Multi-featured security system with self-diagnostic capability

Claim 2

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor device providing a sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 3

The security system of claim 1 wherein said sensor device identifying means comprises means for providing a visual signal indicative of said identified sensor device providing a sensor activated signal.

Claim 4

The system of claim 1 wherein said bypassing means of said controller automatically bypasses predetermined ones of said identified sensor devices without system user intervention.

Claim 5

The security system of claim 1 wherein said sensor device identifying means comprises means for generating a voice synthesized audio signal indicative of said identified sensor device.

Claim 6

The security system of claim 1 further comprising user-operated means for communicating with said controller, said user-operated communicating means comprising means for selectively providing a bypass signal to said controller indicating that selected ones of said identified sensor devices are to be bypassed.

Claim 7

The security system of claim 5 wherein said user-operated communicating means comprises a key pad accessible to a user for entering data to the system controller, and wherein said sensor device identifying means further comprises means for providing a visual identifying signal to a user indicative of the identified sensor providing a sensor device activated signal.

Claim 8

The security system of claim 1 wherein said controller further comprises means responsive to sensor activated signals and to user activation signals, said user activation signals for changing the system mode from the armed mode to the disarmed mode, for generating an indication signal that an unauthorized intrusion into said protected area has been attempted.

Claim 9

The security system of claim 7 wherein said indication signal comprises an audible signal, and said means for generating an indication signal further comprises means for providing a visual signal indicative of the particular intrusion point.

Claim 10

The security system of claim 7 wherein said indication signal comprises a visible indication signal identifying the particular intrusion point.

Claim 11

The security system of claim 1 wherein said means for generating alert signals comprises means for generating audible alert signals, and wherein said controller further comprises means for generating alert control signals which determine the duration of said audible alert signals during an alarm condition, and user programmed means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed duration signals which determine the duration of said audible alert signals during said alarm condition.

Claim 12

The security system of claim 10 further comprising a user-activated data input means for providing said duration signals to said controller during said programming mode.

Claim 13

The security system of claim 1 wherein said means for generating alert signals comprises means for generating audible alert sounds, and wherein said controller further comprises means for generating control signals for controlling said audible sound generating means to generate audible alert signals during an alarm signal cycle, and user programmable means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed code signals, said alert code signals capable of defining a distinctive user-personalized pattern of audible alert sounds corresponding to said code signals, and said controller is responsive to said code signals for generating user-personalized control signals in dependence on said user-programmed code signals, thereby causing said alert signal generating means to generate a user-personalized distinctive pattern of audible alert signals during said alarm cycle duration.

Claim 14

The security system of claim 12 wherein said user-personalized pattern of audible sounds takes the form of as distinctive pattern of audible "dots" and "dashes".

Claim 15

The security system of claim 12 wherein said means for generating audible alert signals comprises a siren device, and said audible sounds take the form of a user-personalized siren code made up of audible "dots" and "dashes."

Claim 16

The security system of claim 12 further comprising a user-activated data input means for providing said code signals to said controller during said programming mode.

Claim 17

The security system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said sensor devices is of the type wherein said sensor activated signal is either a first polarity output signal or a second polarity output signal, said sensor device providing an output signal of a particular one of said polarities as said sensor activated signal, and wherein said monitoring means of said controller is polarity programmable during a system programming mode to selectively recognize for said sensor device said particular polarity output signal as said sensor activated signal.

Claim 18

The security system of claim 16 further comprising means for putting said system in a system programming mode for sensor polarity programming, means for activating said sensor to simulate an intrusion event, and Wherein said controller further comprises means for reading the state of said sensor device output signal during said programming mode and programming means responsive to said state of said sensor device output signal for recording and recognizing said output state as said sensor activated signal.

Claim 19

The system of claim 1 further comprising audio signal means for generating a first audio signal indicative of the armed mode when the system is toggled from the disarmed mode and a second audio signal indicative of the disarmed mode when the system is toggled from the armed to the disarmed mode, and further comprising user programmable means operable during a system programming mode for selectively disabling said audio signal means, whereby said system may be selectively programmed to toggle between said armed and disarmed modes without providing said audio signals.

Claim 20

The system of claim 1 wherein said said protected area comprises the interior of a vehicle, and said vehicle further comprises a power door locking and unlocking system for locking the vehicle door or doors in response to a "door lock" signal and for unlocking the doors in response to a "door unlock" signal, and wherein said controller further comprises means for providing said "door lock" signals to said power locking and unlocking system in response to the toggling of the system from the disarmed mode to the armed mode, means for providing said "door unlock" signals in response to the toggling of the system from the armed mode to the disarmed mode, and programmable means for selecting the duration of said "door lock" and "door unlock" signals during a system programming mode to match the security system to the particular power door locking and unlocking system.

