WO2005106815A1 - Event monitoring and transmitting system - Google Patents

Event monitoring and transmitting system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005106815A1
WO2005106815A1 PCT/GB2005/001687 GB2005001687W WO2005106815A1 WO 2005106815 A1 WO2005106815 A1 WO 2005106815A1 GB 2005001687 W GB2005001687 W GB 2005001687W WO 2005106815 A1 WO2005106815 A1 WO 2005106815A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sound
recipients
stored
instructions
recipient
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2005/001687
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Heaton
Jonathan Beardmore
Andrew Eccleston
Original Assignee
Mygard Plc
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 Mygard Plc filed Critical Mygard Plc
Priority to EP05741910A priority Critical patent/EP1745451A1/en
Publication of WO2005106815A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005106815A1/en

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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M11/00Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
    • H04M11/04Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
    • H04M11/045Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems using recorded signals, e.g. speech
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B1/00Systems for signalling characterised solely by the form of transmission of the signal
    • G08B1/08Systems for signalling characterised solely by the form of transmission of the signal using electric transmission ; transformation of alarm signals to electrical signals from a different medium, e.g. transmission of an electric alarm signal upon detection of an audible alarm signal
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/006Alarm destination chosen according to type of event, e.g. in case of fire phone the fire service, in case of medical emergency phone the ambulance
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/009Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/01Alarm 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
    • G08B25/08Alarm 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 using communication transmission lines

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for recording signals such as sounds and continuously monitoring for signals which match the recorded sounds and in the event of a match being detected, transmitting an alert or data stream to one or more remote locations. Preferably this is achieved by means of telephony according to a predetermined set of instructions entered by the user into the device.
  • the invention also relates to system of this kind which operate on light or vibration signals in an analogous fashion.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a device which is capable of recording certain sounds (especially the sound of various alarms), recognising them (or their absence) and communicating directly with a plurality of recipients by means of telephony.
  • the device can pass a recorded message to said recipients in the event of an alarm being detected.
  • the arrangement is such that a user can control how said recipients are to be contacted in the event of different alarms being detected.
  • the device may also be arranged to record a sample of the sound that has been recognised and relay it to one or more recipients in accordance with instructions programmed into the device by the user.
  • the device may be adapted to transmit in real time sounds being detected by the device by means of telephony.
  • the device may also be adapted to monitor the mains power supply and transmit messages to recipients if the mains power supply fails for a longer than a pre-determined period.
  • Microprocessor MPC is capable of executing a stored program which is stored in non-volatile memory within microprocessor MPC or on an external integrated circuit IC2. By varying the frequency of the three filters the microprocessor MPC is able to detect characteristics of the sound being detected. The MPC compares the characteristic frequencies, cadence and spectral density of the sound being detected with the characteristics of reference sound stored in its memory. If there is a match then an alarm has been detected and the MPC executes a set of stored instructions which will normally involve making one of more telephone calls by means of telephony interface AC4 (conventional analogue telephony interface). The device is powered by mains electricity via power supply circuit AC2 with a back-up battery charged by circuit AC3.
  • telephony interface AC4 conventional analogue telephony interface
  • the microprocessor can sense the absence of mains power and also low battery condition. These conditions can also be used to generate an alarm.
  • the device is able to record a plurality of reference sounds. This is achieved by programming the unit via the keypad 4 and initiating a sound recognition sequence outlined above. The characteristics of that sound are stored in memory.
  • the device is also able to record voice messages that can be relayed to third parties by means of the telephony interface AC4. This is achieved by programming the unit via the keypad and speaking a message into the microphone. The sound is converted into a digital representation by means of an analogue to digital converter and stored in memory within the microprocessor or memory IC2.
  • the device can be programmed so that the user can replay the recorded message to check it.
  • a range of pre-recorded messages may also be stored within memory IC2.
  • the device is further able to relay sound directly from the microphone via the microprocessor MPC to the telephony interface AC4, thus allowing the called party to listen to sounds local to the device. Following the detection of an alarm the device is also able to record a period of sound and store it in memory (either IC4 or MPC). This sound can then be relayed to called parties so that they are able to hear the sound that caused the alarm condition to occur.
  • the device is also able to receive input and amend stored instructions to be carried out when an alarm is detected. This is achieved by programming the unit via the keypad.
  • the programming process involves identifying the type of alarm, the telephone number(s) to be dialled, the nature and type of the message and any conditions attached to the message. For example this might include instructions on whether to cease calling once an answer is detected and whether to call at night or at weekends. These instructions are encoded and stored within microprocessor MPC.
  • the device is able to communicate with the user by means of light emitting diodes L1 , L2, L3 and L4 and speaker 6, which is itself controlled by microprocessor MPC and integrated circuit IC3.
  • IC3 provides amplification for the speaker and may also include a digital to analogue converter if the DAC function is not provided within MPC.
  • Pre-recorded voice prompts are stored in memory IC2.
  • Crystals C1 and C2 provide timing for integrated circuits IC1 and MPC.
  • the device is fitted with a reset circuit 8 to allow the unit to be reset if required.
  • the device is fitted with a tamper circuit 10 which can detect, for example, attempts to open the unit when it is armed and thus cause an alarm to be generated.
  • the device is preferably enclosed within a plastic housing with suitable apertures for the battery compartment, keypad, lights, microphone and speaker. This housing has the facility to be mounted on a wall.
  • Example components include: • Microprocessor MPC - Toshiba TMJP86FM48U • PSoC IC1 - CY8C24223 • IC3 - LM4900 • IC2 - AT45DB081 B (ROM)
  • the device is set up to record the sound of a particular alarm, using the following procedure:
  • the user activates the alarm and, while it is sounding, instructs the device via keypad (4) to record the sound.
  • the device detects the sound by means of microphone (2), analyses the sound by means of the filters and microprocessor to identify distinct characteristics of the sound and records characteristic information about the sound and a sample of the sound into the memory. These distinct characteristics may include distinctive frequencies, periods, silences, amplitudes other distinguishing characteristics. There are a number of known techniques for characterising sounds and persons skilled in the art could employ one or several of them.
  • the user can then instruct the device to replay the sound via speaker (6) in order that he can be satisfied that a good copy of the sound has been recorded. The user can then repeat these steps and record a plurality of other sounds.
  • the user can, by means of keypad (4) and the microphone (2), record spoken messages that are to be relayed to recipients when an alarm sound is detected.
  • the user can also instruct the device to transmit messages by various telephony means to a plurality of remote recipients upon various alarm events occurring. This is achieved by entering into the device the telephone number (or other means of addressing the recipient, such as an IP address) of the recipient, the alarm(s) which are to trigger attempts to communicate with the recipient, instruction regarding the nature of the transmission (for example a normal telephone call, a data message using a data encoding protocol, GSM short message service (SMS) or similar) and instructions explaining how messages to multiple recipients are to be processed.
  • An example of such an instruction might be that in the event of alarm one (for example a fire alarm) being detected the unit is to transmit a message to recipient one.
  • the unit is to transmit a message to recipient two.
  • a second example of such an instruction might be that in the event of alarm one being detected the unit is to transmit a message to both recipient one and recipient two regardless of whether either one answers.
