Patent Application
20200342742
The field of home and small business security is dominated by technology suppliers who build comprehensive ‘closed’ security systems, where the individual components (sensors, security panels, keypads) operate solely within the confines of a single vendor solution. For example, a wireless motion sensor from vendor A cannot be used with a security panel from vendor B. Each vendor typically has developed sophisticated proprietary wireless technologies to enable the installation and management of wireless sensors, with little or no ability for the wireless devices to operate separate from the vendor's homogeneous system. Furthermore, these traditional systems are extremely limited in their ability to interface either to a local or wide area standards-based network (such as an IP network); most installed systems support only a low-bandwidth, intermittent connection utilizing phone lines or cellular (RF) backup systems. Wireless security technology from providers such as GE Security, Honeywell, and DSC/Tyco are well known in the art, and are examples of this proprietary approach to security systems for home and business.
Furthermore, with the proliferation of the internet, ethernet and WiFi local area networks (LANs) and advanced wide area networks (WANs) that offer high bandwidth, low latency connections (broadband), as well as more advanced wireless WAN data networks (e.g. GPRS or CDMA 1×RTT) there increasingly exists the networking capability to extend these traditional security systems to offer enhanced functionality. In addition, the proliferation of broadband access has driven a corresponding increase in home and small business networking technologies and devices. It is desirable to extend traditional security systems to encompass enhanced functionality such as the ability to control and manage security systems from the world wide web, cellular telephones, or advanced function internet-based devices. Other desired functionality includes an open systems approach to interface home security systems to home and small business networks.
Due to the proprietary approach described above, the traditional vendors are the only ones capable of taking advantage of these new network functions. To date, even though the vast majority of home and business customers have broadband network access in their premises, most security systems do not offer the advanced capabilities associated with high speed, low-latency LANs and WANs. This is primarily because the proprietary vendors have not been able to deliver such technology efficiently or effectively. Solution providers attempting to address this need are becoming known in the art, including three categories of vendors: traditional proprietary hardware providers such as Honeywell and GE Security; third party hard-wired module providers such as Alarm.com, NextAlarm, and uControl; and new proprietary systems providers such as InGrid.
A disadvantage of the prior art technologies of the traditional proprietary hardware providers arises due to the continued proprietary approach of these vendors. As they develop technology in this area it once again operates only with the hardware from that specific vendor, ignoring the need for a heterogeneous, cross-vendor solution. Yet another disadvantage of the prior art technologies of the traditional proprietary hardware providers arises due to the lack of experience and capability of these companies in creating open internet and web based solutions, and consumer friendly interfaces.
A disadvantage of the prior art technologies of the third party hard-wired module providers arises due to the installation and operational complexities and functional limitations associated with hardwiring a new component into existing security systems. Moreover, a disadvantage of the prior art technologies of the new proprietary systems providers arises due to the need to discard all prior technologies, and implement an entirely new form of security system to access the new functionalities associated with broadband and wireless data networks. There remains, therefore, a need for systems, devices, and methods that easily interface to and control the existing proprietary security technologies utilizing a variety of wireless technologies.
An integrated security system is described that integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network (broadband, cellular/GSM, POTS access) that enables users to remotely stay connected to their premises. The integrated security system, while delivering remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection, complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices (cameras, lamp modules, thermostats, etc.) can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video and/or pictures and control home devices via their personal web portal or webpage, mobile phone, and/or other remote client device. Users can also receive notifications via email or text message when happenings occur, or do not occur, in their home.
Although the detailed description herein contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Thus, the following illustrative embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.
In accordance with the embodiments described herein, a wireless system (e.g., radio frequency (RF)) is provided that enables a security provider or consumer to extend the capabilities of an existing RF-capable security system or a non-RF-capable security system that has been upgraded to support RF capabilities. The system includes an RF-capable Gateway device (physically located within RF range of the RF-capable security system) and associated software operating on the Gateway device. The system also includes a web server, application server, and remote database providing a persistent store for information related to the system.
The security systems of an embodiment, referred to herein as the iControl security system or integrated security system, extend the value of traditional home security by adding broadband access and the advantages of remote home monitoring and home control through the formation of a security network including components of the integrated security system integrated with a conventional premise security system and a premise local area network (LAN). With the integrated security system, conventional home security sensors, cameras, touchscreen keypads, lighting controls, and/or Internet Protocol (IP) devices in the home (or business) become connected devices that are accessible anywhere in the world from a web browser, mobile phone or through content-enabled touchscreens. The integrated security system experience allows security operators to both extend the value proposition of their monitored security systems and reach new consumers that include broadband users interested in staying connected to their family, home and property when they are away from home.
The integrated security system of an embodiment includes security servers (also referred to herein as iConnect servers or security network servers) and an iHub gateway (also referred to herein as the gateway, the iHub, or the iHub client) that couples or integrates into a home network (e.g., LAN) and communicates directly with the home security panel, in both wired and wireless installations. The security system of an embodiment automatically discovers the security system components (e.g., sensors, etc.) belonging to the security system and connected to a control panel of the security system and provides consumers with full two-way access via web and mobile portals. The gateway supports various wireless protocols and can interconnect with a wide range of control panels offered by security system providers. Service providers and users can then extend the system's capabilities with the additional IP cameras, lighting modules or security devices such as interactive touchscreen keypads. The integrated security system adds an enhanced value to these security systems by enabling consumers to stay connected through email and SMS alerts, photo push, event-based video capture and rule-based monitoring and notifications. This solution extends the reach of home security to households with broadband access.
The integrated security system builds upon the foundation afforded by traditional security systems by layering broadband and mobile access, IP cameras, interactive touchscreens, and an open approach to home automation on top of traditional security system configurations. The integrated security system is easily installed and managed by the security operator, and simplifies the traditional security installation process, as described below.
The integrated security system provides an open systems solution to the home security market. As such, the foundation of the integrated security system customer premises equipment (CPE) approach has been to abstract devices, and allows applications to manipulate and manage multiple devices from any vendor. The integrated security system DeviceConnect technology that enables this capability supports protocols, devices, and panels from GE Security and Honeywell, as well as consumer devices using Z-Wave, IP cameras (e.g., Ethernet, wifi, and Homeplug), and IP touchscreens. The DeviceConnect is a device abstraction layer that enables any device or protocol layer to interoperate with integrated security system components. This architecture enables the addition of new devices supporting any of these interfaces, as well as add entirely new protocols.
The benefit of DeviceConnect is that it provides supplier flexibility. The same consistent touchscreen, web, and mobile user experience operate unchanged on whatever security equipment selected by a security system provider, with the system provider's choice of IP cameras, backend data center and central station software.
The integrated security system provides a complete system that integrates or layers on top of a conventional host security system available from a security system provider. The security system provider therefore can select different components or configurations to offer (e.g., CDMA, GPRS, no cellular, etc.) as well as have iControl modify the integrated security system configuration for the system provider's specific needs (e.g., change the functionality of the web or mobile portal, add a GE or Honeywell-compatible TouchScreen, etc.).
The integrated security system integrates with the security system provider infrastructure for central station reporting directly via Broadband and GPRS alarm transmissions. Traditional dial-up reporting is supported via the standard panel connectivity. Additionally, the integrated security system provides interfaces for advanced functionality to the CMS, including enhanced alarm events, system installation optimizations, system test verification, video verification, 2-way voice over IP and GSM.
The integrated security system is an IP centric system that includes broadband connectivity so that the gateway augments the existing security system with broadband and GPRS connectivity. If broadband is down or unavailable GPRS may be used, for example. The integrated security system supports GPRS connectivity using an optional wireless package that includes a GPRS modem in the gateway. The integrated security system treats the GPRS connection as a higher cost though flexible option for data transfers. In an embodiment the GPRS connection is only used to route alarm events (e.g., for cost), however the gateway can be configured (e.g., through the iConnect server interface) to act as a primary channel and pass any or all events over GPRS. Consequently, the integrated security system does not interfere with the current plain old telephone service (POTS) security panel interface. Alarm events can still be routed through POTS; however the gateway also allows such events to be routed through a broadband or GPRS connection as well. The integrated security system provides a web application interface to the CSR tool suite as well as XML web services interfaces for programmatic integration between the security system provider's existing call center products. The integrated security system includes, for example, APIs that allow the security system provider to integrate components of the integrated security system into a custom call center interface. The APIs include XML web service APIs for integration of existing security system provider call center applications with the integrated security system service. All functionality available in the CSR Web application is provided with these API sets. The Java and XML-based APIs of the integrated security system support provisioning, billing, system administration, CSR, central station, portal user interfaces, and content management functions, to name a few. The integrated security system can provide a customized interface to the security system provider's billing system, or alternatively can provide security system developers with APIs and support in the integration effort.
The integrated security system provides or includes business component interfaces for provisioning, administration, and customer care to name a few. Standard templates and examples are provided with a defined customer professional services engagement to help integrate OSS/BSS systems of a Service Provider with the integrated security system.
The integrated security system components support and allow for the integration of customer account creation and deletion with a security system. The iConnect APIs provides access to the provisioning and account management system in iConnect and provide full support for account creation, provisioning, and deletion. Depending on the requirements of the security system provider, the iConnect APIs can be used to completely customize any aspect of the integrated security system backend operational system.
The integrated security system includes a gateway that supports the following standards-based interfaces, to name a few: Ethernet IP communications via Ethernet ports on the gateway, and standard XML/TCP/IP protocols and ports are employed over secured SSL sessions; USB 2.0 via ports on the gateway; 802.11b/g/n IP communications; GSM/GPRS RF WAN communications; CDMA 1×RTT RF WAN communications (optional, can also support EVDO and 3G technologies).
The gateway supports the following proprietary interfaces, to name a few: interfaces including Dialog RF network (319.5 MHz) and RS485 Superbus 2000 wired interface; RF mesh network (908 MHz); and interfaces including RF network (345 MHz) and RS485/RS232bus wired interfaces.
Regarding security for the IP communications (e.g., authentication, authorization, encryption, anti-spoofing, etc), the integrated security system uses SSL to encrypt all IP traffic, using server and client-certificates for authentication, as well as authentication in the data sent over the SSL-encrypted channel. For encryption, integrated security system issues public/private key pairs at the time/place of manufacture, and certificates are not stored in any online storage in an embodiment.
The integrated security system does not need any special rules at the customer premise and/or at the security system provider central station because the integrated security system makes outgoing connections using TCP over the standard HTTP and HTTPS ports. Provided outbound TCP connections are allowed then no special requirements on the firewalls are necessary.
The integrated security system service (also referred to as iControl service) can be managed by a service provider via browser-based Maintenance and Service Management applications that are provided with the iConnect Servers. Or, if desired, the service can be more tightly integrated with existing OSS/BSS and service delivery systems via the iConnect web services-based XML APIs.
The integrated security system service can also coordinate the sending of alarms to the home security Central Monitoring Station (CMS) 199. Alarms are passed to the CMS 199 using standard protocols such as Contact ID or SIA and can be generated from the home security panel location as well as by iConnect server 104 conditions (such as lack of communications with the integrated security system). In addition, the link between the security servers 104 and CMS 199 provides tighter integration between home security and self-monitoring devices and the gateway 102. Such integration enables advanced security capabilities such as the ability for CMS personnel to view photos taken at the time a burglary alarm was triggered. For maximum security, the gateway 102 and iConnect servers 104 support the use of a mobile network (both GPRS and CDMA options are available) as a backup to the primary broadband connection.
The integrated security system service is delivered by hosted servers running software components that communicate with a variety of client types while interacting with other systems.
The iConnect servers 104 support a diverse collection of clients 120 ranging from mobile devices, to PCs, to in-home security devices, to a service provider's internal systems. Most clients 120 are used by end-users, but there are also a number of clients 120 that are used to operate the service.
In addition to the end-user clients, the iConnect servers 104 support PC browser-based Service Management clients that manage the ongoing operation of the overall service. These clients run applications that handle tasks such as provisioning, service monitoring, customer support and reporting.
There are numerous types of server components of the iConnect servers 104 of an embodiment including, but not limited to, the following: Business Components which manage information about all of the home security and self-monitoring devices; End-User Application Components which display that information for users and access the Business Components via published XML APIs; and Service Management Application Components which enable operators to administer the service (these components also access the Business Components via the XML APIs, and also via published SNMP MIBs).
The server components provide access to, and management of, the objects associated with an integrated security system installation. The top-level object is the “network.” It is a location where a gateway 102 is located, and is also commonly referred to as a site or premises; the premises can include any type of structure (e.g., home, office, warehouse, etc.) at which a gateway 102 is located. Users can only access the networks to which they have been granted permission. Within a network, every object monitored by the gateway 102 is called a device. Devices include the sensors, cameras, home security panels and automation devices, as well as the controller or processor-based device running the gateway applications.
Various types of interactions are possible between the objects in a system. Automations define actions that occur as a result of a change in state of a device. For example, take a picture with the front entry camera when the front door sensor changes to “open”. Notifications are messages sent to users to indicate that something has occurred, such as the front door going to “open” state, or has not occurred (referred to as an iWatch notification). Schedules define changes in device states that are to take place at predefined days and times. For example, set the security panel to “Armed” mode every weeknight at 11:00 pm.
The iConnect Business Components are responsible for orchestrating all of the low-level service management activities for the integrated security system service. They define all of the users and devices associated with a network (site), analyze how the devices interact, and trigger associated actions (such as sending notifications to users). All changes in device states are monitored and logged. The Business Components also manage all interactions with external systems as required, including sending alarms and other related self-monitoring data to the home security Central Monitoring System (CMS) 199. The Business Components are implemented as portable Java J2EE Servlets, but are not so limited.
