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`
`US 20050146430A1
`
`(19} United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. N0.: Us 2005/0146430 A1
`(43) Pub. Date: Jul. 7, 2005
`
`Patrick ct al.
`
`(54} SECURITY MESSAGING SYSTEM
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`{76)
`
`Inventors: Atlanta Patrick, Bellmore, NY (US);
`Christopher D. Martin, Plainview, NY
`(US); Stephen J. Yawney, Bay Shore,
`NY (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
`LAW DEPARTMENT
`lfll COLUMBM ROAD
`MORRIS'I‘OWN, NJ 07692 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10!?50,089
`
`{22
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 31, 2003
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. c1.T ....................................................... ease U00
`(51)
`3401531; 340521
`(52) U.S.Cl.
`
`A system and method for delivering, safety and security
`information that includes at least one event monitor. Each
`event monitor has an output. The system also includes
`apparatus for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs
`of respective event monitors, apparatus for predetermining
`the format of a message related to respective events. appa-
`ratus for receiving the respective outputs of each of the event
`monitors and apparatus for sorting the outputs. based on the
`predetermining criteria for sorting, the outputs, into catego-
`ries related to distinct channels of communication. in addi-
`tion to apparatus for delivering messages based on the
`predetermining criteria and predetermined format. In some
`forms the invention the apparatus for predetermining criteria
`for sorting [he outputs of respective event monitors includes
`a web site accessible by an end—user. Similarly, the apparatus
`for predetermining the format of a message includes a web
`site accessible by an end user. The web site may be acces-
`sible only with a predetermined username and password.
`
`
`
`
`
`ipDataTel, LLC et al.
`ipDataTel, LLC et 21].
`Exhibit 1004, Page 1 of 9
`Exhibit 1004, Page 1 0f 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`US 2005/0146430 A1
`
`0")
`(r)
`
`. i
`
`ipDataTel, LLC et al.
`pDataTel, LLC et 21].
`Exhibit 1004, Page 2 of 9
`Exhibit 1004, Page 2 0f 9
`
`

`

`US 2005/0146430 A1
`
`Jul. '3’, 2005
`
`SECURITY MESSAGING SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF TIIE INVENTION
`
`[0001] The iDVerttion relates to a comprehensive system
`and method for managing safety and security in commercial
`and residential buildings. The system is relevant to normal
`activity and alarm conditions including but not limited to
`door openings, system arming, system disarming, tempera-
`ture changes, moisture changes in addition to break-in,
`medical and fire alarms. Thissystem includes multiple alarm
`sensors in communication with one or more control systems
`that interface by means of the World Wide Web to external
`peripheral devices. Users of security systems want
`the
`ability to receive messages such as alarms, system status,
`opening and closings, etc, to their work and home email
`addresses, cell phones, and other l’DA’s and personal mes-
`saging devices such as Blackberries. A good example is
`receiving a notification when the children of the user arrive
`home from school and disarm the system or when an alarm
`Occurs. The end user may desire messages that need not be
`sent to a central monitoring station supervised by trained
`personnel that have a primary mission of dispatching fire
`andtor police personnel when the data transmitted to the
`central monitoring station indicates to them that such action
`is appropriate. A perfect example here is a watcrtleak sensor
`whose fault can be transmitted to the homeowner, without
`the risk of accidentally dispatching police andt‘or
`fire
`responders.
`
`[0002] A U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10364309,
`entitled Universal Gateway Module and having the same
`assignee as the present application was filed on Dec. 18,
`2002. This application describes novel approaches to inter~
`facing peripheral devices to one or more control systems.
`This application is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`[0003] The prior art includes the ALARMNET® family of
`communication services provided by Ademco Group, Syos-
`set, N.Y. and designed for the security industry. Types of
`services include both wireless and Internet based network
`services. 'I"hese services are independent; however, a net-
`work control oenter allows messages received from one
`network to be redirected over another network. The wireless
`services are identified as ALARM NET-A, ALARMNET—M,
`and ALARMNE'l‘-C. The Internet service is identified as
`
`invention utilizes these net-
`ALARMNET-I. The present
`works in addition to other communication networks.