Claim 21

The security system of claim 19 further comprising installer-activated means for putting said system in a system programming mode for selection of said signal duration, and said means for providing said "door lock" signal comprises first means for generating said "door lock" signals having a first predetermined duration and second means for generating said "door lock" signals having a second predetermined duration, said means for providing said "door unlock" signals comprises first means for providing said "door unlock" signals having a first predetermined duration and second means for providing said "door unlock" signals having a second predetermined duration, and said programmable means comprises installer-activated switch for selecting at will either said first respective means or said second respective means.

Claim 22

The security system of claim 19 further comprising installer-activated switch for putting said system in a system programming mode for selection of said signal duration, and said programmable means comprises installer-activated switch for selecting a first signal duration or a second signal duration.

Claim 23

The security system of claim 21 wherein said first signal duration is about one second, and said second signal duration is about three seconds.

Claim 24

A vehicle security system for generating a user-personalized audible alert signal in the event an intrusion event is detected, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating audible alert signals for an alarm cycle duration in response to alert control signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor device and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) user programmable means activated during a system programming mode for receiving and storing user-programmable alert code signals, said alert code signals capable of defining a distinctive user-personalized pattern of audible alert signals corresponding to said alert code signals; and (ii) means responsive to said sensor activated signals for generating said alert control signals in dependence on said user-programmed alert code signals, thereby causing said alert communicating device to generate a distinctive pattern of user-personalized audible alert signals during said alarm cycle duration.

Claim 25

A vehicle security system for generating a user-personalized audible alert signal in the event an intrusion event is detected, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating audible alert signals for an alarm cycle duration in response to alert control signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor device and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) user programmable means activated during a system programming mode for receiving and storing user-programmable alert code signals, said alert code signals capable of defining a distinctive user-personalized pattern of audible alert signals corresponding to said alert code signals; and (ii) means responsive to said sensor activated signals for generating said alert control signals in dependence on said user-programmed alert code signals, thereby causing said alert communicating device to generate a distinctive pattern of user-personalized audible alert signals during said alarm cycle duration.

Claim 26

The security system of claim 23 wherein said user-personalized pattern of audible alert signals take the form of distinctive patterns of audible "dots" and "dashes."

Claim 27

The security system of claim 23 wherein said controller activates said alert communicating signals for a particular alarm period in response to a sensor activated signal, and said controller further comprises user programmed means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed siren duration signals for defining the duration of said alarm period.

Claim 28

The vehicle security system of claim 23 wherein said means for communicating audible alert signals comprises a siren device, and said audible sounds take the form of user-personalized audible siren code comprising audible "dots" and "dashes."

Claim 29

The vehicle security system of claim 23 further comprising a user-activated data input means for providing said alert code signals to said controller during said programming mode.

Claim 30

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a power source for supplying voltage at a predetermined level to said security system; means for monitoring the voltage level of said power source and generating a voltage error signal when said predetermined voltage level is not available to said system; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal when activated; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller further comprising means responsive to receipt and termination of said error signal and to said switch signal for causing an alert signal to be communicated after receipt and termination of said error signal if said switch signal is not present upon termination of said error signal.

Claim 31

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a power source for supplying voltage at a predetermined level to said security system; means for monitoring the voltage level of said power source and generating a voltage error signal when said predetermined voltage level is not available to said system; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal when activated; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller further comprising means responsive to receipt and termination of said error signal and to said switch signal for causing an alert signal to be communicated after receipt and termination of said error signal if said switch signal is not present upon termination of said error signal.

Claim 32

The vehicle security system of claim 28 wherein said vehicle comprises an ignition switch having at least "on" and "off" positions, and wherein said user-activated switch device comprises said ignition switch, whereby disconnection of said power supply from the system will result in communication of an alert signal upon reconnection of said power supply at said predetermined voltage level unless said ignition switch is in the "on" position.

Claim 33

A vehicle security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected, said sensor device being of the type wherein said sensor activated signal is either a first polarity output signal or a second polarity output signal, said sensor device providing an output signal of a particular one of said polarities as said sensor activated signal; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor device and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; and (ii) means for polarity programming said monitoring means during a system programming mode to selectively recognize for said sensor device said particular polarity output signal as said sensor activated signal.