The following iConnect Business Components manage the main elements of the integrated security system service, but the embodiment is not so limited:
Additional iConnect Business Components handle direct communications with certain clients and other systems, for example:
The iConnect Business Components store information about the objects that they manage in the iControl Service Database 240 and in the iControl Content Store 242. The iControl Content Store is used to store media objects like video, photos and widget content, while the Service Database stores information about users, networks, and devices. Database interaction is performed via a JDBC interface. For security purposes, the Business Components manage all data storage and retrieval.
The iControl Business Components provide web services-based APIs that application components use to access the Business Components' capabilities. Functions of application components include presenting integrated security system service data to end-users, performing administrative duties, and integrating with external systems and back-office applications.
The primary published APIs for the iConnect Business Components include, but are not limited to, the following:
Each API of an embodiment includes two modes of access: Java API or XML API. The XML APIs are published as web services so that they can be easily accessed by applications or servers over a network. The Java APIs are a programmer-friendly wrapper for the XML APIs. Application components and integrations written in Java should generally use the Java APIs rather than the XML APIs directly.
The iConnect Business Components also have an XML-based interface 260 for quickly adding support for new devices to the integrated security system. This interface 260, referred to as DeviceConnect 260, is a flexible, standards-based mechanism for defining the properties of new devices and how they can be managed. Although the format is flexible enough to allow the addition of any type of future device, pre-defined XML profiles are currently available for adding common types of devices such as sensors (SensorConnect), home security panels (PanelConnect) and IP cameras (CameraConnect).
The iConnect End-User Application Components deliver the user interfaces that run on the different types of clients supported by the integrated security system service. The components are written in portable Java J2EE technology (e.g., as Java Servlets, as JavaServer Pages (JSPs), etc.) and they all interact with the iControl Business Components via the published APIs.
The following End-User Application Components generate CSS-based HTML/JavaScript that is displayed on the target client. These applications can be dynamically branded with partner-specific logos and URL links (such as Customer Support, etc.). The End-User Application Components of an embodiment include, but are not limited to, the following:
A number of Application Components are responsible for overall management of the service. These pre-defined applications, referred to as Service Management Application Components, are configured to offer off-the-shelf solutions for production management of the integrated security system service including provisioning, overall service monitoring, customer support, and reporting, for example. The Service Management Application Components of an embodiment include, but are not limited to, the following:
The iConnect servers 104 also support custom-built integrations with a service provider's existing OSS/BSS, CSR and service delivery systems 290. Such systems can access the iConnect web services XML API to transfer data to and from the iConnect servers 104. These types of integrations can compliment or replace the PC browser-based Service Management applications, depending on service provider needs.
As described above, the integrated security system of an embodiment includes a gateway, or iHub. The gateway of an embodiment includes a device that is deployed in the home or business and couples or connects the various third-party cameras, home security panels, sensors and devices to the iConnect server over a WAN connection as described in detail herein. The gateway couples to the home network and communicates directly with the home security panel in both wired and wireless sensor installations. The gateway is configured to be low-cost, reliable and thin so that it complements the integrated security system network-based architecture.
The gateway supports various wireless protocols and can interconnect with a wide range of home security control panels. Service providers and users can then extend the system's capabilities by adding IP cameras, lighting modules and additional security devices. The gateway is configurable to be integrated into many consumer appliances, including set-top boxes, routers and security panels. The small and efficient footprint of the gateway enables this portability and versatility, thereby simplifying and reducing the overall cost of the deployment.
The gateway application layer 302 is the main program that orchestrates the operations performed by the gateway. The Security Engine 304 provides robust protection against intentional and unintentional intrusion into the integrated security system network from the outside world (both from inside the premises as well as from the WAN). The Security Engine 304 of an embodiment comprises one or more sub-modules or components that perform functions including, but not limited to, the following:
As standards evolve, and new encryption and authentication methods are proven to be useful, and older mechanisms proven to be breakable, the security manager can be upgraded “over the air” to provide new and better security for communications between the iConnect server and the gateway application, and locally at the premises to remove any risk of eavesdropping on camera communications.
A Remote Firmware Download module 306 allows for seamless and secure updates to the gateway firmware through the iControl Maintenance Application on the server 104, providing a transparent, hassle-free mechanism for the service provider to deploy new features and bug fixes to the installed user base. The firmware download mechanism is tolerant of connection loss, power interruption and user interventions (both intentional and unintentional). Such robustness reduces down time and customer support issues. Gateway firmware can be remotely download either for one gateway at a time, a group of gateways, or in batches.
The Automations engine 308 manages the user-defined rules of interaction between the different devices (e.g. when door opens turn on the light). Though the automation rules are programmed and reside at the portal/server level, they are cached at the gateway level in order to provide short latency between device triggers and actions.
DeviceConnect 310 includes definitions of all supported devices (e.g., cameras, security panels, sensors, etc.) using a standardized plug-in architecture. The DeviceConnect module 310 offers an interface that can be used to quickly add support for any new device as well as enabling interoperability between devices that use different technologies/protocols. For common device types, pre-defined sub-modules have been defined, making supporting new devices of these types even easier. SensorConnect 312 is provided for adding new sensors, CameraConnect 316 for adding IP cameras, and PanelConnect 314 for adding home security panels.
The Schedules engine 318 is responsible for executing the user defined schedules (e.g., take a picture every five minutes; every day at 8 am set temperature to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.). Though the schedules are programmed and reside at the iConnect server level they are sent to the scheduler within the gateway application. The Schedules Engine 318 then interfaces with SensorConnect 312 to ensure that scheduled events occur at precisely the desired time.
The Device Management module 320 is in charge of all discovery, installation and configuration of both wired and wireless IP devices (e.g., cameras, etc.) coupled or connected to the system. Networked IP devices, such as those used in the integrated security system, require user configuration of many IP and security parameters—to simplify the user experience and reduce the customer support burden, the device management module of an embodiment handles the details of this configuration. The device management module also manages the video routing module described below.
The video routing engine 322 is responsible for delivering seamless video streams to the user with zero-configuration. Through a multi-step, staged approach the video routing engine uses a combination of UPnP port-forwarding, relay server routing and STUN/TURN peer-to-peer routing.
Referring to the WAN portion 410 of the gateway 102, the gateway 102 of an embodiment can communicate with the iConnect server using a number of communication types and/or protocols, for example Broadband 412, GPRS 414 and/or Public Switched Telephone Network (PTSN) 416 to name a few. In general, broadband communication 412 is the primary means of connection between the gateway 102 and the iConnect server 104 and the GPRS/CDMA 414 and/or PSTN 416 interfaces acts as back-up for fault tolerance in case the user's broadband connection fails for whatever reason, but the embodiment is not so limited.
Referring to the LAN portion 420 of the gateway 102, various protocols and physical transceivers can be used to communicate to off-the-shelf sensors and cameras. The gateway 102 is protocol-agnostic and technology-agnostic and as such can easily support almost any device networking protocol. The gateway 102 can, for example, support GE and Honeywell security RF protocols 422, Z-Wave 424, serial (RS232 and RS485) 426 for direct connection to security panels as well as WiFi 428 (802.11b/g) for communication to WiFi cameras.
The system of an embodiment uses or includes a system user interface (SUI) that provides an iconic, at-a-glance representation of security system status. The SUI is for use across all client types as described above with reference to
Following is a description of the various states of the iControl sensors, and how these states are indicated uniformly across all clients using the SUI and other sensor information displays such as sensor lists and timelines.
Regarding the display elements of the SUI, the orb icon visually indicates the current arm state and sensor status of a single site.
Using various combinations of system state 4001 and status 4002, the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent numerous system states.
When the system state 4001 is “Disarmed” or “Subdisarmed”, the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent status 4002 as follows: Disarmed (status: all quiet) 4010 (e.g., icon color is green); Disarmed (status: motion) 4011 (e.g., icon color is green); Disarmed, (number of sensors open) Sensor(s) Open (status: open) 4012 (e.g., icon color is green, bottom region for sensor number is yellow); Disarmed, (number of sensors open) Sensor(s) Open (status: open and motion) 4013 (e.g., icon color is green, bottom region for sensor number is yellow).
When the system state 4001 is “Armed (Doors and Windows, Stay, Away, All, Night Stay, Instant, Motion, Maximum)”, the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent status 4002 as follows: Armed Doors & Windows (status: all quiet) 4014 (e.g., icon color is red); Armed Doors & Windows (status: motion) 4015 (e.g., icon color is red); Armed Doors & Windows, (number of sensors open) Sensor(s) Open (status: open) 4016 (e.g., icon color is red, bottom region for sensor number is yellow); Armed Doors & Windows, (number of sensors open) Sensor(s) Open (status: open and motion) 4017 (e.g., icon color is red, bottom region for sensor number is yellow).
When the system state 4001 is “Disarmed”, or “Subdisarmed” (sensor absent; sensor tripped; sensor tampered; low battery; uncleared alarm), the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent status 4002 as follows: Disarmed, sensor problem (status: all quiet) 4018 (e.g., icon color is green, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red); Disarmed, sensor problem (status: motion) 4019 (e.g., icon color is green, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red); Disarmed, sensor problem (status: open) 4020 (e.g., icon color is green, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red, bottom region for sensor number is yellow); Disarmed, sensor problem (status: open and motion) 4021 (e.g., icon color is green, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red, bottom region for sensor number is yellow).
When the system state 4001 is “Armed (Doors and Windows, Stay, Away, All, Night Stay, Instant, Motion, Maximum)” (sensor absent; sensor tripped; sensor tampered; low battery), the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent status 4002 as follows: Armed Doors & Windows, sensor problem (status: all quiet) 4022 (e.g., icon color is red, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red); Armed Doors & Windows, sensor problem (status: motion) 4023 (e.g., icon color is red, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red); Armed Doors & Windows, sensor problem (status: open) 4024 (e.g., icon color is red, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red, bottom region for sensor number is yellow); Armed Doors & Windows, sensor problem (status: open & motion) 4025 (e.g., icon color is red, badge in top region with “!” symbol is red, bottom region for sensor number is yellow).
When the system state 4001 is “Alarm”, the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent status 4002 as follows: Armed Away/Stay, (alarm type) ALARM 4026 (e.g., icon color is red).
When the system state 4001 is “No iHub Connection” (broadband offline, etc.) (no security panel connection), the orb icons of an embodiment indicate or represent status 4002 as follows: Status Unavailable 4027 (e.g., icon color is grey).
When the client of an embodiment is a touchscreen, a mini orb is presented at the bottom of the touch screen in all widgets and settings screens. The mini orb is green when the security panel is disarmed, and it is red when the security panel is armed, but is not so limited. The form factor of the mini orb, and the text corresponding to the mini orb, is the same or similar to that described above as corresponding to the orb icon on the home screen.
The orb icons of an embodiment include motion indicators that animate to indicate motion detected by a corresponding sensor or detector. Furthermore, the orb icons of an embodiment show an animation during the exit delay when arming the security system and, additionally, indicate a countdown time showing the time remaining before the security system is fully armed. Moreover, selection of the orb of an embodiment causes additional information (e.g., list of sensors, etc.) of the security system and/or premise to be displayed.
The text summary display element of the SUI includes or displays information including a direct description of the current state of the security system to support the visual appearance of the orb icon. In an embodiment, two phrases are shown, including a first phrase for security state and a second phrase for sensor status (e.g., “Armed Stay. All Quiet”), as described herein.
The display elements of the SUI also include security buttons. The security buttons are used to control or arm/disarm the security panel. A single arm button (e.g., button labeled “Arm”) can be used on the SUI of a first client device type (e.g., Touchscreen, iPhone®, etc.). Two different buttons (e.g., buttons labeled “Arm Away/Arm Stay” or “Arm All/Doors and Windows”) can be used on the SUI of a second client device type (e.g., web portal, mobile portal, etc.). In either embodiment, when the system is armed, the arm button (e.g., “Arm”, “Arm Stay” and “Arm Away”) label will change to a “Disarm” label. If the system is in the process of arming, the button is disabled.
The display elements of the SUI include system and device warnings, as described above. The system and device warning are informational warnings that are not associated with specific sensors, and involve more detail than can be displayed in the text summary display element.
The device warnings of an embodiment include, but are not limited to, the following: camera(s) offline; light(s) offline; thermostat(s) offline. The device and system warnings may be combined into one box, or indicated separately in respective regions or portions of the SUI, depending on a type of the client device (e.g., combined into one box on a web portal or a mobile portal, but indicated in separate boxes on a Touchscreen or iPhone® device).
The device and system warnings display element is cumulative (e.g., built up in a list), but is not so limited. On the web and mobile portals the system and device warnings of an embodiment are combined into one area, but are not so limited. On the touchscreen device and mobile phone (e.g., iPhone®), device warnings are indicated separately so that, in an embodiment, the iPhone® tab bar and the touchscreen home screen indicate device warnings with icon badges, and system warnings are placed on the sensors screen.
The list of all sensors includes, but is not limited to, door/window sensors, motion detectors, smoke, flood, fire, glass break, etc. The list of all sensors of an embodiment does not include cameras or locks, or non-security related devices such as lights, thermostats, energy, water etc. The list of sensors is split into groups that, in an embodiment, include interesting sensors as a first group, and quiet sensors as a second group. The interesting sensor group is positioned above or sorted to the top portion of the sensor list and the quiet sensors are sorted to the bottom portion of the sensor list. Any sensor that is triggered (e.g. open, motion, etc.) is categorized as an interesting sensor and placed in the interesting sensor group and list. Additionally, other sensor states such as tampered, tripped, absent, installing, low battery, or bypassed make a sensor “interesting” regardless of their state.
The interesting sensors are shown or displayed with an icon.
Following the state icon and the sensor name an embodiment displays status text. The status of an embodiment includes, but is not limited to, the following: ALARM, (sensor state); tripped; tampered, (sensor state); low battery, (sensor state); offline; unknown; installing; bypassed, (sensor state). If a sensor is offline or tampered, it will show that text; otherwise the status text will show the tripped state: open, motion, tripped, etc. In addition, if a sensor is bypassed its state is “Bypassed, (sensor state)”. For example, a bypassed motion sensor that has recently detected motion would have the status: “Motion, bypassed”. If a sensor has a low battery its state does not change, but it still joins the interesting sensors group.
The quiet sensors include the remaining sensors that are not currently active, and so are not categorized as interesting sensors. Quiet sensor states of an embodiment include closed, no motion or otherwise not tripped or faulted.
The SUI of an embodiment includes control icons for a Home Management Mode (HMM). If the user deselects the “Set home management modes automatically” setting via the web portal, then the Home Management Mode (HMM) screen will appear in the web and mobile Portals.
The SUI of an embodiment is supported on numerous client types, for example, mobile telephones (e.g., iPhone®, etc.), client access via mobile portal, client access via web portal, and touchscreen to name a few. All clients types supported in an embodiment have the same status related sections, but their locations change slightly depending on the client. The status related sections of an embodiment include the following: orb; arm state/sensor summary; change mode; device summary and system warnings; interesting sensors; and quiet sensors.
System warnings appear as a group in an area (e.g., yellow area) at the top of the sensor status screen. This area at the top of the sensor status screen appears only when there is a device or system warning; otherwise, it is not presented. Multiple messages appear as a vertical list with one message on each line. The yellow bar will grow in length to fit additional messages. If there are no system warnings then the interesting sensors group is at the top of the sensor status screen. Interesting sensors are presented below system warnings. Quiet sensors are presented below interesting sensors.
In addition to the orb, text summary, and security button, the summary page also includes one or more icons that enable a transfer of content to and from the remote network, as described in detail herein. The touchscreen integrates the content with access and control of the security system. The content includes interactive content in the form of internet widgets. The summary page of an embodiment also comprises at least one icon enabling communication and control of the premise devices coupled to the subnetwork. The summary page also comprises one or more icons enabling access to live video from a camera, wherein the camera is an Internet Protocol (IP) camera.
The integrated security system of an embodiment includes a component referred to herein as “Home View” that provides end users an at-a-glance representation of their home security status using the layout of their home. Like the System Icon or “orb” as described in detail herein, Home View is intended to complement a set of common elements including, but not limited to, the security text summary, arm/disarm button, system warnings, and sensor status list. These UI elements are in the primary display of every iControl client application, and Home View adds to that set of UI elements.
Home View can be an alternative to the System Icon, adding sensor location and information about other devices like lights, thermostats, cameras, locks, and energy devices, to name a few. Home View is an optional view, and users who set up Home View are able to switch between the System Icon view and Home View. Home View provides the user or installer a way to express the floor plans of their home, where the layout of Home View is representational and, as such, is not meant to be a precise rendering of a home. The rendering of Home View can vary on each device depending on screen size and display capabilities.
Home View information defined on one client affects all clients. In other words, if a change is made to the floor plans on one client, all clients display that change if they are using Home View. Home View is provided on the iPhone, and is also supported on one or more clients common to all users (web portal and/or touch screen).
Home View of an embodiment includes an editing tool that supports basic sensors and common devices. Using the sensor state display of Home View, and while editing, the user can position each sensor device on each floor, and the sensor icon is displayed over each floor plan.
Under an embodiment and as further described below, basic device states are represented by device and/or sensor state icons in Home View.
A touch sensed anywhere in Home View navigates the UI to the sensor list available in System Icon view. The user can also touch any sensor icon in Home View and see a popup display showing the sensor name. The popup box is presented above the sensor with a connector pointing to and indicating the sensor selected. If the sensor is at the top of the screen, the popup box may appear below the sensor with a connector pointing up to and indicating the selected sensor. The popup box also includes a “more” button for navigating to detailed information about that sensor (in this case, sensor history). An embodiment presents sensor icon, name, and status text, and the last event for that sensor, plus a navigation arrow e.g., (a blue circle on some UIs) the selection of which switches screens to the sensor detail or history (same as clicking sensor name in each client).
Using the device state display of Home View, a set of device and/or sensor icons can be placed on each floor.
Home View visually indicates changes in device state under an embodiment. Under one embodiment device icons represent an underlying device component and its current state by modeling the device itself. For example (and as set forth in
Under another embodiment a generic sensor icon may be used to represent a device and its operational status. For example, a user may use an edit feature of Home View (described in greater detail below) to place a generic sensor icon on the Home View floor plan. When the user touches the icon on an iPhone client or mouses over the icon in a web application, the name/type of device appears above the icon (along with other relevant information and options as further described herein). The icon itself then displays status by shifting to a state specific status icon. As described above, Home View may use one of the status icons described in
Under another embodiment, Home View may indicate a change in state of the device by simply replacing the device icon with a status icon. For example, a lock device may be offline at which time the Home View would replace the lock icon representation with a status icon representation that indicates an offline status. The offline status icon may correspond to the offline status symbol set forth in
Under another embodiment, Home View may visually superimpose or visually annotate a device icon with status representations. As an example, Home View may visually annotate a lock device icon with a status icon to indicate its current operational status. The Home View may use the status icons described in
Under yet another embodiment, Home View may use any combination and/or manipulation of status/device icons to represent operational status of system components.
If more than one floor has been defined in Layout mode of Home View, thumbnails on a portion of the display indicate that there are floors above or below the current one, and a means provided to switch floors.
The display of indicators for multiple floors through a mobile portal includes numbered links on a portion of the display (e.g., right), starting from “1”. The currently-displayed floor is shown as bold, and not a link, as in:
Like the System Icon, Home View indicates the overall system state by using background color. For accessibility, this may also be presented using corresponding text located adjacent to the icon.
The System Icon of some client device UIs (e.g., the iPhone, the Touch Screen) also includes a warning badge to indicate that there are warnings to see in the sensor list. In Home View, a general warning indicator 4302 is shown in a region (e.g., on one side) of the Home View floor display.
The use of Home View as a user interface includes Summary Text as described in detail herein, and the Summary Text provides definitive information on the current arm state, and a summary of any sensor issues. Additionally, the system arm/disarm buttons are displayed separately.
Home View is an alternative to the System Icon, as described herein, and is configured via site settings. Each application retains the user's preferred mode across sessions.
Any time the user wants to alter their Home View floor plans or device positions, they can choose Settings 4500, then select the Security Tab Options button 4506, then the Edit Home View button 4604. If a device has been deleted, then the Home View display code removes it from the device settings table. If a device has been installed or added to the system, it does not automatically appear in Home View, but it will be available in Edit Home View mode, ready to be placed on a floor.
The Home View mode of an embodiment includes an editor or Edit Mode. On the Settings screen 4500, the user can select Security Tab Options 4506, then Edit Home View 4604, as described above. This puts the user in Edit mode, where they can make changes to device positions, floor plans, and add/remove floors, for example. When editing is complete, selection of a “Done” button on the screen returns a user to the Security Tab Options screen 4600. If the user has made changes, then a dialog slides up that includes buttons for “Save Changes”, “Don't Save”, and “Cancel”. Once saved, Home View data is saved on the iHub/iServer with other site settings, and can appear in any client that has Home View enabled for display.
When the user first enters Edit mode, the user selects a basic floor plan which defines the perimeter shape of each floor of the premise.
Upon selection of a basic floor plan, the editor is displayed.
Devices are represented by icons in the editor, and the icons can be positioned by dragging to the appropriate location on the floor plan 4804. Below the displayed floor 4804 is a dock area 4806 that includes all devices displayed in rows. The user can drag a device to any tile on the floor 4804 that does not already contain a device icon. Devices can also be dragged back off the floor 4804 and onto the dock 4806. To identify a device the user can tap a device icon or start dragging and the name will appear above the device icon.
The dock 4806 has a grid of tiles, similar to the floor plans. The user can move devices around on that grid. Upon exiting the editor and then returning, the dock is drawn in ordered rows. Devices of an embodiment are placed every-other-tile, up to 11 devices per row and up to 3 rows for a total of up to 33 devices on screen, but are not so limited. If the site has more than 33 devices in the dock, they are not shown until some devices are moved onto the floor, so that the dock condenses after each device is placed on a floor.
The selected floor plan provides a basic perimeter for the floor. If the user wishes to change the default perimeter walls or define interior walls, the user can switch to Walls mode. The user can tap any tile to customize that tile, and tapping a tile cycles the tile through twelve different tile shapes. Tile cycles start with the best-fit tile based on context, then cycle through all possible tile shapes in best-fit order. For example, if the user taps a blank tile with a horizontal line to the right and a vertical line below it, then the first tile drawn will be a corner tile that connects those lines, then a tile that connects one line, then the other line, etc.
For example, a typical task is to draw an interior wall. Each tile should require only one tap to draw as a user progresses across tiles of the floor plan.
The editor of an embodiment includes a Walls mode and an Erase mode, as described above. In the Walls mode and the Erase mode the device icons are hidden. Erase mode is used to change wall tiles into blank tiles, to remove mistakes, and/or begin to move a wall. For example, a user wanting to narrow a rectangular floor plan by moving an entire wall inward first switches to Erase mode and taps every tile of the vertical wall they wish to move, and then switches to Walls mode and taps every tile where they wish a wall to be placed.
An embodiment may adopt an alternative floor plan editing scheme in the form of a commercial diagramming tool. The alternative approach replaces the tile based diagramming described above with a vector based graphics approach. A user may choose design primitives to establish and subsequently manipulate (via touch/drag interactions or keyboard/mouse operations) basic floor plan shapes and representations. Such approach may incorporate a “free hand” ability to trace lines or other floor plan elements (via touch/drag interactions or keyboard/mouse operations).
While editing tiles or positioning sensors, more precision may be needed in which case the user can toggle the zoom level of the editor (includes the dock) in any edit mode. To zoom to 300%, for example, the user taps the + magnifying glass 5004, and to return to 100% zoom, the user taps the − magnifying glass 5102. If there are multiple floors, tapping a floor thumbnail returns to 100% zoom. Once zoomed, the user scrolls around the floor by a dragging operation.
Home View of an embodiment supports up to four (4) floors but is not so limited. These floors can also be used for other physical spaces, such as outbuildings or garages for example, so floor numbering is generally avoided. To define a new floor in Edit mode, the user touches a + button 4802 at the top of the screen and the Add Floor page appears.
When more than one floor is defined in Home View, some differences appear on the Edit Home View screen. Among the changes, a column of floor thumbnails appears on the right portion of the screen. The currently selected floor thumbnail is highlighted, and the user can tap any floor to switch to that floor. For example, the user can move a device to the dock, switch floors by touching the other floor thumbnail, then drag the device onto the new floor.
An additional change displayed on the Edit Home View screen includes the display of a delete floor button [−] in the title bar of the editor, to the right of the add floor button [+]. If more than one floor is defined, the user selects the [−] button to delete the current floor. The user is prompted with a warning with the options to Delete Floor or Cancel 5404.
Selection of the Done button on the Edit Home View screen allows the user to exit the editor. If upon selecting the Done button the user has made changes to the floors or device locations, the user is prompted to save the changes before exiting back to the Settings screen.
For each premise, Home View allows users to define the floors of their home and the locations of all devices on those floors using the Edit Home View layout editor described above. The output of the layout editor includes two strings that are stored in site preferences on the server. All client applications share this static definition of the site layout, and locally combine it with the current state of the sensors and panel to produce a graphical view.
Home View is presented in an embodiment using tiles, and allows a user to define up to a pre-specified number of floors (e.g., four floors, etc.), but is not so limited. Each floor in Home View is presented as a layout of tiles in two layers or structures. A first layer, or bottom layer, is a static layout of a single floor (e.g., 19 tiles by 19 tiles, etc.).
The server (e.g., iServer) of an embodiment stores the two structures in two variables in site preferences, but the embodiment is not so limited. A first variable comprises a series of floor layouts corresponding to the number of floors. Each floor layout is a floor grid represented by a single string of characters (e.g., 19×19 or 361 ASCII characters), with one character corresponding to each tile as described above.
The homeViewLayouts preference strings represents between 1 and 4 tile grids. Each tile grid is 19 tiles by 19 tiles for a total of 361 tiles. The grids comprise odd numbers to support centering of walls. The first 361 tiles represent the first floor of the premise. If there are multiple floors, the next 361 tiles represent the second floor of the premise. Therefore, homeViewLayouts length is 361 characters (premise having one floor), 722 characters (premise having two floors), 1083 characters (premise having three floors), or 1444 characters (premise having four floors).
A second variable comprises a hash table mapping specific tiles to sensors, separated by commas, and every sensor is represented. A homeViewDevice preference string represents such information and comprises key,value pairs separated by commas. As example homeViewDevices character string is as follows:
The key of the key,value pair is an integer representing the absolute offset into the homeViewLayouts array. The value of the key,value pair represents a way to precisely identify the device. For sensors, this value is “zone” followed by the zone ID. For example, if the front door (zone id 7) is on the third tile over, then the key value pair is 2,zone7 (e.g., zero-based offset).
Each tile set includes twelve basic shapes. The shapes of an embodiment include, but are not limited to the following: empty; horizontal wall; vertical wall; top left corner; top right corner; bottom left corner; bottom right corner; T-shape down; T-shape right; T-shape up; T-shape left; 4 corner shape.
