A Method and Receiver for Blocking a Runaway Dialer at a Local Security System

[0001] The invention relates generally to a monitoring system

including a central monitoring station having a plurality of

receivers that receive periodically updated information from a

number of different security systems at different locations.

More specifically, the invention relates to a security system

receiver capable of blocking transmissions from the different

security systems at different locations.

[0002] Security systems, such as for homes and businesses,

have become commonplace as people seek to protect themselves

and their property. A security system includes any life,

safety and property protection system. The security system

typically includes a central control panel that communicates

with a number of sensors via a wired or wireless path. The

control panel has the ability to notify local emergency

services and/or a remote monitoring station of an alarm

condition via a telephone dialer to the remote monitoring

facility or local emergency services. A communication network

device, such as a modem, allows the control panel to send and

receive information via a communication link to a

communication network. The communication network is usually a

telephone network and the communication link is a telephone

line, however, the control panel can also send and receive

information via a computer network, such as the Internet. The

computer network may include a DSL or cable modem, and a

network interface card, for example. In addition, a dial-up

telephone connection may be used. Other communication paths

such as long-range radio or a cellular telephone link have

been used. The dialer is typically hardwired to the control

panel and activated by the control device.

[0003] The central monitoring station is staffed with

operators to monitor incoming communications and to determine

when an alarm is set by a monitored security system. The

operator contacts emergency services such as fire or police

personnel in the appropriate municipality by telephone to

report the alarm.

[0004] In response to a received message, the central

monitoring station processes the message and performs the

necessary response. The messages from the respective security

systems may include identifiers that identify the security

systems. Generally, the remote facility can maintain data

regarding the identity of one or more security systems that

are to be notified when a specified occurrence is detected at

one or more other security systems.

[0005] The central monitoring station includes receivers and

transmitters for communicating with different security systems

via one or more networks. The receivers receive messages via a

communication link from the local individual security systems .

Each receiver is connected to an automation system. The

automation system is typically an automation computer. The

receivers are connected to the automation computer by an

automation computer port .

[0006] The control panel at the local security systems

periodically transmits status information to the receiver at

the central monitoring station. These periodically updated

transmissions are called status reports. The status reports

typically occur at a predetermined interval, which can be

controlled by a configuration computer located at the central

monitoring station. Additionally, the local security system

can call the receiver periodically to transmit other types of

information. The control panel transmits both the status

(test) reports and the calls to the receiver using a dialer in

the control panel. However, sometimes the dialer malfunctions

and continuously transmits calls and reports to the receiver.

This causes an increased flow of traffic into the receiver and

into the automation system.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to prevent this increase in

the flow of traffic in the case where the dialer is

malfunctioning or in the case where the local security system

transmits information, data or calls the receiver at a higher

rate then expected.

[0008] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to

provide a security receiver at a central monitoring station

having the capability of blocking a transmission from a local

security system in the case where a dialer at the local

security system has malfunctioned by contacting the receiver

excessively.

[0009] To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in

accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as

embodied and broadly described herein, a monitoring receiver

includes a timer for counting down a blocking time period and

a counter for counting transmissions that are received from

the local security system. The receiver further includes a

comparison means for comparing a number of times that a local

security system contacts the receiver with a predetermined

threshold value. The threshold value is a blocking threshold

that is programmed into the receiver. The receiver blocks the

transmission from the local security system when the number of

times that the local security system contacts the receiver is

greater than the threshold value within the blocking time

period. The receiver blocks the contact using a blocking

means .

[0010] The monitoring receiver further includes a means for

selecting at least one blocking criteria. The blocking

criteria can be a number of calls or a number of reports . The

receiver further has a means for selecting at least one

blocking threshold value.

[0011] The blocking means sets a blocking flag when the number

of times that the local security system contacts the receiver

is greater than the threshold value within the blocking time

period. This blocking flag is transmitted to a receiving and

transmitting section of the receiver which causes the

receiving and transmitting section to block the transmission,

signal or contact.