Claim 34

A vehicle security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected, said sensor device being of the type wherein said sensor activated signal is either a first polarity output signal or a second polarity output signal, said sensor device providing an output signal of a particular one of said polarities as said sensor activated signal; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor device and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; and (ii) means for polarity programming said monitoring means during a system programming mode to selectively recognize for said sensor device said particular polarity output signal as said sensor activated signal.

Claim 35

The vehicle security system of claim 30 wherein said sensor device is a door trigger for providing binary-valued output signals indicating the open/closed status of one or more vehicle doors, said sensor activated signal indicating the open status of said door.

Claim 36

The vehicle security system of claim 30 further comprising means for putting said system in a system programming mode for programming the polarity of said sensor device, means for activating said sensor to generate said sensor activated signal during said programming mode, and wherein said controller further comprises means for reading the state of said sensor device output signal during said programming mode and programming means responsive to said state of said sensor device output signal for recording and recognizing said output signal state as said sensor activated signal.

Claim 37

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor providing a sensor activated signal; (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; and (iv) means responsive to sensor activated signals and to user activation signals for generating an indication signal that an unauthorized intrusion into said protected area has been attempted, said indication signal comprising an audio signal indicative of the particular intrusion point.

Claim 38

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor providing a sensor activated signal; (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; and (iv) means responsive to sensor activated signals and to user activation signals for generating an indication signal that an unauthorized intrusion into said protected area has been attempted, said indication signal comprising an audio signal indicative of the particular intrusion point.

Claim 39

The security system of claim 33 wherein said means for generating an indication signal comprises a voice synthesizer for generating an audible voice message indicative of the particular intrusion point.

Claim 40

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor providing a sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; a portable transmitter device for transmitting information encoded RF signals; a receiver device mounted in said protected area for receiving and decoding said information-encoded RF signals and providing decoded signals indicative of said encoded information; first user-activated means located within said protected area for manually entering a predetermined user authorization code into the system; and second user-activated means for selecting a first disarming mode or a second disarming mode during a system programming mode; and wherein said controller further comprises: (i) a first disarming means responsive to said decoded signals for toggling the system mode from the armed mode to the disarmed mode; (ii) a second disarming means responsive to said decoded signals and said user authorization code for toggling the system mode from its present armed mode or disarmed mode to the other mode in dependence upon receipt of said decoded signals and subsequent receipt of said user authorization code within a predetermined time interval; and (iii) means for selecting either said first or second disarming means in dependence on said selected disarming mode such that said first disarming means is activated while said first disarming mode is selected and said second disarming means is activated while said second disarming mode is selected.

Claim 41

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor providing a sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; a portable transmitter device for transmitting information encoded RF signals; a receiver device mounted in said protected area for receiving and decoding said information-encoded RF signals and providing decoded signals indicative of said encoded information; first user-activated means located within said protected area for manually entering a predetermined user authorization code into the system; and second user-activated means for selecting a first disarming mode or a second disarming mode during a system programming mode; and wherein said controller further comprises: (i) a first disarming means responsive to said decoded signals for toggling the system mode from the armed mode to the disarmed mode; (ii) a second disarming means responsive to said decoded signals and said user authorization code for toggling the system mode from its present armed mode or disarmed mode to the other mode in dependence upon receipt of said decoded signals and subsequent receipt of said user authorization code within a predetermined time interval; and (iii) means for selecting either said first or second disarming means in dependence on said selected disarming mode such that said first disarming means is activated while said first disarming mode is selected and said second disarming means is activated while said second disarming mode is selected.

Claim 42

A vehicle security system, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event involving the vehicle and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; power supply means for supplying electrical power to said system; means for detecting the disabling of power to said system; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal to said controller; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying sensor devices providing a sensor activated signal; (iii) means for bypassing identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; and (iv) means responsive to said detecting means and to said switch signal for causing said alert signal to be communicated when power is restored to said system after said disabling of power unless said switch signal is present upon restoration of power to said system, whereby disabling of power to said system will result in communication of an alert signal upon restoration of power unless said switch device is activated to provide said switch signal to said controller, and no alert signal will be generated upon restoration of power if said switch device is activated.

Claim 43

A vehicle security system, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event involving the vehicle and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; power supply means for supplying electrical power to said system; means for detecting the disabling of power to said system; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal to said controller; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying sensor devices providing a sensor activated signal; (iii) means for bypassing identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; and (iv) means responsive to said detecting means and to said switch signal for causing said alert signal to be communicated when power is restored to said system after said disabling of power unless said switch signal is present upon restoration of power to said system, whereby disabling of power to said system will result in communication of an alert signal upon restoration of power unless said switch device is activated to provide said switch signal to said controller, and no alert signal will be generated upon restoration of power if said switch device is activated.

