U.S. patent application number 15/871764 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-07 for building security and automation system having user-defined screens and associated method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nortek Security & Control LLC. Invention is credited to Christopher Laguer Acera, Loren Bryner, Lance Leo Dean, Bruce James Ehlers, Geoff Goldberg, Kaoru Hisamoto, David Alan Krula, Dale Pedersen, Brian Vencil Skarda, Robert John True.
Application Number | 20180158294 15/871764 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53783892 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180158294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Acera; Christopher Laguer ;
et al. |
June 7, 2018 |
BUILDING SECURITY AND AUTOMATION SYSTEM HAVING USER-DEFINED SCREENS
AND ASSOCIATED METHOD
Abstract
A security system control panel or home automation control panel
including an end-user replaceable cellular telephony module that is
removable from the control panel without disassembling the control
panel. The cellular module includes a body, a cellular telephony
circuit coupled to the body, a cellular telephony antenna coupled
to the body and the cellular telephony circuit, and a first
connector coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body,
wherein the first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise
configured to be removably engaged by the end-user with a second
connector in the control panel.
Inventors: |
Acera; Christopher Laguer;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Ehlers; Bruce James; (Encinitas,
CA) ; Hisamoto; Kaoru; (Walnut, CA) ; Krula;
David Alan; (San Diego, CA) ; Skarda; Brian
Vencil; (South Jordan, UT) ; True; Robert John;
(Pleasant Prairie, WI) ; Dean; Lance Leo;
(Colleyville, TX) ; Pedersen; Dale; (Kaysville,
UT) ; Goldberg; Geoff; (Encinitas, CA) ;
Bryner; Loren; (South Ogden, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nortek Security & Control LLC |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53783892 |
Appl. No.: |
15/871764 |
Filed: |
January 15, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15114380 |
Jul 26, 2016 |
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PCT/US2015/013036 |
Jan 27, 2015 |
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15871764 |
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61931945 |
Jan 27, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 2012/2841 20130101;
G08B 13/08 20130101; G08B 13/19684 20130101; H02J 50/20 20160201;
H02J 50/80 20160201; G08B 25/14 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04L
12/282 20130101; G08B 3/10 20130101; H04L 2012/285 20130101; Y04S
20/20 20130101; G08B 25/009 20130101; G08B 25/10 20130101; G08B
25/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G08B 13/08 20060101
G08B013/08; G08B 25/00 20060101 G08B025/00; G08B 25/14 20060101
G08B025/14; G08B 25/10 20060101 G08B025/10; H02J 50/20 20060101
H02J050/20; H04W 4/80 20060101 H04W004/80; G08B 3/10 20060101
G08B003/10; H04L 12/28 20060101 H04L012/28; H02J 50/80 20060101
H02J050/80; G08B 13/196 20060101 G08B013/196 |
Claims
1. A control panel comprising: a housing; a processor disposed
within the housing and configured to execute instructions for
controlling a security or home automation system including the
control panel; a display, wherein the display is supported by the
housing; and a home screen module having a user interface
configured to: receive an input from an end-user defining at least
one screen depicted on the display, store data representing the at
least one end-user-defined screen in the memory, and perform one or
more actions previously associated by the user with the
user-defined screen, wherein the at least one screen depicted on
the display includes a room controller that includes at least one
of lighting controls and temperature controls.
2. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a default screen, and wherein the
received input associates a temperature setting function with the
default screen such that the end user controls temperature from the
default screen.
3. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a default screen, and wherein the
received input associates a lighting setting function with the
default screen such that the end user controls lighting from the
default screen.
4. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display displays bookmarks that reduce how many
keystrokes are needed to reach a desired screen or prompt.
5. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a default screen and a customized
screen that is not the default screen, and wherein the received
input defines a bookmark that goes to the customized screen.
6. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a button for a master bedroom
screen and a button for settings for a room other than the master
bedroom, and wherein the received input associates a lighting
setting function and a thermostat setting function with the master
bedroom screen such that the end user controls lighting and heating
and cooling set point temperatures from the master bedroom
screen.
7. The control panel of claim 1, wherein the home screen module is
a software module that includes code embodied on a non-transitory
machine-readable medium that, when executed by the processor, cause
the processor perform functions of the user interface.
8. A method comprising: providing a security home automation system
that includes a control panel in a housing; disposing a processor
within the housing and configuring the processor to execute
instructions for controlling the security home automation system
that includes the control panel; supporting a display by the
housing; receiving an input, from an end-user via a user interface,
defining at least one screen depicted on the display; storing data
representing the at least one end-user-defined screen in the
memory; and performing one or more actions previously associated by
the user with the user-defined screen, wherein the at least one
screen depicted on the display includes a room controller that
includes at least one of lighting controls and temperature
controls.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one screen depicted
on the display includes a default screen, and wherein the method
includes associating a temperature setting function with the
default screen based on the received input such that the end user
controls temperature from the default screen.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one screen depicted
on the display includes a default screen, and wherein the method
includes associating a lighting setting function with the default
screen based on the received input such that the end user controls
lighting from the default screen.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the method further includes
displaying bookmarks that reduce how many keystrokes are needed to
reach a desired screen or prompt.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one screen depicted
on the display includes a default screen and a customized screen
that is not the default screen, and wherein the method includes
defining a bookmark that goes to the customized screen based on the
received input.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one screen depicted
on the display includes a button for a master bedroom screen and a
button for settings for a room other than the master bedroom, and
wherein method includes associating a lighting setting function and
a thermostat setting function with the master bedroom screen based
on the received input such that the end user controls lighting and
heating and cooling set point temperatures from the master bedroom
screen; and defining a bookmark for the master bedroom screen.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the home screen module is a
software module that includes code embodied on a non-transitory
machine-readable medium, and wherein the method includes performing
functions of the user interface by executing the code in the
processor.
15. An apparatus comprising: a security home automation system that
includes a control panel in a housing; a processor within the
housing and configuring the processor to execute instructions for
controlling the security home automation system that includes the
control panel; a display supported by the housing; means for
receiving an input, from an end-user via a user interface, defining
at least one screen depicted on the display; means for storing data
representing the at least one end-user-defined screen in the
memory; and means for performing one or more actions previously
associated by the user with the user-defined screen, wherein the at
least one screen depicted on the display includes a room controller
that includes at least one of lighting controls and temperature
controls.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a default screen, and wherein the
apparatus includes means for associating a temperature setting
function with the default screen based on the received input such
that the end user controls temperature from the default screen.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a default screen, and wherein the
apparatus includes means for associating a lighting setting
function with the default screen based on the received input such
that the end user controls lighting from the default screen.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus further
includes means for displaying bookmarks that reduce how many
keystrokes are needed to reach a desired screen or prompt.
