METHOD AND SYSTEM OF AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING GLOBAL DIAGNOSTIC STATISTICS FOR A PLURALITY OF MONITORING RECEIVERS AT A MASTER RECEIVER

Abstract

A monitoring system apparatus used for monitoring a plurality of diagnostic statistics for a plurality of monitoring receivers. All of the monitoring receivers can be linked together. Each monitoring receiver can be programmed to transmit at least one diagnostic statistic to a selected master receiver at a fixed or variable schedule. The master receiver will generate a report according to the pre-programmed parameters. The report can be printed on a printer or sent to at least one computer that is connected to the master receiver.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figures, with like features having consistent labels.

FIG. 1 illustrates a central monitoring station having a plurality of monitoring receivers.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of three receivers operating with all of the receivers transmitting diagnostic statistics to its own printer using its serial port connection.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of receivers operating according to the invention by transmitting diagnostic statistics to a master receiver and collecting diagnostic statistics at the master receiver.

FIG. 3 a is an example of three receivers operating in a master/slave configuration for printer operation.

FIG. 3 b is an example of three receivers operating in a master/slave configuration for both automation and printer operation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an illustrative method of programming and configuring the master receiver.

FIG. 5 illustrates an illustrative method of programming each slave receiver.

FIG. 6 illustrates the method of programming a receiver to schedule the generation and downloading of a plurality of diagnostic parameters to the master receiver.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a central monitoring station 110. The central monitoring station 110 can include a configuration computer 130 that is programmed to upload and download local installed security system configurations. The central monitoring station 110 is typically provided at a staffed facility that is remote from the local installed security system which it serves. The staff at the central monitoring station 110 may monitor the alarm status of the different local security systems and take appropriate action such as notifying emergency personnel when an alarm is tripped.

The central monitoring station 110 includes a plurality of receivers and transmitters 100 for communicating with different local installed security systems via one or more networks. The plurality of receivers and transmitters 100 are connected to at least one automation computer 120. Each of the plurality of receivers 100 has its own communication path or a primary path to the automation computer 120. The receivers 100 are connected to the automation computer 120 via an automation port.

The automation computer 120 collects and processes signals received by the receiver from the local installed security system. For example, if one of the motion sensors connected to the control panel at the local installed security system is tripped; the control panel will send a signal via a communication link or network 140 to one of said plurality of receivers 100. This alarm signal is then sent to the automation computer 120 for processing. The user at the central monitoring station 110 monitors the automation computer 120 and coordinates the proper response.

The configuration computer 130 is programmed with software to achieve the desired functionality, including instructing the plurality of receivers 100 to recover the periodically updated information and other data from the local installed security systems and to initiate transmissions to the local installed security systems.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a plurality of receivers with all of the receivers transmitting diagnostic statistics to their own printer and configuration system. The receiver configuration shown in FIG. 2 depicts three receivers, however, the central monitoring station is not limited to only three receivers.

In FIG. 2 each receiver 200a, 200b, 200c, includes a power source input port 210a, 210b, 210c for receiving a power source. Each receiver 200a, 200b, 200c further includes a printer port 220a, 220b, 220c for connecting to each printer 240, 242 and 244 as depicted in FIG. 2 and at least one automation port 230a, 230b, 230c for connecting to the automation computer 120. Receivers 200a, 200b, 200c, shown in FIG. 2, have two automation ports 230a, 232a, 230b, 232b and 230c, 232c, respectively; however, the receivers 200a, 200b, and 200c can hold more or less automation ports.

Additionally each receiver 200a, 200b, 200c contains a pair of serial communication ports 250a, 250b, 250c.

Each receiver of FIG. 2 maintains, collects and stores a plurality of diagnostic statistics regarding the receiver. After a specified default time has elapsed, each receiver will send the collected plurality of diagnostic statistics to its printer 240, 242 and 244 through its printer port 220a, 220b, 220c, respectively.

Alternatively, each receiver 200a, 200b, and 200c can have a dedicated printer 241, 243, 245 for printing a report of the diagnostic statistic. Furthermore, each receiver 200a, 200b, and 200c can be coupled to a computer specifically dedicated for collecting data.