`
`[0004] The prior art includes various systems relying on
`cameras in the protected premises that are coupled by the
`Internet to allow remote observation of the premises.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`[0005]
`more comprehensive system and method for managing
`security in commercial and residential buildings.
`
`[0006] Another object of the present invention is to allow
`users of security systems the ability to receive messages
`such as alarms, system status, door and window opening and
`closings, etc. to their work and home e-mail addresses, cell
`phones, and other PDA(personal digital assistant) devices in
`personal messaging devices such as BLACKBERRY®
`wireless devices.
`
`[0007] Still another object
`mechanism for directing at
`
`invention is to provide a
`least some alarm conditions
`
`directly to such external peripheral devices and thus avoid
`the expense inherent
`in central station alarm condition
`monitoring by humans and the risks of one intentional
`dispatching of police andfor lire responses.
`
`[0008] Yet another, object invention is to provide a system
`at extremely low cost and minimises the necessity to pur-
`chase equipment. Morc particularly, it is an object of the
`present invention to do this without the need for a TC'Pt'IP
`stack andfor Ethernet Adapter.
`
`It has now been found that these and other objects
`[0009]
`ol‘ the invention may be achieved in a system and a method
`for delivering safety and security information which
`includes at least one event monitor. Each event monitor has
`
`an output. The system also includes apparatus for predete r-
`mining criteria for sorting the outputs of respective event
`monitors, apparatus for predetermining the format of a
`message related to respective events, apparatus for receiving
`the respective outputs of each of the event monitors and
`apparatus for sorting the outputs, based on the predetermin-
`ing criteria for sorting the outputs, into categories related to
`distinct channels of communication, in addition to apparatus
`for delivering messages based on the predetermined criteria
`and predetermined format.
`
`In some forms of the invention the apparatus for
`[0010]
`predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respective
`event monitors includes a web site accessible by an end-user.
`Similarly, the apparatus for predetermining the format of a
`message includes a web site accessible by an end user. The
`web site may be accessible only with a predetermined
`username and password.
`
`[0011] The apparatus for predetermining criteria for sort-
`ing the outputs of respective event monitors may include a
`plurality of communication channels selected from the
`group comprising radio frequency transmissions, e-mail,
`text messaging,
`instant mail, pager, mobile phone, and
`wireless I’DAs in addition to a central-station for processing
`the most serious events. The apparatus may also include a
`central-station for processing the most serious events.
`
`least one
`[0012] Some form; of the system include at
`event monitor having an output, apparatus for predetermin-
`ing criteria for sorting the outputs of respective event
`monitors, apparatus for receiving the respective outputs of
`each of the event monitors and apparatus for sorting the
`outputs, based on the predetermining criteria for sorting the
`outputs, into categories related to distinct channels of com—
`munication; and apparatus for delivering messages based on
`the predetermined criteria.
`
`In such forms of the invention the apparatus for
`[0013]
`predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respective
`event monitors may include a plurality of communication
`channels selected from the group comprising radio fre-
`quency transmissions, e-mail, text messaging, instant mail,
`pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to a
`central-station for processing the most serious events.
`
`[0014] The method in accordance with the present inven-
`tion may include providing at least one event monitor having
`an output, predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of
`respective event monitors, predetermining the format of a
`message related to respective events, receiving the respec—
`tive outputs of each 01" the event monitors and sorting the
`outputs, based on the predetermined criteria for sorting the
`
`ipDataTel, LLC et al.
`ipDataTel, LLC et 21].
`Exhibit 1004, Page 3 of 9
`Exhibit 1004, Page 3 0f 9
`
`

`

`US 2005/0146430 A1
`
`Jul. '3’, 2005
`
`outputs, into categories related to distinct channels of com-
`mu nication, and delivering messages based on the predeter-
`mining criteria and predetermined format.
`
`the conventional fire, police and medical emergency aspects
`and is limited to events that do not require the dispatch of
`fire, police or medical responders.
`
`In some forms of the method the step of predeter—
`[0015]
`mining criteria for sorting the outputs of respective event
`monitors includes providing a web site accessible by an
`end-user. The step of predeterrnining the format of a mes-
`sage may include providing a web site accessible by an end
`user. In some cases the step of predetermining may include
`limiting access to the web site only with a predetermined
`username and password.
