Integrated security system and method

• US 20070008126A1
• Filed: 05/15/2006
• Published: 01/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/29/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: RF Monolithics, Inc. (Murata Manufacturing Co Limited)
• Original Assignee: RF Monolithics, Inc. (Murata Manufacturing Co Limited)
• Inventors: Stigall, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,486,187 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/568.100
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2025/1016 Remote signals alerting owner or authorities, e.g. radio signals
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2325/304 Boats
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/1004 Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means using door lock sensors B60R25/1001
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1409 for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1436 with motion detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0213 System disabling if a separation threshold is exceeded disabling electrical appliances in case of unplugging G08B13/1409
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0227 System arrangements with a plurality of child units
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/025 System arrangements wherein the alarm criteria uses absence of reply signal after an elapsed time
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0261 System arrangements wherein the object is to detect trespassing over a fixed physical boundary, e.g. the end of a garden
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/009 Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range

Abstract

An asset subsystem is provided for use in a security system. The security system includes a security system controller operable to trigger an alarm. The asset subsystem includes a transceiver operable to communicate a first signal to a tag associated with an asset and to receive a second signal communicated by the tag in response to the first signal. The asset subsystem also includes a controller operable to determine whether the tag failed to communicate the second signal to the transceiver and trigger the alarm in response to determining that the tag failed to communicate the second signal to the transceiver.

Claims

1-33. -33. (canceled)

34. An asset monitoring system, comprising:

a transceiver operable to communicate with a tag associated with an asset; and

a controller operable to determine whether the tag fails to communicate with the controller and to trigger an alarm of a security system in response to the determination, the security system comprising a security system controller operable to use input from a plurality of sensors to determine whether to trigger the alarm, the controller appearing as another one of the sensors to the security system controller.

35. The asset monitoring system of claim 34, wherein the plurality of sensors includes at least one of:

a sensor operable to detect when a door is opened, a sensor operable to detect when a window is opened, and a sensor operable to detect movement in a specified area.

36. The asset monitoring system of claim 34, wherein:

the tag is operable to receive input from a motion sensor, the motion sensor operable to detect movement of the asset; and

the controller is further operable to trigger the alarm when the motion sensor detects movement and the asset is not allowed to be moved.

37. The asset monitoring system of claim 34, wherein the transceiver and the controller form at least part of a portable unit.

38. The asset monitoring system of claim 37, wherein the portable unit is adapted to be placed in a cradle, the cradle operable to provide an interface between the portable unit and the security system controller.

39. The asset monitoring system of claim 38, wherein the cradle comprises a display, the display operable to identify the asset associated with the tag when the alarm is triggered in response to the tag failing to communicate with the controller.

40. The asset monitoring system of claim 34, further comprising an interface operable to facilitate communication between the controller and the security system controller, the interface configured to make the controller appear as another one of the sensors to the security system controller.

41. The asset monitoring system of claim 40, wherein the interface is integrated into the controller.

42. The asset monitoring system of claim 34, wherein the security system is operable to monitor at least one of:

a residence, a business, a storage area, and a government building.

43. A security system, comprising:

an alarm;

a plurality of sensors;

a security system controller operable to trigger the alarm based on input from the sensors;

a transceiver operable to communicate with a tag associated with an asset; and

a controller operable to determine whether the tag fails to communicate with the controller and to trigger the alarm in response to the determination, the controller appearing as another one of the sensors to the security system controller.

44. The security system of claim 43, wherein the plurality of sensors includes at least one of:

a sensor operable to detect when a door is opened, a sensor operable to detect when a window is opened, and a sensor operable to detect movement in a specified area.

45. The security system of claim 43, wherein:

the tag is operable to receive input from a motion sensor, the motion sensor operable to detect movement of the asset; and

the controller is further operable to trigger the alarm when the motion sensor detects movement and the asset is not allowed to be moved.

46. The security system of claim 43, wherein the transceiver and the controller form at least part of a portable unit.

47. The security system of claim 46, wherein the portable unit is adapted to be placed in a cradle, the cradle operable to provide an interface between the portable unit and the security system controller.

48. The security system of claim 47, wherein the cradle comprises a display, the display operable to identify the asset associated with the tag when the alarm is triggered in response to the tag failing to communicate with the controller.

49. The security system of claim 43, further comprising an interface operable to facilitate communication between the controller and the security system controller, the interface configured to make the controller appear as another one of the sensors to the security system controller.

50. The security system of claim 49, wherein the interface is integrated into the controller.

51. A method, comprising:

receiving input from a plurality of sensors, the sensors associated with a security system operable to monitor a structure;

determining whether to trigger an alarm based on the input from the sensors;

determining whether a tag associated with an asset fails to communicate a signal, the asset located in or near the structure; and

triggering the alarm in response to determining that the tag fails to communicate the signal.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein:

the security system comprises a plurality of sensors including at least one of;

a sensor operable to detect when a door of the structure is opened, a sensor operable to detect when a window of the structure is opened, and a sensor operable to detect movement in or near the structure; and

an asset controller is operable to determine whether the tag fails to communicate the signal and to trigger the alarm in response thereto, the asset controller appearing as another sensor to a security system controller in the security system, the security system controller operable to trigger the alarm.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the tag is operable to receive input from a motion sensor, the motion sensor operable to detect movement of the asset;

and

further comprising triggering the alarm when the motion sensor detects movement and the asset is not allowed to be moved.