[0012] The receiver can further include a second timing means

for counting down a block period which is a time period

wherein the security receiver blocks transmissions from the

local security systems.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a monitoring system

comprises a plurality of receivers, each having a receiving

and transmitting section for receiving and transmitting

signals from and to a plurality of local security systems and

a control section for processing the received signals. The

monitoring system further includes a monitoring receiver

configuration computer connected to each of the plurality of

receivers. The monitoring system receiver configuration

computer includes a first timer for counting down a blocking

time period, a counter for counting a number of transmissions

received by the receiver from each of the plurality of local

security systems, a comparison means for comparing the counted

number with one of a plurality of blocking threshold values,

which is stored in a storage means, and a control section for

transmitting a blocking signal to the receiver based upon the

comparison.

[0014] The monitoring system has a means for selecting at

least one blocking threshold, at least one blocking criteria,

a blocking time period and a block period and is located in

the monitoring receiver configuration computer.

One of the plurality of receivers block transmissions from one

of the plurality of local security systems when the receiver

receives the- blocking signal from the monitoring system

receiver configuration computer.

[0015] A corresponding method of blocking transmission from a

plurality of local security systems is provided.

[0016] The above and other features of the invention,

including various novel details of construction and

combinations of parts, will now be more particularly described

with reference to the accompanying drawing and pointed out in

the claims . It will be understood that the particular device

embodying the invention is shown by way of illustration only

and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and

features of this invention may be employed in various and

numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the

invention.

[0017] These and other features, benefits and advantages of

the present invention will become apparent by reference to the

following text figures, with like reference numbers referring

to like structures across the views, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a monitoring receiver according to

the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the sequence of

programming a receiver to block a 'local security system

according to the first embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates the sequence of steps to block a

local security system according to the first embodiment of the

invention.

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the

invention.

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates the sequence of steps to block a

local security system according to the second embodiment of

the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates a monitoring receiver according to

the present invention. To begin with, structure and operation

distinctions of the present invention will be described. In

the preferred embodiment, the security system receiver is

capable of controlling transmission functions of a local

installed security system, such that the transmission is

blocked in the case of a runaway dialer or a continuously

repeated transmission.

[0024] In Figure 1 the monitoring receiver 100 comprises a

memory section 110, a timer 112, a control section 114,

receiving transmitting section 116, a user interface means

118, a display 120, a power supply 124, a counter 122 and a

comparison means 126.

[0025] The control section 114 controls the overall processing

for all user-inputted commands, pre-programmed instructions

stored in said memory section 110, such as the blocking

program according to the invention. The display 120 displays

a menu options, user inputted commands and information, such

as subscriber numbers and local security system identifiers,

blocking criteria and blocking threshold values. The memory

110 is for storing pre-programmed instructions such as the

blocking program according to the invention, subscriber

numbers and local security system identifiers, blocking

criteria, and blocking threshold values.

[0026] The user interface means 118 can be a keyboard, alpha

numeric keypad, or a touch panel which function to input data

concerning blocking the local security system transmission,

blocking criterias and timing thresholds for blocking

transmissions from said local security systems.

[0027] The receiving and transmitting section 116 receives and

transmits signals to and from a plurality of local security

systems and is controlled by said control section 114.

[0028] The timer 112 is used to time a blocking time period

which is selected by an operator at the central monitoring

station and used to determine whether a local security system

should be blocked.

[0029] The receiver 100 can also have a second timing means

128 for timing how long a local security system should be

blocked.

[0030] The counter 122 is used to count a number of times a

local security system transmits to the receiver. A

transmission can be a call to the receiver 100 and/or a

report. The power supply section 124 is used to distribute

the power from a power source to each part of the receiver

100.

[0031] In operation, the operator inputs at least a blocking

time period, at least one blocking criteria, and at least one

blocking threshold through the user interface means 118.

Accordingly, the operator is capable of blocking multiple

transmissions from the local security systems in the case

where the local security system calls or reports into the

receiver excessively during a selected period of time as a

result of a malfunction in the dialer. A runaway dialer is a

dialer in a local security system that continues to call or

send reports to a receiver beyond what is normal due to a

problem at the site or with the security system. The receiver

can block the local security system which will reduce the flow

of traffic into the receiver. While the receiver 100 is

blocking the local security system, the display 120 can

indicate that a local security system is being blocked, as

well as if there is a specified block time period. At the

same time, the control section 114 can transmit a message to

the automation system such that the operator can send a

repairman out to the local security system to fix the dialer.

