Apparatus, method, and computer program for an alarm system

• US 7,298,252 B1
• Filed: 11/05/2003
• Issued: 11/20/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Marvell Asia Pte Limited (Marvell Technology Group Limited)
• Original Assignee: Marvell International Limited (Marvell Technology Group Limited)
• Inventors: Rainnie, Hedley, Sutardja, Sehat, Janofsky, Eric
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US10/703,034
• Time in Patent Office: 1,476 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 340/506
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/16 Control of watering
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2625 Sprinkler, irrigation, watering
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer program for an alarm system comprises a master unit; and an alarm monitor comprising an alarm sensor to provide a sensor signal representing alarm conditions; a processor to produce digital data based on the alarm signal; and a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data; and a transmitter to transmit the report signal to the master unit.

Claims

1. An alarm system comprising:

a master unit;

an alarm monitor comprising;

an alarm sensor to provide a sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

a processor to produce digital data based on the sensor signal;

a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data; and

a transmitter to transmit the report signal to the master unit; and

a memory to store an actuator schedule,

wherein the processor generates a control signal based on said actuator schedule.

2. The alarm system of claim 1:

wherein the processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

3. The alarm system of claim 1:

wherein the alarm sensor comprises a camera; and

wherein the sensor signal comprises an image captured by the camera.

4. The alarm system of claim 1:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the packet.

5. The alarm system of claim 1:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the electronic mail message.

6. The alarm system of claim 5, wherein the alarm monitor further comprises:

a receiver to receive a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

7. The alarm system of claim 1:

wherein the processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal.

8. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein the alarm sensor comprises at least one from the group comprising:

a seismometer;

a barometer;

a thermometer;

a motion detector;

a smoke detector;

a carbon monoxide detector; and

a glass breakage detector.

9. The alarm system of claim 1, further comprising:

a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information from the master unit;

wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor is further to calibrate the alarm sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

10. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein the alarm system complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

11. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

12. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein the alarm sensor, the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

13. The alarm system of claim 1 wherein said processor actuates a device on a physical portal based on said actuator schedule when said digital data signal is unavailable.

14. The alarm system of claim 1 wherein said processor in actuation of said device at least one of opens, closes and obscures said physical portal.

15. An alarm system comprising:

master unit means for receiving a report signal;

alarm monitor means for providing the report signal, the alarm monitor means comprising;

alarm sensor means for providing an sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

processor means for producing digital data based on the sensor signal;

media access controller means for generating the report signal comprising the digital data; and

transmitter means for transmitting the report signal to the master unit means; and

a memory to store an actuator schedule,

wherein the processor means generates a control signal based on said actuator schedule.

16. The alarm system of claim 15:

wherein the processor means causes the transmitter means to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

17. The alarm system of claim 15:

wherein the alarm sensor means comprises camera means for capturing one or more images; and

wherein the sensor signal comprises the one or more images captured by the camera.

18. The alarm system of claim 15:

wherein the media access controller means generates a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means transmits the packet.

19. The alarm system of claim 15:

wherein the media access controller means generates an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means transmits the electronic mail message.

20. The alarm system of claim 19, wherein the alarm monitor means further comprises:

receiver means for receiving a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein the media access controller means directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

21. The alarm system of claim 15:

wherein the processor means enters a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor means leaves the sleep mode and causes the transmitter means to transmit the report signal.

22. The alarm system of claim 15, further comprising:

receiver means for receiving a further signal representing sensor calibration information from the master unit means;

wherein the media access controller means obtains the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor means calibrates the alarm sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

23. The alarm system of claim 15, wherein the alarm system complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

24. The alarm system of claim 15, wherein the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

25. The alarm system of claim 15, wherein the alarm sensor means, the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

26. An alarm monitor comprising:

at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor to provide a sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

a processor to produce digital data based on the sensor signal;

a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data;

a transmitter to transmit the report signal; and

an output circuit that generates a control signal to manipulate an actuator of a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal based on said report signal.

27. The alarm monitor of claim 26:

wherein the processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

28. The alarm monitor of claim 26:

wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor comprises a camera; and

wherein the sensor signal comprises an image captured by the camera.

29. The alarm monitor of claim 26:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the packet.

30. The alarm monitor of claim 26:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the electronic mail message.

31. The alarm monitor of claim 30, further comprising:

a receiver to receive a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

32. The alarm monitor of claim 26:

wherein the processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report.

33. The alarm monitor of claim 26, wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor comprises at least one from the group comprising:

a seismometer;

a barometer;

a thermometer;

a motion detector;

a trip sensor; and

a glass breakage detector.