However, this method is a waste of resources requiring a plurality of printers and cables that are not necessary.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of receivers operating according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention by transmitting diagnostic statistics to a master receiver and collecting diagnostic statistics at the master receiver.

In FIG. 3 each receiver 300a, 300b, 300c includes a power source input port 310a, 310b, 310c for receiving a power source. Each receiver 300a, 300b, 300c further includes a printer port 320a, 320b, 320c for connecting to each printer 302a, 302b and 302c as depicted in FIG. 3 and at least one automation port 330a, 330b, 330c that is used to connect the automation computer 120 to the receiver. Receivers 300a, 300b, 300c shown in FIG. 3 have two automation ports 330a, 332a, 330b, 332b and 330c, 332c, respectively; however, the receivers 300a, 300b and 300c can hold more or less automation ports.

Additionally each receiver 300a, 300b, 300c contains a pair of serial communication ports 350a, 350b, 350c. Each receiver 300a, 300b, 300c is connected to each other's receiver by one of the pair of communication ports 350a, 350b, 350c using a connection means 360. In FIG. 3 the communication ports are two S-Bus ports; however, any communication port can be used with the invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the diagnostic statistics from each receiver 300a, 300b, 300c is transmitted to a master receiver via the serial ports 350a, 350b, and 350c to allow for the diagnostic statistics to be regularly downloaded to one receiver's port which may then be connected to a single printer or computer 370 such that the diagnostic statistics can be printed or stored in the computer's memory. Accordingly, the diagnostic statistics will be available for review by the user. Alternatively, the diagnostic statistic can be printed on the master receiver's printer 302c.

The serial ports 350a, 350b, and 350c on each receiver 300a, 300b, and 300c can be used to link a plurality of receivers to output to one automation computer and/or printer depending on a Master/Slave Configuration. When this Master/Slave Configuration is used, one receiver is configured as a master receiver and the remaining receivers are configured to be slaves. This linking feature will decrease the number of serial ports required for automation and/or the quantity of printers used for automation backup. In using the Master/Slave Configuration, if an automation computer goes down, the information normally sent to the automation computer or configuration computer or the like will be sent to its backup, as configured according to the method disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/089,766, filed on Mar. 25, 2005, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM OF RE-DIRECTING AND BACKING UP SECURITY SYSTEM DATA AT A RECEIVER” naming Christopher Martin as the inventor. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/089,766 and the instant application assigned to the same assignee. The subject matter thereof is hereby incorporated by reference.

To use the Master/slave receiver linking, the receivers 300a, 300b, and 300c must be connected using the serial communication ports 350a, 350b, 350c.

In order to accomplish this, the operator must configure the plurality of receivers to recognize a master receiver as the “master receiver” and the remaining receivers as the “plurality of slave receivers”. The receivers 300a, 300b, 300c can be programmed for master/slave linking to report to an automation computer and/or printer.

FIG. 3 a is an example of three receivers operating in a master/slave configuration for printer operation. All of the information is transmitted to the master receiver and printed on its printer. In FIG. 3a the master receiver is receiver 300c, and two slave receivers are receivers 300a and 300b. In FIG. 3a, each receiver 300a, 300b, and 300c is transmitting information to the automation computer 120 through its own automation port 330a, 332a; 330b, 332b; and 330c, 332c. However, all of the receivers 300a, 300b, and 300c are printing to printer 302 attached to the master receiver 300c.

FIG. 3 b is an example of three receivers operating in a master/slave configuration for both automation and printer operation. All of the information is transmitted to the master receiver and printed on its printer. In FIG. 3b the master receiver is receiver 300c, and two slave receivers are receivers 300a and 300b. In FIG. 3b all of the information is sent to the automation computer 120.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of programming and configuring the master receiver. The method begins at step 400, powering up the receiver to allow for the plurality of line cards to be initialized.

