Abstract:
Electronic devices in a local area network (LAN), e.g., a DVD video recorder, plasma display, and audio controller in a home network, are protected by a security system that is networked with the devices. In one aspect, the security system periodically polls the devices to confirm that they are present in the LAN. If a device does not respond, an alarm is set. Installation of the electronic device in an unauthorized network is detected by verifying the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device, such as when the device attempts to contact a server that provides services such as downloading new or updated software to the device, performing remote programming, and uploading diagnostic data. The devices may encrypt their messages using encryption codes that are unique individually or for a specified group of electronic devices.
Abstract:
Electronic devices in a local area network (LAN), e.g., a DVD video recorder, plasma display, and audio controller in a home network, are protected by a security system that is networked with the devices. In one aspect, the security system periodically polls the devices to confirm that they are present in the LAN. If a device does not respond, an alarm is set. Installation of the electronic device in an unauthorized network is detected by verifying the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the device, such as when the device attempts to contact a server that provides services such as downloading new or updated software to the device, performing remote programming, and uploading diagnostic data. The devices may encrypt their messages using encryption codes that are unique individually or for a specified group of electronic devices.
Abstract:
A synchronizing method and system between a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter and a battery powered receiver wherein the transmitter transmits short duration first periodic sync signals which are used by the receiver to maintain proper synchronization of the receiver with the transmitter during second periodic wake-up windows for transmission of data. The receiver wakes for a short duration at the start of each periodic wake up window to receive a possible transmission of data, and if no transmission is received goes back to sleep, and if a transmission is received stays awake to receive the full transmission of data. The basic principle is that the average current consumed by the battery powered receiver in order to wake periodically to receive the first periodic sync signals and the second periodic data transmissions is less than the average current required to maintain the receiver awake continuously.
Abstract:
A home or other building security system is interfaced with a vehicle control system, such as for an automobile. The vehicle control system includes a transceiver for receiving commands from the home security system for performing certain actions, such as arming or disarming an alarm system, unlocking or locking doors, opening or closing windows, and starting or stopping the engine. The vehicle control system also transmits status information regarding the vehicle to the home security system. The vehicle can be protected as a zone or partition of the home security system. Furthermore, a remote vehicle monitoring apparatus may be provided that triggers an alarm or annunciation based on its control mode when a change of status signal is received from the vehicle. The control mode is optionally tied to the status of a home security system.
Abstract:
An interconnected wireless HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system and wireless security system, which are interconnected and communicate with each other through the use of a common wireless technology, including the same selected frequency, modulation and a set of common protocols. The Wireless HVAC system includes wireless thermostats, which can communicate with and control both the HVAC system and the security system, and the wireless security system includes wireless controls or keypads, which can communicate with and control both the security system and the HVAC system. The universal wireless infrastructure can be expanded to provide communication or control of additional user or manufacturer installed wireless devices or systems through the universal wireless home infrastructure.
Abstract:
Dual site supervision is provided for a control channel cellular radio for a fire alarm reporting system that uses logic that causes a control channel cellular transceiver to operate in a nonstandard manner and to use a different and second cellular base station or site that the unit would not normally select operating pursuant to a standard cell phone software module. The logic causes the control channel cellular transceiver to monitor and test through more than one cell base station or site, thereby meeting the dual communication path supervision requirement for UL listed communications systems for stand alone fire alarm reporting systems. The available cellular control channels are first scanned, and the signal strength of each cellular control channel is measured. Then the cellular control channel with the strongest signal strength and the cellular control channel with the second strongest signal strength which are verified as being available for the assigned carrier are selected to report the status of the fire alarm system. A cellular radio message on the status of the fire alarm system is transmitted over the cellular control channel with the strongest signal strength, or if unavailable over the cellular control channel with the second strongest signal strength.
Abstract:
A home or other building security system is interfaced with a vehicle control system, such as for an automobile. The vehicle control system includes a transceiver for receiving commands from the home security system for performing certain actions, such as arming or disarming an alarm system, unlocking or locking doors, opening or closing windows, and starting or stopping the engine. The vehicle control system also transmits status information regarding the vehicle to the home security system. The vehicle can be protected as a zone or partition of the home security system. Furthermore, a remote vehicle monitoring apparatus may be provided that triggers an alarm or annunciation based on its control mode when a change of status signal is received from the vehicle. The control mode is optionally tied to the status of a home security system.
Abstract:
Dual site supervision is provided for a control channel cellular radio for a fire alarm reporting system that uses logic that causes a control channel cellular transceiver to operate in a nonstandard manner and to use a different and second cellular base station or site that the unit would not normally select operating pursuant to a standard cell phone software module. The logic causes the control channel cellular transceiver to monitor and test through more than one cell base station or site, thereby meeting the dual communication path supervision requirement for UL listed communications systems for stand alone fire alarm reporting systems. The available cellular control channels are first scanned, and the signal strength of each cellular control channel is measured. Then the cellular control channel with the strongest signal strength and the cellular control channel with the second strongest signal strength which are verified as being available for the assigned carrier are selected to report the status of the fire alarm system. A cellular radio message on the status of the fire alarm system is transmitted over the cellular control channel with the strongest signal strength, or if unavailable over the cellular control channel with the second strongest signal strength.
Abstract:
An interconnected wireless HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system and wireless security system, which are interconnected and communicate with each other through the use of a common wireless technology, including the same selected frequency, modulation and a set of common protocols. The Wireless HVAC system includes wireless thermostats, which can communicate with and control both the HVAC system and the security system, and the wireless security system includes wireless controls or keypads, which can communicate with and control both the security system and the HVAC system. The universal wireless infrastructure can be expanded to provide communication or control of additional user or manufacturer installed wireless devices or systems through the universal wireless home infrastructure.
Abstract:
A synchronizing method and system between a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter and a battery powered receiver wherein the transmitter transmits short duration first periodic sync signals which are used by the receiver to maintain proper synchronization of the receiver with the transmitter during second periodic wake-up windows for transmission of data. The receiver wakes for a short duration at the start of each periodic wake up window to receive a possible transmission of data, and if no transmission is received goes back to sleep, and if a transmission is received stays awake to receive the full transmission of data. The basic principle is that the average current consumed by the battery powered receiver in order to wake periodically to receive the first periodic sync signals and the second periodic data transmissions is less than the average current required to maintain the receiver awake continuously. The duration (e.g. 14ms) and periodicity of (e.g. every 32s) of the periodic signals are selected to meet a FCC regulation of 2 second/hour allowed for synchronization.