  • the device can be programmed to automatically transmit a sample of sound recorded or detected by the device to one or more recipients, and/or there may be a facility for the user to initiate such a transmission. This will allow the recipient to hear the sound that was recognised by the device and would allow further verification of its recognition.
  • the device may also be instructed to transmit a continuous data stream from the microphone to the recipient. This data stream, typically encoded sound, would allow the remote recipient to listen to sounds local to the device even though the recipient was far away.
  • the user can also instruct the device to transmit a message to one or more recipients if mains power is lost for more than a predetermined period of time.
  • the microprocessor (2) within the device starts to scan the audible frequency range by adjusting the sensitivity to frequency of the filters (BPF1-BPF2).
  • the microprocessor records the characteristics of the sound being heard. If the distinctive characteristics of this sound match the distinctive characteristics of any of the pre-recorded alarm sounds stored in memory then the microprocessor accesses the memory to see what actions are to be taken upon this alarm being detected.
  • the microprocessor then carries these actions out using a combination of memory, microphone, and telephony means.
  • the microprocessor is informed of the absence of mains power by circuit AC3 and uses its internal timer to see whether mains power remains absent for a pre-determined period before executing stored instructions to communicate with recipients.
  • the software embedded within the microprocessor can use a variety of techniques to analyse the outputs from the filters. These include: o Zero Cross data to distinguish between sound patterns. o Analysis of Spectral data to distinguish sound frequencies. o Envelope data to distinguish between sound volumes.
  • the frequency of square waves 1 - 3 are varied over time and the outputs of band pass filters 1 - 3 are monitored to derive a map which corresponds to the presence (above a threshold of the characteristics listed above or its absence. By repeating the analysis over time a map of the characteristic of complex sounds can be made and stored in memory.
  • the spectrum analysis occurs continuously and the detected sound characteristics are compared with the reference sound stored in memory. If these match to a degree greater than a specified threshold then the microprocessor starts to execute a list of stored instructions which set out the actions to be taken upon receipt of an alarm.
  • Amplitude analysis The unit is sensitive to sounds greater than a certain volume. This can be combined with frequency analysis such that the unit becomes sensitive to loud sounds of a specific frequency.
  • o Frequency analysis The unit searches for specific frequencies to confirm their presence or absence and infers whether the reference sound is present. Where the spectrum analysis detects a reasonable, but not compelling match then amplitude and frequency analysis may be used to accept or reject a recognition event.
  • the software embedded within the microprocessor MPC is capable of executing the following functions: o Learning multiple reference sounds o Replaying recorded reference sounds (so that the user can verify that a good recording has been made.) o Accepting instructions that configure the unit to take specific actions when a reference sound is detected or mains power is absent. These instructions are supplied by the user and entered into the unit via keypad 4.
  • These instructions include the telephone number of each recipient who is to be called when a reference sound is detected, the message to be transmitted and other instructions relating, for example, to conditional calling or time of day calling. o Listening for any of the recorded reference sounds and executing algorithms for deciding whether the reference sounds are present, including a combination of some or all of spectrum analysis, amplitude analysis and frequency analysis, the algorithm being adaptive to the level of confidence associated with the recognition. o Monitoring the mains power level for the prolonged absence of mains power and, if detected, executing stored instructions to decide what messages to transmit. o Initiating communications via the telephony interface according to reference sounds detected and the associated stored instructions. It will be appreciated that the described embodiment could be modified in a number of ways, for example by: (1 ) Combining the memory and microprocessor into a single unit.
  • a different form of user interface could include a mixture of buttons and other physical mechanisms, touch-sensitive screens, voice driven commands, lights of various sorts, one or more screens, speakers or interface to another device such as a PDA or a PC by means of a wire or by wireless means (for example using Bluetooth), or other user interface means known to those skilled in the art.
  • one or more of the recipients could be a machine and the messages might be in the form of machine-readable data.
  • the telephony means could use wireline telephony or some other form of wire-based data communications, such as a cable modem or data network, to transmit messages to recipients.
  • the telephony means could use wireless telephony (such as GSM, or UMTS or other wireless telephony standards) to transmit messages to recipients, or both wireline and wireless telephony means could be utilised.
  • the telephony means (6) may be provided with the ability to recognise DTMF (or other) tones or signals or responses of any kind from the recipient. These responses can be communicated to the processor (3) and can execute the remainder of the stored instructions according to said responses. This allows the device to transmit messages to recipients depending on the outcome of message transmitted to other recipients.
  • the telephony means might be capable of receiving messages from a remote source (such as a computer) which might be used to initiate a transfer of data or to change the stored instructions within the device or to otherwise change the state of the memory within the device, for example to modify the software.
  • a remote source such as a computer
  • the microphone and filters may be replaced by one or more light-sensitive devices (which may use, for example, light filters to vary the frequency to which they are receptive) and thus allow a characteristic signal to be detected and analysed, by the microprocessor.
  • the characteristics in this case will be the frequency, intensity and oscillatory patterns associated with the light source.
  • the source of the alarm may be vibration.
  • Such a device could be used to detect movement of a vehicle, for example.
  • one or more vibration-sensitive devices may be connected to the filters. This allows a characteristic vibration signal to be detected and analysed by the microprocessor, in terms of the specific frequency(ies) detected.
  • the software in the memory analyses the frequency range for frequencies not associated with the normal operation of the device.
  • Such a device could be used, for example, to identify unusual frequencies within a machine that might indicate imminent failure.
  • the device may be able to recognise a plurality of external stimuli (light, sound and vibration) and be able to identify characteristics of these combined stimuli and generate messages for recipients according to stored instructions as set out above.