To manually configure the receiver 100, the central monitoring station operator will use the user interface means to navigate through a menu tree. The receiver has several menu options listed in the general options menu.

The operator will select a corresponding mode of operation from the general options, at step S410. For example, the option menu would read “operation mode” or “master/slave mode”. To select this option the operator will depress the enter button on the user interface means.

The operator will then select a port function and configure the serial port for automation, at step 415. The operator will then be prompted to configure a “back-up port.” This can be done using the method disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/089,766, filed on Mar. 25, 2005. The subject matter thereof is hereby incorporated by reference. Next, at step 420, the operator selects “master receiver” from the menu and will have to program the receiver's unique identification number. Each receiver is given a unique identification number such that the automation system can recognize the source of specific information. The unique identification number is typically a two-digit number. The unique identification number is displayed on the receiver's display.

After the master receiver's unique identification number has been entered and stored, the operator will then program a unique identification number for the slave receivers into the master receiver's memory section, at step 425. A “slave list” will be displayed on the display. For each of the remaining receivers the operator will enter one unique identification number corresponding to the receiver.

Once all of the unique identification numbers have been entered, the operator will exit the programming mode and cycle the power on the master receiver for the new settings to take effect, at step 430.

Once the master receiver is set, the operator must set the other receivers as the slave receivers.

FIG. 5 illustrates the method of programming each slave receiver. The method begins at step 500, powering up the receiver to allow for the plurality of line cards to be initialized.

To manually configure the receiver, the central monitoring station operator will use the user interface means to navigate through a menu tree. The receiver has several menu options listed in the general options menu.

The operator will select a corresponding mode of operation from the general options, at step S510. For example, the option menu would read “operation mode” or “master/slave mode”. To select this option the operator will depress the enter button on the user interface means.

The operator will then select a port function and configure the serial port for automation, at step 515. The operator will then be prompted to configure a “back-up port.” This can be done using the method disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/089,766, filed on Mar. 25, 2005. Next, at step 520, the operator selects “slave receiver” from the menu and will have to program the receiver's unique identification number matching the selected master receiver. The unique identification number is displayed on the receiver's display.

Once the unique identification number has been entered, the operator will exit the programming mode and cycle the power on the master receiver for the new settings to take effect, at step 525.

Steps 500-525 will be repeated for each of the remaining receivers, i.e., non-master receivers.

As mentioned above, the receivers 300a, 300b, and 300c can be configured to operate in a master/slave configuration for either automation and printer operation or just printer operation. Therefore, during the configuration process the operator can select either MstrPrn for master printing, SlvPrn for slave printing or MstrAuto for both master printing and automation, SlvAuto for both slave printing and automation.

Once the receivers (300a, 300b, 300c) have been configured to operate in master/slave mode, the operator then can program a schedule to automatically generate and download diagnostic statistical data to the master receiver's printer. In the above example, printer 302c would be used. In order to create a schedule to automatically download diagnostic statistical data, the monitoring receiver will need to be programmed with software updates that will enable the monitoring receiver 100 to be configured.

Software updates containing program codes for configuring the monitoring receiver to perform the desired functions can be downloaded via the serial port 255 from a computer that is connected to the central monitoring receiver 100. It is further contemplated that the software updates can be downloaded from the security system receiver configuration computer 130. The configuration computer 130 is typically located at the central monitoring station 110. The monitoring receiver 100 is connected to the security system receiver configuration computer 130 by a connection link or Internet. It is further envisioned that the software can be preinstalled into the monitoring receiver 100 during manufacture.

Once the software is installed into the central monitoring receiver 100, each monitoring receiver 100 must be programmed to download or transmit at least one diagnostic statistical parameter to the master receiver.

FIG. 6 illustrates the method of programming a receiver to schedule the generation and downloading of a plurality of diagnostic parameters to the master receiver.

To manually configure the central monitoring receiver 100, the central monitoring station operator will use the user interface means 210 to navigate through a menu tree. The receiver has several menu options listed in the general options menu.

The operator will select notification message mode from the general options, at step S600. For example, the option menu would read “diagnostic” or “schedule”.

