Alarm Sound Activated Module for Remote Notification

• US 20120188067A1
• Filed: 01/23/2012
• Published: 07/26/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/24/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Weihao Xiao
• Original Assignee: Weihao Xiao
• Inventors: Xiao, Weihao
• Application Number:
  US13/355,567
• Publication Number:
  US 20120188067A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/426.18
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/102 a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner

Abstract

An alarm sound activated module is to improve exist security alarm systems by providing a convenient and low cost way of instant alarm remote notifications for almost all exist alarm systems without such functions yet through the use of general available communication devices and networks. Said alarm sound module is capable of detecting exist alarm sound, sending corresponding signal to a near by communication device for establishing a path through available communication networks to notify a remote user of an alarm event. Said alarm systems can be any of existing type capable of generating alarm sound in the case of an alarm event and requiring not any specific connection and modification with said alarm sound activated module. Said communication devices can be any commonly available type without the need of any or with minimum modification to support said alarm remote notifications.

Claims

1. An alarm sound activated module, namely a sound module, capable of detecting the alarm sound in the protected premises of an exist alarm system, communicating with a near by communication device through either wire connection, wireless technique or with another sound module through re-generated alarm sound, for establishing a path to notify a remote user of said alarm event, wherein said path for notification can be through any type of available communication network including, but not limited to cellular, landline, internet, cable, voice or data link, wherein said exist alarm can be any type of alarm systems capable of generating alarm sound in case of an alarm event including but not limited to indoor, outdoor security alarm, smoke detector alarm, as well as vehicle security alarm, wherein said remote user can be an individual, a monitor center, a police station or any other user capable of receiving alert message from said communication device through any available communication network including but not limited to cellular, landline, internet, cable, voice or data link.

2. The sound activated module of claim 1, a secondary sound module for example, capable of detecting said exist alarm sound and notifying other sound module or communication device through re-generated alarm sound further comprising:

a) a enclosure of sound module placed close to said exist alarm, either attached to the alarm sound source, or placed on close by desktop, wall or top ceiling mounted, to effectively picking up said exist alarm sound;

b) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, to detect said exist alarm sound directly and optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

c) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform sound recognition process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound;

d) a speaker, or siren, to re-generate a secondary alarm sound in response to said exist alarm sound to notify other near by sound module and communication device of said alarm event, wherein said re-generated alarm sound can be adjusted to a desired level and frequencies for effective reception by other said devices at a convenient and securer location;

e) an optional control method, such as a button or switch, to select said remote user'"'"'s ID, stored in said near by communication device, the user'"'"'s phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or to toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound of said exist alarm for minimum attention care;

f) an optional alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effectively detecting different type of alarm sound at different location;

g) an optional AC power supply to maintain said alarm detection functions, extend battery life and preventing the need of frequently charging or replacing batteries.

3. The sound module of claim 1, a wireless sound module, capable of detecting said exist alarm sound directly, or said re-generated alarm sound, communicating with said communication device through wireless technique to notifying said alarm event further comprising:

a) a enclosure of sound module placed close to said exist alarm, either attached to the alarm sound source, on placed on near by desktop, wall or top ceiling mounted, for effectively detecting said exist alarm sound;

b) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, to detect said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

c) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

d) a wireless device, including but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless technique, to send corresponding alarm detection signal to said near by communication device for establishing a communication link to notify said remote user of said alarm event;

e) an optional control method, such as a button or switch, to select said remote user'"'"'s ID, stored in said near by communication device, the user'"'"'s phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

f) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effectively detecting different type of alarm sound at different location;

g) an optional AC power supply to maintain said alarm detection function, extend battery life and preventing frequently charging or replacing battery.

4. The sound activated module of claim 1, a primary sound module for example, capable of detecting said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, communicating with said near by communication device, a cellular phone for example, through wire connection further comprising:

a) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, to detect said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform process on said detected alarm sound signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a plug-in connector capable of connecting with the interface, the hands free call interface for example, on a commonly available cellular phone for sending said detected alarm signal to said cellular phone for establishing a call to notify said remote user of the alarm event, wherein the line assignment on said plug-in connector, the call initializing and audio signal lines for example, is compatible with said cellular phone interface for properly signal routing;

d) an optional control method, such as a button or switch, for selecting said remote user'"'"'s ID stored in said near by cellular phone, the user'"'"'s phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effectively detecting different type of alarm sound at different location;

f) an optional AC power supply to maintain said alarm function, extend battery life and preventing frequently charging or replacing battery.

5. The communication device of claim 1, a commonly available cellular phone for example, capable of communicating with said sound activated module through wire connection further comprising:

a) a commonly available interface on said cellular phone, the hands free call interface for example, capable of communicating with said sound module through a plug-in connector to receive control and optional audio signal, wherein the line assignment on said interface, the call initializing and audio lines for example, is to be matched by said plug-in connector from the sound module for properly signal routing;

b) a control method, through keypad for example, to set up said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event;

c) a cellular circuitry for establishing a phone call, similar to making a hands free call, to notify said remote user of said alarm event through cellular network upon the detection of said alarm signal on said interface from said sound module;

d) an optional method of continuously sending said background audio signal, similar to hands free call, to said remote user for alarm monitoring;

e) an optional AC power supply to maintain said alarm function, extend battery life, and preventing frequently charging or replacing battery, or even better to use lower cost battery instead of using those expensive re-chargeable type on regular cellular phone.