[0032] If the operator does not enter a specific block period

for the local security system, the receiver 100 will block all

transmissions from the local security system for an indefinite

period of time.

[0033] Next, an example of operation of the first embodiment

of the present invention will be described.

[0034] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the sequence of

programming a receiver 100 to block a local security system if

certain blocking criteria is met. The process begins at step

200. At step 210, the operator enters the blocking mode by

using the user interface means 118 to navigate through a

general operation menu tree visible on the display 120. Once

in blocking mode, the receiver 100 will prompt the operator to

enter a blocking time period, at step 220. The blocking time

period is a time increment in minutes and can be a number

between 1-N minutes. The timer 112 will countdown the

blocking time period. In blocking mode, the blocking time

period will be stored in the memory 110 of the receiver 100.

[0035] After the blocking time period has been entered and

stored, a blocking criteria is entered in step 230. The

receiver 100 has a plurality of blocking criteria programmed

into its memory 110. For example, the receiver can block the

local security system by a number of reports or kiss offs

within the blocking time period or by number of calls within a

period of time.

[0036] The receiver 100 will prompt the operator to select

which blocking criteria the receiver 100 should use to

determine if a local security system should be blocked. The

operator will select at least one blocking criteria by using

the user interface means 118. This section will be stored in

memory 110.

[0037] After at least one blocking criteria has been selected,

the operator will be requested to input a blocking threshold

value indicating the level of the selected blocking criteria

that will be tolerated at step 240, i.e., the level in which a

greater number of calls or reports would trigger the receiver

to block or ignore the local security system. For example, if

the operator selects as the blocking criteria the number of

calls within a time period, the blocking criteria threshold

would be a number value for the number of calls ranges from 1-

XX in the blocking time period, e.g., 10 or more, 20 or more,

30 or more, etc.

[0038] Further, if the operator selects as the blocking

criteria the number of reports (kiss off) within a time

period, the blocking criteria threshold would be a number

value for the number of reports ranges from AA-BB in the

blocking time period, e.g., above 50, above 75, above 100.

The blocking threshold value will be stored in memory 110 with

the blocking criteria.

[0039] The operator will program how to track a call to

determine if the local security system is a runaway dialer and

to block a call from continuing once determined to be a

runaway dialer at step 250. Available options are by caller

ID number (identifier) , ANI, or subscriber number. The

operator will select the tracking means using the user

interface means 118 and this selection will be stored in

memory. A list of tracking options will be displayed on the

display 120.

[0040] After the blocking time period, blocking criteria,

blocking threshold, and tracking means has been entered into

memory 110, the control section 114 creates at least one

database or data table in memory 110 from the entered

information according to the blocking program stored in

memory, at step 270.

[0041] An example of the data table is depicted below.

[0042] In the first column of the database or data table is

the tracking means, i.e., subscriber number or identification

number.

[0043] The second column is the blocking criteria. The third

column is the blocking threshold value. The fourth column is

the number of times the local security system contacts the

receiver 100. A contact is either a call, a number of

reports . The last or fifth column is the result of the

comparison between column 4 and column 3. If the value in

column 4 is greater than column 3 the value in column 5 will

be "1", if not then the value will be "0". This is a blocking

flag. A database or data table is created in memory for each

blocking criteria selected. However, it is within the scope

of the invention to create one database or data table having

all of the blocking criteria, all call information, all report

information and blocking thresholds. It is further within the

scope of the invention to include the blocking time period in

the database. It is also within the scope of the invention to

modify the order of the columns in the table as the above

example is provided for demonstrative purposes only.

[0044] The database is used such that the control section 114

can determine if the local security system should be blocked.

Specifically, every time the new local security system

contacts the receiver 100, the unique identification number is _

added to the first column tracking means, i.e., subscriber

number or identifier. The value in the counter is set to 1.

