Wireless activation of multiple alarm devices upon triggering of a single device
First Claim
1. In an alarm system comprising a plurality of wireless alarm emitting devices in wireless communication with a central control unit, each of said wireless alarm emitting devices operating at a duty cycle of less than one hundred percent, the duty cycle comprising an active period and an inactive period, a method of activating the wireless alarm emitting devices to perform an output function synchronously with each other comprising the steps of:
- transmitting data comprising synchronization data from a central control unit;
receiving the transmitted data at each of the alarm emitting devices; and
in response to the synchronization data, each of the alarm emitting devices synchronously performing an output function.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for use in wireless alarm systems is provided which enable the simultaneous sounding of any or all alarm devices in the system upon sensing of an alarm condition by at least one of the alarm devices. The alarm devices are battery powered and include a reduced power transmitter which transmits an alarm signal, with an optional address corresponding to the initiating alarm device. The alarm signal is received by a central receiver in communication with a central control unit. The central control unit transmits a broadcast signal to any or all alarm devices in the system via the central transmitter. The broadcast signal optionally includes address information regarding the alarm devices to be activated. Reduced power receivers in the alarm devices receive the broadcast signal, determine if the address corresponds to its own and activates alarm notification and illumination systems accordingly. The illumination systems may be independent from the alarm devices and may provide guidance to those trapped during an emergency.
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Citations
42 Claims
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1. In an alarm system comprising a plurality of wireless alarm emitting devices in wireless communication with a central control unit, each of said wireless alarm emitting devices operating at a duty cycle of less than one hundred percent, the duty cycle comprising an active period and an inactive period, a method of activating the wireless alarm emitting devices to perform an output function synchronously with each other comprising the steps of:
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transmitting data comprising synchronization data from a central control unit; receiving the transmitted data at each of the alarm emitting devices; and in response to the synchronization data, each of the alarm emitting devices synchronously performing an output function. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A alarm system comprising:
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a) a control unit comprising means for transmitting a signal, said signal comprising synchronization data, and b) a plurality of wireless alarm emitting devices, each of said plurality of alarm emitting devices comprising means for operating at a duty cycle of less than one hundred percent, the duty cycle comprising an active period and an inactive period, means for receiving the transmitted signal, and means for synchronously performing an output function in response to the synchronization data. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. In an alarm system comprising a plurality of wireless alarm emitting devices in wireless communication with a central control unit, each of said wireless alarm emitting devices operating at a duty cycle of less than one hundred percent, the duty cycle comprising an active period and an inactive period, and at least one sensor device in communication with the central control unit, a method for activating the alarm emitting devices in response to occurrence of an alarm condition, comprising the steps of:
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a) sensing an alarm condition at the sensor device; b) transmitting an alarm signal in response to said alarm condition to the central control unit; c) receiving said alarm signal at said central control unit; d) generating a broadcast signal in response to receipt of said alarm signal wherein the broadcast signal comprises synchronization data; e) transmitting the broadcast signal to the plurality of alarm emitting devices; f) receiving said broadcast signal by said plurality of alarm emitting devices; and g) performing an output function by the plurality of alarm emitting devices wherein the output is synchronously performed in response to the synchronization data. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. A alarm system for synchronously performing an output function at a plurality of alarm emitting devices comprising:
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a) a sensor device comprising means for sensing an alarm condition; and means for transmitting an alarm signal in response to the alarm condition; b) a control unit, comprising means for receiving the alarm signal; means for identifying the alarm emitting devices to be notified in response to the alarm signal; means for generating a plurality of broadcast signals, each of said broadcast signals comprising; synchronization data, and device identification data; means for transmitting said broadcast signals; c) a plurality of wireless alarm emitting devices, each of said plurality of alarm emitting devices comprising; timer means; alarm emitting device identity storage means;
processor means;means for performing an output; means for receiving the transmitted broadcast signal wherein said means for receiving the transmitted broadcast signal is a reduced duty cycle receiver operating at a duty cycle of less than one hundred percent, said operating duty cycle comprising an active period and an inactive period as determined by the processor means and timer means, said reduced duty cycle receiver adapted to remain awake upon reception of the transmitted broadcast signal; means for determining whether the transmitted broadcast signal identifies the alarm emitting device, wherein if the alarm emitting device identity matches the transmitted broadcast signal identity, the alarm emitting device is responsive to the broadcast signal synchronization data; and whereby the means for performing an output function of each of the alarm emitting devices performs a synchronous output in response to the synchronization data. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification