WO2004042669A1 - Alarm communication device - Google Patents

Alarm communication device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004042669A1
WO2004042669A1 PCT/GB2003/004801 GB0304801W WO2004042669A1 WO 2004042669 A1 WO2004042669 A1 WO 2004042669A1 GB 0304801 W GB0304801 W GB 0304801W WO 2004042669 A1 WO2004042669 A1 WO 2004042669A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
alarm
messaging
communication device
operable
message
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/004801
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Matthew Alan Smith
Original Assignee
Clifford, Roger
Foster, John
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Clifford, Roger, Foster, John filed Critical Clifford, Roger
Priority to AU2003286233A priority Critical patent/AU2003286233A1/en
Publication of WO2004042669A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004042669A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/028—Communication between parent and child units via remote transmission means, e.g. satellite network
    • G08B21/0283—Communication between parent and child units via remote transmission means, e.g. satellite network via a telephone network, e.g. cellular GSM
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/1004—Alarm systems characterised by the type of sensor, e.g. current sensing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/10—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device
    • B60R25/102—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles actuating a signalling device a signal being sent to a remote location, e.g. a radio signal being transmitted to a police station, a security company or the owner
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
    • G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
    • G08B13/1436—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with motion detection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/016—Personal emergency signalling and security systems
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R2325/00—Indexing scheme relating to vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/20—Communication devices for vehicle anti-theft devices
    • B60R2325/205—Mobile phones
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/008—Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an alarm communication device and to a method of communicating an alarm.
  • Alarm devices particularly vehicle alarms, typically make use of motion detectors to indicate when an attempt at unauthorised entry to a vehicle is being made. If a break-in attempt is detected, then the alarm sounds to indicate to people within earshot that further action is needed to prevent theft of the vehicle.
  • an alarm communication device incorporates alarm activation means and messaging means, wherein the messaging means is operable to send a message to a remote receiver on activation of the alarm activation means.
  • the messaging means is preferably only programmable by means of an incoming message.
  • a control section preferably a SIM card, may only be programmable outside the alarm communication device by a separate programming device operable to receive the control section.
  • the alarm communication device has no screen and/or no alphanumeric keypad.
  • the alarm communication device has no audio input and/or output means.
  • the alarm activation means may be a motion detector, which may be a mercury switch or an electronic motion detector.
  • the alarm activation means may be self-triggering.
  • the alarm activation means may be a user-activated alarm activation means, which may be a button/switch.
  • the messaging means preferably incorporates a text message facility, which may be a short messaging system (SMS) facility, operable to send a text message to the remote receiver, which may be a cellphone.
  • SMS short messaging system
  • the messaging means may incorporate a SIM card.
  • the messaging means may use cellphone technology, preferably a reduced service cellphone technology.
  • the messaging means may be operable to send a message to a control system separate from the alarm communication device and remote receiver.
  • the messaging means may be operable to send a message to the control system at specified time intervals.
  • the message may be a text message or a message to a voice mail facility.
  • the control system may be operable to locate the alarm communication device, preferably by use of triangulation of a transmission signal of the messaging means, or by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS) network.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the alarm communication device may incorporate control means, operable to receive a signal from the alarm activation means.
  • the control means may control the messaging means.
  • the control means may be programmable, preferably with a remote receiver address.
  • a method of sending an alarm message from an alarm communication device comprises: detecting an alarm condition; triggering alarm activation means; and sending a text message to a remote receiver with messaging means.
  • the alarm messaging means may be located in a vehicle or in a user's personal effects.
  • the alarm condition may be detected by the alarm activation means, which may be a motion detector or a user-activated button/switch.
  • the text message may be a SMS message.
  • the messaging means may send a message to a central control system.
  • the central control system may be operable to locate the alarm messaging device.
  • the central control system may be operable to send location information for the alarm messaging device to a user, who has the remote receiver, which is preferably a cellphone.
  • an alarm messaging system comprises a plurality of alarm messaging devices as described in the first aspect and a control system operable to receive location signals from one or more of the alarm messaging devices.
  • the control system is preferably operable to transmit location information for an alarm messaging device to a user of that alarm messaging device, preferably to a user's cellphone.
  • the control system may also be operable to send location information to emergency services, preferably for recovery of a vehicle in which the alarm messaging device is located or a user of the alarm messaging device.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of alarm messaging device.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of alarm messaging device.
  • An alarm messaging device 10 incorporates a motion detector 12 (shown schematically in dashed line within the alarm messaging device 10) , a subscriber identification module (SIM) and control circuitry 16.
  • the control circuitry 16 causes a text message (such as that using a short messaging system (SMS) service) to be sent to a user' s cellphone to indicate to the user that the motion detector 12 had been triggered.
  • SMS short messaging system
  • the alarm messaging device 10 has a casing 20 which houses the parts mentioned above, as well as transmission circuitry for sending text messages, a screen 22, first button 24, second button 26, third button 28 and fourth button 30.
  • the motion detector 12 may be a mercury switch or an electrical equivalent which can be activated or deactivated as required by the user. Deactivation may be performed by using the first button 24.
  • the SIM card may be of a hybrid type which can allow only outbound text messages and also allow the alarm messaging device 10 to be located geographically via cell triangulation, as will be described below. Location may also be achieved by GPS, with a suitable GPS transponder in the alarm messaging device 10.
  • the control circuitry 16 and SIM card 14 are programmable to allow text messages (or messages to voice mail) to be sent to a selection of numbers, for example up to ten, for different cellphones.
  • the programming may be achieved via another mobile phone, into which the SIM card 14 may be inserted to allow a selection of cellphone numbers to be programmed onto the SIM card 14.
  • the SIM card 14 can then be removed from the other mobile phone and inserted into the alarm messaging device 10.
  • a user may select a cellphone number programmed into the SIM card 14 by using the second button 26.
  • the screen 22 may allow the user to scroll through the numbers stored on the SIM card 14 to allow selection of the required number.
  • the alarm messaging device 10 may be programmable to send text messages to a number of different cellphones or other telecommunications devices having the facility to receive text messages.
  • the alarm messaging device 10 is preferably programmed by means of an SMS message sent to the device 10 from cellphone or other SMS system.
  • the SMS message provides an update to the SIM card in the same manner as is frequently used currently by telephone service providers.
  • the SMS message incorporates details of a number or numbers to which a standard alarm message should be sent.
  • the casing 20 also includes a battery 32 to provide power to the alarm messaging device 10.
  • a hanging loop 34 is also provided to allow a user to hang the alarm messaging device 10 from a suitable point in his car or elsewhere so that motion may more easily be detected by the motion detector 12.
  • the alarm messaging device 10 may function as follows. A user may park his car outside a restaurant, pub or the like and activate the alarm messaging device 10 by using the first button 24.
  • the device has a thirty second arming delay before the motion detector 12 is engaged, to allow the user to leave his car. When the user has left his car and after the thirty second delay, the motion detector 12 is engaged. If motion is detected by the motion detector 12, then a text message is sent to the user's cellphone 18, or whichever number/numbers have been programmed into the SIM card 14 to be advised of triggering of the alarm messaging device 10.
  • the provision of a text message to the user immediately advantageously allows him to be advised that his car may be under threat, allowing him to act.
  • a message is also sent to a central control system (not shown) .
  • the central control then makes use of the existing triangulation systems which are available to locate telecommunications devices such as the alarm messaging device 10 within a particular cell by triangulation of signal strength from adjacent cells in a wireless cell network. Further information concerning the location of a telecommunications devices within a particular cell by triangulation can be found at Cambridge Positioning Systems (UK), www. cursor- system. com/sitefiles/cursor/tech_eotd.htm.
  • a message is sent every sixty seconds to the central control to allow triangulation of the estimated location of the alarm messaging device 10 by provision of a location area consisting of a radius and centre location to define a circular area. Hence the location of the user's car, for example if it has been stolen, is given every sixty seconds.
  • the central control having located the alarm messaging device 10 then sends a street map address to the user's cellphone 18. This address location may assist the police in recovering the vehicle.
  • the alarm messaging device may also be used in a number of different situations. Such an example may be if a user is on a beach with bags etc but wishes to leave his bags briefly to go to a bar or the like. The user need only arm the alarm messaging device 10, place it in his bag and take his cellphone with him. If the motion detector 12 is triggered, then as described above, the user will be sent a text message to be warned that his bags are being disturbed, to allow the user to take action.