Claim 44

A vehicle security system, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event involving the vehicle and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying sensor devices providing a sensor activated signal, said means comprising a light source and means for activating said light source to provide a light flash code indicative of said identified sensor providing said sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 45

A vehicle security system, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event involving the vehicle and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying sensor devices providing a sensor activated signal, said means comprising a light source and means for activating said light source to provide a light flash code indicative of said identified sensor providing said sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 46

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; power supply means for supplying power to said system; means for detecting the disabling of said power to said system and generating an error signal when said power disabling is detected; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal to said controller; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor device providing a sensor activated signal; (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; and (iv) means responsive to said error signal and to said switch signal for causing said alert signal to be communicated when power is restored to said system after said disabling of power unless said switch signal is present upon restoration of power to said system, whereby disabling of power to said system will result in communication of an alert signal upon restoration of power unless said switch device is activated to provide said switch signal to said controller.

Claim 47

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; power supply means for supplying power to said system; means for detecting the disabling of said power to said system and generating an error signal when said power disabling is detected; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal to said controller; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor device providing a sensor activated signal; (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode; and (iv) means responsive to said error signal and to said switch signal for causing said alert signal to be communicated when power is restored to said system after said disabling of power unless said switch signal is present upon restoration of power to said system, whereby disabling of power to said system will result in communication of an alert signal upon restoration of power unless said switch device is activated to provide said switch signal to said controller.

Claim 48

The security system of claim 38 wherein said protected area comprises a vehicle having an engine and an ignition switch having at least "on" and "off" positions, and wherein said user-activated switch device comprises said ignition switch, whereby disconnection of said power supply from the system will result in communication of an alert signal upon reconnection of said power supply at said predetermined voltage level unless said ignition switch is in the "on" position.

Claim 49

A multi-function vehicle security system, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when an event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a portable transmitter device for transmitting information-encoded RF signals; a receiver device mounted in said vehicle for receiving and decoding said information-encoded RF signals and providing decoded signals indicative of said encoded information; user-activated means mounted within said vehicle for manually entering a predetermined user authorization code into the system; user-actuated means for selecting a first disarming mode or a second disarming mode during a system programming mode; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor device and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) a first disarming means responsive to said decoded signals for toggling the system mode from the armed mode to the disarmed mode; (ii) a second disarming means responsive to said decoded signals and said user authorization code for toggling the system mode from its present armed or disarmed mode to the other mode in dependence upon receipt of said decoded signals and subsequent receipt of said user authorization code within a predetermined time interval; and (iii) means for selecting either said first or second disarming means in dependence on said selected disarming mode such that said first disarming means is activated while said first disarming mode is selected and said second disarming means is activated while said second disarming mode is selected.

Claim 50

A multi-function vehicle security system, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when an event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a portable transmitter device for transmitting information-encoded RF signals; a receiver device mounted in said vehicle for receiving and decoding said information-encoded RF signals and providing decoded signals indicative of said encoded information; user-activated means mounted within said vehicle for manually entering a predetermined user authorization code into the system; user-actuated means for selecting a first disarming mode or a second disarming mode during a system programming mode; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor device and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) a first disarming means responsive to said decoded signals for toggling the system mode from the armed mode to the disarmed mode; (ii) a second disarming means responsive to said decoded signals and said user authorization code for toggling the system mode from its present armed or disarmed mode to the other mode in dependence upon receipt of said decoded signals and subsequent receipt of said user authorization code within a predetermined time interval; and (iii) means for selecting either said first or second disarming means in dependence on said selected disarming mode such that said first disarming means is activated while said first disarming mode is selected and said second disarming means is activated while said second disarming mode is selected.

Claim 51

The vehicle security system of claim 40 wherein said user-activated means mounted within said vehicle comprises a keypad having a plurality of switch keys mounted thereon.

Claim 52

The vehicle security system of claim 40 wherein said user-activated means for selecting a first disarming mode or a second disarming mode during a system programming mode comprises a user-activated data input means for providing electrical data signals to said controller indicating entry of a programming mode in order to select either said first or said second disarming mode, and said means for selecting said either first or second disarming means is responsive to said electrical data signals to perform said selection during said programming mode.