19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a default screen and a customized
screen that is not the default screen, and wherein the apparatus
includes means for defining bookmarks based on the received
input.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one screen
depicted on the display includes a button for a master bedroom
screen and a button for settings for a room other than the master
bedroom, and wherein apparatus includes means for associating a
lighting setting function and a thermostat setting function with
the master bedroom screen based on the received input such that the
end user controls lighting and heating and cooling set point
temperatures from the master bedroom screen; and means for defining
a bookmark for the master bedroom screen.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/114,380, filed Jul. 26, 2016 by Christopher
L. Acera et al. and titled "Building security and automation
system," which is a national-phase filing of, and claims priority
benefit of, PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/013036, filed
Jan. 27, 2015 by Acera et al. and titled "Building security and
automation system," which claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/931,945, titled "Building security
and automation system" by Acera et al. and filed on Jan. 27, 2014,
the entire content of each of which being incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] This application is related to the following U.S. patent
applications filed on even date herewith:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/871,584, filed Jan. 15, 2018 by
Christopher L. Acera et al. and titled "BUILDING SECURITY AND
AUTOMATION SYSTEM DISARMING APPARATUS AND METHOD," U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/871,771, filed Jan. 15, 2018 by Christopher
L. Acera et al. and titled "BUILDING SECURITY AND AUTOMATION SYSTEM
SPEAKER AND METHOD," and U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/871,749, filed Jan. 15, 2018 by Christopher L. Acera et al. and
titled "BUILDING SECURITY AND AUTOMATION SYSTEM WITH REMOTE-POWERED
DATA STORE AND DELAYED DATA UPDATE AND METHOD".
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This document pertains generally, but not by way of
limitation, to security and automation systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a
system that includes a building security and automation system and
a central monitoring station.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating various examples
of components of the security system 12 of FIG. 1, including a
control panel and various sensors.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example
of the control panel of the security system in FIG. 2, in
accordance with this disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the control
panel of FIG. 2.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a side view of the example control panel of FIG.
4.
[0009] FIG. 6A is perspective front view of the example control
panel of FIG. 4, illustrating a sealed speaker, in accordance with
this disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 6B is cross-sectional end view of the example control
panel of FIG. 4, illustrating a sealed speaker, in accordance with
this disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 7 is perspective back view of the example control panel
of FIG. 6A, illustrating a replaceable cellular module, in
accordance with this disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the replaceable
cellular module of FIG. 7, in accordance with this disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a control
panel.
[0014] FIGS. 10A-10D are examples of screenshots of various
portions depicting a user-defined home screen.
SUMMARY
[0015] In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security
system control panel or home automation control panel comprising an
end-user replaceable cellular telephony module that is removable
from the control panel without disassembling the control panel, the
cellular module including a body; a cellular telephony circuit
coupled to the body; a cellular telephony antenna coupled to the
body and the cellular telephony circuit; and a first connector
coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body, wherein the
first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to be
removably engaged by the end-user with a second connector in the
control panel.
[0016] In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security
system control panel or home automation control panel comprising a
display; a housing configured to support the display; and a speaker
having a front from which sound is projected, a rear opposite the
front, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side; and
a sealed speaker enclosure positioned within the housing, the
sealed speaker enclosure including a speaker case, wherein a
portion of the speaker case and a portion of the speaker define the
sealed speaker enclosure.
[0017] In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security
system control panel or home automation control panel comprising a
Bluetooth circuit configured to receive at least one Bluetooth
signal from one or more Bluetooth-enabled devices; a processor
configured to store data identifying an authorized
Bluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detect the authorized
Bluetooth-enabled device; and disarm the security system control
panel in response to the detection.
[0018] In one example, this disclosure is directed to security
system control panel or home automation control panel comprising a
user interface including a display; and a home screen module
configured to: receive an input from the end-user defining at least
one screen depicted on the display; store data representing the at
least one end-user-defined screen in a memory; and perform one or
more actions previously associated by the user with the defined
screen.
[0019] In one example, this disclosure is directed to a security
system control panel or home automation control panel comprising an
end-user replaceable cellular telephony module that is removable
from the control panel without disassembling the control panel, the
cellular module including a body; a cellular telephony circuit
coupled to the body; a cellular telephony antenna coupled to the
body and the cellular telephony circuit; and a first connector
coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body, wherein the
first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to be
removably engaged by the end-user with a second connector in the
control panel. The control panel further includes a display; a
housing configured to support the display; a speaker having a front
from which sound is projected, a rear opposite the front, a first
side, and a second side opposite the first side; and a sealed
speaker enclosure positioned within the housing, the sealed speaker
enclosure including a speaker case, wherein a portion of the
speaker case and a portion of the speaker define the sealed speaker
enclosure. The control panel further includes a user interface
including the display; and a home screen module configured to:
receive an input from the end-user defining at least one screen
depicted on the display; store data representing the at least one
end-user-defined screen in a memory; and perform one or more
actions previously associated by the user with the defined screen;
a Bluetooth circuit configured to receive at least one Bluetooth
signal from one or more Bluetooth-enabled devices; a processor
configured to: store data identifying an authorized
Bluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detect the authorized
Bluetooth-enabled device; and disarm the security system control
panel in response to the detection. The control panel further
includes a radio-frequency (RF) circuit configured to: when the
control panel is in an unpowered state: receive power from an RF
signal from an RF programming device; receive data embedded in the
RF signal from the powered RF circuit; and using the received power
from the RF signal store the data in a memory that is otherwise
unpowered, wherein the processor is configured to: when the control
panel is in a powered state: receive the stored data; and configure
at least one parameter using the received data.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a
system 10 that may include a building security and automation
system 12 and a central monitoring station 14 that monitors
received communications from one or more building security and
automation systems 12. As seen in FIG. 1, the building security and
automation system 12 (also referred to in this disclosure as
"security system 12") may transmit signals to and receive signals
from the central monitoring station 14 via a network 16. For
example, the security system 12 may detect an unauthorized opening
of a monitored building, e.g., home, door or window and transmit an
alarm signal to the central monitoring station 14. In response,
personnel at the central monitoring station 14 may attempt to
contact a user by way of a control panel (depicted in detail in
FIG. 3) of the security system 12, e.g., using bidirectional
communication techniques.
[0021] The security system 12 may communicate with the central
monitoring station 14 using wired or wireless communication
techniques. In one example implementation, the network 16 may
utilize a traditional POTS (plain old telephone service) telephone
line, or wired Ethernet. In another example implementation, the
network 16 may be a cellular telephone network for wireless
communication. It may be desirable to communicate signals
wirelessly to the central monitoring station 14 in order to
eliminate an intruder's ability to cut or otherwise damage a wired
phone line and thus disable communications.
[0022] The security system 12 may also receive control signals via
a remote device 18, e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, or other
computing device, that may control one or more aspects of the
security system 12. Also, the remote device 18 may receive status
signals from the security system 12 that indicate one or more
statuses of the security system 12.
[0023] For example, in the event that a user forgot to arm the
security system 12 at their premises, the user may remotely arm the
security system 12 using the remote device 18 via the network 16.