If a local security system has already contacted the receiver

100, the control section 114 will match the unique

identification number with a number in column 1 on the

database and increment the value in the counter by 1.

[0045] Next, operation of the blocking process will be

described according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the sequence of steps to block a local

security system. At step 400 the blocking program is

activated. Once all of the blocking information such as

blocking criteria, blocking threshold values, blocking time

period, and tracking means has been entered into memory 100,

the blocking program instructs the control section 114 to

activate the timer 112. At step 410 the timer 112 counts down

the blocking time period.

[0046] The control section 114 checks to see whether or not

the timer 112 has finished counting down the blocking time

period at step 415. If the timer has not finished counting

down the blocking time period (T>0) , then the control section

114 will determine if a signal has been received by the

receiving and transmitting section 116 at step 420., If the

blocking time period T=O, then the operator can reset the

timer, at step 416.

[0047] Each time the local security system contacts the

receiver 100 the local security system transmits data to the

receiver 100 via the receiving and transmitting section 116.

[0048] The control section 114 checks the receiving and

transmitting section 116 for a transmission from the local

security system. The control section 114 will then determine

the type of contact, at step 425. Specifically, the control

section 114 will determine if the contact was a call or a

report. Depending on the blocking criteria, the control

section will cause the counter to increment. For example, if

the blocking criteria is a number of calls within a

predetermined blocking time period, and the control section

114 determines that the contact was a call, then the control

section will cause the counter 122 to increment by 1 (column 4

of the database) . If no transmission is received, the

receiver 100 will wait for a transmission, remaining at step

420.

[0049] At step 430, the control section 114 will determine if

the blocking threshold value has been reached. The blocking

programming will compare the blocking threshold value with the

value of the counter 122. This will be accomplished by using

a comparison means 126. If the blocking threshold value (B+)

> than the value of the counter (Cv) , then the control section

114 will allow the receiver to process the call, at step 435.

[0050] If the blocking threshold value (B+) £ the value of the

counter (Cv) , then control section 114 will cause the receiver

100 to block or ignore the call.

[0051] The blocking program then will instruct the control

section 114 to set a blocking flag to have a value of 1, at

step 440. The blocking flag is a control signal which is sent

to the receiving and transmitting section 116 and instructs

the receiving and transmitting section 116 to block a

transmission. If the blocking flag has a value of 1, then the

local security system is blocked. The control section 114

will transmit the blocking flag to the receiving and

transmitting section 116 as a signal to block the local

security system, at step 445. The receiver 100 will

immediately issue a kiss off tone and disconnect the local

security system. If more than one blocking criteria has been

selected, the comparison means 126 will compare each blocking

threshold value (B ₊₁ ...B _+N ) with a value of the..counter (C _vl ...C _vN )

to determine if any or all of the blocking threshold values

have been exceeded.

[0052] With reference to the example data table, if column 4

is >= column 3 then the receiver 100 will block the local

security systems transmissions. The receiver 100 can block

transmission from the local security system if one of the

blocking threshold values has been exceeded. It is also

within the scope of the invention to only block the

transmission if all of the blocking thresholds have been

exceeded.

[0053] The control section will create a list of all local

security systems which are blocked, i.e., blocking flag set at

1, at step 450. This list is stored in memory.

[0054] This blocking list can be displayed on display 120 at

any time by the operator. Furthermore, it is within the scope

of the invention that the receiver includes a notification

means which notifies the operator each time a blocking flag is

set to 1. This notification means can be a signal such as a

sound, light, through a speaker, a relay device, or a light on

the display. Furthermore, the notification means or signal

can be transmitted to the automation computer or a printer

such the operator can be notified.

[0055] Additionally, the blocking list can be outputted to the

automation computer or a printer. This will enable the

operator to send a repairman out to the local security system

to fix the dialer.

[0056] The timer 112 can also be displayed in the display 120

to the operator to check to see whether the timer 112 has

finished counting down the blocking time period or not .