6. The communication device of claim 1, a cellular phone for example, capable of communicating with said sound activated module through wireless technique further comprising:

a) a wireless device, including but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless technique, capable of communicating with said sound module with similar type of wireless technique to receive said control and optional audio signal;

b) a control method, a keypad for example, to setup said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event;

c) a cellular circuitry for establishing a call, similar to making a hands free call, to notify said remote user of said alarm event through cellular network upon receiving said alarm detection signal from said sound module through said wireless device;

d) an optional method of continuously sending said background audio signal, similar to that in a hands free call, to said remote user for alarm event monitoring;

e) an optional AC power supply to maintain said alarm detection function, extend battery life, and preventing frequently charging or replacing battery, or even better to use lower cost battery instead of using those expensive re-chargeable type used for regular cellular phone.

7. The sound activated module of claim 1, capable of detecting either said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, communicating with said communication device, a cellular phone for example, through wire connection further comprising:

a) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, to detect said exist alarm sound, or regenerated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform process on said detected alarm sound signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) an electro-mechanic gripper, driven by a mechanic force, a motor or magnetic controlled by said alarm detection signal for example, for holding the body of a general cellular headset connecting with said cellular phone through a plug-in connector, and to press on the call/receive button on said headset in response to said alarm detection signal for initializing a call on said cellular phone to notify said remote user of said alarm event, wherein said cellular headset is capable of optionally picking up background audio sound for alarm monitoring;

d) an optional control method, such as a button or switch, for selecting said remote user'"'"'s ID, stored in said near by cellular phone, the phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effectively detecting different type of alarm sound at different location;

f) an optional AC power supply with indication of power condition to maintain said alarm detection function, extend battery life and preventing frequently charging or replacing the battery.

8. The sound activated module of claim 1, capable of detecting either said exist alarm sound, or a secondary re-generated alarm sound, communicating with said communication device, a cellular phone for example, through wireless technique further comprising:

a) at least one reactive device, a microphone for example, to pick up said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) an electro-mechanic gripper, driven by a mean of mechanic force, a motor or magnetic controlled by said alarm detection signal for example, for holding the body of a general Bluetooth, WiFi or other wireless cellular headset and to pressing on the call/receive button in response to said alarm detection signal for initializing a call on said cellular phone communicating with said wireless headset with similar wireless technique to notify said remote user of said alarm event, wherein said headset is capable of optionally picking up background audio sound for alarm monitoring;

d) an optional control method, such as a button or switch, for selecting said remote user'"'"'s ID stored in said near by cellular phone, the user'"'"'s phone number for example, as next to call number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effectively detection of different type of alarm sound in different location;

f) an optional AC power supply with indication of power condition to maintain said alarm detection function, extend battery life and to prevent the need of frequently charging the battery.

9. An enclosure of module, a cellular alarm device, to combine said sound module and communication device of claim 1, wherein said communication device is a cellular circuitry further comprising:

a) a least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, for detecting said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, as well as an optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and software to process said detected alarm sound signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a control method, a keypad for example, to setup said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number for example, as next to call in case of said alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode to save power, or toggling automatically through recognition of the armed and disarmed sound pattern from said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) a cellular circuitry for establishing a call to notify said remote user of said alarm event through cellular network upon the detection of said alarm signal;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effectively detection of different type of alarm sound in different location;

f) an optional method of continuously sending said background audio signal to said remote user for alarm monitoring;

g) an option of simplifying said cellular circuitry as for the purpose of alarm notification only for device and network cost reduction by eliminating unnecessary functions from a regular cellular phone including but not limited to utilizing narrower cellular channel bandwidth, ignore incoming call, as well as to use smaller phone screen;

h) an optional AC power supply with power condition indication to maintain said alarm detection, extend battery life and preventing frequently charging the battery, or even better to make use of lower cost battery other than those expensive re-chargeable battery used by regular cellular phone.

10. The sound module of claim 1, capable of picking up either said exist alarm sound, or re-generated alarm sound, communicating with said communication device, a computer for example, through wire connection further comprising:

a) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, for detecting said exist alarm sound, or re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform tasks such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing said alarm detection signal with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a connector compatible with the interface on said computer, the USB interface for example, to receive supply power and to send said alarm detection signal to said computer for establishing a communication link to notify a remote user of said alarm event.

d) an optional control method to toggle between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location;

11. The communication device of claim 1, a computer for example, capable of communicating with said sound module through wire connection further comprising:

a) an interface, the USB port example, to provide supply power to, communicate with, and to receive said alarm detection signal from said sound module;

b) a combination of hardware and software to control signal routing on said USB interface and to perform process on said alarm detection signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a control method, though keyboard for example, for selecting said remote user'"'"'s ID, the user'"'"'s phone number or Internet address for example, as next to contact number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location;

e) a communication circuitry for establishing a communication link to notify said remote user of said alarm event in responds to said alarm detection signal, wherein said communication link can be through any type of available communication network including but not limited to internet, cable, landline, cellular, voice or data link.