As stated above, the user defines the walls of each floor of their home using twelve basic tile shapes. However, when a floor is rendered, the building exteriors should be readily distinguished from the interiors. For rendering Home View in armed and disarmed states, algorithms determine the interior of the home and compute which tiles are transparent and which tiles are filled. For perimeter walls, the algorithm clears the exterior side but not the interior side. A larger set of tiles is used to handle all possible transparent/filled tile renderings.
As stated above, the user defines the walls of each floor of their home using twelve basic tile shapes. However, when a floor is rendered, the building exteriors should be readily distinguished from the interiors. This achieved when the editor is exited and tiles exterior to each building are replaced with transparent tiles. Similarly, tiles with walls facing the exterior are replaced with tiles where the exterior portions are transparent.
A description follows for operation of the algorithm for determining an interior and an exterior. The algorithms generate a list of all tiles on the edge of each floor that are empty (top row, bottom row, left column, right column, up to 19+19+2*17=72 tiles per floor). With each tile, a function is called to clear the tile. In that function, the empty tile is changed to an empty exterior tile (for example, “e” changes to “E”). The algorithm then examines the four tiles on each side (top, right, bottom, left) of the current tile and, if they are non-empty, replaces them with tiles where the side facing the current tile is transparent. The algorithm then examines the four tiles diagonal to this exterior tile and, if they are non-empty and have a corner (T shapes, plus shape, corners), replaces them with tiles where the corner facing the current tile is transparent. A list is generated comprising any of the four tiles on each side (top, right, bottom, left) of the current tile that are empty. With each empty tile, a recursive function is called and the process repeats as described above.
In order to avoid stepping into “doors”, the algorithm does not call the recursive function in response to empty tiles if there are wall edges touching the current tile. For example, the process only recurses down to an empty tile if the tiles to the right and left are not horizontal tiles (or similar) touching the current tile. This works for doors one and two tiles wide; wider openings get filled.
The fully computed floor definition is stored in the gateway (e.g., iHub) and/or server (e.g., iServer) but is not so limited. If the Home View editor is used, these computed tiles can be converted back to the twelve-tile set while editing. The Home View data output from Edit mode is checked to ensure integrity of parameters, for example: the number of tiles (and number of floors) is correct; the tile data only includes valid tile characters; all sensors and devices still exist. At the time Home View is rendered, the same checks are again performed to verify data integrity. If any checks fail, the user is presented a dialog, and the preference returns to the System Icon (the “orb”). Essentially the feature is turned off for display, but the data is still there until edited. If the user tries to edit home view and the data is corrupted, they are given the option to reset the data and start over.
The integrated security system includes couplings or connections among a variety of IP devices or components, and the device management module is in charge of the discovery, installation and configuration of the IP devices coupled or connected to the system, as described above. The integrated security system of an embodiment uses a “sandbox” network to discover and manage all IP devices coupled or connected as components of the system. The IP devices of an embodiment include wired devices, wireless devices, cameras, interactive touchscreens, and security panels to name a few. These devices can be wired via ethernet cable or Wifi devices, all of which are secured within the sandbox network, as described below. The “sandbox” network is described in detail below.
The examples described above with reference to
The integrated security system of an embodiment includes a touchscreen (also referred to as the iControl touchscreen or integrated security system touchscreen), as described above, which provides core security keypad functionality, content management and presentation, and embedded systems design. The networked security touchscreen system of an embodiment enables a consumer or security provider to easily and automatically install, configure and manage the security system and touchscreen located at a customer premise. Using this system the customer may access and control the local security system, local IP devices such as cameras, local sensors and control devices (such as lighting controls or pipe freeze sensors), as well as the local security system panel and associated security sensors (such as door/window, motion, and smoke detectors). The customer premise may be a home, business, and/or other location equipped with a wired or wireless broadband IP connection.
The system of an embodiment includes a touchscreen with a configurable software user interface and/or a gateway device (e.g., iHub) that couples or connects to a premise security panel through a wired or wireless connection, and a remote server that provides access to content and information from the premises devices to a user when they are remote from the home. The touchscreen supports broadband and/or WAN wireless connectivity. In this embodiment, the touchscreen incorporates an IP broadband connection (e.g., Wifi radio, Ethernet port, etc.), and/or a cellular radio (e.g., GPRS/GSM, CDMA, WiMax, etc.). The touchscreen described herein can be used as one or more of a security system interface panel and a network user interface (UI) that provides an interface to interact with a network (e.g., LAN, WAN, internet, etc.).
The touchscreen of an embodiment provides an integrated touchscreen and security panel as an all-in-one device. Once integrated using the touchscreen, the touchscreen and a security panel of a premise security system become physically co-located in one device, and the functionality of both may even be co-resident on the same CPU and memory (though this is not required).
The touchscreen of an embodiment also provides an integrated IP video and touchscreen UI. As such, the touchscreen supports one or more standard video CODECs/players (e.g., H.264, Flash Video, MOV, MPEG4, M-JPEG, etc.). The touchscreen UI then provides a mechanism (such as a camera or video widget) to play video. In an embodiment the video is streamed live from an IP video camera. In other embodiments the video comprises video clips or photos sent from an IP camera or from a remote location.
The touchscreen of an embodiment provides a configurable user interface system that includes a configuration supporting use as a security touchscreen. In this embodiment, the touchscreen utilizes a modular user interface that allows components to be modified easily by a service provider, an installer, or even the end user. Examples of such a modular approach include using Flash widgets, HTML-based widgets, or other downloadable code modules such that the user interface of the touchscreen can be updated and modified while the application is running. In an embodiment the touchscreen user interface modules can be downloaded over the internet. For example, a new security configuration widget can be downloaded from a standard web server, and the touchscreen then loads such configuration app into memory, and inserts it in place of the old security configuration widget. The touchscreen of an embodiment is configured to provide a self-install user interface.
Embodiments of the networked security touchscreen system described herein include a touchscreen device with a user interface that includes a security toolbar providing one or more functions including arm, disarm, panic, medic, and alert. The touchscreen therefore includes at least one screen having a separate region of the screen dedicated to a security toolbar. The security toolbar of an embodiment is present in the dedicated region at all times that the screen is active.
The touchscreen of an embodiment includes a home screen having a separate region of the screen allocated to managing home-based functions. The home-based functions of an embodiment include managing, viewing, and/or controlling IP video cameras. In this embodiment, regions of the home screen are allocated in the form of widget icons; these widget icons (e.g. for cameras, thermostats, lighting, etc) provide functionality for managing home systems. So, for example, a displayed camera icon, when selected, launches a Camera Widget, and the Camera widget in turn provides access to video from one or more cameras, as well as providing the user with relevant camera controls (take a picture, focus the camera, etc.)
The touchscreen of an embodiment includes a home screen having a separate region of the screen allocated to managing, viewing, and/or controlling internet-based content or applications. For example, the Widget Manager UI presents a region of the home screen (up to and including the entire home screen) where internet widgets icons such as weather, sports, etc. may be accessed). Each of these icons may be selected to launch their respective content services.
The touchscreen of an embodiment is integrated into a premise network using the gateway, as described above. The gateway as described herein functions to enable a separate wireless network, or sub-network, that is coupled, connected, or integrated with another network (e.g., WAN, LAN of the host premises, etc.). The sub-network enabled by the gateway optimizes the installation process for IP devices, like the touchscreen, that couple or connect to the sub-network by segregating these IP devices from other such devices on the network. This segregation of the IP devices of the sub-network further enables separate security and privacy policies to be implemented for these IP devices so that, where the IP devices are dedicated to specific functions (e.g., security), the security and privacy policies can be tailored specifically for the specific functions. Furthermore, the gateway and the sub-network it forms enables the segregation of data traffic, resulting in faster and more efficient data flow between components of the host network, components of the sub-network, and between components of the sub-network and components of the network.
The touchscreen of an embodiment includes a core functional embedded system that includes an embedded operating system, required hardware drivers, and an open system interface to name a few. The core functional embedded system can be provided by or as a component of a conventional security system (e.g., security system available from GE Security). These core functional units are used with components of the integrated security system as described herein. Note that portions of the touchscreen description below may include reference to a host premise security system (e.g., GE security system), but these references are included only as an example and do not limit the touchscreen to integration with any particular security system.
As an example, regarding the core functional embedded system, a reduced memory footprint version of embedded Linux forms the core operating system in an embodiment, and provides basic TCP/IP stack and memory management functions, along with a basic set of low-level graphics primitives. A set of device drivers is also provided or included that offer low-level hardware and network interfaces. In addition to the standard drivers, an interface to the RS 485 bus is included that couples or connects to the security system panel (e.g., GE Concord panel). The interface may, for example, implement the Superbus 2000 protocol, which can then be utilized by the more comprehensive transaction-level security functions implemented in PanelConnect technology (e.g SetAlarmLevel (int level, int partition, char *accessCode)). Power control drivers are also provided.
More specifically, the touchscreen, when configured as a home security device, includes but is not limited to the following application or software modules: RS 485 and/or RS-232 bus security protocols to conventional home security system panel (e.g., GE Concord panel); functional home security classes and interfaces (e.g. Panel ARM state, Sensor status, etc.); Application/Presentation layer or engine; Resident Application; Consumer Home Security Application; installer home security application; core engine; and System bootloader/Software Updater. The core Application engine and system bootloader can also be used to support other advanced content and applications. This provides a seamless interaction between the premise security application and other optional services such as weather widgets or IP cameras.
An alternative configuration of the touchscreen includes a first Application engine for premise security and a second Application engine for all other applications. The integrated security system application engine supports content standards such as HTML, XML, Flash, etc. and enables a rich consumer experience for all ‘widgets’, whether security-based or not. The touchscreen thus provides service providers the ability to use web content creation and management tools to build and download any ‘widgets’ regardless of their functionality.
As discussed above, although the Security Applications have specific low-level functional requirements in order to interface with the premise security system, these applications make use of the same fundamental application facilities as any other ‘widget’, application facilities that include graphical layout, interactivity, application handoff, screen management, and network interfaces, to name a few.
Content management in the touchscreen provides the ability to leverage conventional web development tools, performance optimized for an embedded system, service provider control of accessible content, content reliability in a consumer device, and consistency between ‘widgets’ and seamless widget operational environment. In an embodiment of the integrated security system, widgets are created by web developers and hosted on the integrated security system Content Manager (and stored in the Content Store database). In this embodiment the server component caches the widgets and offers them to consumers through the web-based integrated security system provisioning system. The servers interact with the advanced touchscreen using HTTPS interfaces controlled by the core engine and dynamically download widgets and updates as needed to be cached on the touchscreen. In other embodiments widgets can be accessed directly over a network such as the Internet without needing to go through the iControl Content Manager
Referring to
The application engine of the touchscreen provides the presentation and interactivity capabilities for all applications (widgets) that run on the touchscreen, including both core security function widgets and third party content widgets.
A component of the application engine is the Presentation Engine, which includes a set of libraries that implement the standards-based widget content (e.g., XML, HTML, JavaScript, Flash) layout and interactivity. This engine provides the widget with interfaces to dynamically load both graphics and application logic from third parties, support high level data description language as well as standard graphic formats. The set of web content-based functionality available to a widget developer is extended by specific touchscreen functions implemented as local web services by the Core Engine.
The resident application of the touchscreen is the master service that controls the interaction of all widgets in the system, and enforces the business and security rules required by the service provider. For example, the resident application determines the priority of widgets, thereby enabling a home security widget to override resource requests from a less critical widget (e.g. a weather widget). The resident application also monitors widget behavior, and responds to client or server requests for cache updates.
The core engine of the touchscreen manages interaction with other components of the integrated security system, and provides an interface through which the resident application and authorized widgets can get information about the home security system, set alarms, install sensors, etc. At the lower level, the Core Engine's main interactions are through the PanelConnect API, which handles all communication with the security panel, and the gateway Interface, which handles communication with the gateway. In an embodiment, both the iHub Interface and PanelConnect API are resident and operating on the touchscreen. In another embodiment, the PanelConnect API runs on the gateway or other device that provides security system interaction and is accessed by the touchscreen through a web services interface.
The Core Engine also handles application and service level persistent and cached memory functions, as well as the dynamic provisioning of content and widgets, including but not limited to: flash memory management, local widget and content caching, widget version management (download, cache flush new/old content versions), as well as the caching and synchronization of user preferences. As a portion of these services the Core engine incorporates the bootloader functionality that is responsible for maintaining a consistent software image on the touchscreen, and acts as the client agent for all software updates. The bootloader is configured to ensure full update redundancy so that unsuccessful downloads cannot corrupt the integrated security system.
Video management is provided as a set of web services by the Core Engine. Video management includes the retrieval and playback of local video feeds as well as remote control and management of cameras (all through iControl CameraConnect technology).
Both the high level application layer and the mid-level core engine of the touchscreen can make calls to the network. Any call to the network made by the application layer is automatically handed off to a local caching proxy, which determines whether the request should be handled locally. Many of the requests from the application layer are web services API requests; although such requests could be satisfied by the iControl servers, they are handled directly by the touchscreen and the gateway. Requests that get through the caching proxy are checked against a white list of acceptable sites, and, if they match, are sent off through the network interface to the gateway. Included in the Network Subsystem is a set of network services including HTTP, HTTPS, and server-level authentication functions to manage the secure client-server interface. Storage and management of certificates is incorporated as a part of the network services layer.
Server components of the integrated security system servers support interactive content services on the touchscreen. These server components include, but are not limited to the content manager, registry manager, network manager, and global registry, each of which is described herein.