The operator will generate Master Diagnostic Schedule Table that can be programmed into the monitoring receiver 100. This Message Schedule and Priority Table can include time, destination, and diagnostic statistic formats for each parameter.

However, the Master Diagnostic Schedule Table is not limited to the above-identified examples. The Master Diagnostic Schedule Table will be used by the monitoring receiver 100 to determine where, when, and how to send at least one diagnostic parameter. Specifically, the table will allow the operator to select a particular diagnostic parameter and determine a schedule, receiving location, and receiving format. Thus, the operator can identify busy call times, problem lines, busy receivers, and allow for efficient management of the operating receivers and lines.

The Master Diagnostic Schedule Table will include a list of a plurality of diagnostic parameters, each of which can be programmed to be downloaded or transmitted to the master receiver. Diagnostic parameters or statistics can include call history, system history, Line Card Statistics, Event Log and Message Que.

Call history includes statistics and parameters regarding Life safety signals, like fire and duress; property safety signals, like a burglary at home or business; a supervisory signal, trouble signals, and other types of call signals.

The call history will include an account number, a unique receiver number, line number, reason for the call, zone number that relates to a call and the timing of the event such as month, day, year and the exact time.

A system history includes an event that is related to the receiver operation such as line card faults, low backup battery, AC power loss, log in, log out, and communication failure to a printer or automation system.

Line Card Statistics include print card statistics that contain a receiver number, part number, line number, total calls for the line, calls for a predetermined time period, and number of bad calls for the line.

The Message Que is an indication of how full the message queue is. The Message Que can be a percentage of the total memory available for a message.

For each of the plurality of diagnostic statistics, the operator will determine whether such statistic will be transmitted to the master receiver and ultimately to the master receiver's printer 302c and/or dedicated computer 370 (step 610). Once the operator determines that the diagnostic statistic will be enabled for transmission, the operator will determine a schedule for the transmission, at step 615. A schedule could be every hour, day, week, etc. Each receiver has an internal clock that will generate a time signal which will be used for keeping track of the schedule.

Next, the operator can program the final destination for selected diagnostic statistics, at step 620. In an embodiment, the diagnostic statistic can be transmitted to the master receiver from the other slave receiver. This diagnostic statistic then can be transmitted either as raw data or as a formatted report to the master receiver's printer 302c. Alternatively, the system can include a dedicated printer or computer 370 to collect and store the raw data and/or formatted report. For example, the dedicated computer 370 can be the configuration computer. The configuration computer can be programmed to accept and store the raw diagnostic statistics. Additionally, the configuration computer can be programmed to generate at least one report containing the raw diagnostic. In this configuration, the master receiver will transmit the raw data to the configuration computer. The master receiver will act as an intermediary between the slave receivers and the configuration computer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the diagnostic statistics are stored in the master receiver's memory long enough for the receiver to generate a report containing the diagnostic statistics.

However, in another embodiment, the diagnostic statistics can be both printed by the master receiver's printer 302 and stored in the memory of the master receiver for transmission to an external computer.

In yet another embodiment, the diagnostic statistics can be transmitted from the master receiver to the automation computer using the serial port 330C. However, in this embodiment, an additional programming step is necessary. The diagnostic statistics will have to be configured to be compatible with the automation security system protocol. This configuration will be automatically performed by software that is installed in the master receiver. By transmitting the diagnostic statistics to the automation computer 120 using an automation security system protocol, any operator will be able to view the diagnostic data from their computer station without having to go to a dedicated printer or machine.

In another embodiment of the invention, the Master Diagnostic Schedule Table parameters and other control information can be entered using the configuration computer 130.

It is also within the scope of the invention to input all of the configuration parameters for the Master Diagnostic Schedule Table for the plurality of slave receivers by manually inputting them using master receiver. This would be done by first inputting the unique identifier corresponding to the slave receiver, i.e., 300a and 300b. The display on the master receiver 300c would then display a screen that would allow the operator to input the parameters, as if the operator was inputting the parameters at the slave receiver (either 300a or 300b). This process would be repeated for each of the plurality of slave receivers, i.e., 300a and 300b.