Initially, the remote device 18 may receive a status signal from
the security system 12 indicating that the security system 12 is
unarmed, and display the status, e.g., via an application executed
on a smartphone. Then, after the remote device 18 transmits a
control signal to arm the security system 12, the remote device 18
may receive a status signal from the security system 12 indicating
that the security system 12 is armed, and display the status.
[0024] In addition, the security system 12 of FIG. 1 may receive
signals that may be used as part of an automation scheme to control
various aspects of the building, e.g., home. For example, a user
may use a control panel (depicted in detail in FIG. 3) of the
security system 12 to, for example, turn lights on/off in a home or
other building, adjust a temperature, e.g., raise or lower a
thermostat setting, and the like.
[0025] In another example, the user may use a remote device 18,
e.g., a smartphone, tablet computer, or other computing device, to
transmit signals to the control panel of the security system 12 via
the network 16 to turn lights on/off in a home or other building,
adjust a temperature, e.g., raise or lower a thermostat setting,
and the like.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating various examples
of components of the security system 12 of FIG. 1, including a
control panel 20 and various sensors. As seen in FIG. 2, the
security system 12 may include a control panel 20 for receiving
status signals from various sensors, including, for example, a
window sensor 22, a motion sensor 24, and a door sensor 26.
Numerous other types of sensors may also be included as part of the
security system 12, which are not depicted FIG. 2. For example, the
security system 12 may also include one or more of the following
sensors: glass break sensors, smoke detection sensors, carbon
monoxide detection sensors, and flooding sensors.
[0027] In addition, the security system 12 may include a key fob 28
that may transmit control signals, e.g., RF control signals, to the
control panel 20 to control various aspects of the security system
12. For example, a user may remotely arm/disarm the security system
12 using the key fob 28.
[0028] The security system 12 may also include a remote keypad 30
that may transmit control signals to and receive status signals
from the control panel 20. For example, a remote keypad 30 may be
located in a bedroom of a home, thereby allowing a user to
arm/disarm the security system 12 or view the status of the
security system 12 from the bedroom without having to use the
control panel 20, which may be located in another part of the
home.
[0029] As mentioned above, the security system 12 may also be used
for automation purposes. As non-limiting examples, the control
panel 20 of FIG. 2 (and/or the remote keypad 30) may depict a
lighting controller 32 and a temperature controller 34. The control
panel 20 may be configured to transmit control signals to the
lighting controller 32 that turns one or more lights in a building
on/off. In some example implementations, the control panel 20 may
transmit the lighting control signals at programmed times, e.g.,
using a programmed daily schedule.
[0030] In addition, the control panel 20 may be configured to
transmit control signals to a temperature controller 34 that
adjusts a temperature, e.g., raise or lower a thermostat setting,
in a building. In some example implementations, the control panel
20 may transmit the temperature control signals at programmed
times, e.g., using a programmed daily schedule.
[0031] The remote keypad 30 may be configured to transmit control
signals to the control panel 20, which can then transmit the
signal(s) to the lighting controller 32 and/or the temperature
controller 34, e.g., using a programmed daily schedule.
[0032] Further, and as mentioned above, in some example
implementations the control panel 20 may receive signals from
and/or transmit signals to a remote device 18, e.g., a smartphone,
tablet computer, or other computing device. The remote device 18
may receive status signals from the control panel 20 that indicate
one or more statuses of the security system 12, e.g., whether the
system is armed or disarmed. The remote device 18 may also transmit
control signals that control one or more aspects of the security
system 12.
[0033] In some example implementations, the security system 12 may
include one or more speakers (not depicted) as part of a home
automation system, for example. Enunciations, signals, or other
alerts from the security system may interrupt an audio stream
playing through the speakers and transmit the enunciations,
signals, or other alerts through the speakers.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example
of the control panel 20 of the security system in FIG. 2, in
accordance with this disclosure. The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may
include a processor 40, a power supply 42 (e.g., an AC powered
source and a battery backup circuit), a memory circuit (or memory
device) 44, a user interface 46 configured to receive input from a
user, a speaker circuit 48, and a speaker 50. In some example
implementations, the control panel 20 can also include a
piezoelectric siren circuit and piezoelectric transducer (not
depicted).
[0035] The processor 40 may be a microprocessor, general purpose
controller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA),
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other discrete
or integrated logic circuitry, for example.
[0036] In some example implementations, the user interface 46 may
include a touchscreen display for receiving input, e.g.,
arming/disarming the security system 12, or defining a home screen
or bookmark. In such examples, the touchscreen display may display
one or more buttons for controlling various aspects of the security
system. In other examples, the user interface may include a display
and one or more physical buttons for controlling various aspects of
the security system 12.
[0037] The memory circuit 44 may include one or more volatile or
non-volatile memory devices, e.g., Flash memory, RAM, EPROM,
EEPROM, embedded MMC, etc. The memory circuit 44 may store
instructions that, when executed by the processor 40, configure the
processor 40 to perform the functionality described in this
disclosure. For example, upon receiving an input to arm the
security system 12, the processor 40 may execute instructions that
cause the speaker circuit 48 to output a signal to the speaker 50
that announces that the security system will soon be armed.
[0038] In addition, the control panel 20 may include a cellular
circuit 52 with an associated antenna 54 for transmitting signals
to and receiving signals from the central monitoring station 14 or
the remote device 18, e.g., via a cellular network 16. As described
in more detail below, and in accordance with this disclosure, the
cellular circuit 52 and the antenna 54 may be formed as part of a
replaceable cellular module (shown at 110 in FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B). This
replaceable module may allow a customer or technician, for example,
to replace a cellular module without disassembling the control
panel 20.
[0039] In accordance with this disclosure, and as described in more
detail below, the cellular circuit 52, e.g., radio, and the antenna
54 may be interchangeable on the replaceable cellular module. The
antenna 54 may be detachable so that a first antenna can be
detached and replaced by a second antenna, e.g., an antenna
extending outside the control panel (external), on the replaceable
cellular module. This may allow the manufacturer, for example, to
pair a radio and an antenna on the replaceable cellular module at
the factory so that the customer does not have to connect the
antenna and the radio.
[0040] Given that, in some examples, the cellular circuit 52 and
the antenna 54 may form the communication link to the central
monitoring station 14, it may be desirable to detect whether an
attempt has been made to remove or otherwise tamper with the
replaceable cellular module. Hence, in accordance with this
disclosure, the control panel 20 may also include a tamper
detection circuit 56 for detecting when a door (shown in FIGS. 5
and 7) that allows the replaceable cellular module to be replaced
has been opened and, if so, transmit an alarm signal to the central
monitoring station 14 before the replaceable cellular module has
been removed from the control panel 20.
[0041] In order to transmit or receive control or status signals,
e.g., to the central monitoring station 14, the cellular circuit 52
can generally be powered when the control panel 20 is powered.
Removing the replaceable cellular module from the control panel 20
while the replaceable cellular module is powered, however, may
damage the replaceable cellular module and/or the control panel 20.