[0057] At step 260, as depicted in Figure 2, the operator can

enter a block period which is a period of time that the

receiver 100 will block or ignore a local security system. A

block period (T ₊ ) is a time that can be a time been 1-N. If

no block period (T ₊ ) is entered a default time period will be

used. The default period is an infinite time period. In

other words, the receiver will block transmission from the

local security system until the operator resets the receiver

100 to stop blocking the local security system. The blocking

signal is reset when the dialer at the local security system

is fixed. A second timing means 128 is used to countdown .the

block period (T ₊ ) .

[0058] The block period (T ₊ ) will be stored in the memory

section 110.

[0059] At step 455, the control section 114 will activate the

second timing means 128 to start counting down the block

period (T ₊ ) . The receiver 100 will continue to block

transmissions from the local security system as long as the

time remaining in the block period, is greater than zero

(T ₊ >0) .

[0060] In the blocking program, when transmissions are

blocked, the display 120 can display information indicating

that transmissions from a local security system are blocked,

as well as the remaining block period (T ₊ ) .

[0061] The remaining block time can also be transmitted to the

automation computer or outputted on a printer.

[0062] The control section will check to see whether the

second timer has finished counting the block period or not, at

step 460. As the second timing means 128 finishes counting

down the block period, the situation can be displayed on the.._..

display 120 or transmitted to the automation computer, so as

to notify the operator that the block period has been

finished. If the block period T ₊ >0, then the receiver 100

will continue blocking the local security system at step 465.

[0063] At step 470, the blocking program can request the

operator to determine whether the block period should be

continued or not . In the case when it is determined that the

block period should not be continued, (dialer is fixed) the

second timing means 128 is stopped. At the same time, the

control section 114 will cause the receiving and transmitting

section 116 to stop blocking transmissions. The blocking flag

will then be reset to 0, at step 475. In the case when the

operator indicates that the block period (T ₊ ) should be

continued, the blocking program requests the operator to

determine whether the block period (T ₊ ) should be changed or

not, at step 480. If the operator indicates that the block

period (T ₊ ) is to be changed, the blocking program will prompt

the user to input another block time (T ₊ ) , at step 485. The

block time (T ₊ ) will be entered the same was as the original

block line T ₊ in step 250.

[0064] On the other hand, when the operator decides not to

change the block period (T ₊ ), the timer is reset. The value

of the block period is retrieved from the memory section 110

and the process returns to step 455. The process is then

repeated from that step onward and the blocking continues .

Alternately, the system can block a call indefinitely. The

receiver will block a call until an operator resets the block

and allows the call.

[0065] The receiver 100 can have a blocking cancellation

means . The blocking cancellation means allows the operator to

stop the blocking of transmissions from the local security-

system even if the remaining time left on the second timing

means 126 is greater than zero. The blocking cancellation

means will send a signal to the control means 114 to reset the

blocking flag. The blocking flag will be reset to 0. The

second timing means 128 will be stopped.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the

invention. As illustrated in Figure 4, a security system

receiver 500 is connected to a security system receiver

configuration computer 510. The security system receiver 500

is connected to the security system 510 via a network 515.

The network 515 can be any network connection such as RS232,

RS485 telephone connector, DSL or cable modem, wireless

network, radio frequency. The security system receiver

configuration computer 510 is typically located at the central

monitoring station. The security system receiver 500 is

connected to the security system receiver configuration

computer 510 by a connection link 518 or Intranet.

[0067] The security system receiver configuration computer 510

is connected such that the configuration information can be

uploaded to the security system receiver 500.

[0068] The security system receiver 500 according to the

second embodiment of the invention is similar to the receiver

of the first embodiment of the invention, and therefore, will

not be described.

[0069] In the second embodiment of the invention instead of

entering all of the blocking information using a user

interface means located on the receiver 100, all of the

blocking information and parameters are entered at the

security system receiver configuration computer 510 using its

interface means 525 which is typically a keyboard. The

operator will be able to set a blocking time period, at least

one blocking criteria, at least one blocking threshold and a

block time using the interface means 525 of the security

system receiver configuration computer 510. The blocking

program is stored in a storage medium 530 of the receiver

configuration computer 510 in this embodiment.

[0070] The blocking program will function in a similar manner

as in the first embodiment of the invention and will operate

at the security system receiver configuration computer 510.