`
`[0016] The step of predetermining criteria for sorting the
`outputs of respective event monitors may include the step of
`providing a plurality of communication channels selected
`from the group comprising radio frequency transmissions,
`e-mail, text messaging, instant mail, pager, mobile phone,
`and wireless PDAS in addition to a central-station [or
`processing the most serious events.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`[0017] The invention will better understood by reference
`to the drawing which is a diagrammatic representation of
`one form of the system and method in accordance with the
`present invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0018] A security system in a protected premise sends a
`Contact ID message (or any other type of alarm message
`format), that uniquely identifies the premises and customer
`and the relevant evean at
`that premises. The Contact II)
`message is an industry-standard alarm equipment event
`reporting format. The message is sent by means of a
`telephone line connected to a modem {that is one of a bank
`of modems or equivalent) at a central station or by means of
`a dial-up or broadband Internet access. Examples of broad-
`band lnternet access include Symphony~l and 7845i pro
`vided by Ademco Group, Syosset, N.Y. The central system
`may be fully automated whereby each of a predetermined
`list of inputs will each produce a predetermined output to the
`specific end user by means of that end users personal
`messaging device, cell phone by means of the World Wide
`Web or other communication channel using SM'I'P or
`equivalent. The central station will process the events for
`relatively routine events to direct the Contact II) message to
`the personal messaging device or cell phone previously
`selected by the user. The user is able to manage the personal
`messaging device or cell phone as well as the event catego-
`ries that will be directed to the personal messaging device or
`cell phone by means of a web site.
`
`[0019] The messenger system in accordance with one
`form of the present invention may be located at the Central
`Station where personnel monitor incoming data and selec—
`tively dispatch fire, police and medical emergency respond-
`ers. In other forms of the present invention the messenger
`system may be separated physically from the Central Sta-
`tion.
`In such embodiments of the present
`invention the
`messenger
`system includes
`fire, police,
`and medical
`response events as well as arming, disarming, temperature
`changes, moisture changes, door openings, door closings
`etc. In other forms ol‘ the invention the messenger system
`functions independently of (although harmoniously with)
`
`[0020] The user may at any time access their personal
`Messaging account at the central station via the web (i.c.,
`Symphony account) and manage their database of email
`addresses and control how the Contact ID messages are
`directed as described above.
`
`[0021] The following more detailed description of the
`system is best understood by first considering the following
`glossary of terms used herein.
`
`[0022] Objects and Items
`
`[0023] Address List—A list ol‘ Electronic Mail, Instant
`Messenger, or other unique identifiers that may be used to
`distribute event messages.
`
`or Alarm System—Equipment
`[0024] Alarm Panel
`installed in a building or outdoor space that detects undes—
`ired access. entry. occupation, or the presence of a hazard
`(ex—lire or presence of lethal gasses), or the occurrence of
`an event within a designated space.
`
`[0025] Alarm Monitoring Central Station—An entity that
`is employed to collect event messages from protected pre—
`mises. Most often, police, lire, or other emergency personnel
`are dispatched to the appropriate location in response to the
`reception of events.
`
`[0026] AlarmNet A communications network operated
`by Ademco that uses Internet, Cellular, Mobitext, and other
`proprietary technologies. The network is used to upload and
`download alarm system configuration and operational data
`as well as act as a pathway for alarm system based events to
`be routed from the protected premises to an alarm monitor-
`ing central station.
`
`[0027] MS—Messenger System. An electronic computing
`system that can create and send electronic forms of mes-
`sages to persons (or foreign systems) in order to notify the
`recipient of undesired access, entry, occupation, or the
`presence of a hazard (ex—occurrence of fire or presence of
`lethal gasseg, or
`the occurrence of an event within a
`designated space.
`
`ID, an industry-standard alarm
`[0028] CID—Contact
`equipment event reporting format.
`
`[0029] End User—Ownerr'Managcr of the property in
`which an alarm system is installed.
`
`[0030] Event—The detection of a change in the protected
`premises. Often, the event may be stored in some form of
`non-volatile memory. Events are usually transmitted to an
`Alarm Monitoring Central Station.
