowing only communication originating at said system and preventing communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said commands from said user, initiating communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for commands issued by said user to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

234. The security method of

claim 203

further comprising sending security data signals to predetermined recipients via said external data network.

235. The security method of

claim 203

further comprising providing more than one of said user control interface, each said user control interface functioning as an independent terminal of said external data network.

236. The security method of

claim 203

further comprising:

providing a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network, said firewall allowing only communication originating at said system and preventing communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive data, initiating communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for data sought to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

237. A security method for monitoring user premises, said method comprising:

providing at least one sensor;

providing at least one alarm output device;

providing at least one user control interface;

providing a system controller connected to said sensor, said output device and said user control interface;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface is connected to an external data network for at least one of (a) sending, and (b) receiving, data.

238. The security method of

claim 237

wherein said data comprise electronic mail.

239. The security method of

claim 237

wherein:

said at least one user control interface is used by a user to enter commands affecting a state of said system;

said method further comprising;

when said state indicates that said system is active, monitoring said at least one sensor and outputting an alarm on said alarm output device when said at least one sensor indicates that an alarm condition exists.

240. The security method of

claim 239

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

access to said electronic mail is restricted based on said state of said system.

241. The security method of

claim 240

wherein said electronic mail is accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

242. The security method of

claim 241

wherein:

there are a plurality of authorized users, said system having an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users; and

a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user;

said method further comprising;

presenting, for access at said user control interface, only electronic mail addressed to said particular authorized user.

243. The security method of

claim 242

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

244. The security method of

claim 242

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver; and

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

245. The security method of

claim 242

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

246. The security method of

claim 241

wherein:

said system has a plurality of authorized users, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users; and

a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user;

said method further comprising;

presenting access at said user control interface to electronic mail message sending from said particular authorized user.

247. The security method of

claim 246

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit indicium comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

248. The security method of

claim 246

further comprising:

providing a receiver at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

249. The security method of

claim 246

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a respective token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

250. The security method of

claim 237

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

said method further comprising, when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

sending an electronic mail message to a predetermined recipient advising of said entry of said command by said user.

251. The security method of

claim 250

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

252. The security method of

claim 250

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver; and

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

253. The security method of

claim 250

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

254. The security method of

claim 237

wherein:

said external data network is the Internet;

said data comprise World Wide Web pages;

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

said method further comprising, when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

retrieving a World Wide Web page directed to said one of said at least one authorized user and displaying said World Wide Web page at said user control interface.

255. The security method of

claim 254

further comprising:

providing a keypad at said user control interface;

wherein;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad.

256. The security method of

claim 254

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a receiver; and

said indicium comprises a respective transmitter uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by activating said coded transmitter in communication range of said receiver.

257. The security method of

claim 256

wherein:

said respective transmitter is encoded with multiple codes; and

said activation of said authorization unit comprises activation of a selected one of said multiple codes by said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

retrieving a different World Wide Web page based on which of said multiple codes has been selected.

258. The security method of

claim 254

wherein:

said user control interface comprises a token reader; and

said indicium comprises a respective token uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

activating said authorization unit by presenting said coded token to said reader.

259. The security method of

claim 237

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

one of said at least one authorized user activates said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said external data network is the Internet;

said method further comprising;

on said activation of said authorization unit, logging said one of said at least one authorized user onto the Internet at said user control interface.

260. The security method of

claim 237

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user, and has an authorization unit for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said one of said at least one user uses said external data network to access a financial institution to perform a financial transaction; and

said indicium is registered with said financial institution as an identifier of said one of said at least one authorized user;

said method further comprising;

sending said indicium to said financial institution as part of said financial transaction.

261. The security method of

claim 237

further comprising:

transmitting security data signals to a central communication station via said external data network and an alternate channel and awaiting acknowledgment thereof; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said external data network and said alternate channel, terminating transmission of said security data on a second one of said external data network and said alternate channel.

262. The security method of

claim 261

wherein:

one of said external data network and said alternate channel normally operates faster than another of said external data network and said alternate channel; and

transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said one of said external data network and said alternate channel begins before transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said another of said external data network and said alternate channel.

263. The security method of

claim 261

wherein:

there is a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network, said firewall allowing only communication originating at said system and preventing communication originating on said external data network;

said method further comprising;

to receive said acknowledgment from said central communication station, initiating communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for said acknowledgment to be communicated from said central communication station to said system.

264. The security method of

claim 263

wherein said query to said external network comprises a query to said central communication station.