Abstract

A monitoring device capable of recording characteristics of one or more specific warning signals, and to subsequently recognise or more recipients according to user-programmable instructions stored in the device.

Description

Event Monitoring and Transmitting System
This invention relates to a device for recording signals such as sounds and continuously monitoring for signals which match the recorded sounds and in the event of a match being detected, transmitting an alert or data stream to one or more remote locations. Preferably this is achieved by means of telephony according to a predetermined set of instructions entered by the user into the device. The invention also relates to system of this kind which operate on light or vibration signals in an analogous fashion.
Background of the Invention Many alarm devices, such as smoke detectors, use audible sounds to alert those nearby that an alarm condition has occurred. Sometimes people who need to hear such alarms cannot do so, for example because they are a long way from the sound source (possibly many miles). It is already known that devices can be constructed to recognise certain sounds. Blunt (US Patent 5651070) describes a portable device which can be programmed to recognise a plurality of sounds and send a transmission to a user who is unable to hear the sound, for example because they are hearing impaired. Heaton et al. describe a device (GB 2374969) that can be programmed to recognise a range of sounds and communicate with a remote monitoring station, and thence to a plurality of recipients. Accordingly the present invention seeks to provide a device which is capable of recording certain sounds (especially the sound of various alarms), recognising them (or their absence) and communicating directly with a plurality of recipients by means of telephony. This avoids the need for a remote monitoring station. Preferably, the device can pass a recorded message to said recipients in the event of an alarm being detected. Preferably the arrangement is such that a user can control how said recipients are to be contacted in the event of different alarms being detected. The device may also be arranged to record a sample of the sound that has been recognised and relay it to one or more recipients in accordance with instructions programmed into the device by the user.
In addition the device may be adapted to transmit in real time sounds being detected by the device by means of telephony. The device may also be adapted to monitor the mains power supply and transmit messages to recipients if the mains power supply fails for a longer than a pre-determined period.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which sounds are detected by means of microphone 2 and amplified by means of summing amplifier AC1. The amplified sound is passed into three variable-frequency band pass filters (BF1 , BF2 and BF3). The frequencies of these three filters are controlled by the microprocessor MPC and the PSoC (Programmable System on Chip) IC1 which generate square waves (sqwl , sqw2 and sqw3) which in turn vary the frequency of band pass filters BF1 , BF2 and BF3. The output of these filters is fed into microprocessor MPC. Microprocessor MPC is capable of executing a stored program which is stored in non-volatile memory within microprocessor MPC or on an external integrated circuit IC2. By varying the frequency of the three filters the microprocessor MPC is able to detect characteristics of the sound being detected. The MPC compares the characteristic frequencies, cadence and spectral density of the sound being detected with the characteristics of reference sound stored in its memory. If there is a match then an alarm has been detected and the MPC executes a set of stored instructions which will normally involve making one of more telephone calls by means of telephony interface AC4 (conventional analogue telephony interface). The device is powered by mains electricity via power supply circuit AC2 with a back-up battery charged by circuit AC3. The microprocessor can sense the absence of mains power and also low battery condition. These conditions can also be used to generate an alarm. The device is able to record a plurality of reference sounds. This is achieved by programming the unit via the keypad 4 and initiating a sound recognition sequence outlined above. The characteristics of that sound are stored in memory. The device is also able to record voice messages that can be relayed to third parties by means of the telephony interface AC4. This is achieved by programming the unit via the keypad and speaking a message into the microphone. The sound is converted into a digital representation by means of an analogue to digital converter and stored in memory within the microprocessor or memory IC2. The device can be programmed so that the user can replay the recorded message to check it. A range of pre-recorded messages may also be stored within memory IC2. The device is further able to relay sound directly from the microphone via the microprocessor MPC to the telephony interface AC4, thus allowing the called party to listen to sounds local to the device. Following the detection of an alarm the device is also able to record a period of sound and store it in memory (either IC4 or MPC). This sound can then be relayed to called parties so that they are able to hear the sound that caused the alarm condition to occur. The device is also able to receive input and amend stored instructions to be carried out when an alarm is detected. This is achieved by programming the unit via the keypad. The programming process involves identifying the type of alarm, the telephone number(s) to be dialled, the nature and type of the message and any conditions attached to the message. For example this might include instructions on whether to cease calling once an answer is detected and whether to call at night or at weekends. These instructions are