For example, removal of a powered cellular module from the control
panel 20 may cause electrical arcing at the connector pins, which
may permanently damage the control panel 20. Hence, in accordance
with this disclosure and as described in detail below, the
processor 40 may remove power from the cellular circuit 52 if the
tamper detection circuit 56 detects that the door (shown in FIGS. 5
and 7) has been opened.
[0042] The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a
radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuit 58, in accordance
with this disclosure. The RFID circuit 58 may allow a manufacturer,
for example, to download configuration parameters into an onboard
memory circuit 59 of the RFID circuit 58, for example, while the
control panel 20 is in a sealed box in the factory. The RFID
circuit 58 can write to the onboard memory 59 even when the control
panel 20 is not powered up. When the control panel is an unpowered
state, the RFID circuit 58 can receive power from an RF signal from
an RF programming device, receive data embedded in the RF signal
from the powered RF circuit, and, using the received power from the
RF signal, store the data in the memory 59 that is otherwise
unpowered. When the control panel 20 is powered up in a powered
state, the processor 40 can read/receive the stored data from the
memory 59 and configure the control panel 20 (and track other
parameters and functions) using the received data and data stored
in memory circuit 44.
[0043] Upon receiving a signal from an RFID programmer unit, the
RFID circuit 58, which includes an antenna 60, powers up and begins
receiving, for example, the configuration parameters that may then
be stored directly to the onboard memory circuit 59 of the RFID
circuit 58. This may allow a manufacturer or distributor, for
example, to customize one or more packaged, unpowered control
panels based on customer preferences before the control panels are
shipped to the customer. For example, after the control panel is
powered up, the processor 40 can read the stored configuration
parameters from the onboard memory 59 and retrieve from the memory
circuit 44 the instructions needed to configure the default
language, e.g., English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French,
Japanese, etc., of the control panel 20 based on the customer's
geographic region.
[0044] The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a Wi-Fi
circuit 62. In some example configurations, the Wi-Fi circuit 62
may include Wi-Fi Direct functionality, in accordance with this
disclosure. Wi-Fi Direct may allow various Wi-Fi enabled components
of the security system 12 to communicate with one another without
using a wireless access point, e.g., a wireless router.
[0045] In one example configuration, the security system 12 may
include one or more remote keypads 30 that include Wi-Fi chips and
are Wi-Fi enabled. Using the Wi-Fi Direct functionality of the
Wi-Fi circuit 62 of FIG. 3, the one or more Wi-Fi enabled remote
keypads 30 may establish a peer-to-peer connection with the control
panel 20, instead of using a wireless access point of a home
network, for example. By allowing the remote keypad(s) to
communicate directly with the control panel using Wi-Fi Direct may
eliminate the need to use a proprietary wireless communication
protocol or use wired communications techniques. In addition, using
Wi-Fi Direct instead of Wi-Fi may simplify the setup for the user
by eliminating the need for a wireless access point.
[0046] In some examples, the control panel 20 can be configured to
interface with a home automation controller using serial or TCP/IP
protocols, for example. For example, the control panel 20 can
include a terminal block (not depicted) that can connect to the
home automation controller using a wired connection, e.g., via
RS-232 serial cable or via an Ethernet cable. In other examples,
the control panel 20 can connect using a wireless protocol, e.g.,
IEEE 802.11 standards.
[0047] In some examples, the control panel 20 can receive signals
from a Wi-Fi connected camera (not depicted) using the Wi-Fi
circuit 62. The Wi-Fi connected camera can be used to detect
motion. For example, the Wi-Fi connected camera can detected. In
other examples, the panel can also receive camera signal over a
wired Ethernet connection.
[0048] The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a Bluetooth
circuit 64 configured to receive at least one Bluetooth signal from
one or more Bluetooth-enabled devices. In some example
configurations, the Bluetooth circuit 64 may be used by the control
panel 20 to automatically disarm the security system 12 when an
authorized Bluetooth-enabled device is within range of the control
panel 20. Bluetooth is a communications protocol standardized as
IEEE 802.15.1.
[0049] For example, upon an initial pairing via the Bluetooth
circuit 64 with an authorized Bluetooth-enabled device, e.g., a
user's smartphone, the processor 40 of the control panel 20 may
instruct the memory circuit 44 to store data identifying the
authorized Bluetooth-enabled device(s), e.g., a user's smartphone.
After the security system 12 has been armed, each time the
processor detects that a Bluetooth-enabled device is within range
of the Bluetooth circuit 64 of the control panel 20, the processor
40 may retrieve the identifying data from the memory circuit 44,
determine whether the Bluetooth-enabled device is an authorized
device, and, if so, disarm the control panel 20 automatically,
e.g., without any action taken by the user.
[0050] In some example implementations, the processor 40 may cause
a confirmation message to be transmitted to an authorized user
prior to disarming the security system 12. Once the authorized user
affirmatively responds to the confirmation message, the processor
40 may disarm the security system 12.
[0051] The control panel 20 of FIG. 3 may also include a Universal
Serial Bus (USB) circuit 66 connected to a USB connector 68, e.g.,
micro-USB, mini-USB, or other USB compatible connector. The USB
connector 68 and USB circuit 66 may allow peripheral electronic
component(s) to be added to the security system 12. For example, a
USB web-camera (not depicted) may be connected to the control panel
20 using the USB connector 68. Connecting a USB web-camera using
the USB connector 68 may be desirable as it allows the web-camera
to be easily upgraded or otherwise replaced. In addition, the USB
web-camera may be articulated to allow it to point at a particular
location, in contrast to a camera that is integrated into the
control panel 20 and thus cannot turn. In some examples, a standard
USB extension cable could be used to locate the camera a few feet
away from the panel in almost any orientation. In some examples,
the user may remotely control the articulation of the web-camera,
e.g., using the remote device 18. In some examples, the control
panel 20 may include a camera integrated into the control panel
(not depicted).
[0052] In some examples, a camera, e.g., USB camera or integrated
camera, can be used to disarm or arm the alarm system using
biometric authentication, e.g., retinal scan, face recognition,
etc. Initially, the control panel 20 can use the camera(s) to scan
and store biometric information for one more users. Once armed, for
example, the control panel 20 can request that a user position a
recognizable feature, e.g., eye, face, etc., close to the camera.
Upon comparing the feature to the stored information, the control
panel 20 can disarm the system.
[0053] In some examples, the control panel 20 can include a
connector that can be connected to an accessory radio transceiver
(not depicted). The accessory transceiver can be used to receive
signals from one or more peripheral devices and increase the
functionality of the control panel 20. For example, the accessory
radio transceiver can receive signal from a wireless camera or a
wireless image sensor, e.g., motion detector with a camera to
capture an image. In some implementations, the accessory
transceiver can be placed behind the wall upon which the control
panel is mounted to conserve space.
[0054] The control panel 20 may also include a leveling vial 70
that is integrated into the housing of the control panel 20. An
integrated leveling vial 70 may allow a technician or other user to
more quickly and accurately install the control panel 20.