  • a user may place the alarm messaging device 10 in a filing cabinet, in order to be warned of its being disturbed, for example by a cleaner or the like, by receiving a text message, as described above.
  • the third button 28 may be an ON/OFF button.
  • FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of alarm messaging device 38.
  • the second embodiment has the same internal SIM card 14, control circuitry 16, and battery 32, together with the same 1 st to 4 th buttons 24 to 30 described in relation to the first embodiment.
  • the second embodiment also incorporates a panic button 36.
  • the second embodiment functions in the same way as the first embodiment except that the device is triggered by the panic button 36 rather than a motion detector.
  • a user can press the panic button 36 three times in quick succession. This will cause the device to automatically send a text message to a set cellphone.
  • the device may be used by a child, for example, to send a text message to a parent's cellphone.
  • the alarm messaging device 38 sends a signal to a central control to indicate its location. That signal is sent every sixty seconds, to allow the alarm messaging device 38, and hence it's user, to be located.
  • the second embodiment of alarm messaging device 38 does not incorporate a screen, as shown in the first embodiment.
  • the device can be programmed in the same way as the first embodiment, but a user may select which cellphone to send a text message to by scrolling through a number of numbers programmed in the same way as above, using the second button 26, with no display of the number being given in the second embodiment .
  • a further alternative embodiment would have the same features of the alarm messaging device 10 described in relation to Figure 1, but would also incorporate the panic button 36 of the second embodiment.
  • the location by cell triangulation may be an optional additional service provided by an operator of the central control system.
  • a user may be able to have a device which does not use the cell triangulation, but simply sends a text message to his mobile phone when the device is triggered.
  • the alarm messaging device as described herein has significant advantages over prior methods of alerting a user of an alarm, because a user does not need to be within earshot to be aware of an alarm being triggered, but he can be notified almost immediately via his cellphone.
  • the devices have the advantage of a compact construction, because some or all embodiments do not have a telephone keypad, a loud speaker, a screen, and/or a microphone. All embodiments may be enabled in use by top-up billing systems, whereby when purchased the device has a number of credits. After use and before credits run out the device is programmed to send a message to the specified cellphone (following a command from the central control) advising of low credits. The device can then be topped-up with credit and the user billed accordingly.

Abstract

An alarm messaging device (10) incorporates a motion detector (12), subscribed identification module (SIM) and control circuitry (16). When the motion detector (12) is active and detects movement, the control circuitry (16) causes a text message to be sent to a user's cell phone to indicate to a user that the motion detector (12) has been triggered.

Description

Alarm Communication Device
This invention relates to an alarm communication device and to a method of communicating an alarm.
Alarm devices, particularly vehicle alarms, typically make use of motion detectors to indicate when an attempt at unauthorised entry to a vehicle is being made. If a break-in attempt is detected, then the alarm sounds to indicate to people within earshot that further action is needed to prevent theft of the vehicle.
Disadvantages arise with this type of arrangement, because it can only be effective within earshot of the alarm. Very loud alarms are in themselves disadvantageous, because of the intrusive nature of the alarm, particularly if false alarms occur.
It is an object of the present invention to address the above mentioned disadvantages.
According to a first aspect of the present invention an alarm communication device incorporates alarm activation means and messaging means, wherein the messaging means is operable to send a message to a remote receiver on activation of the alarm activation means.
The messaging means is preferably only programmable by means of an incoming message.
Alternatively, a control section, preferably a SIM card, may only be programmable outside the alarm communication device by a separate programming device operable to receive the control section.
Preferably, the alarm communication device has no screen and/or no alphanumeric keypad.
Preferably, the alarm communication device has no audio input and/or output means.
The alarm activation means may be a motion detector, which may be a mercury switch or an electronic motion detector.
The alarm activation means may be self-triggering.
The alarm activation means may be a user-activated alarm activation means, which may be a button/switch.
The messaging means preferably incorporates a text message facility, which may be a short messaging system (SMS) facility, operable to send a text message to the remote receiver, which may be a cellphone. The messaging means may incorporate a SIM card. The messaging means may use cellphone technology, preferably a reduced service cellphone technology.
The messaging means may be operable to send a message to a control system separate from the alarm communication device and remote receiver. The messaging means may be operable to send a message to the control system at specified time intervals. The message may be a text message or a message to a voice mail facility. The control system may be operable to locate the alarm communication device, preferably by use of triangulation of a transmission signal of the messaging means, or by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS) network.