encoded and stored within microprocessor MPC. The device is able to communicate with the user by means of light emitting diodes L1 , L2, L3 and L4 and speaker 6, which is itself controlled by microprocessor MPC and integrated circuit IC3. IC3 provides amplification for the speaker and may also include a digital to analogue converter if the DAC function is not provided within MPC. Pre-recorded voice prompts are stored in memory IC2. Crystals C1 and C2 provide timing for integrated circuits IC1 and MPC. The device is fitted with a reset circuit 8 to allow the unit to be reset if required. The device is fitted with a tamper circuit 10 which can detect, for example, attempts to open the unit when it is armed and thus cause an alarm to be generated. The device is preferably enclosed within a plastic housing with suitable apertures for the battery compartment, keypad, lights, microphone and speaker. This housing has the facility to be mounted on a wall. Example components include: • Microprocessor MPC - Toshiba TMJP86FM48U • PSoC IC1 - CY8C24223 • IC3 - LM4900 • IC2 - AT45DB081 B (ROM) In a typical installation, the device is set up to record the sound of a particular alarm, using the following procedure:
The user activates the alarm and, while it is sounding, instructs the device via keypad (4) to record the sound. The device detects the sound by means of microphone (2), analyses the sound by means of the filters and microprocessor to identify distinct characteristics of the sound and records characteristic information about the sound and a sample of the sound into the memory. These distinct characteristics may include distinctive frequencies, periods, silences, amplitudes other distinguishing characteristics. There are a number of known techniques for characterising sounds and persons skilled in the art could employ one or several of them. The user can then instruct the device to replay the sound via speaker (6) in order that he can be satisfied that a good copy of the sound has been recorded. The user can then repeat these steps and record a plurality of other sounds. In addition the user can, by means of keypad (4) and the microphone (2), record spoken messages that are to be relayed to recipients when an alarm sound is detected.
These messages are processed by means of the microprocessor and stored in memory. The user can also instruct the device to transmit messages by various telephony means to a plurality of remote recipients upon various alarm events occurring. This is achieved by entering into the device the telephone number (or other means of addressing the recipient, such as an IP address) of the recipient, the alarm(s) which are to trigger attempts to communicate with the recipient, instruction regarding the nature of the transmission (for example a normal telephone call, a data message using a data encoding protocol, GSM short message service (SMS) or similar) and instructions explaining how messages to multiple recipients are to be processed. An example of such an instruction might be that in the event of alarm one (for example a fire alarm) being detected the unit is to transmit a message to recipient one. If recipient one does not answer then the unit is to transmit a message to recipient two. A second example of such an instruction might be that in the event of alarm one being detected the unit is to transmit a message to both recipient one and recipient two regardless of whether either one answers. The device can be programmed to automatically transmit a sample of sound recorded or detected by the device to one or more recipients, and/or there may be a facility for the user to initiate such a transmission. This will allow the recipient to hear the sound that was recognised by the device and would allow further verification of its recognition. The device may also be instructed to transmit a continuous data stream from the microphone to the recipient. This data stream, typically encoded sound, would allow the remote recipient to listen to sounds local to the device even though the recipient was far away. The user can also instruct the device to transmit a message to one or more recipients if mains power is lost for more than a predetermined period of time. Either continuously, or whenever a sound is detected, the microprocessor (2) within the device starts to scan the audible frequency range by adjusting the sensitivity to frequency of the filters (BPF1-BPF2). The microprocessor records the characteristics of the sound being heard. If the distinctive characteristics of this sound match the distinctive characteristics of any of the pre-recorded alarm sounds stored in memory then the microprocessor accesses the memory to see what actions are to be taken upon this alarm being detected. The microprocessor then carries these actions out using a combination of memory, microphone, and telephony means. Preferably, to avoid frequent false alarms from transient power failures, the microprocessor is informed of the absence of mains power by circuit AC3 and uses its internal timer to see whether mains power remains absent for a pre-determined period before executing stored instructions to communicate with recipients. The software embedded within the microprocessor can use a variety of techniques to analyse the outputs from the filters. These include: o Zero Cross data to distinguish between sound patterns. o Analysis of Spectral data to distinguish sound frequencies. o Envelope data to distinguish between sound volumes.