The Content Manager oversees aspects of handling widget data and raw content on the touchscreen. Once created and validated by the service provider, widgets are ‘ingested’ to the Content Manager, and then become available as downloadable services through the integrated security system Content Management APIs. The Content manager maintains versions and timestamp information, and connects to the raw data contained in the backend Content Store database. When a widget is updated (or new content becomes available) all clients registering interest in a widget are systematically updated as needed (a process that can be configured at an account, locale, or system-wide level).
The Registry Manager handles user data, and provisioning accounts, including information about widgets the user has decided to install, and the user preferences for these widgets.
The Network Manager handles getting and setting state for all devices on the integrated security system network (e.g., sensors, panels, cameras, etc.). The Network manager synchronizes with the gateway, the advanced touchscreen, and the subscriber database.
The Global Registry is a primary starting point server for all client services, and is a logical referral service that abstracts specific server locations/addresses from clients (touchscreen, gateway 102, desktop widgets, etc.). This approach enables easy scaling/migration of server farms.
The touchscreen of an embodiment operates wirelessly with a premise security system. The touchscreen of an embodiment incorporates an RF transceiver component that either communicates directly with the sensors and/or security panel over the panel's proprietary RF frequency, or the touchscreen communicates wirelessly to the gateway over 802.11, Ethernet, or other IP-based communications channel, as described in detail herein. In the latter case the gateway implements the PanelConnect interface and communicates directly to the security panel and/or sensors over wireless or wired networks as described in detail above.
The touchscreen of an embodiment is configured to operate with multiple security systems through the use of an abstracted security system interface. In this embodiment, the PanelConnect API can be configured to support a plurality of proprietary security system interfaces, either simultaneously or individually as described herein. In one embodiment of this approach, the touchscreen incorporates multiple physical interfaces to security panels (e.g. GE Security RS-485, Honeywell RF, etc.) in addition to the PanelConnect API implemented to support multiple security interfaces. The change needed to support this in PanelConnect is a configuration parameter specifying the panel type connection that is being utilized.
So for example, the setARMState( ) function is called with an additional parameter (e.g., Armstate=setARMState(type=“ARM STAY|ARM AWAY|DISARM”, Parameters=“ExitDelay=30|Lights=OFF”, panelType=“GE Concord4 RS485”)). The ‘panelType’ parameter is used by the setARMState function (and in practice by all of the PanelConnect functions) to select an algorithm appropriate to the specific panel out of a plurality of algorithms.
The touchscreen of an embodiment is self-installable. Consequently, the touchscreen provides a ‘wizard’ approach similar to that used in traditional computer installations (e.g. InstallShield). The wizard can be resident on the touchscreen, accessible through a web interface, or both. In one embodiment of a touchscreen self-installation process, the service provider can associate devices (sensors, touchscreens, security panels, lighting controls, etc.) remotely using a web-based administrator interface.
The touchscreen of an embodiment includes a battery backup system for a security touchscreen. The touchscreen incorporates a standard Li-ion or other battery and charging circuitry to allow continued operation in the event of a power outage. In an embodiment the battery is physically located and connected within the touchscreen enclosure. In another embodiment the battery is located as a part of the power transformer, or in between the power transformer and the touchscreen.
The example configurations of the integrated security system described above with reference to
The touchscreen of this alternative embodiment integrates the components of the gateway with the components of the touchscreen as described herein. More specifically, the touchscreen of this alternative embodiment includes software or applications described above with reference to
As standards evolve, and new encryption and authentication methods are proven to be useful, and older mechanisms proven to be breakable, the security manager can be upgraded “over the air” to provide new and better security for communications between the iConnect server and the gateway application, and locally at the premises to remove any risk of eavesdropping on camera communications.
A Remote Firmware Download module 306 of the touchscreen allows for seamless and secure updates to the gateway firmware through the iControl Maintenance Application on the server 104, providing a transparent, hassle-free mechanism for the service provider to deploy new features and bug fixes to the installed user base. The firmware download mechanism is tolerant of connection loss, power interruption and user interventions (both intentional and unintentional). Such robustness reduces down time and customer support issues. Touchscreen firmware can be remotely download either for one touchscreen at a time, a group of touchscreen, or in batches.
The Automations engine 308 of the touchscreen manages the user-defined rules of interaction between the different devices (e.g. when door opens turn on the light). Though the automation rules are programmed and reside at the portal/server level, they are cached at the gateway level in order to provide short latency between device triggers and actions.
DeviceConnect 310 of the touchscreen touchscreen includes definitions of all supported devices (e.g., cameras, security panels, sensors, etc.) using a standardized plug-in architecture. The DeviceConnect module 310 offers an interface that can be used to quickly add support for any new device as well as enabling interoperability between devices that use different technologies/protocols. For common device types, pre-defined sub-modules have been defined, making supporting new devices of these types even easier. SensorConnect 312 is provided for adding new sensors, CameraConnect 316 for adding IP cameras, and PanelConnect 314 for adding home security panels.
The Schedules engine 318 of the touchscreen is responsible for executing the user defined schedules (e.g., take a picture every five minutes; every day at 8 am set temperature to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.). Though the schedules are programmed and reside at the iConnect server level they are sent to the scheduler within the gateway application of the touchscreen. The Schedules Engine 318 then interfaces with SensorConnect 312 to ensure that scheduled events occur at precisely the desired time.
The Device Management module 320 of the touchscreen is in charge of all discovery, installation and configuration of both wired and wireless IP devices (e.g., cameras, etc.) coupled or connected to the system. Networked IP devices, such as those used in the integrated security system, require user configuration of many IP and security parameters, and the device management module of an embodiment handles the details of this configuration. The device management module also manages the video routing module described below.
The video routing engine 322 of the touchscreen is responsible for delivering seamless video streams to the user with zero-configuration. Through a multi-step, staged approach the video routing engine uses a combination of UPnP port-forwarding, relay server routing and STUN/TURN peer-to-peer routing. The video routing engine is described in detail in the Related Applications.
The gateway of an embodiment, whether a stand-along component or integrated with a touchscreen, enables couplings or connections and thus the flow or integration of information between various components of the host premises and various types and/or combinations of IP devices, where the components of the host premises include a network (e.g., LAN) and/or a security system or subsystem to name a few. Consequently, the gateway controls the association between and the flow of information or data between the components of the host premises. For example, the gateway of an embodiment forms a sub-network coupled to another network (e.g., WAN, LAN, etc.), with the sub-network including IP devices. The gateway further enables the association of the IP devices of the sub-network with appropriate systems on the premises (e.g., security system, etc.). Therefore, for example, the gateway can form a sub-network of IP devices configured for security functions, and associate the sub-network only with the premises security system, thereby segregating the IP devices dedicated to security from other IP devices that may be coupled to another network on the premises.
The gateway of an embodiment, as described herein, enables couplings or connections and thus the flow of information between various components of the host premises and various types and/or combinations of IP devices, where the components of the host premises include a network, a security system or subsystem to name a few. Consequently, the gateway controls the association between and the flow of information or data between the components of the host premises. For example, the gateway of an embodiment forms a sub-network coupled to another network (e.g., WAN, LAN, etc.), with the sub-network including IP devices. The gateway further enables the association of the IP devices of the sub-network with appropriate systems on the premises (e.g., security system, etc.). Therefore, for example, the gateway can form a sub-network of IP devices configured for security functions, and associate the sub-network only with the premises security system, thereby segregating the IP devices dedicated to security from other IP devices that may be coupled to another network on the premises.
In an example embodiment,
An embodiment of the IP device discovery and management begins with a user or installer activating 1302 the gateway and initiating 1304 the install mode of the system. This places the gateway in an install mode. Once in install mode, the gateway shifts to a default (Install) Wifi configuration. This setting will match the default setting for other integrated security system-enabled devices that have been pre-configured to work with the integrated security system. The gateway will then begin to provide 1306 DHCP addresses for these IP devices. Once the devices have acquired a new DHCP address from the gateway, those devices are available for configuration into a new secured Wifi network setting.
The user or installer of the system selects 1308 all devices that have been identified as available for inclusion into the integrated security system. The user may select these devices by their unique IDs via a web page, Touchscreen, or other client interface. The gateway provides 1310 data as appropriate to the devices. Once selected, the devices are configured 1312 with appropriate secured Wifi settings, including SSID and WPA/WPA-2 keys that are used once the gateway switches back to the secured sandbox configuration from the “Install” settings. Other settings are also configured as appropriate for that type of device. Once all devices have been configured, the user is notified and the user can exit install mode. At this point all devices will have been registered 1314 with the integrated security system servers.
The installer switches 1316 the gateway to an operational mode, and the gateway instructs or directs 1318 all newly configured devices to switch to the “secured” Wifi sandbox settings. The gateway then switches 1320 to the “secured” Wifi settings. Once the devices identify that the gateway is active on the “secured” network, they request new DHCP addresses from the gateway which, in response, provides 1322 the new addresses. The devices with the new addresses are then operational 1324 on the secured network.
In order to ensure the highest level of security on the secured network, the gateway can create or generate a dynamic network security configuration based on the unique ID and private key in the gateway, coupled with a randomizing factor that can be based on online time or other inputs. This guarantees the uniqueness of the gateway secured network configuration.
To enable the highest level of performance, the gateway analyzes the RF spectrum of the 802.11x network and determines which frequency band/channel it should select to run.
An alternative embodiment of the camera/IP device management process leverages the local ethernet connection of the sandbox network on the gateway. This alternative process is similar to the Wifi discovery embodiment described above, except the user connects the targeted device to the ethernet port of the sandbox network to begin the process. This alternative embodiment accommodates devices that have not been pre-configured with the default “Install” configuration for the integrated security system.
This alternative embodiment of the IP device discovery and management begins with the user/installer placing the system into install mode. The user is instructed to attach an IP device to be installed to the sandbox Ethernet port of the gateway. The IP device requests a DHCP address from the gateway which, in response to the request, provides the address. The user is presented the device and is asked if he/she wants to install the device. If yes, the system configures the device with the secured Wifi settings and other device-specific settings (e.g., camera settings for video length, image quality etc.). The user is next instructed to disconnect the device from the ethernet port. The device is now available for use on the secured sandbox network.
Referring to
In an embodiment of this security system connection, the touchscreen 1403 communicates to the gateway 1402, and has no direct communication with the security panel. In this embodiment, the touchscreen core application 1410 accesses the remote service APIs 1412 which provide security system functionality (e.g. ARM/DISARM panel, sensor state, get/set panel configuration parameters, initiate or get alarm events, etc.). In an embodiment, the remote service APIs 1412 implement one or more of the following functions, but the embodiment is not so limited: Armstate=setARMState(type=“ARM STAY|ARM AWAY|DISARM”, Parameters=“ExitDelay=30|Lights=OFF”); sensorState=getSensors(type=“ALL|SensorName|SensorNameList”); result=setSensorState(SensorName, parameters=“Option1, Options2, . . . Option n”); interruptHandler=SensorEvent( ) and, interruptHandler=alarmEvent( ).
Functions of the remote service APIs 1412 of an embodiment use a remote PanelConnect API 1424 which resides in memory on the gateway 1402. The touchscreen 1403 communicates with the gateway 1402 through a suitable network interface such as an Ethernet or 802.11 RF connection, for example. The remote PanelConnect API 1424 provides the underlying Security System Interfaces 1426 used to communicate with and control one or more types of security panel via wired link 1430 and/or RF link 3. The PanelConnect API 1224 provides responses and input to the remote services APIs 1426, and in turn translates function calls and data to and from the specific protocols and functions supported by a specific implementation of a Security Panel (e.g. a GE Security Simon XT or Honeywell Vista 20P). In an embodiment, the PanelConnect API 1224 uses a 345 MHz RF transceiver or receiver hardware/firmware module to communicate wirelessly to the security panel and directly to a set of 345 MHz RF-enabled sensors and devices, but the embodiment is not so limited.
The gateway of an alternative embodiment communicates over a wired physical coupling or connection to the security panel using the panel's specific wired hardware (bus) interface and the panel's bus-level protocol.
In an alternative embodiment, the Touchscreen 1403 implements the same PanelConnect API 1414 locally on the Touchscreen 1403, communicating directly with the Security Panel 2 and/or Sensors 2 over the proprietary RF link or over a wired link for that system. In this embodiment the Touchscreen 1403, instead of the gateway 1402, incorporates the 345 MHz RF transceiver to communicate directly with Security Panel 2 or Sensors 2 over the RF link 2. In the case of a wired link the Touchscreen 1403 incorporates the real-time hardware (e.g. a PIC chip and RS232-variant serial link) to physically connect to and satisfy the specific bus-level timing requirements of the SecurityPanel2.
In yet another alternative embodiment, either the gateway 1402 or the Touchscreen 1403 implements the remote service APIs. This embodiment includes a Cricket device (“Cricket”) which comprises but is not limited to the following components: a processor (suitable for handling 802.11 protocols and processing, as well as the bus timing requirements of SecurityPanel1); an 802.11 (WiFi) client IP interface chip; and, a serial bus interface chip that implements variants of RS232 or RS485, depending on the specific Security Panel.
The Cricket also implements the full PanelConnect APIs such that it can perform the same functions as the case where the gateway implements the PanelConnect APIs. In this embodiment, the touchscreen core application 1410 calls functions in the remote service APIs 1412 (such as setArmState( )). These functions in turn couple or connect to the remote Cricket through a standard IP connection (“Cricket IP Link”) (e.g., Ethernet, Homeplug, the gateway's proprietary Wifi network, etc.). The Cricket in turn implements the PanelConnect API, which responds to the request from the touchscreen core application, and performs the appropriate function using the proprietary panel interface. This interface uses either the wireless or wired proprietary protocol for the specific security panel and/or sensors.