34. The alarm monitor of claim 26, further comprising:

a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information;

wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor is further to calibrate the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

35. The alarm monitor of claim 26, wherein the alarm monitor complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

36. The alarm monitor of claim 26, wherein the processor and the media access together as a single integrated circuit.

37. The alarm monitor of claim 26, wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor, the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

38. The alarm monitor of claim 26 wherein said physical portal is one of a vehicle window and a vehicle door.

39. The alarm monitor of claim 38 further comprising a keypad to generate a keypad control signal, wherein said processor generates another control signal based on said digital data and said keypad control signal.

40. The alarm monitor of claim 38 further comprising a display to display status of at least one of said physical portal, said processor, and said at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor.

41. The alarm monitor of claim 40 wherein said display is part of said physical portal.

42. An alarm monitor comprising:

at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means for providing a sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

processor means for producing digital data based on the sensor signal;

media access controller means for generating a report signal comprising the digital data;

transmitter means for transmitting the report signal, and

output circuit means for generating a control signal to manipulate an actuator of a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal based on said report signal.

43. The alarm monitor of claim 42:

wherein the processor means causes the transmitter means to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

44. The alarm monitor of claim 42:

wherein the at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means comprises camera means for capturing one or more images; and

wherein the sensor signal comprises the one or more images captured by the camera means.

45. The alarm monitor of claim 42:

wherein the media access controller means generates a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means transmits the packet.

46. The alarm monitor of claim 42:

wherein the media access controller means generates an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means transmits the electronic mail message.

47. The alarm monitor of claim 46, further comprising:

receiver means for receiving a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein the media access controller means directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

48. The alarm monitor of claim 42:

wherein the processor means enters a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor means leaves the sleep mode and causes the transmitter to transmit the report signal.

49. The alarm monitor of claim 42, further comprising:

receiver means for receiving a further signal representing sensor calibration information;

wherein the media access controller means obtains the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor means calibrates the alarm at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

50. The alarm monitor of claim 42, wherein the alarm monitor complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

51. The alarm system of claim 42, wherein the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

52. The alarm system of claim 42, wherein the at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means, the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

53. A controller comprising:

a receiver to receive a sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

a processor to produce digital data based on the sensor signal;

a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data; and

a transmitter to transmit the report signal,

wherein the receiver is further to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information,

wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal, and

wherein the processor is further to calibrate an alarm sensor that provides the sensor signal in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

54. The controller of claim 53:

wherein the processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

55. The controller of claim 53:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data, and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the packet.

56. The controller of claim 53:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the electronic mail message.

57. The controller of claim 56:

wherein the receiver is further to receive a further signal comprising a destination address; and

wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

58. The controller of claim 53:

wherein the processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal.

59. The controller of claim 53, wherein the sensor signal is provided by at least one from the group comprising:

a camera;

a seismometer;

a barometer;

a thermometer;

a motion detector;

a smoke detector;

a carbon monoxide detector; and

a glass breakage detector.

60. The controller of claim 53, wherein the controller complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

61. The controller of claim 53, wherein the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

62. The controller of claim 53, further comprising an alarm sensor to provide the sensor signal.

63. The controller of claim 62, wherein the alarm sensor, the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

64. A controller comprising:

receiver means for receiving a sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

processor means for producing digital data based on the sensor signal;

media access controller means for generating a report signal comprising the digital data; and

transmitter means for transmitting the report signal,

wherein the receiver means receives a further signal representing sensor calibration formation,

wherein the media access controller means obtains the sensor calibration information from the further signal, and

wherein the processor means calibrates an alarm sensor that provides the sensor signal in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

65. The controller of claim 64:

wherein the processor means causes the transmitter means to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

66. The controller of claim 64:

wherein the media access controller means generates a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means transmits the packet.

67. The controller of claim 64:

wherein the media access controller means generates an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means transmits the electronic mail message.

68. The controller of claim 67:

wherein the receiver means receives a further signal comprising a destination address;

and

wherein the media access controller means directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

69. The controller of claim 64:

wherein the processor means enters a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor means leaves the sleep mode and causes the transmitter means to transmit the report signal.

70. The controller of claim 64, wherein the sensor signal is provided by at least one from the group comprising:

a camera;

a seismometer;

a barometer;

a thermometer;

a motion detector;

a smoke detector;

a carbon monoxide detector; and

a glass breakage detector.