The security system receiver 500 will download the blocking

parameters from the security system receiver configuration

computer 510 such that the security system receiver 500 knows

what information to track and send to the security system

configuration computer 510.

[0071] Operation of the blocking process according to the

second embodiment of the invention will now be described.

Figure 5 illustrates the sequence of steps of blocking a local

security system according to the second embodiment of the

invention. At step 600 the blocking program is activated.

Similar to the preferred embodiment, once all of the blocking

information such as blocking criteria, blocking threshold

values, blocking time period, block period, and tracking means

have been entered, the blocking program instructs a control

section 535 to activate a timer 540, at step 605. The timer

540 counts the blocking time period. The timer 540 is located

in the monitoring system configuration computer 510, and can

be uploaded by the monitoring system receiver.

[0072] At step 615, the control section 535 determines if the

timer 540 has finished counting down the blocking time period

or not . If the timer has not finished counting down the

blocking time period (T>0) , the control section transmits a

signal, (Sl) 536 to the monitoring system receiver 500 to

instruct the monitoring system receiver 500 to monitor

incoming transmission from the local security systems for

blocking, at step 620.

[0073] The control section 114 at the receiver 500 will check

the receiving and transmitting section 116 for a transmission

from the local security system, at step 625. If a

transmission is detected, then the control section 114 will

then determine the type of transmission at step 630. For

example, the control section 114 will determine if the

transmission was a call or a report.

[0074] At step 635, the control section 114 will send to the

monitoring system receiver configuration computer 510, the

determination result 526. The result will be stored in the

storage means 525. Upon receipt of the determination result..

526, the blocking program at the security system receiver

configuration computer 510 will cause a counter 545

corresponding to the type of transmission, the local security

system and the receiver 500, to increment by 1 at step 640.

[0075] At step 645, the blocking program will cause the

control section 114 to determine if the blocking threshold

value has been reached. The blocking program will compare the

blocking threshold value with the value of the counter 545.

The comparison means 550 will compare the counter value with

the blocking threshold value stored in the storage means 525.

Step 645 is the same as step 430 in the first embodiment.

Similarly if the blocking threshold value (B _t ) <_ counter value

(C _v ) then the receiver will block the transmission.

[0076] At step 650, the blocking program will instruct the

control section 535 to set a blocking flag 537 to have a value

of 1 if the threshold has been reached. At step 655, the

monitoring system receiver configuration computer 510 sends

the blocking flag, as a control signal, to the security system

receiver 500. The receiver 500, upon receipt of the blocking

flag transmits the blocking flag to receiving and transmitting

section 116 at step 660. At step 665, the receiving and

transmitting section 116 blocks the transmission.

[0077] At step 670, the monitoring system receiver 500 sends a

notification signal to the monitoring system receiver

configuration computer 510 that the local security system is

blocking. Upon receipt of this notification signal 538, the

blocking program causes a second timing means 535 to start

counting down a block period (t _t ) , at step 675. The block

period is the predetermined or set by the operator.

[0078] The monitoring system receiver 500 will block

transmission from the local security system as long as the

time remaining in the block period is greater than zero

(T _t >0) , step 678.

[0079] At step 680, the blocking program will determine if the

second timing means 535 has finished counting the block period

or not.

[0080] Steps 685, 690 and 695 are the same as step 475, 480

and 485 in the first embodiment.

[0081] If the blocking flag is reset to 0, then the monitoring

system receiver configuration computer 510 sends a reset

signal 539 to the monitoring system receiver 500 to indicate

that the receiver should stop blocking the local security

system, at step 698. In response to the reset signal the

receiver 500 stops blocking the local security system.

[0082] It is within the scope of the invention that a

plurality of monitoring system receivers are connected to the

security system receiver configuration computer. Figure 4

only shows one monitoring system receiver by way of

illustration, however any number of receivers can be used.

[0083] The invention has been described herein with, reference

to a particular exemplary embodiment . Certain alterations and

modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art,

without departing from the scope of the invention. The

exemplary embodiments are meant to be illustrative, not

limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by

the appended claims .