265. The security method of

claim 261

wherein said alternate channel is said telephone line.

266. The security method of

claim 237

further comprising:

transmitting security data signals to a central communication station via a plurality of channels; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said plurality of channels, terminating transmission of said security data on each other one of said plurality of channels.

267. The security method of

claim 266

wherein:

one of said plurality of channels normally operates faster than others of said plurality of channels; and

transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said one of said plurality of channels begins before transmitting of said security data signals to said central communication station via said others of said plurality of channels.

268. The security method of

claim 237

further comprising accepting commands from a user via said external data network.

269. The security method of

claim 268

wherein:

there is a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network, said firewall allowing only communication originating at said system and preventing communication originating on said external data network;

said method further comprising;

to receive said commands from said user, initiating communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for commands issued by said user to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

270. The security method of

claim 237

further comprising sending security data signals to predetermined recipients via said external data network.

271. The security method of

claim 237

wherein:

there is a firewall between said user control interface and said external data network, said firewall allowing only communication originating at said system and preventing communication originating on said external data network;

said method further comprising;

to receive data, initiating communication with said external data network so that said firewall allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for data sought to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

272. A secure communications method for communicating between first and second communication stations connected to a communications medium;

said method comprising;

providing a central communication station connected to said communication medium;

initiating all communication between said first communication station and said central communication station at said first communication station;

establishing communication between said first communication station and said second communication station by leaving a message for said first communication station at said central communication station indicating communication is desired between said first communication station and said second communication station; and

when said first communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said first communication station receiving said message for said first communication station, maintaining its initiated communication with said central communication station and instructing said central communication station to relay communications between said first communication station and said second communication station.

273. The secure communications method of

claim 272

further comprising said second communication station leaving said message for said first communication station.

274. The secure communications method of

claim 272

further comprising said central communication station leaving said message for said first communication station.

275. The secure communications method of

claim 272

wherein said first communication station includes a first firewall between said first communication station and said communication medium, said first firewall allowing only communication originating at said first station and preventing communication originating on said communication medium.

276. The secure communications method of

claim 272

further comprising:

at said central communication station and said first communication station, storing a first digital key and associating said stored first digital key with said first communication station;

at said first communication station, encrypting each communication sent to said central communication station, and decrypting each communication received from said central communication station, using said first digital key identified with said first communication station; and

at said central communication station, encrypting with said first station digital key each communication sent to said first communication station and decrypting with said first station digital key each communication received from said first communication station.

277. The secure communications method of

claim 276

further comprising:

initiating all communication between said second communication station and said central communication station at said second communication station;

establishing communication between said second communication station and said first communication station by leaving a message for said second communication station at said central communication station indicating communication is desired between said second communication station and said first communication station; and

when said second communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said second communication station receiving said message for said second communication station, maintaining its initiated communication with said central communication station and instructing said central communication station to relay communications between said second communication station and said first communication station.

278. The secure communications method of

claim 277

further comprising said first communication station leaving said message for said second communication station.

279. The secure communications method of

claim 277

further comprising said central communication station leaving said message for said second communication station.

280. The secure communications method of

claim 277

wherein said second communication station includes a second firewall between said second communication station and said communication medium, said second firewall allowing only communication originating at said second station and preventing communication originating on said communication medium.

281. The secure communications method of

claim 277

wherein:

at said central communication station and said second communication station, storing a second digital key and associating said stored second digital key with said second communication station;

at said second communication station, encrypting each communication sent to said central communication station, and decrypting each communication received from said central communication station, using said second digital key identified with said second communication station; and

at said central communication station, encrypting with said second station digital key each communication sent to said second communication station and decrypting with said second station digital key each communication received from said second communication station.

282. The secure communications method of

claim 272

further comprising:

initiating all communication between said second communication station and said central communication station at said second communication station;

establishing communication between said second communication station and said first communication station by leaving a message for said second communication station at said central communication station indicating communication is desired between said second communication station and said first communication station; and

when said second communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said second communication station receiving said message for said second communication station, maintaining its initiated communication with said central communication station and instructing said central communication station to relay communications between said second communication station and said first communication station.

283. The secure communications method of

claim 282

further comprising said first communication station leaving said message for said second communication station.

284. The secure communications method of

claim 282

further comprising said central communication station leaving said message for said second communication station.

285. The secure communication method of

claim 282

wherein said second communication station includes a second firewall between said second communication station and said communication medium, said second firewall allowing only communication originating at said second station and preventing communication originating on said communication medium.

286. The secure communications method of

claim 272

further comprising:

at said central communication station, providing at least one service agent unit for communicating between said first communication station and at least one service on said communications medium;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one service requires a secure identifier for access thereto;

said method further comprising;

providing secure storage at at least one of said at least one service agent unit, and storing in said secure storage a secure identifier for said at least one of said at least one service registered at said secure storage by a user at said first communication station;

whereby;

when said user accesses said at least one of said at least one service, said user need not transmit said secure identifier over said communication medium, said secure identifier being transmitted securely by said service agent unit from said secure identifier storage.

287. A secure communications method for communicating between first and second communication stations connected to a communications medium;

said method comprising;

providing a central communication station connected to said communication medium and having a secure digital session key generator;

providing at each of said first and second communication means a respective encryption processor for encrypting and decrypting communications using a digital key;

initiating all communication with said first communication station at said first communication station;

initiating all communication with said second communication station at said second communication station;

establishing communication between said first communication station and said second communication station by generating at said secure digital session key generator a secure digital session key and leaving a respective message at said central communication station for each of said first and second communication stations, each said respective message including said secure digital session key;

when said first communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said first communication station receiving said message including said secure digital session key;

when said second communication station initiates communication with said central communication station, said second communication station receiving said message including said secure digital session key; and

said first and second communication stations communicating with one another using said secure digital session key and said respective encryption processors.

288. An integrated security and communications system comprising:

a security controller means having at least one means for accepting sensory input, at least one means for outputting an alarm and at least one means for inputting/outputting a control signal;

a control interface means operatively connected to said at least one means for inputting/outputting a control signal; and

means for communicating connected to a communication channel for providing at least one communication function, a first communication port for connection to one of said at least one means of said security controller for inputting/outputting a control signal for providing at least one of said at least one communication function to a user at said control interface means, and a second communication port for connection to a communication device at which said at least one communication function is provided to said user.

289. The system of

claim 288

wherein:

said communication channel comprises a telephone line; and

said communication device comprises a telephone.

290. The system of

claim 289

wherein said at least one communication function comprises telephony.

291. The system of

claim 288

wherein:

said communication channel comprises an Internet connection;

said means for communicating comprises means for computing; and

said at least one communication function comprises Internet access.

292. The system of

claim 288

wherein said means for communicating provides at least one function of said control interface at said communication device.

293. A security system for monitoring user premises, said system comprising:

at least one means for sensing;

at least one means for outputting an alarm;

at least one user control interface means;

a system controller means connected to said means for sensing, said means for outputting an alarm and said user control interface means, said at least one user control interface means being used by a user to enter commands affecting a state of said system, said system, when said state indicates that said system is active, monitoring said at least one means for sensing and outputting an alarm on said means for outputting an alarm when said at least one means for sensing indicates that an alarm condition exists; and

a telephone interface means connected to said controller means and a telephone line for providing voice mail functionality including one or more of message retrieval, message waiting indication, and message header indication;

wherein;

said voice mail functionality is accessible at at least one of said at least one user control interface means;

access to said voice mail functionality is restricted based on said state of said system, said voice mail functionality being accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises;

said system further having a plurality of authorized users, and having a means for authorizing at said at least one user control interface means for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein;

a particular one of said at least one authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said telephone interface means presents for access, at said user control interface means, only voice mail functions for which said particular authorized user is authorized.

294. The security system of

claim 293

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises keypad means at said user control interface means;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said means for authorizing comprises entering said passcode on said keypad means.

295. The security system of

claim 293

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for receiving at said user control interface means;

said indicium comprises a respective means for transmitting uniquely coded to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said means for authorizing comprises actuating said means for transmitting within communication range of said means for receiving.

296. The security system of

claim 295

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

297. The security system of

claim 293

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for reading a token at said user control interface means;

said indicium comprises a respective coded token unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said means for authorizing comprises presenting said token to said token reading means.

298. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said voice mail functionality is activated automatically upon entry of said system into said state consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

299. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said telephone interface means further comprises means for remote access through which a user remotely controls, during a single telephone call session to said system from a remote location, both (a) at least one security system control function, and (b) at least one voice mail function.

300. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said voice mail functionality comprises playback of an outgoing message to an incoming caller;

said telephone interface means further provides a call screening function at at least one of (a) said at least one telephone set, and (b) said at least one user control interface means, said user control interface means including speaker means; and

said call screening function is full-duplex, allowing said incoming caller to speak an announcement that is audible at said speaker means during said playback of said outgoing message.

301. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said telephone interface means further provides an aural indication at said at least one telephone set when a voice mail message has been received and is awaiting playback.

302. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line, said least one telephone set having means for ringing;

wherein;

said user control interface means includes speaker means; and

said telephone interface means further provides;

a privacy function whereby said means for ringing can be deactivated under control of a user, and

as part of said privacy function, a privacy breakthrough function whereby a caller issues a command when said privacy function is active for broadcasting a message on said speaker means.

303. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said voice mail functionality includes a toll saver feature controlled by said state of said system.

304. The security system of

claim 303

wherein said toll saver feature is active only when said state of said system indicates absence of authorized users from said premises.

305. The security system of

claim 304

wherein said toll saver feature can further be controlled by a user at said user control interface means.

306. The security system of

claim 305

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said toll saver feature can be controlled by a user at at least one of said at least one telephone set.

307. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said telephone interface means further comprises:

means for displaying calling party identification data, said calling party identification data being displayed at said user control interface means; and

means responsive to said calling party identification data for generating a distinctive ringing signal, different from a standard incoming ringing signal, based on said calling party identification data.

308. The security system of

claim 307

wherein said means for generating a distinctive ringing signal generates a first number of distinctive ringing signals, each distinctive ringing signal in said first number of distinctive ringing signals identifying at least one preselected calling party from a second number of preselected calling parties.

309. The security system of

claim 308

wherein said first number is equal to said second number, whereby each distinctive ringing signal is associated with a unique preselected calling party.

310. The security system of

claim 308

wherein said first number is less than said second number, whereby each distinctive ringing signal is associated with a plurality of said preselected calling parties.

311. The security system of

claim 308

wherein said means for generating distinctive ringing signals comprises means for interrupting said standard incoming ringing signal in a second number of ways equal to said second number of distinctive ringing signals, to produce said second number of distinctive ringing signals.

312. The security system of

claim 307

wherein said means for generating distinctive ringing signals comprises means for interrupting said standard incoming ringing signal to produce said distinctive ringing signal.

313. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said telephone interface means further comprises:

means for displaying calling party identification data at said user control interface;

means for storing instructions for paging a user when said calling party identification data identifies one of at least one particular calling party; and

processor means for acting on said instructions and placing a call to a user'"'"'s pager when said calling party identification data identify one of said at least one particular calling party.

314. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface means;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface means comprises speaker means;

said telephone interface means further comprises a public address function;

whereby, when a user issues a command at said telephone set;

said telephone set is disconnected from said telephone line and connected to said speaker means of said at least one of said at least one user control interface means.

315. The security system of

claim 314

wherein said telephone set is connected to said speaker means of each said at least one of said at least one user control interface means.

316. The security system of

claim 314

wherein, on command of said user, said telephone set is connected to said speaker means of any one or more of said at least one of said at least one user control interface means.

317. The security system of

claim 314

wherein, when said user issues said command at said telephone set, said telephone interface means maintains said telephone line in an off-hook condition while said public address function is in use.

318. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface means;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface means comprises a microphone;

said telephone interface means further comprises a room monitor function;

whereby, when a user issues a command at said telephone set;

said telephone set is disconnected from said telephone line and connected to said microphone of said at least one of said at least one user control interface means.

319. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line through said telephone interface means;

wherein;

at least one programmable parameter of said security system is programmable;

(a) at said at least one user control interface means;

(b) at said connected telephone set; and

(c) remotely by calling into said system on said telephone line.

320. The security system of

claim 319

wherein:

there are a plurality of said programmable parameters; and

only a subset of said plurality of programmable parameters is programmable remotely.

321. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one user-controlled processor means connected via modem means to said telephone line through said telephone interface means;

wherein;

at least one programmable parameter of said security system is programmable;

said telephone interface means includes means for detecting control signals sent from said user-controlled processor means through said modem means;

whereby;

responsive to said control signals from said user-controlled processor means, said telephone interface means disconnects from said telephone line and enters a user-controlled mode.

322. The security system of

claim 321

wherein in said user-controlled mode said user-controlled processor means performs any one of:

programming said at least one programmable parameter of said security system;

downloading voice mail messages received as part of said voice mail functionality from said telephone interface means to said user-controlled processor means; and

uploading voice prompts composed at said user-controlled processor means to said telephone interface means.

323. The security system of

claim 321

wherein said user-controlled processor means comprises a personal computer.

324. The security system of

claim 293

wherein:

said telephone line has central office voice mail associated therewith; and

said voice mail functionality comprises indicating a central office voice message waiting.

325. The security system of

claim 324

wherein said indicating central office message waiting comprises providing an indication at said user control interface.

326. The security system of

claim 325

wherein said indication at said user control interface is visual.

327. The security system of

claim 325

wherein said indication at said user control interface is aural.

328. The security system of

claim 324

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said indicating central office message waiting comprises providing an indication at said telephone set.

329. The security system of

claim 328

wherein said indication at said telephone set is aural.

330. The security system of

claim 328

wherein:

said telephone set includes means for indicating visually; and

said indication at said telephone set is visual.

331. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said telephone interface means further comprises means for remote access through which a user controls at least one security system control function via said telephone line.

332. The security system of

claim 331

wherein said user, through said means for remote access, controls said at least one security system function from a telephone at a remote location by calling into said telephone line from said remote location.

333. The security system of

claim 331

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said user, through said telephone interface means, controls said at least one security system function from said telephone set.

334. The security system of

claim 293

further comprising at least one telephone set connected to said telephone line;

wherein;

said telephone interface means monitors said telephone line and, when an outgoing telephone call is placed on said at least one telephone set, logs said outgoing telephone call.

335. The security system of

claim 334

wherein:

said telephone interface means comprises means for storing data identifying numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted; and

when an outgoing call is placed on said telephone set to one of said numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted, said telephone interface means prevents said outgoing call from being completed.

336. The security system of

claim 335

wherein:

said means for storing further stores at least one user code; and

when said user code is entered during said outgoing call, said telephone interface means allows said outgoing call to be completed to one of said numbers to which outgoing calls are restricted.

337. The security system of

claim 293

wherein said user control interface is connected to an external data network for at least one of (a) sending, and (b) receiving, data.

338. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

access to said electronic mail is restricted based on said state of said system.

339. The security system of

claim 338

wherein said electronic mail is accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

340. The security system of

claim 339

having a plurality of authorized users, wherein:

when a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said means for authorizing, said user control interface means presents, for access at said user control interface means, only electronic mail addressed to said particular authorized user.

341. The security system of

claim 340

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises keypad means at said user control interface means;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

342. The security system of

claim 340

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises means for transmitting coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

343. The security system of

claim 342

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

344. The security system of

claim 340

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing unit comprises presentation of said coded token to said token reading means.

345. The security system of

claim 339

having a plurality of authorized users, wherein:

when a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user, said user control interface means presents access, at said user control interface means, to electronic mail message sending from said particular authorized user.

346. The security system of

claim 345

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises keypad means at said user control interface means;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said particular authorized user; and

said presentation of said indicium comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

347. The security system of

claim 345

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises means for transmitting coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

348. The security system of

claim 347

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

349. The security system of

claim 345

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said particular authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

350. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail;

said system has at least one authorized user; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface by activating said means for authorizing, said user control interface means sends an electronic mail message to a predetermined recipient advising of said entry of said command by said one of said at least one authorized user.

351. The security system of

claim 350

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises keypad means at said user control interface means;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

352. The security system of

claim 350

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises means for transmitting coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

353. The security system of

claim 352

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

354. The security system of

claim 350

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

355. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said external data network is the Internet;

said data comprise World Wide Web pages;

said system has at least one authorized user; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface means by activating said means for authorizing, said system retrieves a World Wide Web page directed to said one of said at least one authorized user and displays said World Wide Web page at said user control interface means.

356. The security system of

claim 355

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises keypad means;

said indicium comprises a passcode unique to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

357. The security system of

claim 355

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises means for transmitting coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

358. The security system of

claim 357

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

359. The security system of

claim 357

wherein:

said means for transmitting is encoded with multiple codes;

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of a selected one of said multiple codes by said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said system retrieves a different World Wide Web page based on which of said multiple codes has been selected.

360. The security system of

claim 355

wherein:

said means for authorizing comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a token coded uniquely to said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

361. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface means by activating said means for authorizing;

said external data network is the Internet; and

said activation of said means for authorizing logs said one of said at least one authorized user onto the Internet at said user control interface means.

362. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface means by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said one of said at least one authorized user uses said external data network to access a financial institution to perform a financial transaction;

said indicium is registered with said financial institution as an identifier of said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said indicium is sent to said financial institution as part of said financial transaction.

363. The security system of

claim 337

wherein functions of said system are remotely accessible via said external data network.

364. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via said external data network and an alternate channel and awaits acknowledgment thereof; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said external data network and said alternate channel, said system terminates transmission of said security data on a second one of said external data network and said alternate channel.

365. The security system of

claim 364

wherein:

one of said external data network and said alternate channel normally operates faster than another of said external data network and said alternate channel; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said external data network and said alternate channel before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said another of said external data network and said alternate channel.

366. The security system of

claim 364

further comprising firewall means between said user control interface means and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall means allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said acknowledgment from said central communication station, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall means allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for said acknowledgment to be communicated from said central communication station to said system.

367. The security system of

claim 366

wherein said query to said external network comprises a query to said central communication station.

368. The security system of

claim 364

wherein said alternate channel is said telephone line.

369. The security system of

claim 337

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via a plurality of channels; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said plurality of channels, said system terminates transmission of said security data on each other one of said plurality of channels.

370. The security system of

claim 369

wherein:

one of said plurality of channels normally operates faster than others of said plurality of channels; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said plurality of channels before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said others of said plurality of channels.

371. The security system of

claim 337

wherein said system accepts commands from a user via said external data network.

372. The security system of

claim 371

further comprising firewall means between said user control interface and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall means allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said commands from said user, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall means allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for commands issued by said user to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

373. The security system of

claim 337

wherein said system sends security data signals to predetermined recipients via said external data network.

374. The security system of

claim 337

comprising more than one of said user control interface means, each said user control interface means functioning as an independent terminal of said external data network.

375. The security system of

claim 337

further comprising firewall means between said user control interface means and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall means allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive data, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall means allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for data sought to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

376. A security system for monitoring user premises, said system comprising:

at least one means for sensing;

at least one means for outputting an alarm;

at least one user control interface means; and

a system controller means connected to said means for sensing, said means for outputting an alarm and said user control interface means;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one user control interface means is connected to an external data network for at least one of (a) sending, and (b) receiving, data.

377. The security system of

claim 376

wherein said data comprise electronic mail.

378. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said at least one user control interface means is used by a user to enter commands affecting a state of said system; and

said system, when said state indicates that said system is active, monitors said at least one means for sensing and outputs an alarm on said means for outputting an alarm when said at least one means for sensing indicates that an alarm condition exists.

379. The security system of

claim 378

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail; and

access to said electronic mail is restricted based on said state of said system.

380. The security system of

claim 379

wherein said electronic mail is accessible when said state is consistent with presence of an authorized user on said premises.

381. The security system of

claim 380

having a plurality of authorized users, and having means for authorizing for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein:

a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said authorization unit using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said user control interface means presents for access at said user control interface means only electronic mail addressed to said particular authorized user.

382. The security system of

claim 381

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises keypad means;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said means for authorizing comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

383. The security system of

claim 381

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises a respective means for transmitting uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

384. The security system of

claim 383

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

385. The security system of

claim 381

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activating of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

386. The security system of

claim 380

having a plurality of authorized users, and having a means for authorizing for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users, wherein:

a particular authorized user initiates said state consistent with presence of an authorized user by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said particular authorized user; and

said user control interface means presents access at said user control interface means to electronic mail message sending from said particular authorized user.

387. The security system of

claim 386

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises keypad means;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing indicium comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

388. The security system of

claim 386

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises a respective means for transmitting uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing unit comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

389. The security system of

claim 388

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

391. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said data comprise electronic mail;

said system has at least one authorized user, and has a means for authorizing for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface means by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user, said user control interface sends an electronic mail message to a predetermined recipient advising of said entry of said command by said user.

392. The security system of

claim 391

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises keypad means;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

393. The security system of

claim 391

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises a means for receiving;

said indicium comprises a respective means for transmitting uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

394. The security system of

claim 393

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

395. The security system of

claim 391

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a token uniquely coded to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

396. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said external data network is the Internet;

said data comprise World Wide Web pages;

said system has at least one authorized user, and has a means for authorizing for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users; and

when one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface means by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user, said system retrieves a World Wide Web page directed to said one of said at least one authorized user and displays said World Wide Web page at said user control interface.

397. The security system of

claim 396

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises keypad means;

said indicium comprises a respective passcode unique to each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises entry of said passcode at said keypad means.

398. The security system of

claim 396

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for receiving;

said indicium comprises a respective means for transmitting uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of said coded means for transmitting in communication range of said means for receiving.

399. The security system of

claim 398

wherein said means for receiving and said coded means for transmitting are wireless.

