Remote sensor network using distributed intelligent modules with interactive display

Claim 2

An intelligent interface module locatable on a premises for use in combination with a control panel and a sensor, said module comprising: a housing; a processor located internal to the housing and operatively coupled to memory means, to the control panel, and to the sensor wherein the memory means has the capacity to retain user definable data information associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and user definable data information associated with the physical location of the sensor; an exposed visual display operatively coupled to the processor and adapted to display at least one graphic representation of the user definable data information associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and the user definable data information associated with the physical location of the sensor; and an input means operatively coupled to the processor for permitting user selective access to the processor.

Claim 3

The module of claim 1 wherein the sensor is integral with the housing.

Claim 4

The module of claim 1 wherein a sensor ID is incorporated with a signal detectible by the module.

Claim 5

The module of claim 2 wherein a sensor ID is incorporated with a signal detectible by the module.

Claim 6

The module of claim 1 wherein a module ID is incorporated with a signal detectible by the control panel.

Claim 7

The module of claim 1 wherein the input means is physically separate from the display.

Claim 8

The module of claim 6 wherein the input means comprises at least one physically responsive switch.

Claim 9

The module of claim 1 wherein the input means is operable in conjunction with the display.

Claim 10

The module of claim 8 wherein the input means is a touch sensitive matrix located on the display.

Claim 11

The module of claim 1 wherein the visual display is selected from the group consisting of a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube, and a plasma display.

Claim 12

The module of claim 1 further comprising an emergency switch.

Claim 13

The module of claim 1 wherein system status is maintained the memory means, thereby reducing data exchange between the module and the control panel.

Claim 14

The module of claim 1 further comprising an audible frequency transmitter.

Claim 15

A multiplexed, distributed intelligence monitoring and alarm system locatable in a premises comprising: a control panel having a) memory means sufficient for selectively retaining data associated with control panel operating system instructions and user definable functions, b) input means for receiving data information from and output means for sending data information to at least one remote interface module, and c) processing means for responding to data input received from the at least one remote interface module and generating output to the at least one interface module based upon control panel operating system instructions, all elements being operatively coupled to one another; a remote interface module locatable distant from the control panel and operatively coupled to the input and output means of the control panel and having a) memory means sufficient for storing user definable data information associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and interface module operating system functions, b) input and output means for receiving and sending data information from and to the control panel; c) a processor operatively coupled to the memory means, the input means, and the output means for responding to input and generating output based upon interface module operating system instructions, and, d) an exposed visual display operatively coupled to the processor and adapted to display at least one graphic representation of the user definable data information associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and user definable data information associated with the physical location of at least one sensor; and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the input and output means of the control panel whereby the data associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and the at least one sensor can be presented for user perception.

Claim 16

A multiplexed, distributed intelligence monitoring and alarm system locatable in a premises comprising: a control panel having a) memory means sufficient for selectively retaining data associated with control panel operating system instructions and user definable functions, b) input means for receiving data information from and output means for sending data information to at least one remote interface module, and c) processing means for responding to data input received from the at least one remote interface module and generating output to the at least one interface module based upon control panel operating system instructions, all elements being operatively coupled to one another; a remote interface module locatable distant from the control panel and operatively coupled to the input and output means of the control panel and having a) memory means sufficient for storing user definable data information associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and interface module operating system functions, b) input and output means for receiving and sending data information from and to the control panel; c) a processor operatively coupled to the memory means, the input means, and the output means for responding to input and generating output based upon interface module operating system instructions, and, d) an exposed visual display operatively coupled to the processor and adapted to display at least one graphic representation of the user definable data information associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and user definable data information associated with the physical location of at least one sensor; and at least one sensor operatively coupled to the input and output means of the control panel whereby the data associated with the physical description of at least a portion of the premises and the at least one sensor can be presented for user perception.

Claim 17

The system of claim 14 wherein the at least one sensor is linked to the remote interface module, thereby establishing operative coupling with the control panel.

Claim 18

The system of claim 14 wherein the control panel is constructed to accept sensor signal input generated by a sensor selected from the group consisting of perimeter, control, and fire sensors.

Claim 19

The system of claim 14 wherein the system is supplied with power from a public service and further comprising a battery for maintaining system functions in the event of a public power outage, and control circuitry operable by the control panel processing means for selectively maintaining power to user definable portions of the system.

Claim 20

The system of claim 14 further comprising a telco interface and dialer for selectively establishing contact with an external location to transmit data thereto and receive data therefrom.

Claim 21

The system of claim 14 further comprising an RF receiver operatively coupled to the processor wherein activation of the dialer may be initiated by transmitting an RF signal to the RF receiver whereupon an appropriate signal generated by the receiver causes the processor to activate the dialer.