`
`[0031] PC—Personal Computer
`
`[0032] System Administrator Personnel employed by an
`Alarm Installation, Alarm Monitoring. or Alarm Manufac-
`turer organization that has been assigned to perform system
`data maintenance.
`
`[0033] The diagrammatic representation of the present
`invention includes the following communications Links:
`
`[0034] A broadband or dial-up into Internet point-ol-
`presence
`
`ipDataTel, LLC et al.
`ipDataTel, LLC et 21].
`Exhibit 1004, Page 4 of 9
`Exhibit 1004, Page 4 0f 9
`
`

`

`US 2005/0146430 A1
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`[0035] M outgoing e-mail requests
`
`[0036] B secure CID events to Alarmnet via network
`
`[0037] BB outgoing instant Mail requests
`
`[0038] C non»secure CID events to messenger service
`by a network
`
`[0039] CC bidirectional communication
`
`I) non-secure (.‘ID events to messenger service
`[0040]
`by a network
`DI) event notification
`
`[0041]
`
`[0042] E non-secure C11) events to messenger service
`via Dial-up into Internet point-of—presence
`
`F ECP proprietary Enhance Communication
`[0043]
`Protocol
`
`[0044]
`
`FF RS—232 or TCPKIP
`
`[0045] an its—232 or icon:
`
`[0046]
`
`6; see or RS-232
`
`[0047] GO [ts-232 or TCPap
`
`[0048]
`
`[0049]
`
`II more
`1111 event notification
`
`I non-secure events to messenger service via
`[0050]
`dial-up into the messenger system using industry-stan-
`dard protocols
`
`[0051]
`
`II event notification
`
`J non—secure events to messenger service via
`[0052]
`dial—up into messenger service at 75 baud or higher
`
`[0053]
`
`.1] account configuration data input
`
`[0054] K infout messages
`
`[0055] K account configuration data input
`
`[0056]
`
`I. infout messages
`
`[0057]
`
`L1. Alarmnet-(T
`
`[0058] M radio network
`
`[0059] MM Alannnet-M
`
`[0060] N incoming secure event reception
`
`[0061] NN Alarmnet—A
`
`[0062] O unidirectional communication
`P bidirectional communication
`
`[0063]
`
`[0064]
`
`R telephone line
`
`[0065]
`
`S telephone line
`
`[0066]
`
`‘I' telephone line
`
`[0067]
`
`U Internet instant message delivery
`
`[0068]
`
`V Internet e-mail delivery
`
`[0069]
`
`W outgoing instant message
`
`[0010]
`
`X outgoing e—mail
`
`[0071]
`
`Y incoming non—secure event reception
`
`[0072]
`
`2. incoming Web based activity
`
`[0073] The alarm system end user of the system in accor-
`dance with the present invention creates a Messenger Sys-
`tcm MS Account. Account creation is performed upon a
`standard perstma] computer 1 with an industry standard Web
`Browser through the Internet 15 via an internet connection
`A. The end user logs into a public web site (hosted on the
`web site 30). A password and login name provided by the
`security system installer is used by the end user. The web site
`30 is exposed to the Internet 15 via a public IP address. Web
`pages are served by the web server 30 via the internet
`connection (from the Web site 30 to the personal computer
`1 via Internet connection A, Internet 15, and incoming Web
`based activity Z). Messenger System MS account informa-
`tion is stored within the Messenger System Database 33.
`Account
`information is
`requested by the web-site 30
`dynamic content engine via path KK. Account Information
`changes are stored within the database 33 via account
`configuration data input path KK.
`
`[0074] Account Administration
`
`[0075] An alarm system end user administers a Messenger
`System MS Account. A system administrator may also
`create, modify, and retrieve account information as stored in
`the Messenger System Database 33. Administration is per—
`formed upon a standard personal computer 1 with an indus-
`try standard Web Browser through the Internet 15 via an
`internet connection A. The end user or system administrator
`logs into a public web site (hosted on web site because 30)
`using a password and login name provided by the security
`system installer. The web site 30 is exposed to the lntemet
`15 via a public IP address. Web pages are served by the web
`server 30 via the internet connection (from the web site 30
`to the standard personal computer 1 via broadband or dial-up
`into Internet point-ol"—presence A, internet 15, and incoming
`Web based activity Z). Messenger System MS account
`information is stored within the Messenger System Database
`33. Account information is requester] by the web site 30
`dynamic content engine via path KK. Account Information
`changes are stored within the database 33 via path account
`configuration data input KK.
`
`account
`administration function includes
`[0076] The
`information changes as well as selecting which Alarm Panel
`events need to be distributed by Messenger System and to
`whom the messages shall be distributed. Address Lists can
`be created and maintained which will allow easy distribution
`of events to multiple recipients.
`
`[0077] Event Generation
`
`In most cases, a sensor of some form detects a
`[0078]
`change within the protected premises, however,
`a
`time
`occurrence may also trigger an event. The occurrence of the
`Event 2, 5, 35, 37, 39, may be filtered respectively by the
`alarm panels 3, 6, 36, 38, 40, and possibly transmitted to a
`monitoring authority at the central—station. Each event may
`be a door opening or closing, system arming, system dis-
`arming,
`temperature change, moisture change, break-in,
`medical alarm, fire alarm or other event.
`
`[0079] Event Transmittal via Standard Dialer and Alarm
`Central Station Automation Equipment
`
`[0050] Historically, most alarm panels transmit event data
`to a monitoring authority via a standard telephone line and
`circuit. In this case, the alarm panel 12 uses a standard phone
`system with multiple incoming lines 21 to create a commu-
`
`ipDataTel, LLC et al.
`ipDataTel, LLC et 21].
`Exhibit 1004, Page 5 of 9
`Exhibit 1004, Page 5 0f 9
`
`

`

`US 2005/0146430 A1
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`nication path with an industry standard alarm central station
`receiver 23. The events are communicated using frequency-
`shift~kcying, touch~tone, or other tone patterns on the phone
`system via path I through 21 and path R. The events are then
`routed to an operator in the central station who then makes
`a decision to dispatch emergency authorities to the premises.
`The automation system 31 then transmits a representation of
`the event via path HH to the Messenger System Services 29.
`
`[0081] Event 'I'ransmittal via Standard Dialer and Dedi-
`cated Central Station Alarm Receiver Equipment
`
`the alarm panel 12 uses a standard
`In this case,
`[0082]
`phone system with multiple incoming lines 21 to create a
`communication path with an industry standard alarm central
`station receiver 24. The events are communicated using
`frequency-shift-keying, touch-tone, or other tone patterns on
`the phone system via path I through 21 and path S. The
`receiver 24 then transmits a representation of the event via
`path FF to a proxy system 32 that then forwards the event’s
`representational form via path [I to the Messenger System
`Services 29.
`
`a representation of the events to the AlarmNet Routing
`Service 20. The Routing Service 20 then forwards the
`event’s representational form via path DD to the Messenger
`System Services 29.
`
`[0091] Event Transmittal via AiarmNet-I, Type I
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 3 communicates via F
`[0092]
`to an AlarmNet-I transmitter 4. The events are communi-
`cated through the AlarmNet-I communication network via B
`to a matching AlarmNetvl Service Handler 28 via the
`Internet via path N. Using path CC, the AlarmNet-l Service
`Ilandler 28 sends a representation of the events to the
`AlarmNet Routing Service 20. The Routing Service 20 then
`forwards the event’s representational form via path DD to
`the Messenger System Services 29.
`
`[0093] Event Transmittal via AlannNet-I, Type II
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 3 communicates via F
`[0094]
`to an AlarmNet-l transmitter 4. The events are communi-
`cated through path (T and the Internet, then via path Y to the
`Messenger Systetn Services 29.
`
`[0083] Event Transmittal via Modem and Central Station
`Modem Reception Bank
`
`[0095] Event Transmittal via Broad-Band Internet Con-
`nectiort
`
`the alarm panel 13 uses a standard
`In this case,
`[0084]
`phone system with multiple incoming lines 22 to create a
`communication path with an industry standard modem 25.
`The events are communicated using frequency-shift-keying.
`touch-tone, or other tone patterns on the phone system via
`path J through 22 and path T. The modem 25 then transmits
`a representation of the event via path GG to a proxy system
`32 that then forwards the event's representational form via
`path 11 to the Messenger System Services 29.