The alarm communication device may incorporate control means, operable to receive a signal from the alarm activation means. The control means may control the messaging means. The control means may be programmable, preferably with a remote receiver address.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method of sending an alarm message from an alarm communication device comprises: detecting an alarm condition; triggering alarm activation means; and sending a text message to a remote receiver with messaging means.
The alarm messaging means may be located in a vehicle or in a user's personal effects.
The alarm condition may be detected by the alarm activation means, which may be a motion detector or a user-activated button/switch.
The text message may be a SMS message.
The messaging means may send a message to a central control system. The central control system may be operable to locate the alarm messaging device. The central control system may be operable to send location information for the alarm messaging device to a user, who has the remote receiver, which is preferably a cellphone.
According to a third aspect of the invention an alarm messaging system comprises a plurality of alarm messaging devices as described in the first aspect and a control system operable to receive location signals from one or more of the alarm messaging devices.
The control system is preferably operable to transmit location information for an alarm messaging device to a user of that alarm messaging device, preferably to a user's cellphone. The control system may also be operable to send location information to emergency services, preferably for recovery of a vehicle in which the alarm messaging device is located or a user of the alarm messaging device.
All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be brought into effect, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of alarm messaging device; and
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of alarm messaging device. An alarm messaging device 10 incorporates a motion detector 12 (shown schematically in dashed line within the alarm messaging device 10) , a subscriber identification module (SIM) and control circuitry 16. When the motion detector 12 is active and detects movement, the control circuitry 16 causes a text message (such as that using a short messaging system (SMS) service) to be sent to a user' s cellphone to indicate to the user that the motion detector 12 had been triggered.
In more detail, the alarm messaging device 10 has a casing 20 which houses the parts mentioned above, as well as transmission circuitry for sending text messages, a screen 22, first button 24, second button 26, third button 28 and fourth button 30.
The motion detector 12 may be a mercury switch or an electrical equivalent which can be activated or deactivated as required by the user. Deactivation may be performed by using the first button 24.
The SIM card may be of a hybrid type which can allow only outbound text messages and also allow the alarm messaging device 10 to be located geographically via cell triangulation, as will be described below. Location may also be achieved by GPS, with a suitable GPS transponder in the alarm messaging device 10.
The control circuitry 16 and SIM card 14 are programmable to allow text messages (or messages to voice mail) to be sent to a selection of numbers, for example up to ten, for different cellphones. The programming may be achieved via another mobile phone, into which the SIM card 14 may be inserted to allow a selection of cellphone numbers to be programmed onto the SIM card 14. The SIM card 14 can then be removed from the other mobile phone and inserted into the alarm messaging device 10. A user may select a cellphone number programmed into the SIM card 14 by using the second button 26. The screen 22 may allow the user to scroll through the numbers stored on the SIM card 14 to allow selection of the required number. Additionally, the alarm messaging device 10 may be programmable to send text messages to a number of different cellphones or other telecommunications devices having the facility to receive text messages.
The alarm messaging device 10 is preferably programmed by means of an SMS message sent to the device 10 from cellphone or other SMS system. The SMS message provides an update to the SIM card in the same manner as is frequently used currently by telephone service providers. The SMS message incorporates details of a number or numbers to which a standard alarm message should be sent.
The casing 20 also includes a battery 32 to provide power to the alarm messaging device 10.
A hanging loop 34 is also provided to allow a user to hang the alarm messaging device 10 from a suitable point in his car or elsewhere so that motion may more easily be detected by the motion detector 12.
In use, the alarm messaging device 10 may function as follows. A user may park his car outside a restaurant, pub or the like and activate the alarm messaging device 10 by using the first button 24. The device has a thirty second arming delay before the motion detector 12 is engaged, to allow the user to leave his car. When the user has left his car and after the thirty second delay, the motion detector 12 is engaged. If motion is detected by the motion detector 12, then a text message is sent to the user's cellphone 18, or whichever number/numbers have been programmed into the SIM card 14 to be advised of triggering of the alarm messaging device 10. The provision of a text message to the user immediately advantageously allows him to be advised that his car may be under threat, allowing him to act.
In addition to the text message sent to the user, or program number, a message is also sent to a central control system (not shown) . The central control then makes use of the existing triangulation systems which are available to locate telecommunications devices such as the alarm messaging device 10 within a particular cell by triangulation of signal strength from adjacent cells in a wireless cell network. Further information concerning the location of a telecommunications devices within a particular cell by triangulation can be found at Cambridge Positioning Systems (UK), www. cursor- system. com/sitefiles/cursor/tech_eotd.htm.
After triggering of the motion detector 12, a message is sent every sixty seconds to the central control to allow triangulation of the estimated location of the alarm messaging device 10 by provision of a location area consisting of a radius and centre location to define a circular area. Hence the location of the user's car, for example if it has been stolen, is given every sixty seconds. The central control, having located the alarm messaging device 10 then sends a street map address to the user's cellphone 18. This address location may assist the police in recovering the vehicle.
The alarm messaging device may also be used in a number of different situations. Such an example may be if a user is on a beach with bags etc but wishes to leave his bags briefly to go to a bar or the like. The user need only arm the alarm messaging device 10, place it in his bag and take his cellphone with him. If the motion detector 12 is triggered, then as described above, the user will be sent a text message to be warned that his bags are being disturbed, to allow the user to take action.
Furthermore, if a user is concerned that unauthorised access to his personal belongings, such as those stored in a filing cabinet, is likely, then he may place the alarm messaging device 10 in a filing cabinet, in order to be warned of its being disturbed, for example by a cleaner or the like, by receiving a text message, as described above.
The third button 28 may be an ON/OFF button.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of alarm messaging device 38. The second embodiment has the same internal SIM card 14, control circuitry 16, and battery 32, together with the same 1st to 4th buttons 24 to 30 described in relation to the first embodiment. The second embodiment also incorporates a panic button 36. The second embodiment functions in the same way as the first embodiment except that the device is triggered by the panic button 36 rather than a motion detector. When armed by using the first button 24 as described above in relation to the first embodiment, a user can press the panic button 36 three times in quick succession. This will cause the device to automatically send a text message to a set cellphone. The device may be used by a child, for example, to send a text message to a parent's cellphone.
As mentioned above in relation to the first embodiment, once triggered the alarm messaging device 38 sends a signal to a central control to indicate its location. That signal is sent every sixty seconds, to allow the alarm messaging device 38, and hence it's user, to be located.
The second embodiment of alarm messaging device 38 does not incorporate a screen, as shown in the first embodiment. The device can be programmed in the same way as the first embodiment, but a user may select which cellphone to send a text message to by scrolling through a number of numbers programmed in the same way as above, using the second button 26, with no display of the number being given in the second embodiment .
A further alternative embodiment would have the same features of the alarm messaging device 10 described in relation to Figure 1, but would also incorporate the panic button 36 of the second embodiment.
The location by cell triangulation may be an optional additional service provided by an operator of the central control system. Thus, a user may be able to have a device which does not use the cell triangulation, but simply sends a text message to his mobile phone when the device is triggered.
The alarm messaging device as described herein has significant advantages over prior methods of alerting a user of an alarm, because a user does not need to be within earshot to be aware of an alarm being triggered, but he can be notified almost immediately via his cellphone.
The devices have the advantage of a compact construction, because some or all embodiments do not have a telephone keypad, a loud speaker, a screen, and/or a microphone. All embodiments may be enabled in use by top-up billing systems, whereby when purchased the device has a number of credits. After use and before credits run out the device is programmed to send a message to the specified cellphone (following a command from the central control) advising of low credits. The device can then be topped-up with credit and the user billed accordingly.
The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS :
1. An alarm communication device incorporates alarm activation means and messaging means, wherein the messaging means is operable to send a message to a remote receiver on activation of the alarm activation means.
2. An alarm communication device as claimed in claim 1, in which the messaging means is only programmable by means of an incoming message.
3. An alarm communication device as claimed in claim 1, in which a control section of the alarm communication device is only programmable when outside the alarm communication device by a separate programming device operable to receive the control section.
4. An alarm communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, which has no screen and/no alphanumeric keypad.
5. An alarm communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, which has no audio input and/or output means .
6. An alarm communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the alarm activation means is a user activated alarm activation means.
7. An alarm communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the messaging means incorporates a text message facility operable to send a text message to the remote receiver.
8. An alarm communication device as claimed in claim 7, in which the messaging means is operable to send a message to control system separate from the alarm communication device and remote receiver.
9. An alarm communication device as claimed in claim 8, in which the messaging means is operable to send a message to the control system at specified time intervals.
10. An alarm communication device as claimed in either claim 8 or claim 9, in which the control system is operable to locate the alarm communication device by use of triangulation of a transmission signal of the messaging means.
11. An alarm communication device as claimed in any preceding claim, which incorporates control means operable to receive a signal from the alarm activation means.
12. A method of sending an alarm message from an alarm communication device comprises: detecting an alarm condition; triggering alarm activation means; and sending a text message to a remote receiver with messaging means.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, in which the messaging means sends a message to a central control system operable to locate the alarm messaging device.
14. An alarm messaging system comprises a plurality of alarm messaging devices as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 and a control system operable to receive location signals from one or more of the alarm messaging devices.
15. An alarm messaging system as claimed in claim 14, in which the control system is operable to transmit the location information for an alarm messaging device to a user of that alarm messaging device.
16. An alarm messaging system as claimed in either 14 or claim 15, in which the control system is also operable to send location information to emergency services.
17. An alarm messaging device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
18. A method of sending an alarm message from an alarm communication device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
19. An alarm messaging system substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2003/004801 2002-11-07 2003-11-07 Alarm communication device WO2004042669A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003286233A AU2003286233A1 (en) 2002-11-07 2003-11-07 Alarm communication device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0225971.1A GB0225971D0 (en) 2002-11-07 2002-11-07 Alarm communication device
GB0225971.1 2002-11-07

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GB (1) GB0225971D0 (en)
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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005119613A1 (en) * 2004-05-31 2005-12-15 Jason Andrew Roper Computer network security
EP1626252A1 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-15 Diego A. Bonetta Device for providing stock information
WO2006089563A2 (en) * 2005-02-26 2006-08-31 Maged Fawzy Youssef A new device for protecting all what's precious
ES2289919A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2008-02-01 Airostel Consulting, S.L. Anti-theft system for protection of objects, has theft module of wireless communication, which is placed on each object to be protected, and theft module has alert status, which transmits alarm signal through radio frequency communication
DE102007035705A1 (en) 2007-07-30 2009-02-05 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method of remembering an event
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GB2480675A (en) * 2010-05-28 2011-11-30 Darryl Dawson An alarm for alerting a person to the theft of a trailer
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EP1099606A1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2001-05-16 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Emergency call system with theft prevention function
US20020038182A1 (en) * 2000-06-06 2002-03-28 Wong Carlos C.H. Wireless vehicle monitoring system
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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005119613A1 (en) * 2004-05-31 2005-12-15 Jason Andrew Roper Computer network security
US7531007B2 (en) 2004-07-06 2009-05-12 Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Security apparatus using a telecommunication device
EP1626252A1 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-15 Diego A. Bonetta Device for providing stock information
WO2006089563A2 (en) * 2005-02-26 2006-08-31 Maged Fawzy Youssef A new device for protecting all what's precious
WO2006089563A3 (en) * 2005-02-26 2007-03-01 Maged Fawzy Youssef A new device for protecting all what's precious
ES2289919A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2008-02-01 Airostel Consulting, S.L. Anti-theft system for protection of objects, has theft module of wireless communication, which is placed on each object to be protected, and theft module has alert status, which transmits alarm signal through radio frequency communication
DE102007006205B4 (en) * 2007-02-08 2012-11-08 Abb Ag Flush-mounted installation unit
GB2448485B (en) * 2007-03-27 2010-12-01 Susan Storrar Monitoring system
DE102007035705A1 (en) 2007-07-30 2009-02-05 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method of remembering an event
EP2026547A1 (en) 2007-07-30 2009-02-18 Robert Bosch GmbH Method for recalling an event
FR2960067A1 (en) * 2010-05-12 2011-11-18 Heol Design Method for monitoring utilization of e.g. movable object, involves generating and transmitting detection message of change of movable or immovable states of movable object on communicated network
GB2480675A (en) * 2010-05-28 2011-11-30 Darryl Dawson An alarm for alerting a person to the theft of a trailer

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AU2003286233A8 (en) 2004-06-07
GB0225971D0 (en) 2002-12-11

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