The invention has been described herein with reference to particular exemplary embodiments. Certain alterations and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

The exemplary embodiments are meant to be illustrative, not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for generating a report containing at least one diagnostic statistic from one or more of a plurality of monitoring receivers, comprising: a communication link connecting each of said plurality of receivers, where one of said plurality of receivers is a master receiver, and the other of said plurality of receivers are slave receivers;each of said plurality of receivers including means for selecting which of a plurality of diagnostic statistics will be monitored, means for scheduling a time schedule for each selected diagnostic statistic for transmission of said selected diagnostic statistic to the master receiver, means for selecting a destination for said report containing at least one diagnostic statistic, and a means for selecting a mode of operation, said mode being either a master receiver mode or a slave receiver mode, when one or more receivers of said plurality of receivers is selected to operate in slave receiver mode, said one or more receivers transmit said diagnostic statistic to said master receiver via said communication link using a transmission means,when one of said plurality of receivers is selected to operate in master receiver mode, said receiver receives at least one diagnostic statistic from one or more slave receivers via said communication link, stores said at least one diagnostic statistic and generates said report containing said at least one diagnostic statistic, using a generating means.

2. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 1, wherein said destination is a master receiver's printer.

3. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 1, wherein said destination is a configuration computer.

4. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 1, wherein said destination is an automation system.

5. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 1, wherein said generating means includes a converting means for configuring said report to be in a format compatible with a predefined format for said destination.

6. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 5, wherein said predefined format is compatible with the automation system.

7. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 1, wherein the schedule and destination information for said at least one diagnostic statistic for each slave receiver is programmed at a corresponding slave receiver, and schedule and destination information at least one diagnostic statistic for said master receiver is programmed at the master receiver.

8. The monitoring system apparatus of claim 1, wherein the schedule and final destination information for said at least one diagnostic statistic for each slave receiver is programmed at the master receiver.

9. A method of monitoring diagnostic parameters for a plurality of monitoring receivers, the method comprising the steps of: linking said plurality of receivers together to create a plurality of linked receivers;selecting one of said plurality of linked receivers as a master receiver, and selecting the other of said plurality of linked receivers as at least one slave receiver;at each of said plurality of linked receivers,selecting at least one diagnostic parameter for transmission to the master receiver for monitoring, as a selected group of diagnostic parameters;programming a schedule for transmitting each diagnostic parameter of said selected group of diagnostic parameters; andprogramming a destination of transmission for each diagnostic parameter of said selected group of diagnostic parameters,at the master receiver,receiving said at least one selected group of diagnostic parameters;storing said at least one selected group of diagnostic parameters; andgenerating a report according to said programmed schedule and destination.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of generating said report including configuring said report to be in a format compatible with a predefined format for said destination.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said predefined format is compatible with the automation system.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the schedule and destination for said at least one diagnostic statistic for each slave receiver is programmed at the master receiver.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein said destination is a master receiver's printer.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein said destination is a configuration computer.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein said destination is an automation system.

16. A receiver comprising: a means for programming said receiver as a master receiver;receiving means for receiving at least one diagnostic statistic from at least one other receiver, where said at least one other receiver is programmed as a slave receiver;memory section for storing said at least one diagnostic statistic; anda means for transmitting said at least one diagnostic statistic, at a predetermined scheduled time to an external device.

17. The receiver of claim 16, wherein said external device is a configuration computer that is coupled to said receiver via a communication port.

18. The receiver of claim 17, wherein said configuration computer comprises a receiving means for receiving said at least one diagnostic statistic, a memory section for storing said at least one diagnostic statistic and a means for generating a report containing said at least one diagnostic statistic.

19. The receiver of claim 16, wherein said external device is an automation computer that is coupled to said receiver via a communication port.

20. The receiver of claim 16, further comprising a means for converting said diagnostic statistic into a diagnostic report, wherein said diagnostic report is in a protocol that is compatible with a predefined format that corresponds with said external device.