400. The security system of

claim 398

wherein:

said respective means for transmitting is encoded with multiple codes;

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises activation of a selected one of said multiple codes by said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said system retrieves a different World Wide Web page based on which of said multiple codes has been selected.

401. The security system of

claim 396

wherein:

said user control interface means comprises means for reading a token;

said indicium comprises a respective token uniquely coded for each of said at least one authorized user; and

said activation of said means for authorizing comprises presentation of said coded token to said means for reading.

402. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user, and has a means for authorizing for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

one of said at least one authorized user activates said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said external data network is the Internet; and

said activation of said means for authorizing logs said one of said at least one authorized user onto the Internet at said user control interface means.

403. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said system has at least one authorized user, and has a means for authorizing for uniquely identifying each of at least one of said authorized users;

one of said at least one authorized user enters a security system command at said user control interface means by activating said means for authorizing using an indicium unique to said one of said at least one authorized user;

said one of said at least one user uses said external data network to access a financial institution to perform a financial transaction;

said indicium is registered with said financial institution as an identifier of said one of said at least one authorized user; and

said indicium is sent to said financial institution as part of said financial transaction.

404. The security system of

claim 376

wherein functions of said system are remotely accessible via said external data network.

405. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via said external data network and an alternate channel and awaits acknowledgment thereof; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said external data network and said alternate channel, said system terminates transmission of said security data on a second one of said external data network and said alternate channel.

406. The security system of

claim 405

wherein:

one of said external data network and said alternate channel normally operates faster than another of said external data network and said alternate channel; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said external data network and said alternate channel before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said another of said external data network and said alternate channel.

407. The security system of

claim 405

further comprising firewall means between said user control interface means and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall means allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said acknowledgment from said central communication station, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall means allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for said acknowledgment to be communicated from said central communication station to said system.

408. The security system of

claim 407

wherein said query to said external network comprises a query to said central communication station.

409. The security system of

claim 405

wherein said alternate channel is said telephone line.

410. The security system of

claim 376

wherein:

said system transmits security data signals to a central communication station via a plurality of channels; and

when said acknowledgment arrives from a first one of said plurality of channels, said system terminates transmission of said security data on each other one of said plurality of channels.

411. The security system of

claim 410

wherein:

one of said plurality of channels normally operates faster than others of said plurality of channels; and

said system begins transmission of said security data signals on said one of said plurality of channels before beginning transmission of said security data signals on said others of said plurality of channels.

412. The security system of

claim 376

wherein said system accepts commands from a user via said external data network.

413. The security system of

claim 412

further comprising firewall means between said user control interface means and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall means allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive said commands from said user, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall means allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for commands issued by said user to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

414. The security system of

claim 376

wherein said system sends security data signals to predetermined recipients via said external data network.

415. The security system of

claim 376

comprising more than one of said user control interface means, each said user control interface means functioning as an independent terminal of said external data network.

416. The security system of

claim 376

further comprising firewall means between said user control interface means and said external data network;

wherein;

said firewall means allows only communication originating at said system and prevents communication originating on said external data network; and

to receive data, said system initiates communication with said external data network so that said firewall means allows said communication, said initiated communication including a query to said external data network for data sought to be communicated from said external data network to said system.

417. A secure communications system comprising:

first communication means connected to a communication medium;

central communication means connected to said communication medium; and

at least second communication means connected to said communication medium;

wherein;

all communication between said first communication means and said central communication means is initiated by said first communication means;

communication between said first communication means and said second communication means is established by leaving a message for said first communication means at said central communication means indicating communication is desired between said first communication means and said second communication means; and

when said first communication means initiates communication with said central communication means, said first communication means receives said message for said first communication means, maintains its initiated communication with said central communication means and instructs said central communication means to relay communications between said first communication means and said second communication means.

418. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein said message for said first communication means is left by said second communication means.

419. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein said message for said first communication means is left by said second communication means.

420. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein:

said first communication means includes a first firewall between said first communication means and said communication medium; and

said first firewall allows only communication originating at said first communication means and prevents communication originating on said communication medium.

421. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein:

said first communication means further comprises first encryption means for encrypting and decrypting communications using a first digital key identified with said first communication means;

said central communication means further comprises;

central encryption means for encrypting and decrypting communications using a digital key, and

key memory for storing said first digital key and associating said stored first digital key with said first communication means;

said first communication means uses said first encryption means to encrypt with said first digital key each communication sent to said central communication means, and to decrypt with said first digital key each communication received from said central communication means; and

said central communication means uses said central encryption means to encrypt with said first digital key each communication sent to said first communication station and to decrypt with said first station digital key each communication received from said first communication station.