Unlike conventional systems that extend an existing security system, the system of an embodiment operates utilizing the proprietary wireless protocols of the security system manufacturer. In one illustrative embodiment, the gateway is an embedded computer with an IP LAN and WAN connection and a plurality of RF transceivers and software protocol modules capable of communicating with a plurality of security systems each with a potentially different RF and software protocol interface. After the gateway has completed the discovery and learning 1540 of sensors and has been integrated 1550 as a virtual control device in the extant security system, the system becomes operational. Thus, the security system and associated sensors are presented 1550 as accessible devices to a potential plurality of user interface subsystems.
The system of an embodiment integrates 1560 the functionality of the extant security system with other non-security devices including but not limited to IP cameras, touchscreens, lighting controls, door locking mechanisms, which may be controlled via RF, wired, or powerline-based networking mechanisms supported by the gateway or servers.
The system of an embodiment provides a user interface subsystem 1570 enabling a user to monitor, manage, and control the system and associated sensors and security systems. In an embodiment of the system, a user interface subsystem is an HTML/WL/Javascript/Java/AJAX/Flash presentation of a monitoring and control application, enabling users to view the state of all sensors and controllers in the extant security system from a web browser or equivalent operating on a computer, PDA, mobile phone, or other consumer device.
In another illustrative embodiment of the system described herein, a user interface subsystem is an HTML/XML/Javascript/Java/AJAX presentation of a monitoring and control application, enabling users to combine the monitoring and control of the extant security system and sensors with the monitoring and control of non-security devices including but not limited to IP cameras, touchscreens, lighting controls, door locking mechanisms.
In another illustrative embodiment of the system described herein, a user interface subsystem is a mobile phone application enabling users to monitor and control the extant security system as well as other non-security devices.
In another illustrative embodiment of the system described herein, a user interface subsystem is an application running on a keypad or touchscreen device enabling users to monitor and control the extant security system as well as other non-security devices.
In another illustrative embodiment of the system described herein, a user interface subsystem is an application operating on a TV or set-top box connected to a TV enabling users to monitor and control the extant security system as well as other non-security devices.
Moreover, other elements of the system of an embodiment may be conventional, well-known elements that need not be explained in detail herein. For example, security system 1610 could be any type home or business security system, such devices including but not limited to a standalone RF home security system or a non-RF-capable wired home security system with an add-on RF interface module. In the integrated security system 1600 of this example, security system 1610 includes an RF-capable wireless security panel (WSP) 1611 that acts as the master controller for security system 1610. Well-known examples of such a WSP include the GE Security Concord, Networx, and Simon panels, the Honeywell Vista and Lynx panels, and similar panels from DSC and Napco, to name a few. A wireless module 1614 includes the RF hardware and protocol software necessary to enable communication with and control of a plurality of wireless devices 1613. WSP 1611 may also manage wired devices 1614 physically connected to WSP 1611 with an RS232 or RS485 or Ethernet connection or similar such wired interface.
In an implementation consistent with the systems and methods described herein, Gateway 1620 provides the interface between security system 1610 and LAN and/or WAN for purposes of remote control, monitoring, and management. Gateway 1620 communicates with an external web server 1640, database 1650, and application server 1660 over network 1630 (which may comprise WAN, LAN, or a combination thereof). In this example system, application logic, remote user interface functionality, as well as user state and account are managed by the combination of these remote servers. Gateway 1620 includes server connection manager 1621, a software interface module responsible for all server communication over network 1630. Event manager 1622 implements the main event loop for Gateway 1620, processing events received from device manager 1624 (communicating with non-security system devices including but not limited to IP cameras, wireless thermostats, or remote door locks). Event manager 1622 further processes events and control messages from and to security system 1610 by utilizing WSP manager 1623.
WSP manager 1623 and device manager 1624 both rely upon wireless protocol manager 1626 which receives and stores the proprietary or standards-based protocols required to support security system 1610 as well as any other devices interfacing with gateway 1620. WSP manager 1623 further utilizes the comprehensive protocols and interface algorithms for a plurality of security systems 1610 stored in the WSP DB client database associated with wireless protocol manager 1626. These various components implement the software logic and protocols necessary to communicate with and manager devices and security systems 1610. Wireless Transceiver hardware modules 1625 are then used to implement the physical RF communications link to such devices and security systems 1610. An illustrative wireless transceiver 1625 is the GE Security Dialog circuit board, implementing a 319.5 MHz two-way RF transceiver module. In this example, RF Link 1670 represents the 319.5 MHz RF communication link, enabling gateway 1620 to monitor and control WSP 1611 and associated wireless and wired devices 1613 and 1614, respectively.
In one embodiment, server connection manager 1621 requests and receives a set of wireless protocols for a specific security system 1610 (an illustrative example being that of the GE Security Concord panel and sensors) and stores them in the WSP DB portion of the wireless protocol manager 1626. WSP manager 1623 then utilizes such protocols from wireless protocol manager 1626 to initiate the sequence of processes detailed in
In another embodiment, gateway 1620 incorporates a plurality of wireless transceivers 1625 and associated protocols managed by wireless protocol manager 1626. In this embodiment events and control of multiple heterogeneous devices may be coordinated with WSP 1611, wireless devices 1613, and wired devices 1614. For example a wireless sensor from one manufacturer may be utilized to control a device using a different protocol from a different manufacturer.
In another embodiment, gateway 1620 incorporates a wired interface to security system 1610, and incorporates a plurality of wireless transceivers 1625 and associated protocols managed by wireless protocol manager 1626. In this embodiment events and control of multiple heterogeneous devices may be coordinated with WSP 1611, wireless devices 1613, and wired devices 1614.
Of course, while an illustrative embodiment of an architecture of the system of an embodiment is described in detail herein with respect to
Gateway 1620 utilizes the appropriate protocols to mimic 1760 the first identified device 1614. In this operation gateway 1620 identifies itself using the unique or pseudo-unique identifier of the first found device 1614, and sends an appropriate change of state message over RF Link 1670. In the event that WSP 1611 responds to this change of state message, the device 1614 is then added 1770 to the system in database 1650. Gateway 1620 associates 1780 any other information (such as zone name or token-based identifier) with this device 1614 in database 1650, enabling gateway 1620, user interface modules, or any application to retrieve this associated information.
In the event that WSP 1611 does not respond to the change of state message, the device 1614 is not added 1770 to the system in database 1650, and this device 1614 is identified as not being a part of security system 1610 with a flag, and is either ignored or added as an independent device, at the discretion of the system provisioning rules. Operations hereunder repeat 1785 operations 1760, 1770, 1780 for all devices 1614 if applicable. Once all devices 1614 have been tested in this way, the system begins operation 1790.
In another embodiment, gateway 1620 utilizes a wired connection to WSP 1611, but also incorporates a wireless transceiver 1625 to communicate directly with devices 1614. In this embodiment, operations under 1720 above are removed, and operations under 1740 above are modified so the system of this embodiment utilizes wireline protocols to add itself as an authorized control device in security system 1610.
A description of an example embodiment follows in which the Gateway (
The automatic security system installation begins with the assignment of an authorization key to components of the security system (e.g., gateway, kit including the gateway, etc.). The assignment of an authorization key is done in lieu of creating a user account. An installer later places the gateway in a user's premises along with the premises security system. The installer uses a computer to navigate to a web portal (e.g., integrated security system web interface), logs in to the portal, and enters the authorization key of the installed gateway into the web portal for authentication. Once authenticated, the gateway automatically discovers devices at the premises (e.g., sensors, cameras, light controls, etc.) and adds the discovered devices to the system or “network”. The installer assigns names to the devices, and tests operation of the devices back to the server (e.g., did the door open, did the camera take a picture, etc.). The security device information is optionally pushed or otherwise propagated to a security panel and/or to the server network database. The installer finishes the installation, and instructs the end user on how to create an account, username, and password. At this time the user enters the authorization key which validates the account creation (uses a valid authorization key to associate the network with the user's account). New devices may subsequently be added to the security network in a variety of ways (e.g., user first enters a unique ID for each device/sensor and names it in the server, after which the gateway can automatically discover and configure the device).
A description of another example embodiment follows in which the security system (
GE Security's Dialog network is one of the most widely deployed and tested wireless security systems in the world. The physical RF network is based on a 319.5 MHz unlicensed spectrum, with a bandwidth supporting up to 19 Kbps communications. Typical use of this bandwidth—even in conjunction with the integrated security system—is far less than that. Devices on this network can support either one-way communication (either a transmitter or a receiver) or two-way communication (a transceiver). Certain GE Simon, Simon XT, and Concord security control panels incorporate a two-way transceiver as a standard component. The gateway also incorporates the same two-way transceiver card. The physical link layer of the network is managed by the transceiver module hardware and firmware, while the coded payload bitstreams are made available to the application layer for processing.
Sensors in the Dialog network typically use a 60-bit protocol for communicating with the security panel transceiver, while security system keypads and the gateway use the encrypted 80-bit protocol. The Dialog network is configured for reliability, as well as low-power usage. Many devices are supervised, i.e. they are regularly monitored by the system ‘master’ (typically a GE security panel), while still maintaining excellent power usage characteristics. A typical door window sensor has a battery life in excess of 5-7 years.
The gateway has two modes of operation in the Dialog network: a first mode of operation is when the gateway is configured or operates as a ‘slave’ to the GE security panel; a second mode of operation is when the gateway is configured or operates as a ‘master’ to the system in the event a security panel is not present. In both configurations, the gateway has the ability to ‘listen’ to network traffic, enabling the gateway to continually keep track of the status of all devices in the system. Similarly, in both situations the gateway can address and control devices that support setting adjustments (such as the GE wireless thermostat).
In the configuration in which the gateway acts as a ‘slave’ to the security panel, the gateway is ‘learned into’ the system as a GE wireless keypad. In this mode of operation, the gateway emulates a security system keypad when managing the security panel, and can query the security panel for status and ‘listen’ to security panel events (such as alarm events).
The gateway incorporates an RF Transceiver manufactured by GE Security, but is not so limited. This transceiver implements the Dialog protocols and handles all network message transmissions, receptions, and timing. As such, the physical, link, and protocol layers of the communications between the gateway and any GE device in the Dialog network are totally compliant with GE Security specifications.
At the application level, the gateway emulates the behavior of a GE wireless keypad utilizing the GE Security 80-bit encrypted protocol, and only supported protocols and network traffic are generated by the gateway. Extensions to the Dialog RF protocol of an embodiment enable full control and configuration of the panel, and iControl can both automate installation and sensor enrollment as well as direct configuration downloads for the panel under these protocol extensions.
As described above, the gateway participates in the GE Security network at the customer premises. Because the gateway has intelligence and a two-way transceiver, it can ‘hear’ all of the traffic on that network. The gateway makes use of the periodic sensor updates, state changes, and supervisory signals of the network to maintain a current state of the premises. This data is relayed to the integrated security system server (e.g.,
The gateway can directly (or indirectly through the Simon XT panel) control two-way devices on the network. For example, the gateway can direct a GE Security Thermostat to change its setting to ‘Cool’ from ‘Off’, as well as request an update on the current temperature of the room. The gateway performs these functions using the existing GE Dialog protocols, with little to no impact on the network; a gateway device control or data request takes only a few dozen bytes of data in a network that can support 19 Kbps.
By enrolling with the Simon XT as a wireless keypad, as described herein, the gateway includes data or information of all alarm events, as well as state changes relevant to the security panel. This information is transferred to the gateway as encrypted packets in the same way that the information is transferred to all other wireless keypads on the network.
Because of its status as an authorized keypad, the gateway can also initiate the same panel commands that a keypad can initiate. For example, the gateway can arm or disarm the panel using the standard Dialog protocol for this activity. Other than the monitoring of standard alarm events like other network keypads, the only incremental data traffic on the network as a result of the gateway is the infrequent remote arm/disarm events that the gateway initiates, or infrequent queries on the state of the panel.
The gateway is enrolled into the Simon XT panel as a ‘slave’ device which, in an embodiment, is a wireless keypad. This enables the gateway for all necessary functionality for operating the Simon XT system remotely, as well as combining the actions and information of non-security devices such as lighting or door locks with GE Security devices. The only resource taken up by the gateway in this scenario is one wireless zone (sensor ID).
The gateway of an embodiment supports three forms of sensor and panel enrollment/installation into the integrated security system, but is not limited to this number of enrollment/installation options. The enrollment/installation options of an embodiment include installer installation, kitting, and panel, each of which is described below.
Under the installer option, the installer enters the sensor IDs at time of installation into the integrated security system web portal or iScreen. This technique is supported in all configurations and installations.
Kits can be pre-provisioned using integrated security system provisioning applications when using the kitting option. At kitting time, multiple sensors are automatically associated with an account, and at install time there is no additional work required.
In the case where a panel is installed with sensors already enrolled (i.e. using the GE Simon XT enrollment process), the gateway has the capability to automatically extract the sensor information from the system and incorporate it into the user account on the integrated security system server.
The gateway and integrated security system of an embodiment uses an auto-learn process for sensor and panel enrollment in an embodiment. The deployment approach of an embodiment can use additional interfaces that GE Security is adding to the Simon XT panel. With these interfaces, the gateway has the capability to remotely enroll sensors in the panel automatically. The interfaces include, but are not limited to, the following: EnrollDevice(ID, type, name, zone, group); SetDeviceParameters(ID, type, Name, zone, group), GetDeviceParameters(zone); and RemoveDevice(zone).