Claim 53

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor device providing a sensor activated signal, said sensor identifying means comprising means for providing a visual signal indicative of said identified sensor device providing a sensor activated signal, comprising a light source and means for activating the light source to provide a light flash code indicative of said identified sensor device; and (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 54

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a protected area and having self-diagnostic capability, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying any sensor device providing a sensor activated signal, said sensor identifying means comprising means for providing a visual signal indicative of said identified sensor device providing a sensor activated signal, comprising a light source and means for activating the light source to provide a light flash code indicative of said identified sensor device; and (iii) means for bypassing each of said identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 55

A vehicle security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a power door locking and unlocking system for locking the vehicle door or doors in response to a "door lock" signal and for unlocking the doors in response to a "door unlock" signal; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for providing said "door lock" signals to said power locking and unlocking system in response to the arming of the system; (ii) means for providing said "door unlock" signals in response to the disarming of the system; (iii) programmable means for selecting the duration of said "door lock" and "door unlock" signals during a system programming mode to match the security system to the particular power door locking and unlocking system of the vehicle.

Claim 56

A vehicle security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a power door locking and unlocking system for locking the vehicle door or doors in response to a "door lock" signal and for unlocking the doors in response to a "door unlock" signal; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for providing said "door lock" signals to said power locking and unlocking system in response to the arming of the system; (ii) means for providing said "door unlock" signals in response to the disarming of the system; (iii) programmable means for selecting the duration of said "door lock" and "door unlock" signals during a system programming mode to match the security system to the particular power door locking and unlocking system of the vehicle.

Claim 57

The vehicle security system of claim 44 further comprising installer-activated means for putting said system in a system programming mode for selection of said signal duration, and said programmable means comprises installer-activated means for selecting a first signal duration or a second signal duration.

Claim 58

The vehicle security of claim 45 wherein said first signal duration is about one second, and said second signal duration is about three seconds.

Claim 59

The vehicle security system of claim 44 further comprising: a portable transmitter device for transmitting information coded RF signals; a receiver device mounted in said vehicle for receiving and decoding said information-encoded RF signals and providing decoded signals indicative of said encoded information; and (i) arming means responsive to said decoded signals when the system is in the disarmed mode for placing the system in the armed mode; and (ii) disarming means responsive to said decoded signals when the system is in the armed mode for placing the system in the armed mode.

Claim 60

A vehicle security system, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals in response to alert control signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal of a predetermined duration in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: means for generating alert control signals indicative of said predetermined duration during an alarm condition, and user programmed means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed alert duration signals for defining said alert control signals to determine said duration of said alert signals during said alarm condition.

Claim 61

A vehicle security system, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals in response to alert control signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal of a predetermined duration in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: means for generating alert control signals indicative of said predetermined duration during an alarm condition, and user programmed means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed alert duration signals for defining said alert control signals to determine said duration of said alert signals during said alarm condition.

Claim 62

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a power source for supplying voltage at a predetermined level to said security system; means for providing a reset signal upon application of power to said system; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal when activated; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller further comprising means responsive to receipt of said reset signal and to said switch signal for causing an alert signal to be communicated after receipt of said reset signal if said switch signal is not present upon receipt of said reset signal.

Claim 63

A security system for monitoring and controlling access to a vehicle, comprising: at least one sensor device for sensing an intrusion event and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a power source for supplying voltage at a predetermined level to said security system; means for providing a reset signal upon application of power to said system; a user-activated switch device for providing a switch signal when activated; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said at least one sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller further comprising means responsive to receipt of said reset signal and to said switch signal for causing an alert signal to be communicated after receipt of said reset signal if said switch signal is not present upon receipt of said reset signal.

Claim 64

The vehicle security system of claim 49 wherein said vehicle includes an ignition switch, and said switch device comprises said vehicle ignition switch, whereby an alert signal will be communicated upon receipt of a reset signal unless an ignition switch signal is present.

Claim 65

A vehicle security system, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event involving the vehicle and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying sensor devices providing a sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 66

A vehicle security system, comprising: a plurality of sensor devices, each for sensing an intrusion event involving the vehicle and providing a sensor activated signal when the event is detected; means for communicating alert signals; a controller for controlling the operation of said security system so that said system may be operated in an armed mode wherein said controller monitors said sensor devices and causes said communicating means to issue an alert signal in response to a sensor activated signal, or in a disarmed mode wherein said system is disabled from communicating alert signals, said controller comprising: (i) means for monitoring the state of each of said sensor devices; (ii) means responsive to a system arming signal when the system is in the disarmed mode for identifying sensor devices providing a sensor activated signal; and (iii) means for bypassing identified sensor devices and placing the system in the armed mode wherein the state of said bypassed sensor devices does not prevent the system from being armed and wherein said bypassed sensor devices will not cause activation of said communicating means during said armed mode.