422. The secure communications system of

claim 421

wherein:

all communication between said second communication means and said central communication means is initiated by said second communication means;

communication between said second communication means and said first communication means is established by leaving a message for said second communication means at said central communication means indicating communication is desired between said second communication means and said first communication means; and

when said second communication means initiates communication with said central communication means, said second communication means receives said message for said second communication means, maintains its initiated communication with said central communication means and instructs said central communication means to relay communications between said first communication means and said second communication means.

423. The secure communications system of

claim 422

wherein said message for said second communication means is left by said first communication means.

424. The secure communications system of

claim 422

wherein said message for said second communication means is left by said central communication means.

425. The secure communications system of

claim 422

wherein:

said second communication means includes a second firewall between said second communication means and said communication medium; and

said second firewall allows only communication originating at said second communication means and prevents communication originating on said communication medium.

426. The secure communications system of

claim 422

wherein:

said second communication means further comprises a second encryption means for encrypting and decrypting communications using a second digital key identified with said second communication means;

said key memory of said central communication means further stores said second digital key and associates said stored second digital key with said second communication means;

said second communication means uses said second encryption means to encrypt with said second digital key each communication sent to said central communication means, and to decrypt with said second digital key each communication received from said central communication means; and

said central communication means uses said central encryption means to encrypt with said second digital key each communication sent to said second communication means and to decrypt with said second digital key each communication received from said second communication means.

427. The secure communications system of

claim 426

wherein:

said first communication means is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a central alarm monitoring station.

428. The secure communications system of

claim 426

wherein:

said first communication means is a first premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a second premises alarm system.

429. The secure communications system of

claim 426

wherein:

said first communication means is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a remote communications terminal.

430. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein:

all communication between said second communication means and said central communication means is initiated by said second communication means;

communication between said second communication means and said first communication means is established by leaving a message for said second communication means at said central communication means indicating communication is desired between said second communication means and said first communication means; and

when said second communication means initiates communication with said central communication means, said second communication means receives said message for said second communication means, maintains its initiated communication with said central communication means and instructs said central communication means to relay communications between said first communication means and said second communication means.

431. The secure communications system of

claim 430

wherein said message for said second communication means is left by said first communication means.

432. The secure communications system of

claim 430

wherein said message for said second communication means is left by said central communication means.

433. The secure communications system of

claim 430

wherein:

said second communication means includes a second firewall between said second communication means and said communication medium; and

said second firewall allows only communication originating at said second communication means and prevents communication originating on said communication medium.

434. The secure communications system of

claim 430

wherein:

said first communication means is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a central alarm monitoring station.

435. The secure communications system of

claim 430

wherein:

said first communication means is a first premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a second premises alarm system.

436. The secure communications system of

claim 430

wherein:

said first communication means is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a remote communications terminal.

437. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein:

said first communication means is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a central alarm monitoring station.

438. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein:

said first communication means is a first premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a second premises alarm system.

439. The secure communications system of

claim 417

wherein:

said first communication means is a premises alarm system; and

said second communication means is a remote communications terminal.

440. The secure communications system of

claim 417

further comprising:

at said central communication means, at least one service agent means for communicating between said first communication means and at least one service on said communications medium;

wherein;

at least one of said at least one service requires a secure identifier for access thereto; and

at least one of said at least one service agent means comprises means for securely storing an identifier, a user at said first communication means registering said user'"'"'s secure identifier for said at least one of said at least one service;

whereby;

when said user accesses said at least one of said at least one service, said user need not transmit said secure identifier over said communication medium, said secure identifier being transmitted securely by said service agent means from said secure identifier storage means.

441. A secure communications system for communicating between first and second communication means connected to a communications medium;

said system comprising;

a central communication means connected to said communication medium and having a secure digital session key generating means;

wherein;

each of said first and second communication means further comprises a respective encryption means for encrypting and decrypting communications using a digital key;

all communication with said first communication means is initiated by said first communication means;

all communication with said second communication station is initiated by said second communication means;

communication between said first communication means and said second communication means is established by generating at said secure digital session key generating means a secure digital session key and leaving a respective message at said central communication means for each of said first and second communication means, each said respective message including said secure digital session key;

when said first communication means initiates communication with said central communication means, said first communication means receives said message including said secure digital session key;

when said second communication means initiates communication with said central communication means, said second communication means receives said message including said secure digital session key; and

said first and second communication means communicate with one another using said secure digital session key and said respective encryption means.