12. The communication device of claim 1, a computer for example, capable of communicating with said sound module through wireless technique further comprising:

a) a wireless device, including but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless device, either plugged-in from a commonly available interface, the USB port for example, or built-inside said computer, to communicate with said sound module with similar wireless technique and to receive said alarm detection signal from said sound module;

b) a combination of hardware and software to control said wireless device for properly signal routing, performing process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a control method, through keyboard for example, for selecting said remote user'"'"'s ID, the user'"'"'s phone number or internet address for example, as next to contact number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location;

e) a communication circuitry for establishing a communication link to notify said remote user of said alarm event in responds to said alarm detection signal, wherein said communication link can be through any type of available communication network including but not limited to Internet, cable, landline, cellular, voice or data link.

13. An enclosure to combine said sound module and communication device of claim 1 for alarm remote notification, wherein said communication device is a computer further comprising:

a) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, for detecting said exist alarm sound, re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and software to perform process on said detected alarm sound signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a control method, through keyboard for example, for selecting said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number or internet address for example, as next to contact number in case of an alarm event, to toggle between normal or alarm mode for preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location;

e) a communication circuitry for establishing a communication link to said remote user to notify said alarm event in responds to said alarm detection signal, wherein said communication link can be through any type of available communication network including but not limited to internet, cable, landline, cellular, voice or data link.

14. The sound module of claim 1, capable of picking up either said exist alarm sound, or re-generated alarm sound, communicating with said communication device, a telephone for example, through wire connection further comprising:

a) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, to detect said exist alarm sound, or re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and optional software to perform process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a wire connector compatible with an interface on said telephone, the USB port for example, to receive supply power and to send said alarm detection signal to said telephone for establishing a communication link to notify a remote user of said alarm event;

d) an optional control method, a button or switch for example, to toggling between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location.

15. The communication device of claim 1, a telephone for example, capable of communicating with said sound module through wire connection further comprising:

a) an interface, a USB port example, to provide supply power to, communicate with, and to receive said alarm detection signal from said sound module;

b) a combination of hardware and software to control said USB port for properly signal routing, performing process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) a control method, a keypad for example, for setting up said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number for example, as next to call number in case of said alarm event, to toggling between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) a telephone circuitry for establishing a communication link to said remote user to notify said alarm event in responds to said alarm detection signal, wherein said communication link can be through any type of available communication network including but not limited to landline telephone, internet, cable, voice or data link;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location.

16. The communication device of claim 1, a telephone for example, capable of communicating with said sound module through wireless technique further comprising:

a) a wireless device, including but not limited to Bluetooth, WiFi, or other short range wireless technique, either plugged-in an interface, the USB port for example, or built-inside said telephone, to communicate with said sound module with similar wireless technique, and to receive said alarm detection signal from said sound module;

b) a combination of hardware and software to control said wireless device for properly signal routing, to perform process on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) an control method, a keypad for example, for setting up said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number for example, as next to call number in case of said alarm event, to toggling between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) a telephone circuitry for establishing a communication link to said remote user to notify said alarm event in responds to said alarm detection signal from said sound module, wherein said communication link can be through any type of available communication network including but not limited to landline telephone, internet, cable, voice or data link;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location;

17. An enclosure to combine said sound module and communication device of claim 1, wherein said communication device is a telephone circuitry further comprising:

a) at least one sound reactive device, a microphone for example, for detecting said exist alarm sound, or said re-generated alarm sound, as well as optional background audio sound in case of an alarm event;

b) a combination of hardware and software to perform processing on said detected alarm signal such as amplification, frequency filtering, comparing with reference data to identify said alarm sound and converting it into control and optional audio signal;

c) an control method, a keypad for example, for setting up said remote user'"'"'s ID, the phone number for example, as next to call number in case of said alarm event, to toggling between normal or alarm mode for power saving and preventing false alarm, or toggling automatically through recognition of armed and disarmed sound pattern of said exist alarm to minimize attention care;

d) a telephone circuitry for establishing a communication link to said remote user to notify said alarm event in responds to said alarm detection signal from said sound module, wherein said communication link can be through any type of available communication network including but not limited to landline telephone, cable, internet, voice or data link;

e) an optional combination of alarm sound level indication and sensitivity adjustment based on measured alarm sound for effective detection of different type of alarm sound in different level, frequency pattern and in different location.

18. A method of business to provide alarm remote notification services with said alarm sound activated module of claim 1 in combination with other conventional communication service comprising:

a) a cellular service provider proving said alarm sound module along with cellular remote alarm notification service in combination with regular cellular phone service in an individual, family, or group plan;

b) a internet service provider providing said sound module along with Internet remote alarm notification service in combination with regular Internet service in an individual, family, or group plan;

c) a telephone service provider providing said sound module along with landline remote alarm notification service in combination with regular landline telephone service in an individual, family, or group plan.