The integrated security system incorporates these new interfaces into the system, providing the following install process. The install process can include integrated security system logistics to handle kitting and pre-provisioning. Pre-kitting and logistics can include a pre-provisioning kitting tool provided by integrated security system that enables a security system vendor or provider (“provider”) to offer pre-packaged initial ‘kits’. This is not required but is recommended for simplifying the install process. This example assumes a ‘Basic’ kit is preassembled and includes one (1) Simon XT, three (3) Door/window sensors, one (1) motion sensor, one (1) gateway, one (1) keyfob, two (2) cameras, and ethernet cables. The kit also includes a sticker page with all Zones (1-24) and Names (full name list).
The provider uses the integrated security system kitting tool to assemble ‘Basic’ kit packages. The contents of different types of starter kits may be defined by the provider. At the distribution warehouse, a worker uses a bar code scanner to scan each sensor and the gateway as it is packed into the box. An ID label is created that is attached to the box. The scanning process automatically associates all the devices with one kit, and the new ID label is the unique identifier of the kit. These boxes are then sent to the provider for distribution to installer warehouses. Individual sensors, cameras, etc. are also sent to the provider installer warehouse. Each is labeled with its own barcode/ID.
An installation and enrollment procedure of a security system including a gateway is described below as one example of the installation process.
An installation and enrollment procedure of a security system including a gateway is described below as an alternative example of the installation process. This installation process is for use for enrolling sensors into the SimonXT and integrated security system and is compatible with all existing GE Simon panels.
The integrated security system supports all pre-kitting functionality described in the installation process above. However, for the purpose of the following example, no kitting is used.
The panel of an embodiment can be programmed remotely. The CMS pushes new programming to SimonXT over a telephone or GPRS link. Optionally, iControl and GE provide a broadband link or coupling to the gateway and then a link from the gateway to the Simon XT over GE RF.
In addition to the configurations described above, the gateway of an embodiment supports takeover configurations in which it is introduced or added into a legacy security system. A description of example takeover configurations follow in which the security system (
The security system can optionally include RF wireless sensors (e.g., GE wireless sensors utilizing the GE Dialog RF technology), IP cameras, a GE-iControl Touchscreen (the touchscreen is assumed to be an optional component in the configurations described herein, and is thus treated separately from the iHub; in systems in which the touchscreen is a component of the base security package, the integrated iScreen (available from iControl Networks, Palo Alto, Calif.) can be used to combine iHub technology with the touchscreen in a single unit), and Z-Wave devices to name a few.
The takeover configurations described below assume takeover by a “new” system of an embodiment of a security system provided by another third party vendor, referred to herein as an “original” or “legacy” system. Generally, the takeover begins with removal of the control panel and keypad of the legacy system. A GE Concord panel is installed to replace the control panel of the legacy system along with an iHub with GPRS Modem. The legacy system sensors are then connected or wired to the Concord panel, and a GE keypad or touchscreen is installed to replace the control panel of the legacy system. The iHub includes the iControl RF card, which is compatible with the legacy system. The iHub finds and manages the wireless sensors of the legacy system, and learns the sensors into the Concord by emulating the corresponding GE sensors. The iHub effectively acts as a relay for legacy wireless sensors.
Once takeover is complete, the new security system provides a homogeneous system that removes the compromises inherent in taking over or replacing a legacy system. For example, the new system provides a modern touchscreen that may include additional functionality, new services, and supports integration of sensors from various manufacturers. Furthermore, lower support costs can be realized because call centers, installers, etc. are only required to support one architecture. Additionally, there is minimal install cost because only the panel is required to be replaced as a result of the configuration flexibility offered by the iHub.
The system takeover configurations described below include but are not limited to a dedicated wireless configuration, a dedicated wireless configuration that includes a touchscreen, and a fished Ethernet configuration. Each of these configurations is described in detail below.
The GE-iControl Touchscreen can be used with either of an 802.11 connection or Ethernet connection with the iHub. Because the takeover involves a GE Concord panel (or Simon XT), the touchscreen is always an option. No extra wiring is required for the touchscreen as it can use the 4-wire set from the replaced keypad of the legacy system. This provides power, battery backup (through Concord), and data link (RS485 Superbus 2000) between Concord and touchscreen. The touchscreen receives its broadband connectivity through the dedicated 802.11 link to the iHub.
The takeover installation process is similar to the installation process described above, except the control panel of the legacy system is replaced; therefore, only the differences with the installation described above are provided here. The takeover approach of an embodiment uses the existing RS485 control interfaces that GE Security and iControl support with the iHub, touchscreen, and Concord panel. With these interfaces, the iHub is capable of automatically enrolling sensors in the panel. The exception is the leverage of an iControl RF card compatible with legacy systems to ‘takeover’ existing RF sensors. A description of the takeover installation process follows.
During the installation process, the iHub uses an RF Takeover Card to automatically extract all sensor IDs, zones, and names from the legacy panel. The installer removes connections at the legacy panel from hardwired wired sensors and labels each with the zone. The installer pulls the legacy panel and replaces it with the GE Concord panel. The installer also pulls the existing legacy keypad and replaces it with either a GE keypad or a GE-iControl touchscreen. The installer connects legacy hardwired sensors to appropriate wired zone (from labels) on the Concord. The installer connects the iHub to the local network and connects the iHub RS485 interface to the Concord panel. The iHub automatically ‘enrolls’ legacy RF sensors into the Concord panel as GE sensors (maps IDs), and pushes or otherwise propagates other information gathered from HW panel (zone, name, group). The installer performs a test of all sensors back to CMS. In operation, the iHub relays legacy sensor data to the Concord panel, emulating equivalent GE sensor behavior and protocols.
The areas of the installation process particular to the legacy takeover include how the iHub extracts sensor info from the legacy panel and how the iHub automatically enrolls legacy RF sensors and populates Concord with wired zone information. Each of these areas is described below.
In having the iHub extract sensor information from the legacy panel, the installer ‘enrolls’ iHub into the legacy panel as a wireless keypad (use install code and house ID—available from panel). The iHub legacy RF Takeover Card is a compatible legacy RF transceiver. The installer uses the web portal to place iHub into ‘Takeover Mode’, and the web portal the automatically instructs the iHub to begin extraction. The iHub queries the panel over the RF link (to get all zone information for all sensors, wired and RF). The iHub then stores the legacy sensor information received during the queries on the iConnect server.
The iHub also automatically enrolls legacy RF sensors and populates Concord with wired zone information. In so doing, the installer selects ‘Enroll legacy Sensors into Concord’ (next step in ‘Takeover’ process on web portal). The iHub automatically queries the iConnect server, and downloads legacy sensor information previously extracted. The downloaded information includes an ID mapping from legacy ID to ‘spoofed’ GE ID. This mapping is stored on the server as part of the sensor information (e.g., the iConnect server knows that the sensor is a legacy sensor acting in GE mode). The iHub instructs Concord to go into install mode, and sends appropriate Superbus 2000 commands for sensor learning to the panel. For each sensor, the ‘spoofed’ GE ID is loaded, and zone, name, and group are set based on information extracted from legacy panel. Upon completion, the iHub notifies the server, and the web portal is updated to reflect next phase of Takeover (e.g., ‘Test Sensors’).
Sensors are tested in the same manner as described above. When a HW sensor is triggered, the signal is captured by the iHub legacy RF Takeover Card, translated to the equivalent GE RF sensor signal, and pushed to the panel as a sensor event on the SuperBus 2000 wires.
In support of remote programming of the panel, CMS pushes new programming to Concord over a phone line, or to the iConnect CMS/Alarm Server API, which in turn pushes the programming to the iHub. The iHub uses the Concord Superbus 2000 RS485 link to push the programming to the Concord panel.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a gateway located at a premise and forming at least one network on the premise that includes a plurality of premise devices. The system includes a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The floor plan display visually and separately indicates a location and a current state of each premise device of the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a gateway located at a premise and forming at least one network on the premise that includes a plurality of premise devices; and a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the floor plan display visually and separately indicates a location and a current state of each premise device of the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a security network comprising a gateway at a premise coupled to a security system that includes security system components located at the premise. The gateway is coupled to a remote network. The system includes a subnetwork coupled to the gateway. The subnetwork comprises a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The system includes a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a plurality of remote client devices. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display and representing location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a security network comprising a gateway at a premise coupled to a security system that includes security system components located at the premise, wherein the gateway is coupled to a remote network; a subnetwork coupled to the gateway, wherein the subnetwork comprises a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a plurality of remote client devices, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display and representing location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a gateway at a premise. The gateway forms a security network with a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forms a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The system includes a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The floor plan display visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a gateway at a premise, the gateway forming a security network with a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the floor plan display visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a gateway at a premise. The gateway forms a security network with a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forms a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The system includes a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display. The plurality of system icons includes a plurality of sensor icons that each represents a location and a state of a security system component corresponding to the sensor icon. The plurality of system icons includes a plurality of device icons that each represent a location and a state of a premise device corresponding to the device icon.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a gateway at a premise, the gateway forming a security network with a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display, wherein the plurality of system icons includes a plurality of sensor icons that each represent a location and a state of a security system component corresponding to the sensor icon, wherein the plurality of system icons includes a plurality of device icons that each represent a location and a state of a premise device corresponding to the device icon.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising a gateway at a premise. The gateway forms a security network with a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forms a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The system includes a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes at least one of an orb icon and a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The at least one display element visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include a system comprising: a gateway at a premise, the gateway forming a security network with a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and a sensor user interface (SUI) coupled to the gateway and presented to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes at least one of an orb icon and a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the at least one display element visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising forming at least one network on a premise using a gateway located at the premise. The at least one network includes a plurality of premise devices. The method comprises generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device. The SUI is coupled to the gateway. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The floor plan display visually and separately indicates a location and a current state of each premise device of the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising: forming at least one network on a premise using a gateway located at the premise, wherein the at least one network includes a plurality of premise devices; and generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI is coupled to the gateway, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the floor plan display visually and separately indicates a location and a current state of each premise device of the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising forming a security network comprising a gateway at a premise coupled to a security system that includes security system components located at the premise. The gateway is coupled to a remote network. The method comprises forming a subnetwork with the gateway. The subnetwork comprises a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The method comprises generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a plurality of remote client devices. The SUI is coupled to the gateway and includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display and representing location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising: forming a security network comprising a gateway at a premise coupled to a security system that includes security system components located at the premise, wherein the gateway is coupled to a remote network; forming a subnetwork with the gateway, wherein the subnetwork comprises a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a plurality of remote client devices, wherein the SUI is coupled to the gateway and includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display and representing location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising forming a security network between a gateway and a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming with the gateway a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The method comprises generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device. The SUI is coupled to the gateway and includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The floor plan display visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising: forming a security network between a gateway and a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming with the gateway a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI is coupled to the gateway and includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the floor plan display visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising forming a security network with a gateway and a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The method comprises generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device. The SUI is coupled to the gateway and includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display. The plurality of system icons includes a plurality of sensor icons that each represents a location and a state of a security system component corresponding to the sensor icon. The plurality of system icons includes a plurality of device icons that each represents a location and a state of a premise device corresponding to the device icon.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising: forming a security network with a gateway and a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI is coupled to the gateway and includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the at least one display element includes a plurality of system icons displayed on the floor plan display, wherein the plurality of system icons includes a plurality of sensor icons that each represent a location and a state of a security system component corresponding to the sensor icon, wherein the plurality of system icons includes a plurality of device icons that each represent a location and a state of a premise device corresponding to the device icon.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising forming a security network with a gateway and a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise. The method comprises generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device. The SUI is coupled to the gateway. The SUI includes at least one display element. The at least one display element includes at least one of an orb icon and a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise. The at least one display element visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
Embodiments described herein include method comprising: forming a security network with a gateway and a security system that includes security system components located at a premise and forming a subnetwork that includes a plurality of premise devices located at the premise; and generating and presenting a sensor user interface (SUI) to a user via a remote device, wherein the SUI is coupled to the gateway, wherein the SUI includes at least one display element, wherein the at least one display element includes at least one of an orb icon and a floor plan display that represents at least one floor of the premise, wherein the at least one display element visually indicates a state of the security system and location and current status of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
The floor plan display of an embodiment comprises a color that visually indicates a state of the security system.
The color of an embodiment is a background color.
The color of an embodiment is a color of a border of the at least one floor displayed on the floor plan display.
Each color of a plurality of colors of an embodiment represents each state of a plurality of states of the security system.
The SUI of an embodiment comprises text presented with floor plan display.
The text of an embodiment comprises a text description of the state of the security system.
The text of an embodiment comprises a plurality of phrases.
The text of an embodiment comprises a first phrase describing an arm state of the security system.
The text of an embodiment comprises a second phrase describing a sensor status of at least one sensor of the security system components.
The SUI of an embodiment includes a security button that enables control of the security system.
The security button of an embodiment enables arming of the security system.
The security button of an embodiment enables disarming of the security system.
The floor plan display of an embodiment comprises a plurality of tiles.
At least one rendered state of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices of an embodiment comprises the plurality of tiles.
The at least one rendered state of an embodiment comprises an alarmed state.
The at least one rendered state of an embodiment comprises an offline state.
The at least one floor of an embodiment comprises a plurality of floors.
The SUI of an embodiment comprises a plurality of floor icons, wherein each floor icon corresponds to one of the plurality of floors.
The plurality of floors of an embodiment corresponds to a number of floors of the premise.
The plurality of floors of an embodiment corresponds to at least one floor of the premise and at least one floor of an outbuilding corresponding to the premise.
The plurality of system icons of an embodiment includes a plurality of sensor icons, wherein each sensor icon represents a location and a state of a security system component corresponding to the sensor icon.