71. The controller of claim 64, wherein the controller complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

72. The controller of claim 64, wherein the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

73. The controller of claim 64, further comprising alarm sensor means for providing the sensor signal.

74. The controller of claim 73, wherein the alarm sensor means, the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

75. A method comprising:

receiving at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

producing digital data based on the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal;

generating a report signal comprising the digital data using a media access controller;

transmitting the report signal; and

generating a control signal to manipulate an actuator of a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal based on said report signal.

76. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

transmitting the report signal when the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

77. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

generating a packet comprising the digital data;

wherein transmitting the report signal comprises transmitting the packet.

78. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

generating an electronic mail message comprising the digital data;

wherein transmitting the report signal comprises transmitting the electronic mail message.

79. The method of claim 78, further comprising:

receiving a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein transmitting the electronic mail message comprises transmitting the electronic mail message to the destination address.

80. The method of claim 75, wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal is provided by at least one from the group comprising:

a camera;

a seismometer;

a barometer;

a thermometer;

a motion detector;

a trip sensor; and

a glass breakage detector.

81. The method of claim 75, further comprising:

receiving a further signal representing sensor calibration information;

obtaining the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

calibrating an alarm sensor that provides the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

82. A tangible computer medium storing a computer program embodying instructions executable by a computer, the instructions comprising:

producing digital data based on at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal representing alarm conditions;

generating a report signal comprising the digital data using a media access controller that is part of a physical portal;

to transmitting the report signal from said physical portal; and

generating a control signal to manipulate an actuator of a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal based on said report signal.

83. The tangible computer medium of claim 82, further comprising:

transmitting the report signal when the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

84. The tangible computer medium of claim 82, further comprising:

generating a packet comprising the digital data;

wherein transmitting the report signal comprises transmitting the packet.

85. The tangible computer medium of claim 82, further comprising:

generating an electronic mail message comprising the digital data;

wherein transmitting the report signal comprises transmitting the electronic mail message.

86. The tangible computer medium of claim 85, further comprising:

receiving a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein transmuting the electronic mail message comprises transmitting the electronic mail message to the destination address.

87. The tangible computer medium of claim 82, wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal is provided by at least one from the group comprising:

a camera;

a seismometer;

a barometer;

a thermometer;

a motion detector;

a trip sensor; and

a glass breakage detector.

88. The tangible computer medium of claim 82, further comprising:

receiving a further signal representing sensor calibration information;

obtaining the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

calibrating an alarm sensor that provides the at least one of an intruder sensor signal and a weather sensor signal in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

89. An integrated circuit to control an alarm controller, the integrated circuit comprising:

a processor to produce digital data based on a sensor signal received from a sensor of the alarm controller, the sensor signal representing alarm conditions, and

a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data;

wherein the processor causes a transmitter of the alarm controller to transmit the report signal,

wherein the alarm sensor comprises at least one of a sunlight detector, a seismometer, a barometer, a wind detector and a moisture detector.

90. The integrated circuit of claim 89:

wherein the processor is further to cause the transmitter of the alarm controller to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

91. The integrated circuit of claim 89:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data, and

wherein the transmitter transmits the packet.

92. The integrated circuit of claim 89:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter transmits the electronic mail message.

93. The integrated circuit of claim 92, wherein the alarm controller further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal:

wherein the further signal represents a destination address; and

wherein the media access controller is further to direct the electronic mail message to the destination address.

94. The integrated circuit of claim 89:

wherein the processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report.

95. The integrated circuit of claim 89, wherein the alarm controller further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information:

wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor is further to calibrate the alarm sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

96. The integrated circuit of claim 89, further comprising an alarm sensor to provide the sensor signal.

97. An integrated circuit to control an alarm controller, the integrated circuit comprising:

processor means for producing digital data based on a sensor signal received from a sensor of the alarm controller, the sensor signal representing alarm conditions; and

media access controller means for generating a report signal comprising the digital data;

wherein the processor means causes a transmitter of the alarm controller to transmit the report signal,

wherein the alarm sensor comprises at least one of a sunlight detector, a seismometer, a barometer, a wind detector and a moisture detector.

98. The integrated circuit of claim 97:

wherein the processor means causes the transmitter of the alarm controller to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

99. The integrated circuit of claim 97:

wherein the media access controller means generates a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter transmits the packet.

100. The integrated circuit of claim 97:

wherein the media access controller means generates an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter transmits the electronic mail message.

101. The integrated circuit of claim 100, wherein the alarm controller further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal:

wherein the further signal represents a destination address; and

wherein the media access controller means directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

102. The integrated circuit of claim 97:

wherein the processor means enters a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor means leaves the sleep mode and causes the transmitter to transmit the report.

