Systems and methods for providing non-dedicated wireless backup service for monitored security systems via Bluetooth

• US 7,542,721 B1
• Filed: 08/07/2004
• Issued: 06/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cingular Wireless LLC (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Baggett, Russell, Bonner, Thomas Wayne
• Primary Examiner(s): Milord; Marceau
• Application Number:
  US10/913,963
• Time in Patent Office: 1,760 Days
• Field of Search: 455/41.2, 455/404.1, 455/404.2, 455/445, 455/464, 455/556.1, 379/39, 379/40, 379/37, 379/51, 379/45
• US Class Current: 455/41.2
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/004 Alarm propagated along alternative communication path or using alternative communication medium according to a hierarchy of available ways to communicate, e.g. if Wi-Fi not available use GSM
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/16 Security signalling or alarm systems, e.g. redundant systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Abstract

An interface provides a non-dedicated wireless communications path for reporting alarm events from a landline-based alarm system to a remote monitoring system via BLUETOOTH. The interface includes a BLUETOOTH receiver that communicates with a cellular handset, or other wireless device that has a BLUETOOTH transmitter, and a network connector (such as RJ31X jack) between an alarm control panel and the PSTN. When a wireless device is within range of the interface, the interface bypasses the landline and routes all security calls from the alarm control panel through an analog-to-digital signal processor and to the wireless device via BLUETOOTH, which places a call to the remote monitoring center.

Claims

1. A system for reporting alarm events from an alarm control panel that monitors alarm events to a remote monitoring center, comprising:

an interface that receives signals from the alarm control panel and selectively relays the signals to the remote monitoring center by either;

i) a wireless path, or ii) a landline path via a landline connector;

wherein the interface is configured to select the wireless path without regard to whether the landline path is in an abnormal condition solely in response to the wireless device being associated with the interface via a wireless communications medium, otherwise, the interface is configured to select the landline path; and

,

wherein the interface includes a BLUETOOTH gateway comprising;

a BLUETOOTH interface that controls the transmission of signals between the alarm control panel and the wireless device;

an alarm panel agent that communicates information between the alarm control panel and the wireless device;

a communication port for receiving signals from the alarm control panel;

a network connector connected to a PSTN network; and

an analog-to-digital (A/D) signal processor that converts analog signals to digital signals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein being associated with the interface comprises pairing a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, one of which is located in the interface and the other of which is located in the wireless device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless device is used as a remote control to send and receive information to and from the remote monitoring center.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless device is associated with the interface via the wireless communications medium when the wireless device is brought within a predetermined distance of the interface.

5. A method for reporting of alarm events, comprising:

providing an interface that receives signals from an alarm control panel;

selectively relaying the signals from the interface to a remote monitoring center through either a wireless path or a landline path via a landline connector;

wherein selectively relaying comprises selecting the wireless path without regard to whether the landline path is in an abnormal condition for relaying the signals via a wireless device over a wireless network, if the wireless device is associated with the interface via a wireless communications medium, otherwise, relaying the signals over the landline path; and

,

initiating an off hook condition with a communication port associated with a BLUETOOTH gateway device via an alarm control panel;

cross connecting an analog port of the alarm control port to an A/D processor, wherein the A/D processor simulates a dial tone;

collecting dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) digits from an analog modem that is in communication with the alarm control panel;

signaling the alarm panel agent to setup a BLUETOOTH voice path with the wireless device; and

completing the voice path with the BLUETOOTH gateway device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the wireless device being associated with the interface includes pairing a wireless transmitter and a wireless receiver, one of which is located in the interface and the other of which is located in the wireless device.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the wireless device is associated with the interface via the wireless communications medium when the wireless device is brought within a predetermined distance of the interface.