[0055] As mentioned above, the control panel 20 may include a
speaker 50. In accordance with this disclosure and as described in
more detail below with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B, the speaker 50 may
be enclosed within a sealed chamber. By enclosing the speaker 50
within the sealed chamber, the sound volume may be increased, e.g.,
by about 10 decibels (dB), relative to speaker 50 similarly
positioned in a similar control panel, e.g., having dimensions of
about 2 inches by about 5.5 inches by about 1.25 inches, and tested
on a wall about 10 feet away from the control panel. In addition,
the sealed chamber may improve the bass and midrange frequency
response of the speaker 50 and thus improve the sound quality.
Another advantage of the sealed speaker design is to provide
equivalent sound at a reduced the size and depth. As a result, the
control panel can be smaller and thinner.
[0056] Finally, in accordance with this disclosure, the control
panel 20 may include a home screen module 72 that can receive an
input from a user defining one or more screens depicted on a
display 46, store data representing the at least one user-defined
screen in a memory, e.g., memory circuit 44, and perform one or
more actions previously associated by the user with the defined
screen. The home screen module 72 may enable a user to associate
one or more actions such as, for example, temperature settings,
lighting settings, security settings, with the default or primary
screen of the display of the user interface of their control panel
20 or remote keypad 30, which can allow the user interface, without
navigating beyond the nominal default screen, to be a home control
panel, security panel, bed-side controller, room controller,
thermostat controller or other type of panel. Defining a home
screen or defining bookmarks, e.g., a customized screen that is not
necessarily a default or primary screen, may reduce the number of
keystrokes that the user must enter to reach a desired screen or
prompt on the user interface. The home screen module 72 can then
perform the one or more actions previously associated by the user
with the defined screen.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the control
panel of FIG. 2. The control panel 20 of FIG. 4 includes a housing
80, a user interface 46, e.g., a touchscreen display or other
display, and, in some examples, one or more buttons 82A and 82B. A
user may enter commands, navigate menus, and the like using the
touchscreen and/or using the buttons 82A, 82B. It should be noted
that, in some examples, the remote keypad 30 of FIG. 2 may be
similar to the control panel 20 of FIG. 4. For purposes of
conciseness, the remote keypad 30 and the control panel 20 will be
described together.
[0058] The control panel 20 may also include a USB connector 68. In
the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4, the USB connector 68 is
located at the top of the control panel 20. In some example
implementations, an external web-camera (not depicted) may be
connected to the control panel 20 via the USB connector 68.
[0059] The user interface 46 may be configured to display many
different screens depending on the type of application, e.g.,
security or home automation. For example, the memory circuit 44 may
store instructions that, when executed by the processor 40, cause
the user interface to display a security panel, bed-side controller
panel, home theater room controller panel, and/or a home automation
panel. Aspects of home automation that may be displayed include,
but are not limited to, a thermostat panel, a lighting panel, a
door lock panel, a garage door panel, a home audio or other speaker
system panel, or other type of panel.
[0060] Using various techniques of this disclosure, the control
panel 20 and the remote keypad 30 may include the ability for a
user to define a home screen and/or bookmark one or more panels
using the home screen module 72. For example, a user may define a
remote keypad 30 located in a home theater room to display a home
theater room controller panel as a default home screen. As another
example, a user may define a remote keypad 30 located in their
bedroom to display a thermostat panel as a default home screen. As
another example, the user may define a thermostat panel as a
default home screen and may define the security panel using a
bookmark to allow quick access.
[0061] As another example, the user may define a remote keypad 30
in their bedroom to be a bedside controller and have an "all lights
in room ON/OFF" default home screen. As another example, the user
may build a customized home screen for remote keypad 30 designated
as a bedside controller in their bedroom. For example, the user may
build a "go to bed" home screen that may include thermostat
control, security panel control (e.g., "arm stay", and an "all
lights OFF" control, or any other system control features that the
user may use at bedtime. In some examples, each of these controls
may be displayed on a single screen of the user interface of the
remote keypad 30 for the user to individually control. That is, the
user may individually turn down the thermostat, turn off all the
lights, and arm the security system. In other examples, the "go to
bed" home screen may allow a user to touch a single button on the
user interface of the remote keypad 30 that initiates a sequence of
events including, for example, turning down the thermostat, turning
off all the lights, and arming the security system.
[0062] As another example, a user may build a customized home
screen for a remote keypad 30 located in a hallway. For example,
the user may build a customized "return from work" home screen that
allows a user to touch a single button on the user interface of the
remote keypad 30 in the hallway that initiates a sequence of events
including, for example, turning up the thermostat and turning on
various lights in the house. Each remote keypad 30 located about
the house may have different home screens defined by the user.
[0063] In some example implementations, the user-defined home
screens may display the status of various system components, e.g.,
a thermostat setting and an alarm status, and also display control
icons to control the various system components, e.g.,
increase/decrease thermostat setting and arm/disarm the alarm
system.
[0064] In one example implementation, when setting or defining a
default home screen, a user may navigate through various menus on
the control panel 20 until the user interface 46 displays the
preferred home screen. The home screen module 72 may cause the user
interface to display a home screen or bookmark icon. Once on the
preferred home screen, the user may touch a displayed home screen
(or bookmark) icon to confirm that the displayed home screen is the
preferred home screen or bookmark. Upon receiving the confirmation,
the home screen module 72 may store the settings in the memory
circuit 44, e.g., in a user preferences or configuration file. The
home screen module 72 may cause the user interface 46 to display
the preferred home screen as the default screen based on the stored
settings.
[0065] Similarly, a user may again navigate through various menus
until the user interface 46 displays a panel that the user would
like to bookmark as a favorite panel, e.g., a thermostat panel.
Once on the desired screen, the user may touch a displayed home
screen (or bookmark) icon to confirm that the displayed screen
should be bookmarked as a favorite panel. Upon receiving the
confirmation, the home screen module 72 may store the settings in
the memory circuit 44, e.g., in a configuration file. The home
screen module 72 may cause the user interface 46 to display the
preferred home screen as the default screen based on the stored
settings.
[0066] In another example implementation, rather than have the user
navigate through various menus or screens until the user interface
46 displays the desired screen (either for default as a home screen
or for bookmarking as a favorite), the user interface 46 may
display thumbnail views or text, for example, of the various panels
that can be selected as preferred panels. The home screen module 72
may prompt a user to select the desired screen, prompt the user to
confirm that the displayed screen should be bookmarked as a
favorite panel or as a default home screen, and then, upon
receiving the confirmation, the home screen module 72 may store the
settings in the memory circuit 44, e.g., in a configuration
file.
[0067] FIGS. 10A-10D are examples of screenshots of various
portions depicting a user-defined screen of a user-interface 46,
e.g., display. As indicated above, the control panel 20 may include
a home screen module 72 that can receive an input from a user
defining one or more screens depicted on a display 46 and store
data representing the at least one user-defined screen in a memory,
e.g., memory circuit 44.
[0068] FIG. 10A is an example of a screenshot 200 in which the user
has yet to provide input to define a screen, e.g., set a bookmark.
A bookmark icon is shown at 202. In the examples shown in FIGS.
10A-10D, the user can define a screen for the master bedroom. To
begin the task of defining the screen, the user can select the
"smart home controls" button 204 at the bottom of the screen 200.
Selecting the "smart home controls" button 204 can cause new
buttons 206A-206F to appear on the screen, as seen in screen 208 in
FIG. 10B. To define a screen for the master bedroom, the user can
select the "rooms" button 206F on the screen 208. Selecting the
"rooms" button 206F can cause one or more "room" buttons 210A-210B
to appear on the screen 212, as seen in FIG. 10C. As seen in FIG.
10C, the screen 212 displays a "master bedroom" button 210A and an
"add new room" button 210B, which can allow a user to define
settings for a room other than the master bedroom.
[0069] To define a screen for the master bedroom, the user can
select the "master bedroom" button 210A on the screen 212 in FIG.
10C. Selecting the "master bedroom" button 210A can cause one or
more control icons to appear on the screen 214, as seen in FIG.
10D. As seen in FIG. 10D, the user can define, for example, the
lighting and/or the thermostat settings. For example, the user can
use slider control icon 216A to set the brightness of the lighting
for the master bedroom.
[0070] The user can also define the thermostat settings. For
example, the user can define the heating and cooling set point
temperatures using the up/down arrows shown generally at 216B,
216C, respectively. In addition, the user can define the fan
settings at 216D and the mode settings at 216E. After defining the
lighting and/or temperature settings, for example, for the master
bedroom, the user can select the bookmark icon 202 to bookmark the
screen for the master bedroom.
[0071] The home screen module 72 may constitute either a software
module, e.g., code embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable
medium, or a hardware-implemented module. If embodied as a software
module, the memory circuit 44 may include computer-readable
instructions that, when executed by the processor 40, cause the
processor 40 to perform various functions attributed throughout
this disclosure to the home screen module 72.
[0072] In various configurations, a hardware-implemented module may
be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a
hardware-implemented module may comprise dedicated circuitry or
logic that is permanently configured, e.g., as a special-purpose
processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), to perform certain
operations. A hardware-implemented module may also comprise
programmable logic or circuitry, e.g., as encompassed within a
general-purpose processor or other programmable processor, that is
temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations.
It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a
hardware-implemented module mechanically, in dedicated and
permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured
circuitry, e.g., configured by software, may be driven by cost and
time considerations.
[0073] Accordingly, the term "hardware-implemented module" should
be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity
that is physically constructed, permanently configured, e.g.,
hardwired, or temporarily or transitorily configured, e.g.,
programmed, to operate in a certain manner and/or to perform
certain operations described herein. Considering embodiments in
which hardware-implemented modules are temporarily configured,
e.g., programmed, each of the hardware-implemented modules need not
be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For
example, where the hardware-implemented modules comprise a
general-purpose processor configured using software, the
general-purpose processor may be configured as respective different
hardware-implemented modules at different times. Software may
accordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute a
particular hardware-implemented module at one instance of time and
to constitute a different hardware-implemented module at a
different instance of time.
[0074] FIG. 5 is a side view of the example control panel of FIG.
4. As mentioned above, the control panel 20 may include a
replaceable cellular module (depicted at 110 in FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B)
that includes the cellular circuit 52, e.g., cellular radio, and
the antenna 54 of FIG. 3. An end-user, e.g., customer or
technician, may install or replace the replaceable cellular module
by opening the door 90 of FIG. 5, e.g., after removing a screw
(shown at 116 in FIG. 9) and inserting the module through a slot
defined by the housing (shown at 93 in FIG. 9). The door 90 has an
open state and a closed state, and the end-user replaceable
cellular module is replaceable through the slot when the door is in
the open state. In some examples, the door 90 can be snapped in
place or snapped in place and secured with an optional screw. In
some examples, the door can be removed and replaced without
requiring a tool. In this manner, the replaceable cellular module
is replaceable without disassembling the control panel or housing.
After the replaceable cellular module is installed, the tamper
detection circuit 56 of FIG. 3 may detect when the door 90 is
opened, as described in more detail below.
[0075] In addition to the techniques described above, the control
panel 20 includes an improved speaker design. Speaker designs of
existing security systems utilize forward facing, rearward facing,
or side facing speakers with grills. These designs, however, often
result in thin, metallic (e.g., tinny), unintelligible sounds. As
shown in FIGS. 6A-6B and as described below, the sound quality and
volume of the speaker 50 of the control panel 20 may be improved by
using a sealed speaker enclosure, e.g., a resonant speaker
enclosure, thus resulting in a thinner, more desirable panel with
comparable sound quality. The control panel 20 may be configured to
provide two-way communication using a microphone (not depicted) and
the speaker 50. As such, the increase in bass and midrange
frequency responses of the speaker 50 may improve the
intelligibility and sound quality of received communication, e.g.,
from the central monitoring station 14.
[0076] In addition, the control panel 20 may be configured to
provide sirens, signaling, and annunciation using the speaker 50.
The sealed speaker enclosure 100 of FIGS. 6A and 6B may increase
the volume of the speaker 50 over existing speaker designs.
[0077] FIG. 6A is perspective front view of the example control
panel of FIG. 4, illustrating a sealed speaker enclosure, in
accordance with this disclosure. The front cover of the control
panel 20 has been removed in FIG. 6A in order to depict the speaker
50 within a sealed speaker enclosure 100 (depicted by
cross-hatching in FIG. 6A). The sealed speaker enclosure 100 may
increase the bass and midrange frequency responses of the speaker
50. As seen in FIGS. 6A-6B, the volume 98 extending to the left of
the speaker 50 is the primary volume that forms the sealed speaker
enclosure 100. In addition, in some examples, the diaphragm 102 of
the speaker 50 may also form part of the sealed enclosure 100,
which seals any air behind the diaphragm 102. The cross-hatching in
FIG. 6A defines at least a portion of the boundary of the sealed
speaker enclosure 100.
[0078] FIG. 6B is cross-sectional end view of the example control
panel of FIG. 4, illustrating a sealed speaker, in accordance with
this disclosure. The speaker 50 includes a front 120 from which
sound is projected, a rear 122 opposite the front 120, a first side
124, and a second side 126 opposite the first side. The housing 80
can include a front interior side 130, a rear interior side 132
opposite the front interior side 130, a first interior side 134,
and a second interior side 136 opposite the first interior side
134.
[0079] The sealed speaker enclosure 100 (shown with hatching) is
positioned within the housing 80 and at least partially defined by
a speaker case 103 positioned within the housing. In some example
configurations, e.g., in a control panel having dimensions of about
2 inches by about 5.5 inches by about 1.25 inches, the volume of
the sealed speaker enclosure 100 can be between about 0.35 liters
to about 0.45 liters to provide the improved performance
characteristics described in this disclosure.