103. The integrated circuit of claim 97, wherein the alarm controller further comprises a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information:

wherein the media access controller means obtains the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor means calibrates the alarm sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

104. The integrated circuit of claim 97, further comprising alarm sensor means for providing the sensor signal.

105. An apparatus comprising:

a receiver to wirelessly receive a sensor signal representing digital data from an alarm sensor;

a media access controller to obtain the digital data from the sensor signal; and

a processor that produces a control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller, and

an output circuit to provide the control signal to an actuator to manipulate a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal in response to the control signal.

106. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising:

the actuator.

107. The apparatus of claim 106, further comprising:

the physical portal.

108. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the physical portal is selected from the group consisting of:

a window;

and

a door.

109. The apparatus of claim 105

wherein the receiver is further to receive an additional sensor signal provided by one or more additional sensors;

and

wherein the processor is further to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the additional sensor signal.

110. The apparatus of claim 109 further comprising:

the one or more additional sensors.

111. The apparatus of claim 110, wherein the one or more additional sensors comprise at least one from the group comprising:

a thermometer;

a light detector;

a moisture detector;

a wind detector;

a barometer;

to a motion detector;

a smoke detector;

a gas detector; and

a glass breakage detector.

112. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising:

a keypad to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad;

wherein the processor is further to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the keypad control signal.

113. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising:

a display to display a status of the apparatus.

114. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising:

a transmitter to transmit a report signal representing a status of the apparatus.

115. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

116. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the receiver is a wireless receiver.

117. The apparatus of claim 116, wherein the receiver complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

118. The apparatus of claim 105, further comprising:

a memory to store an actuator schedule; and

wherein the processor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuator schedule.

119. The apparatus of claim 118:

wherein the processor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuator schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

120. The apparatus of claim 119:

wherein the memory is non-volatile.

121. An apparatus comprising:

receiver means for wirelessly receiving a sensor signal representing digital data from an alarm sensor;

media access controller means for obtaining the digital data from the sensor signal; and

processor means for producing a control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller means; and

output circuit means for providing the control signal to an actuator means to manipulate physical portal means including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal means in response to the control signal.

122. The apparatus of claim 121, further comprising:

the actuator means.

123. The apparatus of claim 122, further comprising:

the physical portal means.

124. The apparatus of claim 123, wherein the physical portal means is selected from the group consisting of:

window means; and

door means.

125. The apparatus of claim 121

wherein the receiver means further receives an additional sensor signal provided by one or more additional sensors;

and

wherein the processor means is further for providing the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller means and the additional sensor signal.

126. The apparatus of claim 125, further comprising:

the one or more sensors.

127. The apparatus of claim 126, wherein the one or more sensors comprise at least one from the group comprising:

means for detecting temperature;

means for detecting light;

means for detecting moisture;

means for detecting wind;

means for detecting barometric pressure;

means for detecting motion;

means for detecting smoke;

means for detecting gas; and

means for detecting glass breakage.

128. The apparatus of claim 121, further comprising:

keypad means for providing a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad;

wherein the processor means is further for providing the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller means and the keypad control signal.

129. The apparatus of claim 121, further comprising:

display means for displaying a status of the apparatus.

130. The apparatus of claim 121, further comprising:

transmitter means for transmitting a report signal representing a status of the apparatus.

131. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

132. The apparatus of claim 121, wherein the receiver means is wireless.

133. The apparatus of claim 132, wherein the receiver means complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

134. The apparatus of claim 121, further comprising:

memory means for storing an actuator schedule; and

wherein the processor means is further for producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule.

135. The apparatus of claim 134:

wherein the processor means is further for producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule stored in the memory means when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

136. The apparatus of claim 135:

wherein the memory means is non-volatile.

137. A method comprising:

wirelessly receiving a sensor signal representing digital data from an alarm sensor;

obtaining the digital data from the sensor signal;

producing a control signal based on the digital data using a media access controller; and

providing the control signal to an actuator to manipulate a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal in response to the control signal.

138. The method of claim 137, further comprising:

manipulating the physical portal in response to the control signal.

139. The method of claim 137, wherein the physical portal is selected from the group consisting of:

a window; and

a door.

140. The method of claim 137, further comprising:

receiving an additional sensor signal provided by one or more additional sensors; and

providing the control signal based on the digital data and the additional sensor signal.

