INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a security system, a security device and a method of forwarding security messages to a remote backend.

Security systems such as alarm systems are used to detect unauthorised entry into a building or premises and to alert a central and remote security service provider at a backend. These security systems are generally used in residential and commercial environments to protect buildings or premises from theft as well as to provide personal protection.

Known security systems utilise a local controller with a plurality of inputs and a plurality of intrusion sensors connected to the controller via the inputs. When one of the intrusion sensors senses an intrusion, an alarm is activated by the local controller. An intrusion message is transmitted by the local controller to the backend via a conventional telephone line utilising a connection typically referred to as a“tip and ring” connection. Alternatively, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) modem is utilised to transmit the intrusion message to the backend. These GSM modems may be jammed by intruders and the telephone line may be compromised. Hence these known security systems may not be suitable for at least some applications.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a security system, a security device and a method of forwarding security messages to a remote backend with which the applicant believes the aforementioned problems may at least be alleviated or which may provide a useful alternative for the known systems, devices and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a security system comprising:

- a controller comprising a plurality of inputs and a processor for processing an intrusion signal at one of the inputs, the controller being configured to generate a first or intrusion message based on the intrusion signal;

- a remote backend which is in communication with the controller via an Internet of things communications path; and

- an Internet of things transmitter connected to the controller for transmitting the first message via the Internet of things communications path to the remote backend for further processing. The Internet of things (loT) communications path is provided by a network of things including physical devices, home appliances, vehicles and other items or objects. These things typically comprise at least one of associated electronics, software, sensors and actuators. The things all have network connectivity, enabling them to connect and exchange data with one another and/or with the remote backend over the Internet.

Preferably, each thing forming part of the loT network is uniquely identifiable in the loT network. The loT network typically comprises network dedicated loT high sites.

The loT transmitter is configured to transmit data over the loT network to the backend and/or to other loT enabled devices. The system may comprise a plurality of intrusion sensors, each connected to the controller via a respective one of the inputs.

The controller may be connected to an Internet of things receiver or an Internet of things transceiver, for receiving a second message, such as an instruction message, from the remote backend via the Internet of things communications path. The system may comprise a position determining device which may be associated with at least one of the controller and the intrusion sensors.

The position determining device may be configured to generate position data and the controller may be configured to incorporate the position data into the first or intrusion message or into another message which is transmitted from the controller to the remote backend via the Internet of things communications path.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a security device comprising:

- a plurality of inputs;

- a processor for processing an intrusion signal at one of the inputs and for generating a first message based on the intrusion signal; and

- an Internet of things transmitter for transmitting the first message via an Internet of things communications path to a remote backend for further processing. A plurality of intrusion sensors may be provided in communication with the security device via the inputs. The device may comprise an Internet of things receiver or an Internet of things transceiver, for receiving a second or instruction message from the remote central backend via the Internet of things communications path. A position determining device may be provided and associated with at least one of the security device and the intrusion sensors.

The position determining device may be configured to generate position data and the security device may be configured to incorporate the position data into the first message or another message which is transmitted from the device to the remote backend via the Internet of things communications path.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forwarding security messages to a remote backend, the method comprising:

- at a user station, generating an intrusion message; and

- forwarding the intrusion message via an Internet of things communications path to the remote backend. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DIAGRAMS

The invention will now further be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagram which is a high-level block diagram of an example embodiment of a security system.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

An example embodiment of a security system is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 in the diagram. The security system 10 comprises a local controller 12 which has a plurality of inputs 14.1 to 14.n. The controller also comprises a processor 16 for processing an intrusion signal at any one of the inputs 14.1 to 14.n The controller 12 is configured to generate a first or an intrusion message based on the intrusion signal. A remote backend 18 is provided which is in communication with the controller via an Internet of things (loT) communications path 20. An Internet of things transmitter 22 is connected to the local controller 12 for transmitting the intrusion message via the Internet of things communications path 20 to the remote backend 18 for further processing.

An Internet of things receiver is also connected to the controller. The above transmitter and above receiver may be combined in a transceiver 22. The local controller 12 is preferably provided at a station or premises (not shown) to be monitored and protected.

A plurality of intrusion sensors 24.1 to 24. n are provided in communication with the controller 12 via a respective one of the inputs 14.1 to 14.n. The loT communications path 20 comprises at least one loT high site 26 which is connected to the Internet 28 preferably via an loT network switch 30. The backend 18 is also connected to the Internet 28. In use, the intrusion signal is generated by one of the intrusion sensors

24.1 to 24. n, for example when an intrusion is sensed by the sensor. The processor 16 accordingly generates the intrusion message based on the intrusion signal. The local controller 12 then transmits the intrusion message via the loT transceiver 22 and via the loT communications path 20 and via the Internet 28 to the remote backend 18 for further processing.

The backend 18 is typically operated by a security service provider. The backend 18 may then transmit a second message, such as an instruction message, via the loT communications path 20 and the receiver 22 to the local controller 12. An emergency response service may also be alerted by the backend 18 when the intrusion message is received.

It will be appreciated that the loT transceiver 22 is preferably a narrow- band type transceiver such as an loT 869MHz type transceiver which transmits the intrusion message via the loT communications path 20. The loT communications path 20 is preferably provided by an loT network for example one of the networks which are marketed under the trademarks “SIGFOX”™ or“LoRaWAN”™, which respectively provides a Low-power Wide-area network (LPWAN). The loT network switch 30 enables connection to the Internet 28 and a Webserver (not shown) performs a signal exchange step between the Internet 28 and the backend 18.

The invention also extends to a security device 32. The device 32 comprises the plurality of inputs 14.1 to 14.n, the local controller 12 and the processor 16 for processing an intrusion signal received at one of the inputs and for generating an intrusion message based on the intrusion signal. The security device 32 further comprises the loT transmitter 22 for transmitting the intrusion message via the loT communications path 20 to the remote backend 18 for further processing.

It will be appreciated that there are many variations in detail on the system, security device and associated method without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

For example, many different intrusion sensors 24 may be selected from, such as passive infrared (PIR) sensors, door and window contact sensors, photoelectric beams, panic buttons or other push buttons or switches, magnetic lock sensors, strike lock sensors etc. These sensors may be normally open or normally closed sensors. The local controller 12 may also be provided with a plurality of outputs 33. These outputs may be connected to a respective one of a plurality of output devices 35 such as a siren or other indicator devices, such as lights. The local controller may be configured to activate or deactivate one or more of these output devices based on settings, including mode settings, which are user programmable into and stored in the local controller 12, as is well known in the art. The modes may include ARM, DISARM and STAY modes. The local controller 12 may also be configured to activate or deactivate one or more of the output devices 35 based on the instruction message received from the backend 18 via the loT communications path 20.

A position determining device, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) device 34 or a Russian Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) device or any other position determining device, may be provided and connected to or otherwise associated with the controller 12, or with one or more of the intrusion sensors 24, or with one or more other sensors 36, or with the loT transceiver 22. The position determining device 34 may be configured to generate position data and the local controller 12 may be configured to incorporate the position data into the intrusion message which is transmitted to the remote backend 18 via the loT communications path 20. The other sensors 36 may for example include temperature sensors, smoke sensors, water or moisture sensors/detectors etc. Leaks of a water heater (also referred to as a“geyser”) may, for example, be monitored utilising a water detector. In this case, the controller 12 may be configured, in the event of a water leak, to transmit to the remote backend 18 via the loT communications path 20, another and separate message comprising data relating to a detected leak and position data. It will be appreciated that the separate message may comprise data associated with any of the other sensors 36, with or without position data.