The frequency of square waves 1 - 3 are varied over time and the outputs of band pass filters 1 - 3 are monitored to derive a map which corresponds to the presence (above a threshold of the characteristics listed above or its absence. By repeating the analysis over time a map of the characteristic of complex sounds can be made and stored in memory. When the unit is in listening mode the spectrum analysis occurs continuously and the detected sound characteristics are compared with the reference sound stored in memory. If these match to a degree greater than a specified threshold then the microprocessor starts to execute a list of stored instructions which set out the actions to be taken upon receipt of an alarm. o Amplitude analysis. The unit is sensitive to sounds greater than a certain volume. This can be combined with frequency analysis such that the unit becomes sensitive to loud sounds of a specific frequency. o Frequency analysis. The unit searches for specific frequencies to confirm their presence or absence and infers whether the reference sound is present. Where the spectrum analysis detects a reasonable, but not compelling match then amplitude and frequency analysis may be used to accept or reject a recognition event. The software embedded within the microprocessor MPC is capable of executing the following functions: o Learning multiple reference sounds o Replaying recorded reference sounds (so that the user can verify that a good recording has been made.) o Accepting instructions that configure the unit to take specific actions when a reference sound is detected or mains power is absent. These instructions are supplied by the user and entered into the unit via keypad 4. These instructions include the telephone number of each recipient who is to be called when a reference sound is detected, the message to be transmitted and other instructions relating, for example, to conditional calling or time of day calling. o Listening for any of the recorded reference sounds and executing algorithms for deciding whether the reference sounds are present, including a combination of some or all of spectrum analysis, amplitude analysis and frequency analysis, the algorithm being adaptive to the level of confidence associated with the recognition. o Monitoring the mains power level for the prolonged absence of mains power and, if detected, executing stored instructions to decide what messages to transmit. o Initiating communications via the telephony interface according to reference sounds detected and the associated stored instructions. It will be appreciated that the described embodiment could be modified in a number of ways, for example by: (1 ) Combining the memory and microprocessor into a single unit.
(2) Using digital filters as an alternative to the filters envisaged in the diagram. Sounds detected by Microphone (2) would then be encoded into a digital form by means of an analogue to digital converter. The resulting digital image of the sound can then by analysed by software stored in memory and processed by microprocessor to determine the distinctive characteristics of the sound.
(3) Using a different arrangement of microphones, microprocessors, memories, filters and analogue to digital converters.
(4) Using a different form of user interface. This could include a mixture of buttons and other physical mechanisms, touch-sensitive screens, voice driven commands, lights of various sorts, one or more screens, speakers or interface to another device such as a PDA or a PC by means of a wire or by wireless means (for example using Bluetooth), or other user interface means known to those skilled in the art. In an alternative arrangement one or more of the recipients could be a machine and the messages might be in the form of machine-readable data. In another alternative the telephony means could use wireline telephony or some other form of wire-based data communications, such as a cable modem or data network, to transmit messages to recipients. Alternatively the telephony means could use wireless telephony (such as GSM, or UMTS or other wireless telephony standards) to transmit messages to recipients, or both wireline and wireless telephony means could be utilised. The telephony means (6) may be provided with the ability to recognise DTMF (or other) tones or signals or responses of any kind from the recipient. These responses can be communicated to the processor (3) and can execute the remainder of the stored instructions according to said responses. This allows the device to transmit messages to recipients depending on the outcome of message transmitted to other recipients. In another alternative the telephony means might be capable of receiving messages from a remote source (such as a computer) which might be used to initiate a transfer of data or to change the stored instructions within the device or to otherwise change the state of the memory within the device, for example to modify the software. If the source of the alarm is not sound but light (such as a flashing lamp) the microphone and filters may be replaced by one or more light-sensitive devices (which may use, for example, light filters to vary the frequency to which they are receptive) and thus allow a characteristic signal to be detected and analysed, by the microprocessor. The characteristics in this case will be the frequency, intensity and oscillatory patterns associated with the light source. As a further alternative the source of the alarm may be vibration. Such a device could be used to detect movement of a vehicle, for example. Instead of a microphone, one or more vibration-sensitive devices may be connected to the filters. This allows a characteristic vibration signal to be detected and analysed by the microprocessor, in terms of the specific frequency(ies) detected. In another embodiment of this invention the software in the memory analyses the frequency range for frequencies not associated with the normal operation of the device. Such a device could be used, for example, to identify unusual frequencies within a machine that might indicate imminent failure. In some embodiments of the invention the device may be able to recognise a plurality of external stimuli (light, sound and vibration) and be able to identify characteristics of these combined stimuli and generate messages for recipients according to stored instructions as set out above.

Claims

Claims:
1. A monitoring device capable of recording characteristics of one or more specific warning signals, and to subsequently recognise the incidence of corresponding signals and to communicate directly with one or more recipients according to user- programmable instructions stored in the device.
2. A device according to claim 1 in which the communication is achieved by wireless or wireline telephony.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the communication is in the form of voice or data, including text messaging.
4. A device according to any preceding claim in which the instructions stored in the device can be programmed by the user by means of a user interface or an interface to another device.
5. A device according to any preceding claim and further comprising means for receiving a response from the recipient and means for determining further action to be taken by reference to the stored instructions and the response.
6. A device according to any preceding claim including a mains power supply and a backup battery system, and means for detecting the absence of mains power and for communicating a corresponding message to one or more recipients according to stored instructions.
7. A device according to any preceding claim further comprising means for relaying some or all of the recognised signal to at least one recipient.
8. A device according to any preceding claim including means for relaying a signal in real time from a sensor in the device to a remote recipient.
9. A device according to any preceding claim in which the instructions are so arranged as to enable the device to communicate with different recipients depending on the signal recognised.
10. A device according to any preceding claim in which the device is arranged to attempt to communicate with different recipients depending on the result of attempts to communicate with other recipients.
11. A device according to any preceding claim which is adapted to receiving 5 messages via wireless or wireline telephony which can cause a change of state within the device or initiate a stored program within the device.
12. A device according to any preceding claim in which the warning signal comprises at least one of light, sound or vibration.
13. A monitoring device substantially as herein described with reference to I0 the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2005/001687 2004-05-04 2005-05-04 Event monitoring and transmitting system WO2005106815A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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EP05741910A EP1745451A1 (en) 2004-05-04 2005-05-04 Event monitoring and transmitting system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB0409945.3 2004-05-04
GB0409945A GB2413883A (en) 2004-05-04 2004-05-04 Monitoring system for alarms

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WO2005106815A1 true WO2005106815A1 (en) 2005-11-10

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GB2448485A (en) * 2007-03-27 2008-10-22 Susan Storrar Monitoring system
EP2144212A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2010-01-13 Deutsche Telekom AG Telephone with surveillance mode
GB2466741A (en) * 2008-12-02 2010-07-07 Matthew James Newman Battery alarm systems switching power to cellular transceiver only when needed
US10825332B2 (en) 2019-01-07 2020-11-03 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Home smart listening device linking to transport vehicle
US11210929B2 (en) 2019-01-07 2021-12-28 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Home smart listening devices linking to multiple transport vehicles
US11613277B2 (en) 2019-01-07 2023-03-28 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Network of home smart listening devices linked to autonomous vehicle

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GB2448766A (en) * 2007-04-27 2008-10-29 Thorn Security System and method of testing the operation of an alarm sounder by comparison of signals
US8610587B2 (en) * 2011-05-20 2013-12-17 Dovid Tropper Stand alone smoke detector unit with SMS messaging
GB2550118A (en) * 2016-05-04 2017-11-15 Arc Tech Co Ltd Sensing device for detecting alarm bell of siren
CN109215322A (en) * 2018-11-08 2019-01-15 湖南华烨智能通信技术股份有限公司 A kind of remote communication module and concentrator

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US6215404B1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2001-04-10 Fernando Morales Network audio-link fire alarm monitoring system and method
WO2002061706A1 (en) * 2001-01-30 2002-08-08 Mygard Plc Method and system for monitoring events

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2448485A (en) * 2007-03-27 2008-10-22 Susan Storrar Monitoring system
GB2448485B (en) * 2007-03-27 2010-12-01 Susan Storrar Monitoring system
EP2144212A1 (en) * 2008-07-10 2010-01-13 Deutsche Telekom AG Telephone with surveillance mode
GB2466741A (en) * 2008-12-02 2010-07-07 Matthew James Newman Battery alarm systems switching power to cellular transceiver only when needed
GB2466741B (en) * 2008-12-02 2011-08-31 Matthew James Newman Smoke or fire alarms
US10825332B2 (en) 2019-01-07 2020-11-03 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Home smart listening device linking to transport vehicle
US11210929B2 (en) 2019-01-07 2021-12-28 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Home smart listening devices linking to multiple transport vehicles
US11613277B2 (en) 2019-01-07 2023-03-28 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Network of home smart listening devices linked to autonomous vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1745451A1 (en) 2007-01-24
GB0409945D0 (en) 2004-06-09
GB2413883A (en) 2005-11-09

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