[0080] To ensure that that the speaker enclosure is sealed, a
sealant 105 can be applied, e.g., room-temperature vulcanization
(RTV) silicone, resulting in a sealed sound box within the control
panel 20. In some examples, the diaphragm 102 of the speaker 50 may
also form part of the sealed enclosure 100, which seals any air
behind the diaphragm 102. As seen in FIG. 6B, rather than extending
behind the speaker 50, the primary volume of air 98 of the sealed
speaker enclosure 100 is adjacent to the first side 124 of the
speaker 50 and extends away from the first side 124 and, in some
examples, behind other components within the control panel 20,
e.g., piezoelectric element 104. A small, secondary volume of air
101 of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 may extend to the right of
the speaker 50 in FIG. 6B.
[0081] In some examples, the second side 126 of the speaker 50 is
positioned adjacent the second interior side 136 of the housing 80,
and the sealed speaker enclosure 100 defines the secondary acoustic
volume of air 101 that extends between the second side 126 of the
speaker 50 and the second interior side 136 of the housing 80.
[0082] In some examples, the second side 126 of the speaker 50 is
positioned adjacent the second interior side 136 of the housing 80,
and the primary acoustic volume of air extends away from the first
side 124 of the speaker 50 toward the first interior side 134 of
the housing 80.
[0083] In some examples, the rear portion 122 of the speaker 50 is
adjacent the rear interior side 132 of the housing 80, and the
sealed speaker enclosure 100 extends across only a portion of the
rear portion 122 of the speaker 50. For example, only a small
portion of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 is positioned directly
behind the speaker 50.
[0084] By taking advantage of spaces within the control panel 20
that are too small or would otherwise obstruct placement of the
speaker 50, the design of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 of FIGS.
6A and 6B may result in a reduced profile of the control panel 20.
Without the design of the sealed speaker enclosure 100 of FIGS. 6A
and 6B, the dimensions of the control panel 20, e.g., the depth,
may need to be increased in order to create an equivalent acoustic
volume.
[0085] In some example implementations, the control panel 20 with
the sealed speaker enclosure 100 may form part of an all-in-one
home automation and security control panel, e.g., a control panel
that includes all the radios of the home automation and security
system without additional accessory boxes/panels.
[0086] FIG. 7 is perspective back view of the example control panel
of FIG. 6A, illustrating a replaceable cellular module, in
accordance with this disclosure. More particularly, the control
panel 20 of FIG. 7 may include an end-user replaceable cellular
telephony module 110, that is removable from the control panel 20
without disassembling the control panel, having a body 112 that
includes the cellular telephony circuit 52 and the cellular
telephony antenna 54. The control panel 20 includes a door 90
through which the replaceable cellular module 110 may be inserted
for connection to the circuitry of the control panel 20. For
example, the control panel 20 can include a connector 113 sized and
shaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the
end-user with a connector 114 coupled to the cellular circuit 52
and the body 112 of the replaceable cellular module 110.
[0087] In one example implementation, a customer or technician may
open the door 90, remove the replaceable cellular module 110, and
install a new replaceable cellular module 110 through the slot 93
(or compartment) when the door 90 is in an open state or position,
e.g., removed. In some examples, the door 90 is removable and not
hinged and can be affixed to the housing when installed and removed
when it is opened. At least a portion of the end-user replaceable
cellular module is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to fit
through the door 90 and/or the slot 93. For example, in the event
that the control panel 20 includes a replaceable cellular module
110 configured for an older cellular protocol, an updated
replaceable cellular module 110, e.g., next generation protocol
radios such as a 3G or a 4G protocol, may be shipped to and
installed by the customer without having to disassemble the housing
80.
[0088] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the replaceable
cellular module 110 of FIG. 7, in accordance with this disclosure.
For purposes of conciseness FIGS. 8A and 8B will be described
together.
[0089] As seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cellular circuit 52, e.g.,
radio chip, and the antenna 54 (shown in FIG. 8B) are attached to a
body 112 and together form part of the replaceable cellular module
110. The antenna 54 is electrically connected to the cellular
circuit 52, and the cellular circuit 52 is connected to the control
panel 20 using a multi-pin connector 114. A pull-tab 55 can be
included to assist the user in removing the replaceable cellular
module 110 from the control panel 20.
[0090] The cellular circuit 52 and the antenna 54 may each be
detached from the replaceable cellular module 110. For example, the
cellular circuit 52 may be a circuit board that may be removed and
replaced by another cellular circuit, e.g., radio chip, that snaps
into position on the body 112. As another example, antenna 54 may
be detachable by the service professional or end-user and replaced
by a different type of antenna that has one or more improved
performance characteristics. For example, a paddle antenna may be
replaced by another antenna type that has different performance
characteristics in order to produce an optimized radiation pattern,
e.g., an isotropic radiation pattern. As another example, to
enhance signal strength, the antenna 54 can be unwound and
re-routed, e.g., out of the replaceable cellular module 110 and
behind the wall. To re-route the antenna 54, one end of the antenna
54 can remain connected to the cellular circuit 52 and be unwound.
The unconnected end can be pulled out of the replaceable cellular
module 110 and positioned to adjust the signal strength, e.g.,
behind the wall supporting the control panel 20.
[0091] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the control
panel 20. In FIG. 9, a faceplate covering the control panel 20 has
been removed to provide access the optional door locking screw 116.
Once the door locking screw 116 is removed, the door 90 can be
removed.
[0092] As mentioned above, the door 90 may be in communication with
the tamper detection circuit 56. Using the techniques of this
disclosure, tamper detection with the door 90 is a two-step
process. In the first step, the tamper detection circuit 56 can
detect tampering with the door 90. As one example, the tamper
detection circuit 56 includes a microswitch 94 held in a first
state, e.g., closed, by a portion 106 of the door 90, e.g., a tab.
A person attempting to remove the replaceable cellular module 110
may begin removing the screw 116. Once the door 90 is removed, the
portion 106 of the door 90 no longer holds the microswitch 94 in
the first state and, as a result, the microswitch 94 may change to
a second state, e.g., open.
[0093] In the second step, the processor 40 may detect the change
in state of the microswitch 94, e.g., open. In response and prior
to the removal of the replaceable cellular module 110 from the
control panel 20, the processor 40 can cause the cellular circuit
52 to transmit a signal to the central monitoring station 14 that
indicates that tampering has been detected at the control panel
20.
[0094] The time delay between the detection of tampering and
removal of the replaceable cellular module 110 is sufficient for
the processor 40 and the cellular circuit 52 to transmit a tamper
detect signal to the central monitoring station 14. In some
examples, the processor 40 and the cellular circuit 52 may detect
and transmit the tamper detect signal in about 100 milliseconds
(ms) to about one second.