`
`[0085] Event Transmittal via AlarmNetnA
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 40 communicates via
`[0086]
`NN to an AiarmNet-A transmitter 43. The events are com-
`municated through the AlannNet-Acommunication network
`to a matching AlarmNet~A receiver 16 and then via path M
`to the Alarrnth-A Service handler. A representation of the
`events are then forwarded to the AlarmNet Routing Service
`20 via path 0.
`'lhe Routing Service 20 then forwards the
`event’s representational form via path DD to the Messenger
`System Services 29.
`
`[0087] Event Transmittal via AlarmNet-M
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 38 communicates via
`[0088]
`MM to an AlarmNet-M transmitter 42. The events are
`communicated through the AlarmNet-M communication
`network to a matching AlarmNet-M Service Handler 18 via
`the appropriate MobiText network carrier and the Internet
`via path K. Using path I’. the AlarrnNet-M Service I-Iandler
`18 sends a representation of the events to the AlarmNet
`Routing Service 20. The Routing Service 20 then forwards
`the event’s representational form via path DI) to the Mes-
`senger System Services 29.
`
`[0089] Event Transmittal via Alarmth-C
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 36 communicates via
`[0090]
`LL to an AIarmNet-C transmitter and 41. The events are
`
`communicated through the AlarmNet—C communication net—
`work to a matching AlarmNet—C Service Handler 17 via the
`appropriate cellular network carrier and the Internet via path
`1.. Using path 0' the AlarmNet-C Service Handler 17 sends
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 6 communicates via G
`[0096]
`to an Ethernet-based network connection device 7. The
`events are communicated through the Internet via path I).
`Using path Y, a representation of the events is sent to the
`Messenger System Services 29 via path Y.
`
`[0097] Event Transmittal via Dial-Up Internet Connection
`
`In this case, the alarm panel 6 communicates via G
`[0098]
`to a modem—based network connection device 7 and 14 via
`II. The events are communicated through the Internet via
`path E and a national internet provider such as AOL. Using
`path Y, a representation of the events is sent to the Messen-
`ger System. Services 29 via path Y.
`
`[0099] Messenger System Services Route Appropriate
`Messages to Recipients
`
`[0100] The Messenger System Services 29 use account
`information stored in the Messenger System Database 33,
`retrieved via path I], to determine which events must be
`forwarded and to which recipient(s) the events must go. In
`addition to determining possible recipients. the Messenger
`Services 29 may transform the event’s representation—
`texlually or digitally—into the appropriate form for the
`recipient and the type oftransport method used to deliver the
`message.
`
`[0101] Message 'l'ransmittal Via Electronic Mail
`
`If the Messenger System Services determine that
`[0102]
`an event must be transmitted to a recipient via EwMail, a
`representation of the event is transmitted to a Simple Mail
`Transport Protocol Server 27 via path M. The SMTP Server
`then formulates and outgoing E-Mail message and sends it
`through the Internet 15 via path X to the recipient‘s E-Mail
`Host Account on an E-M ail pager, cell phone or Blackberry
`8 via path V. The potential
`recipient may then retrieve
`E-Mails via a personal computer (with Internet Access), a
`cell phone (with the appropriate service), a pager (with the
`appropriate service), a BlackBerry device (with the appro—
`priate service). or any other device that
`is capable of
`receiving E-Mail.
`
`ipDataTel, LLC et al.
`ipDataTel, LLC et 21].
`Exhibit 1004, Page 6 of 9
`Exhibit 1004, Page 6 0f 9
`
`

`

`US 2005/0146430 A1
`
`Jul. '3’, 2005
`
`[0103] Message Transmittal Via Instant Message
`
`If the Messenger System Services determines that
`[0104]
`an event must be transmitted to a recipient via an Instant
`Message, a representation of the event is transmitted to an
`Instant Messenger Client 26 via path BB. The [M Client then
`formulates an outgoing instant message and sends it through
`the Internet 15 via path W to the recipient’s Instant Mes-
`senger Service Account via path U on a PC or cell phone 9.