141. The method of claim 140, wherein the one or more additional sensors comprise at least one from the group comprising:

a thermometer;

a light detector;

a moisture detector;

a wind detector;

a barometer;

a motion detector;

a smoke detector;

a gas detector; and

a glass breakage detector.

142. The method of claim 137, further comprising:

providing a keypad control signal in response to operation of a keypad; and

providing the control signal based on the digital data and the keypad control signal.

143. The method of claim 137, further comprising:

displaying a status of the apparatus.

144. The method of claim 137, further comprising:

transmitting a report signal representing a status of the apparatus.

145. The method of claim 137, further comprising:

storing an actuator schedule; and

producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule.

146. The method of claim 145, further comprising:

producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

147. A tangible computer medium storing a computer program embodying instructions executable by a computer, said instructions comprising:

wirelessly obtaining digital data from a sensor signal representing the digital data at an alarm sensor;

producing a control signal based on the digital data using a media access controller; and

providing the control signal to an actuator to manipulate a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal in response to the control signal.

148. The tangible computer medium of claim 147, wherein the physical portal is selected from the group consisting of:

a window; and

a door.

149. The tangible computer medium of claim 147, further comprising:

providing the control signal based on the digital data and an additional sensor signal provided by one or more additional sensors.

150. The tangible computer medium of claim 149, wherein the one or more additional sensors comprise at least one from the group comprising:

a thermometer;

a light detector;

a moisture detector;

a wind detector;

a barometer;

a motion detector;

a smoke detector;

a gas detector; and

a glass breakage detector.

151. The tangible computer medium program of claim 147, further comprising:

providing the control signal based on the digital data and a keypad control signal provided in response to operation of a keypad.

152. The tangible computer medium of claim 147, further comprising:

causing a display to display a status of the computer.

153. The tangible computer medium program of claim 147, further comprising:

causing a transmitter to transmit a report signal representing a status of the computer.

154. The tangible computer medium of claim 147, further comprising:

storing an actuator schedule; and

producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule.

155. The tangible computer medium computer program of claim 154, further comprising:

producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

156. A physical portal comprising:

a processor to produce digital data based on a sensor signal provided by at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor on the physical portal;

a media access controller to generate a report signal comprising the digital data and status information of at least one of said processor and the physical portal;

a transmitter to transmit the report signal and said status information from the physical portal; and

an output circuit that generates a control signal to manipulate an actuator of a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal based on said status information.

157. The physical portal of claim 156, wherein the physical portal is selected from the group consisting of:

a window; and

a door.

158. The physical portal of claim 156:

wherein the processor is further to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

159. The physical portal of claim 156:

wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor comprises a camera; and

wherein the sensor signal comprises an image captured by the camera.

160. The physical portal of claim 156:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the packet.

161. The physical portal of claim 156:

wherein the media access controller is further to generate an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter is further to transmit the electronic mail message.

162. The physical portal of claim 161, further comprising:

a receiver to receive a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein the media access controller directs the electronic mail message to the destination address.

163. The physical portal of claim 156:

wherein the processor is further to enter a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor is further to leave the sleep mode and to cause the transmitter to transmit the report signal.

164. The physical portal of claim 156, further comprising:

the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor.

165. The physical portal of claim 164, wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor comprises at least one from the group comprising:

a thermometer;

a light detector;

a moisture detector;

a wind detector;

a seismometer;

a rain gauge;

a barometer;

a trip sensor; and

a motion detector.

166. The physical portal of claim 164, wherein the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor, the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

167. The physical portal of claim 156, further comprising:

a receiver to receive a further signal representing sensor calibration information;

wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor is further to calibrate the at least one of an intruder sensor and a weather sensor in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

168. The physical portal of claim 156, wherein the transmitter complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

169. The physical portal of claim 156, wherein the processor and the media access controller are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

170. The physical portal of claim 156, further comprising:

a receiver to receive a signal representing digital data;

wherein the media access controller is further to obtain the digital data from the signal representing the digital data;

wherein the processor is further to produce a control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller; and

an output circuit to provide the control signal to an actuator to manipulate the physical portal in response to the control signal.

171. The physical portal of claim 170, further comprising:

the actuator.

172. The physical portal of claim 171, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a device to open the physical portal;

a device to close the physical portal;

a device to lock the physical portal; and

a device to obscure the physical portal.

173. The physical portal of claim 170:

wherein the processor is further to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the sensor signal.

174. The physical portal of claim 170, further comprising:

a keypad to provide a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad;

wherein the processor is further to provide the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller and the keypad control signal.

175. The physical portal of claim 170, further comprising:

a display to display a status of the physical portal.

176. The physical portal of claim 170, wherein the receiver is a wireless receiver.

177. The physical portal of claim 176, wherein the receiver complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

178. The physical portal of claim 170, further comprising:

a memory to store an actuator schedule; and

wherein the processor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuator schedule.

179. The physical portal of claim 178:

wherein the processor is further to produce the control signal based on the actuator schedule stored in the memory when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

180. The physical portal of claim 179:

wherein the memory is non-volatile.

181. The physical portal of claim 156 wherein said status information indicates state of said physical portal including at least one of open, closed and obscured.

182. A physical portal comprising:

processor means for producing digital data based on a sensor signal provided by at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means on the physical portal;

media access controller means for generating a report signal comprising the digital data and status information of at least one of said processor means and the physical portal;

transmitter means for transmitting the report signal and said status information from the physical portal; and

an output circuit that generates a control signal to manipulate an actuator of a physical portal including at least one of opening, closing and obscuring said physical portal based on said status information.

183. The physical portal of claim 182, wherein the physical portal is selected from the group consisting of:

a window; and

a door.

184. The physical portal of claim 182:

wherein the processor means is further for causing the transmitter means to transmit the report signal when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition.

185. The physical portal of claim 182:

wherein the at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means comprises camera means for capturing an image; and

wherein the sensor signal comprises the image.

186. The physical portal of claim 182:

wherein the media access controller means is further for generating a packet comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means is further for transmitting the packet.

187. The physical portal of claim 182:

wherein the media access controller means is further for generating an electronic mail message comprising the digital data; and

wherein the transmitter means is further for transmitting the electronic mail message.

188. The physical portal of claim 187, further comprising:

receiver means for receiving a further signal comprising a destination address;

wherein the media access controller means is further for directing the electronic mail message to the destination address.

189. The physical portal of claim 182:

wherein the processor means is further for entering a sleep mode when the sensor signal meets a predetermined condition for a predetermined interval; and

wherein, when the sensor signal no longer meets the predetermined condition, the processor means is further for leaving the sleep mode and causing the transmitter means to transmit the report signal.

190. The physical portal of claim 182, further comprising:

the at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means.

191. The physical portal of claim 190, wherein the at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means, the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

192. The physical portal of claim 182, further comprising:

receiver means for receiving a further signal representing sensor calibration information;

wherein the media access controller means is further for obtaining the sensor calibration information from the further signal; and

wherein the processor means is further for calibrating the at least one of intruder sensor means and weather sensor means in accordance with the sensor calibration information.

193. The physical portal of claim 182, wherein the transmitter means complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

194. The physical portal of claim 182, wherein the processor means and the media access controller means are implemented together as a single integrated circuit.

195. The physical portal of claim 182, further comprising:

receiver means for receiving a signal representing digital data;

wherein the media access controller means is further for obtaining the digital data from the signal representing the digital data;

wherein the processor means is father for producing a control signal based on the al data obtained by the media access controller means; and

output circuit means for providing the control signal to actuator means for manipulating the physical portal in response to the control signal.

196. The physical portal of claim 195, further comprising:

the actuator means.

197. The physical portal of claim 196, wherein the actuator means is selected from the group consisting of:

means for opening the physical portal;

means for closing the physical portal;

means for locking the physical portal; and

means far obscuring the physical portal.

198. The physical portal of claim 195:

wherein the processor means is further for providing the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller means and the sensor signal.

199. The physical portal of claim 195, further comprising:

keypad means providing a keypad control signal in response to operation of the keypad means;

wherein the processor means is further for providing the control signal based on the digital data obtained by the media access controller means and the keypad control signal.

200. The physical portal of claim 195, further comprising:

display means for displaying a status of the physical portal.

201. The physical portal of claim 195, wherein the receiver means is wireless.

202. The physical portal of claim 201, wherein the receiver means complies with a standard selected from the group consisting of:

IEEE 802.11;

IEEE 802.11a;

IEEE 802.11b;

IEEE 802.11g;

IEEE 802.11h; and

IEEE 802.11i.

203. The physical portal of claim 195, further comprising:

memory means for storing an actuator schedule; and

wherein the processor means is further for producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule.

204. The physical portal of claim 203:

wherein the processor means is further for producing the control signal based on the actuator schedule stored in the memory means when the signal representing the digital data is unavailable.

205. The physical portal of claim 204:

wherein the memory means is non-volatile.