The security system component of an embodiment is a door sensor.
The security system component of an embodiment is a window sensor.
The security system component of an embodiment is a motion sensor.
The security system component of an embodiment is a fire sensor.
The security system component of an embodiment is a smoke sensor.
The security system component of an embodiment is a glass-break sensor.
The security system component of an embodiment is a flood sensor.
The state of an embodiment comprises an alarmed state.
The state of an embodiment comprises a tripped state.
The state of an embodiment comprises a tampered state.
The state of an embodiment comprises a low-battery state.
The state of an embodiment comprises an offline state.
The state of an embodiment comprises an unknown state.
The state of an embodiment comprises an installing state.
The state of an embodiment comprises an open door state.
The state of an embodiment comprises an open window state.
The state of an embodiment comprises a motion sensor active state.
The state of an embodiment comprises a quiet state.
The quiet state of an embodiment comprises an inactive state.
The quiet state of an embodiment comprises a closed state.
The quiet state of an embodiment comprises an untriggered state.
The quiet state of an embodiment comprises an untripped state.
The plurality of system icons of an embodiment includes a plurality of device icons, wherein each device icon represents a location and a state of a premise device corresponding to the device icon.
The premise device of an embodiment is a light.
The premise device of an embodiment is a thermostat.
The premise device of an embodiment is a camera.
The premise device of an embodiment is a lock.
The premise device of an embodiment is an energy device.
The state of an embodiment comprises an installing state.
The state of an embodiment comprises an active state.
The state of an embodiment comprises a quiet state.
The system and method of an embodiment comprise a popup display that is displayed in response to a touch of a system icon of the plurality of system icons.
The popup display of an embodiment includes a name of the security system component corresponding to the sensor icon that was touched.
The popup display of an embodiment includes detailed information of the security system component.
The detailed information of an embodiment comprises text describing a status of the security system component.
The detailed information of an embodiment comprises data of a last event of the security system component.
The popup display of an embodiment includes a name of the premise device corresponding to the device icon that was touched.
The popup display of an embodiment includes a link to information of the premise device.
The link of an embodiment activates presentation of live video of the premise device when the premise device is a camera.
The link of an embodiment activates presentation of a control screen comprising controls for the premise device.
The system and method of an embodiment comprise an edit mode, wherein the SUI presents the edit mode for use in generating the floor plan display and placing the plurality of system icons on the floor plan display.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises a plurality of floor plans, wherein each floor plan of the plurality of floor plans defines a perimeter shape of a floor and corresponds to a floor plan icon that is selectable by a user for the floor plan display.
The edit mode of an embodiment presents a grid comprising a plurality of tiles on the floor plan display.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises at least one of adding walls and deleting walls.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises adding a wall on the floor plan display, wherein the adding of the wall comprises forming the wall to have a length and placing the wall at a location on the floor plan display.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises deleting at least a portion of a wall from the floor plan display.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises placing the plurality of system icons on the floor plan display.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises a dock region that includes the plurality of system icons.
Each system icon of an embodiment is dragged from the dock region to a tile of the floor plan display representative of a location in the premise of the security system components and the plurality of premise devices.
The edit mode of an embodiment differentiates premise exteriors from premise interiors based on a location of a tile.
The edit mode of an embodiment automatically identifies interior tiles as tiles on a first side of a perimeter wall of the floor plan display and exterior tiles as tiles on a second side of the perimeter wall.
The edit mode of an embodiment comprises a fill option that renders tiles on the first side of the perimeter wall as filled and renders tiles on the second side of the perimeter wall as transparent.
The at least one floor of an embodiment comprises a plurality of floors, wherein the edit mode comprises at least one control that controls addition and deletion of floors.
The at least one control of an embodiment comprises an add selector that controls addition of a floor.
The at least one control of an embodiment comprises a delete selector that controls deletion of a floor.
The at least one control of an embodiment comprises an add above selector that controls adding a new floor above an existing floor.
The at least one control of an embodiment comprises an add below selector that controls adding a new floor below an existing floor.
The at least one display element of an embodiment includes an orb icon that visually indicates an arm state of the security system.
The orb icon of an embodiment visually indicates a sensor status of at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors, wherein the security system components comprise the plurality of sensors.
The at least one display element of an embodiment includes orb text presented with the orb icon, wherein the orb text comprises a text description of the arm state, wherein the orb text comprises a first phrase describing the arm state and a second phrase describing a sensor status of at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors, wherein the security system components comprise the plurality of sensors.
The at least one display element of an embodiment includes at least one system warning that is an informational warning of the security system.
The at least one display element of an embodiment includes at least one device warning that is an information warning of at least one of a security system component and a premise device.
The at least one device warning of an embodiment corresponds to at least one of a camera device, a lighting device, and a thermostat device.
The at least one system warning and the at least one device warning of an embodiment is disassociated with at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors, wherein the security system components comprise the plurality of sensors.
A plurality of system warnings of an embodiment comprises the at least one system warning and the at least one device warning, wherein the plurality of system warnings are cumulative.
The at least one display element of an embodiment includes a list of interesting sensors that identifies at least one security system component corresponding to an interesting state.
The at least one display element of an embodiment comprises a plurality of interesting state icons corresponding to a plurality of interesting states, wherein the interesting state comprises at least one of a triggered state, a tampered state, a tripped state, an offline state, an installing state, a low-battery state, and a bypassed state.
The at least one display element of an embodiment includes a list of quiet sensors that identifies at least one security system component corresponding to a quiet state, wherein the quiet state comprises at least one of an inactive state, a closed state, an untriggered state, and an untripped state.
The SUI of an embodiment comprises a summary page, the summary page including an orb icon that visually indicates an arm state of the security system and a security button that enables control of the security system.
The summary page of an embodiment includes orb text presented with the orb icon, wherein the orb text comprises a text description of an arm state of the security system and a sensor status of at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors, wherein the security system components comprise the plurality of sensors.
The security button of an embodiment enables arming and disarming of the security system.
The summary page of an embodiment includes at least one icon representing at least one device warning, wherein the device warning is an information warning of at least one of a premise device.
The summary page of an embodiment comprises at least one icon enabling a transfer of content to and from the remote network, wherein the content includes interactive content in the form of internet widgets.
The summary page of an embodiment comprises at least one icon enabling communication and control of the premise devices coupled to the subnetwork, and access to live video from a camera, wherein the camera is an Internet Protocol (IP) camera.
The SUI of an embodiment comprises a sensor status page, wherein the sensor status page includes a set of display elements of the at least one display element, wherein the set of display elements includes a list of interesting sensors that identifies at least one security system component corresponding to an interesting state.
The set of display elements of an embodiment comprises a plurality of interesting state icons corresponding to a plurality of interesting states.
The set of display elements of an embodiment includes a list of quiet sensors that identifies at least one security system component corresponding to a quiet state.
The sensor status page of an embodiment includes at least one system warning that is an informational warning of the security system.
The subnetwork of an embodiment is formed by the gateway and is external to the gateway.
The gateway of an embodiment electronically integrates communications and functions of the plurality of premise devices and the security system components into the security network and controls communications between the security system, the subnetwork and the remote network.
The SUI of an embodiment includes at least one display element for managing and receiving data of the premise devices agnostically across the plurality of remote client devices.
The plurality of remote client devices of an embodiment include at least one of a touchscreen device, a mobile telephone, a cellular telephone, a client device coupled to the gateway via a mobile portal, and a client device coupled to the gateway via a web portal.
As described above, computer networks suitable for use with the embodiments described herein include local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, or other connection services and network variations such as the world wide web, the public internet, a private internet, a private computer network, a public network, a mobile network, a cellular network, a value-added network, and the like. Computing devices coupled or connected to the network may be any microprocessor controlled device that permits access to the network, including terminal devices, such as personal computers, workstations, servers, mini computers, main-frame computers, laptop computers, mobile computers, palm top computers, hand held computers, mobile phones, TV set-top boxes, or combinations thereof. The computer network may include one of more LANs, WANs, Internets, and computers. The computers may serve as servers, clients, or a combination thereof.
The integrated security system can be a component of a single system, multiple systems, and/or geographically separate systems. The integrated security system can also be a subcomponent or subsystem of a single system, multiple systems, and/or geographically separate systems. The integrated security system can be coupled to one or more other components (not shown) of a host system or a system coupled to the host system.
One or more components of the integrated security system and/or a corresponding system or application to which the integrated security system is coupled or connected includes and/or runs under and/or in association with a processing system. The processing system includes any collection of processor-based devices or computing devices operating together, or components of processing systems or devices, as is known in the art. For example, the processing system can include one or more of a portable computer, portable communication device operating in a communication network, and/or a network server. The portable computer can be any of a number and/or combination of devices selected from among personal computers, personal digital assistants, portable computing devices, and portable communication devices, but is not so limited. The processing system can include components within a larger computer system.
The processing system of an embodiment includes at least one processor and at least one memory device or subsystem. The processing system can also include or be coupled to at least one database. The term “processor” as generally used herein refers to any logic processing unit, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), etc. The processor and memory can be monolithically integrated onto a single chip, distributed among a number of chips or components, and/or provided by some combination of algorithms. The methods described herein can be implemented in one or more of software algorithm(s), programs, firmware, hardware, components, circuitry, in any combination.
The components of any system that includes the integrated security system can be located together or in separate locations. Communication paths couple the components and include any medium for communicating or transferring files among the components. The communication paths include wireless connections, wired connections, and hybrid wireless/wired connections. The communication paths also include couplings or connections to networks including local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), proprietary networks, interoffice or backend networks, and the Internet. Furthermore, the communication paths include removable fixed mediums like floppy disks, hard disk drives, and CD-ROM disks, as well as flash RAM, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connections, RS-232 connections, telephone lines, buses, and electronic mail messages.
Aspects of the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods described herein may be implemented as functionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, including programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices, as well as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Some other possibilities for implementing aspects of the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods include: microcontrollers with memory (such as electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods may be embodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. Of course the underlying device technologies may be provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, etc.
It should be noted that any system, method, and/or other components disclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools and expressed (or represented), as data and/or instructions embodied in various computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register transfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or other characteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. Examples of transfers of such formatted data and/or instructions by carrier waves include, but are not limited to, transfers (uploads, downloads, e-mail, etc.) over the Internet and/or other computer networks via one or more data transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.). When received within a computer system via one or more computer-readable media, such data and/or instruction-based expressions of the above described components may be processed by a processing entity (e.g., one or more processors) within the computer system in conjunction with execution of one or more other computer programs.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.
The above description of embodiments of the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the systems and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods provided herein can be applied to other systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described above.
The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the integrated security system and corresponding systems and methods in light of the above detailed description.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/146,715, filed Sep. 28, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/104,936, filed May 10, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,380,871 on Aug. 13, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/104,936 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/333,130, filed May 10, 2010; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/750,470, filed Mar. 30, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,191,228 on Nov. 17, 2015; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,537, filed Aug. 11, 2009 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,156,959 on Dec. 18, 2018; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/269,585, filed Nov. 12, 2008 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,086,702 on Dec. 27, 2011; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/198,023, filed Aug. 25, 2008 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,209,400 on Jun. 26, 2012; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/197,895, filed Aug. 25, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,073,931 on Dec. 6, 2011; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/189,757, filed Aug. 11, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,473,619 on Jun. 25, 2013; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/019,568, filed Jan. 24, 2008 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,142,392 on Nov. 27, 2018; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/019,554, filed Jan. 24, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,911,341 on Mar. 22, 2011; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/761,745, filed Jun. 12, 2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,635,350 on Jan. 21, 2014; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/761,718, filed Jun. 12, 2007, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,711,796 on May 4, 2010; and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,232, filed Mar. 16, 2005, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,335,842 on Dec. 18, 2012, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/750,470 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/164,877, filed on Mar. 30, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/539,537 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/087,967, filed on Aug. 11, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/269,585 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/023,496, filed on Jan. 25, 2008; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/023,493, filed on Jan. 25, 2008; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/023,489, filed on Jan. 25, 2008; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/019,162, filed on Jan. 4, 2008; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/019,167, filed on Jan. 4, 2008; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/987,366, filed on Nov. 12, 2007; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/987,359, filed on Nov. 12, 2007, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/198,023 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/968,005, filed on Aug. 24, 2007; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/957,997, filed on Aug. 24, 2007, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/189,757 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/955,172, filed on Aug. 10, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/019,554 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/886,435, filed on Jan. 24, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/019,568 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/886,439, filed on Jan. 24, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/761,745 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/804,550, filed on Jun. 12, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/084,232 is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/652,475, filed on Feb. 11, 2005; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/553,932, filed on Mar. 16, 2004; and is a non-provisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/553,934, filed on Mar. 16, 2004, which are each hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61333130 | May 2010 | US | |
| 61164877 | Mar 2009 | US | |
| 61087967 | Aug 2008 | US | |
| 61023496 | Jan 2008 | US | |
| 61023493 | Jan 2008 | US | |
| 61023489 | Jan 2008 | US | |
| 61019162 | Jan 2008 | US | |
| 61019167 | Jan 2008 | US | |
| 60987366 | Nov 2007 | US | |
| 60987359 | Nov 2007 | US | |
| 60968005 | Aug 2007 | US | |
| 60957997 | Aug 2007 | US | |
| 60955172 | Aug 2007 | US | |
| 60886435 | Jan 2007 | US | |
| 60886439 | Jan 2007 | US | |
| 60804550 | Jun 2006 | US | |
| 60652475 | Feb 2005 | US | |
| 60553932 | Mar 2004 | US | |
| 60553934 | Mar 2004 | US |
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