`The potential recipient may then retrieve Instant Messages
`via a personal computer (with Internet Access), a cell phone
`(with the appropriate service), a pager (with the appropriate
`service), a BlackBerry device (with the appropriate service),
`or any other device that
`is capable of receiving Instant
`Messages.
`
`the preferred embodiment
`[0105] The description of
`includes express reference to the Alarm net family of com-
`munication services provided by Ademco group, Syosset
`N.Y. for the security industry. It will be understood that the
`term communication service as used in the claims includes
`
`both the Alarmnet family of communication services as well
`as other services using wireless or Internet technologies.
`
`[0106] The respective methods and systems in accordance
`with the present system may utilize a computer that includes
`a microprocessor and memory and which cooperates with
`software that is commercially available or within the skill of
`practitioners in the programming arts.
`
`It will be obvious to those having skill in the art
`[0107]
`that many changes may be made to the details of the
`above-described embodiments of this invention without
`
`departing from the underlying principles thereof. Accord-
`ingly,
`it will be appreciated that
`this invention is also
`applicable to other systems. The scope of this invention
`should.
`therefore, be determined only by the following
`claims.
`
`What is claimed is:
`
`l. Asystern for delivering safety and security information
`which comprises:
`
`at least one event monitor, each event monitor having an
`output;
`
`means [or predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs
`of respective event monitors;
`
`means for predetermining the format of a message related
`to respective events;
`
`means for receiving the respective outputs of each of said
`event monitors and means for sorting the outputs, based
`on the predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs,
`into categories related to distinct channels of commu-
`nication; and
`
`means for delivering messages based on the predetermin—
`ing criteria and predetermined fon‘ttal.
`2. The system as described in claim ] wherein said means
`for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respec-
`tive event monitors includes a web site accessible by an
`end-user.
`
`3. The system as described in claim 1 said means for
`predetermining the format of a message includes a web site
`accessible by an end user.
`4. The system as described in claim 2 wherein said web
`site is accessible only with a predetermined password.
`
`5. The system as described in claim 3 wherein said web
`site is accessible only with a predetermined username and
`password.
`6. The system as described in claim 1 wherein said means
`for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respec-
`tive event monitors includes a plurality of communication
`channels selected from the group comprising radio fre-
`quency transmissions, e-mail, text messaging, instant mail.
`pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to a
`central-station for processing the most serious events.
`7. The system as described in claim 2 wherein said means
`for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respec-
`tive event monitors includes a plurality of communication
`channels selected from the group comprising radio fre-
`quency transmissions, e-mail, text messaging, instant mail,
`pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to a
`central-station for processing the most serious events.
`8. The system as described in claim 3 wherein said means
`for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respec-
`tive event monitors includes a plurality of communication
`channels selected from the group comprising radio fre-
`quency transmissions, e-mail, text messaging, instant mail,
`pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to a
`central-station for processing the most serious events.
`9. The system as described in claim 4 wherein said means
`for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respec-
`tive event monitors includes a plurality of communication
`channels selected from the group comprising radio fre-
`quency transmissions, c-mail, text messaging, instant mail,
`pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to a
`central—station for processing the most serious events.
`10. The system as described in claim 5 wherein said
`means for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of
`respective event monitors includes a plurality of communi-
`cation channels selected from the group comprising radio
`frequency transmissions, e-mail,
`text messaging,
`instant
`mail, pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to
`a central-station for processing the most serious events.
`11. A system for delivering safety and security informa—
`tion which comprises:
`
`at least one event monitor, each event monitor having an
`output;
`
`means for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs
`of respective event monitors;
`
`means for receiving the respective outputs of each of said
`event monitors and means for sorting the outputs, based
`on the predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs,
`into categories related to distinct channels of commu-
`nication; and
`
`means for delivering messages based on the predetermin-
`ing criteria.
`12. The system as described in claim 11 wherein said
`means for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of
`respective event monitors includes a plurality of communi-
`cation channels selected from the group comprising radio
`frequency transmissions, e-mail,
`text messaging,
`instant
`mail, pager, mobile phone, and wireless PDAs in addition to
`a centralwstation for processing the most serious events.
`13. The system as described in claim 11 wherein said
`means for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of
`respective event monitors includes a plurality of communi-
`cation channels selected from th