Claim 67

The security system of claim 51 wherein said sensor device identifying means further comprises means for providing a visual signal indicative of said identified sensor device providing a sensor activated signal.

Claim 68

The system of claim 51 wherein said bypassing means of said controller automatically bypasses each of said identified sensor devices without system user intervention.

Claim 69

The security system of claim 51 wherein said sensor device identifying means comprises means for generating a voice synthesized audio signal indicative of said identified sensor device.

Claim 70

The security system of claim 51 further comprising user-operated means for communicating with said controller, said user-operated communicating means comprising means for selectively providing a bypass signal to said controller indicating that selected ones of said identified sensor devices are to be bypassed.

Claim 71

The security system of claim 55 wherein said user-operated communicating means comprises a key pad accessible to a user for entering data to the system controller, and wherein said sensor device identifying means further comprises means for providing a visual identifying signal to a user indicative of the identified sensor device providing a sensor activated signal.

Claim 72

The security system of claim 51 wherein said controller further comprises means responsive to sensor activated signals and to a system disarming signal changing the system mode from the armed mode to the disarmed mode, said means for generating an indication signal that an unauthorized intrusion into said protected area has been attempted.

Claim 73

The security system of claim 57 wherein said indication signal comprises an audible signal.

Claim 74

The security system of claim 57 wherein said means for generating an indication signal further comprises means for generating a visible indication signal identifying the particular intrusion point.

Claim 75

The security system of claim 57 wherein said means for generating an indication signal comprises a voice synthesizer for generating an audible voice message.

Claim 76

The security system of claim 51 wherein said means for generating alert signals comprises means for generating audible alert sounds, and wherein said controller further comprises means for generating control signals for controlling said audible sound generating means to generate audible alert sounds during an alarm signal cycle, and user programmable means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed code signals, said alert code signals capable of defining a distinctive user-personalized pattern of audible alert sounds corresponding to said code signals, and said controller is responsive to said code signals for generating user-personalized control signals in dependence on said user-programmed code signals, thereby causing said alert signal generating means to generate a distinctive pattern of user-personalized audible alert signals during said alarm cycle duration.

Claim 77

The security system of claim 61 wherein said user-personalized pattern of audible sounds take the form of distinctive pattern of audible "dots" and "dashes."

Claim 78

The security system of claim 51 wherein said means for generating alert signals comprises means for generating audible alert signals, and wherein said controller further comprises means for generating alert control signals which determine the duration of said audible alert signals during an alarm condition, and user programmed means activated during a system programming mode for receiving user-programmed duration signals which determine the duration of said audible alert signals during said alarm condition.

Claim 79

The system of claim 51 further comprising audio signal means for generating a first audio signal indicative of the armed mode when the system is toggled from the disarmed mode and a second audio signal indicative of the disarmed mode when the system is toggled from the armed to the disarmed mode, and further comprising user programmable means operable during a system programming mode for selectively disabling said audio signal means, whereby said system may be selectively programmed to toggle between said armed and disarmed modes without providing said audio signals.

Claim 80

The security system of claim 51 wherein at least one of said sensor devices comprises means for providing an output signal state having respective high and low voltage states, and wherein a particular one of said output signal states represents said sensor activated signal for said sensor device, said system further comprising means for causing said sensor device to generate said sensor activated signal during a system programming mode, and wherein said monitoring means of said controller is programmable during said system mode to recognize said particular output signal state as said sensor activated signal.

Claim 81

The security system of claim 63 wherein said vehicle includes one or more vehicle doors, and said at least one of said sensor devices comprises a door trigger for indicating the open/closed status of at least one vehicle door.

Claim 82

The system of claim 51 wherein said vehicle further comprises a power door locking and unlocking system for locking the vehicle door or doors in response to a "door lock" signal and for unlocking the doors in response to a "door unlock" signal, and wherein said controller further comprises means for providing said "door lock" signals to said power locking and unlocking system in response to the toggling of the system from the disarmed mode to the armed mode, means for providing said "door unlock" signals in response to the toggling of the system from the armed mode to the disarmed mode, and programmable means for selecting the duration of said "door lock" and "door unlock" signals during a system programming mode to match the security system to the particular power door locking and unlocking system.