[0095] In addition, in some example implementations, after the
processor 40 and the cellular circuit 52 transmit the tamper detect
signal to the central monitoring station 14, the processor 40 may
power down the cellular circuit 52 to prevent damage to the control
panel 20. That is, removing the replaceable cellular module 110
from the control panel 20 while the replaceable cellular module 110
is powered may damage the replaceable cellular module 110 and/or
the control panel 20. For example, removal of a powered cellular
module from the control panel 20 may cause electrical arcing at the
connector pins, which may permanently damage the control panel 20.
Hence, the processor may remove power from the cellular circuit 52
if the tamper detection circuit 56 detects that the door 90 has
been opened.
Notes and Examples
[0096] Example 1 includes subject matter (such as a device,
apparatus, or machine) comprising: an end-user replaceable cellular
telephony module that is removable from the control panel without
disassembling the control panel, the cellular module including: a
body; a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body; a cellular
telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellular telephony
circuit; and a first connector coupled to the cellular telephony
circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized and
shaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the
end-user with a second connector in the control panel.
[0097] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may include,
wherein the antenna is a first antenna, and wherein the module is
configured such that the first antenna can be detached from the
body by the end-user and replaced by a second antenna.
[0098] In Example 3, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
2 may include, wherein the second antenna is configured to have a
different performance characteristic than the first antenna.
[0099] In Example 4, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
3 may include, a housing defining a slot, and wherein at least a
portion of the end-user replaceable cellular module is sized and
shaped or otherwise configured to fit through the slot.
[0100] In Example 5, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
4 may include, a door removably affixed to the housing, wherein at
least a portion of the end-user replaceable cellular module is
sized and shaped or otherwise configured to fit through the slot
when the door is removed.
[0101] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
5 may include, a switch configured to detect an opening of the door
affixed, wherein the switch is configured to change state upon
detecting the opening; and a processor configured to: detect the
changed state of the switch; and control transmission of a tamper
detection signal to a central monitoring station upon detection of
the changed state of the switch.
[0102] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
6 may include, a display; a housing configured to support the
display; and a speaker having a front from which sound is
projected, a rear opposite the front, a first side, and a second
side opposite the first side; and a sealed speaker enclosure
positioned within the housing, the sealed speaker enclosure
including a speaker case, wherein a portion of the speaker case and
a portion of the speaker define the sealed speaker enclosure.
[0103] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
7 may include, wherein the sealed speaker enclosure includes a
speaker case.
[0104] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to
8 may include, wherein the sealed speaker enclosure has a volume of
between about 0.35 liters to about 0.45 liters.
[0105] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 9 may include, wherein the sealed speaker enclosure defines a
primary acoustic volume of air that extends away from the first
side of the speaker.
[0106] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 10 may include, wherein the portion of the speaker that defines
the sealed speaker enclosure includes a diaphragm of the
speaker.
[0107] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 11 may include, wherein the housing has a front interior side, a
rear interior side opposite the front interior side, a first
interior side and a second interior side opposite the first
interior side, wherein the second side of the speaker is positioned
adjacent the second interior side of the housing, and wherein the
sealed speaker enclosure defines a secondary acoustic volume of air
that extends between the second side of the speaker and the second
interior side of the housing.
[0108] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 12 may include, wherein the housing has a front interior side, a
rear interior side opposite the front interior side, a first
interior side and a second interior side opposite the first
interior side, wherein the second side of the speaker is positioned
adjacent the second interior side of the housing, and wherein the
primary acoustic volume of air extends away from the first side of
the speaker toward the first interior side of the housing.
[0109] In Example 14, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 13 may include, wherein the housing has a front interior side, a
rear interior side opposite the front interior side, a first
interior side and a second interior side opposite the first
interior side, wherein the speaker has a rear portion adjacent the
rear interior side of the housing, and wherein the sealed speaker
enclosure extends across only a portion of the rear portion of the
speaker.
[0110] In Example 15, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 14 may include, a Bluetooth circuit configured to receive at
least one Bluetooth signal from one or more Bluetooth-enabled
devices; a processor configured to: store data identifying an
authorized Bluetooth-enabled device in a memory; detect the
authorized Bluetooth-enabled device; and disarm the security system
control panel in response to the detection.
[0111] In Example 16, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 15 may include, a user interface including a display; and a home
screen module configured to: receive an input from the end-user
defining at least one screen depicted on the display; store data
representing the at least one end-user-defined screen in a memory;
and perform one or more actions previously associated by the user
with the defined screen.
[0112] In Example 17, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 16 may include, wherein the screen depicted on the display is a
thermostat controller.
[0113] In Example 18, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 17 may include, wherein the screen depicted on the display is a
room controller that includes at least one of lighting and
temperature controls.
[0114] In Example 19, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1
to 18 may include, a radio-frequency (RF) circuit configured to:
when the control panel is in an unpowered state: receive power from
an RF signal from an RF programming device; receive data embedded
in the RF signal from the powered RF circuit; and using the
received power from the RF signal store the data in a memory that
is otherwise unpowered; and a processor configured to: when the
control panel is in a powered state: receive the stored data; and
configure at least one parameter using the received data.
[0115] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein.
[0116] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to
in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the
event of inconsistent usages between this document and those
documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the
incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to
that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the
usage in this document controls.
[0117] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, or
process that includes elements in addition to those listed after
such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of
that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first,"
"second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not
intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
[0118] Method examples described herein can be machine or
computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a
computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with
instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform
methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of
such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language
code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can
include computer readable instructions for performing various
methods. The code may form portions of computer program products.
Further, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile or
non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during
execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible
computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard
disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g.,
compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory
cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories
(ROMs), and the like.
[0119] Examples, as described herein, may include, or may operate
on, logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms.
Modules may be hardware, software, or firmware communicatively
coupled to one or more processors in order to carry out the
operations described herein. Modules may hardware modules, and as
such modules may be considered tangible entities capable of
performing specified operations and may be configured or arranged
in a certain manner. In an example, circuits may be arranged (e.g.,
internally or with respect to external entities such as other
circuits) in a specified manner as a module. In an example, the
whole or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone,
client or server computer system) or one or more hardware
processors may be configured by firmware or software (e.g.,
instructions, an application portion, or an application) as a
module that operates to perform specified operations. In an
example, the software may reside on a machine-readable medium. In
an example, the software, when executed by the underlying hardware
of the module, causes the hardware to perform the specified
operations. Accordingly, the term hardware module is understood to
encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically
constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or
temporarily (e.g., transitorily) configured (e.g., programmed) to
operate in a specified manner or to perform part or all of any
operation described herein. Considering examples in which modules
are temporarily configured, each of the modules need not be
instantiated at any one moment in time. For example, where the
modules comprise a general-purpose hardware processor configured
using software; the general-purpose hardware processor may be
configured as respective different modules at different times.
Software may accordingly configure a hardware processor, for
example, to constitute a particular module at one instance of time
and to constitute a different module at a different instance of
time. Modules may also be software or firmware modules, which
operate to perform the methodologies described herein.
[0120] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be
combined with each other in various combinations or permutations.
The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to
the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0121] Various aspects of the disclosure have been described. These
and other aspects are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *