Alarm system with reminder function

Abstract

The invention relates to an alarm system for protection against burglary, comprising an alarm system (1) and a mobile device (2). The alarm system is configured to check a first condition when the alarm system (1) is armed, and / or to check a second condition when the alarm system (1) is disarmed. Furthermore, the alarm system is configured to issue a reminder message to the mobile device (2) when one of the conditions is met, thus reminding a user of the mobile device (2) to switch the alarm system (1) from the armed state to the disarmed state, or vice versa. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for controlling the alarm system.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an alarm system with a reminder function.

[0002] Alarm systems are an essential component for protecting property against burglary. These systems often consist of numerous individual components, such as window and door sensors, cameras, and similar devices. These components are designed to transmit a signal to a central control unit of the alarm system in the event of unauthorized access, enabling an emergency call to be made automatically or at least a siren to be triggered. Systems that integrate a mobile device into the network are also becoming increasingly common. This allows the user of the mobile device to arm or disarm the system, receive notifications of unauthorized access, and potentially interact with the system, for example, by remotely controlling the camera. In particular, arming or disarming (i.e., switching to the disarmed state) alarm systems via a user interface on a smartphone is a well-known feature.

[0003] However, it remains problematic that alarm systems can be triggered while armed, even if the authorized person has simply forgotten to switch them to disarmed mode. This is particularly problematic when sirens are used, as it causes considerable disturbance, for example, to neighbors.

[0004] Another problem arises from the fact that arming the alarm system was simply forgotten when leaving the premises to be protected. The protected property was thus unintentionally left unsecured.

[0005] The present invention therefore presents an alarm system for protection against burglary, as well as a method thereof according to the attached independent claims, in order to overcome the aforementioned technical problems. The invention is defined in the corresponding attached claims.

[0006] The burglar alarm system consists of an alarm unit and a mobile device. The alarm system is configured to check a first condition when the alarm is armed. Alternatively or additionally, the alarm system is configured to check a second condition when the alarm is disarmed. The alarm system is configured to send a reminder message to the mobile device when either condition is met, reminding the user to switch the alarm from armed to disarmed or vice versa.

[0007] The alarm system can have a variety of components, especially sensors and actuators. For example, the alarm system can include sensor groups for mounting on doors and windows for burglary protection. When armed, these sensors send a signal to a central control unit of the alarm system. Optionally, this signal triggers an audible alarm. Alternatively or additionally, an emergency call is placed upon receiving the signal. The alarm system can also optionally include cameras. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm system has a central control unit.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the individual components are designed to form a communication network with the central control unit. This network can be wireless and / or wired. Wireless communication can be implemented using technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar protocols.

[0009] The mobile device is understood to be a portable device with wireless communication capabilities. Specifically, this device can be a mobile phone, smartphone, or similar device. Additionally, the mobile device may have a screen for displaying visual information. This screen may be a touchscreen. Alternatively, the mobile device may have a user interface for inputting user instructions. Additionally, the mobile device may have speakers for outputting audible information. Additionally, the mobile device may have vibration elements for outputting haptic information. Alternatively, the speakers may be configured to output haptic information.

[0010] The armed state is the state in which the area to be protected is monitored. In the disarmed state, the area to be protected is not monitored or at least not fully protected. In particular, people can use the area normally in the disarmed state without triggering an alarm.

[0011] A system can also have two or more mobile devices. In this case, the check is performed individually for each device, so the reminder function is only triggered on the respective mobile device. Since the alarm system is also aware of the other mobile devices, a warning message can be issued with the reminder function, indicating that at least one other mobile device does not meet the requirements for a corresponding reminder. For example, if a first mobile device remains in the disarmed building while a second mobile device moves away, the reminder on the second mobile device will preferably include a message indicating that another device is still in the protected area. This prevents the person receiving the reminder from unintentionally arming the system while someone is still inside, which would then trigger a (false) alarm.

[0012] The first condition can define when a certain distance between the alarm system and the mobile device is exceeded. The second condition defines when that distance is not reached.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the first and second conditions can define when a time interval is exceeded. For example, the time interval can be set to one hour, resulting in hourly reminders. The time interval can also be set via user input on the alarm system or a mobile device.

[0014] To remind the user by outputting reminder information, the presentation of the reminder information can be based on psychological knowledge, so that the user's attention is gained as much as possible through output.

[0015] Optionally, the alarm system can check the conditions of the current state. Additionally or alternatively, the alarm system can wirelessly trigger a mobile device to issue a reminder message when the condition is met. This triggering could, for example, be achieved by transmitting a trigger signal. The aforementioned functionality could be implemented by a central control unit of the alarm system.

[0016] Optionally, the mobile device can check the conditions in each state. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device can trigger itself to output the reminder information when a condition is met. For example, the above can be implemented by a control unit of the mobile device.

[0017] Optionally, an external control unit can check the conditions in each state. Additionally, this unit can communicate wirelessly and / or via cable with the mobile device and / or the alarm system. Furthermore, the external control unit can inform the mobile device that one of the conditions has been met, and in particular, which condition.

[0018] In this case, "external" refers to the fact that the control unit is neither included in the alarm system nor in the mobile device, but is included in the alarm system according to the invention.

[0019] Optionally, the alarm system can communicate bidirectionally with the mobile device via wireless communication. Additionally, the alarm system can inform the mobile device that one of the conditions has been met, and specifically which of the two conditions.

[0020] An advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that the user of the mobile device is reminded to change the state of the alarm system.

[0021] In one embodiment, the alarm system further includes a control unit. This unit is configured to determine whether the distance between the alarm system and the mobile device falls below or exceeds a certain threshold. The first condition defines when the distance is exceeded. The second condition defines when the distance is not reached.

[0022] The control unit can be implemented by the alarm system, the mobile device, or an external control unit. In particular, this can be implemented by the respective control unit of the alarm system or the mobile device.

[0023] The deviation from or exceeding of the limit can be achieved, for example, by comparing the distance determined by the control unit with a threshold value.

[0024] An advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that the reminder information is issued in particularly relevant scenarios, namely when leaving or approaching the premises to be protected.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to check whether the distance between the mobile device and the alarm system has fallen below and / or exceeded the specified distance, based on the position of the mobile device and a reference position.

[0026] For example, the position could be a GPS position. To determine the GPS position, a GPS module can be included in the mobile device, the alarm system, and / or the central control unit, either additionally or alternatively.

[0027] Optionally, the mobile device, alarm system, or external control unit can be configured to determine the positions. Alternatively, each device can measure its position independently and transmit it to a central control unit, which can be the mobile device, alarm system, or external control unit.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be designed to determine the position of the mobile device as well as the reference position.

[0029] The reference position can be a GPS location. For example, a mobile device user can set the reference position. Specifically, the user can use the mobile device's user interface to enter the reference position. This can be done by prompting the user to specify a reference position of the alarm system via an interface on the mobile device. Alternatively, the user can be prompted to specify a location that represents the alarm system's location. For example, by a prompt such as "Please enter the location of the alarm system on the map." Alternatively, the mobile device interface can prompt the user to go to the alarm system's location with the mobile device and, once there, specify the mobile device's location (GPS position) as the reference position.

[0030] Alternatively, the reference position is the position value output from the GPS module of the alarm system.

[0031] Preferably, the reference position is a position whose position relative to the alarm system is known.

[0032] The threshold can be determined by comparing the measured position with a predefined value. This threshold can be predefined or, alternatively, set by the user, for example, via a mobile device interface. Alternatively, or additionally, the threshold can be entered directly into the alarm system.

[0033] An advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that the accuracy of the distance determination is increased.

[0034] In one embodiment, the mobile device and the alarm system are configured to communicate wirelessly. Alternatively, the mobile device is configured to communicate with another device whose position relative to the alarm system is known. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to determine when the distance falls below the minimum range of the wireless communication and / or when the distance exceeds the minimum range.

[0035] Therefore, it is sufficient if the mobile device, alarm system and / or other device detects the network, without a connection having to be established yet.

[0036] The range of wireless communication is physically determined.

[0037] Alternatively, the distance between connected devices can be determined via wireless communication. This could be done, for example, by at least one of the connected devices. Distance determination could be performed using an RSSI value, for instance. Alternatively or additionally, distance determination could be carried out using Time of Flight (ToF) calculations.

[0038] In particular, in one embodiment, wireless communication is implemented through at least one Bluetooth connection, one WLNA connection or one UWB connection.

[0039] An advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that the existing wireless communication resources can be used for distance-dependent testing of the conditions.

[0040] In one embodiment, the memory information corresponds to at least an auditory, visual, or haptic output on the mobile device.

[0041] The auditory output can, for example, correspond to an audible tone. Alternatively, the auditory output can consist of a sequence of tones. For example, the auditory signal can be output as a sequence of tones in intelligible speech, e.g., "Please don't forget to arm your alarm system." In particular, psychological insights should be applied here to ensure that the auditory signal enhances the user's perception.

[0042] Haptic feedback can be achieved, for example, through vibrations. In particular, psychological insights must be applied to ensure that the haptic signal enhances the user's perception.

[0043] The visual output can include, for example, textual and / or pictorial information. In particular, the visual output can be provided as part of an app for operating the alarm system.

[0044] Preferably, visual, auditory and haptic outputs are combined.

[0045] An advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that it increases the perception of the memory information.

[0046] In one embodiment, the reminder information corresponds to an output from an interface on a screen of the mobile device, wherein the interface allows the user to switch the alarm system device from the armed state to the disarmed state or vice versa, or to cancel the process.

[0047] Preferably, the interface is implemented in an app for operating the alarm system.

[0048] For example, the interface could display an information panel that reads something like, "Please don't forget to arm the alarm system. Should it be armed now?". Furthermore, there should be options such as "Yes" and "No," where "Yes" arms the alarm system and "No" cancels the process.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, a push notification is first sent to the mobile device. The aforementioned interface can then be accessed by tapping the push notification.

[0050] An advantageous aspect of this embodiment is that it increases the user's perception of the mobile device.

[0051] Furthermore, the functionalities described above can be implemented in a single process. In particular, this results in the same advantageous aspects.

[0052] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the figures. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an alarm system according to a first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an alarm system according to a second embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic representation of an alarm system according to a third embodiment. Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the procedure for securing against burglary according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an alarm system according to a first embodiment. The alarm system comprises an alarm system 1 and a mobile device 2.

[0054] The alarm system 1 has a display 11, a control unit 12, sensors 13 and a communication interface 14.

[0055] The mobile device 2 has a display 21, a control unit 22 and a communication interface 23.

[0056] Displays 11 and 21 are preferably touch displays.

[0057] The control units 12, 22 can each be implemented in particular as a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), field programmable gate array (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or microcontroller (MCU).

[0058] The sensors 13 include, for example, sensor groups that are attached to windows and doors for burglary protection.

[0059] The communication units 14 and 23 are preferably designed as Bluetooth communication units. Furthermore, each of these includes a GPS module for position determination.

[0060] The alarm system 1 and the mobile device 2 are designed to communicate wirelessly with each other via the respective communication units 14, 23.

[0061] The arrows shown indicate signal directions (especially control signals) as they are preferably configured. However, contrary to the illustration, each component of a unit can also be connected to every other component within the unit, thus allowing a communication path.

[0062] With reference to the components in Figure 1 The two scenarios should now be discussed in Figures 2 and 3 be described.

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an alarm system according to a second embodiment.

[0064] Essentially, all are in Figure 1 contained components also in Figure 2 Included. Therefore, a redundant description of these is omitted.

[0065] The alarm system 1 is located in house 3, although only the control unit 12 is shown, as the entire alarm system 1 can extend over the entire house and property.

[0066] In this example, a user and their mobile device 2 are initially located in a house 3. This is illustrated in... Figure 2 The scenario is that this user now leaves house 3, carrying mobile device 2 with him. Initially, alarm system 1 is not armed.

[0067] The mobile device 2 and the alarm system 1 locate their position using the GPS module located in their respective communication units 14 and 23. The location tracking is illustrated by the three parallel arcs.

[0068] Alarm system 1 receives the location signal and position information via communication unit 14. This position information is then forwarded to control unit 12. Alternatively, the user could enter position information into alarm system 1 using display 11, for example, by manually determining the location within a displayed map.

[0069] The mobile device 2 receives the location signal and position information via communication unit 23. This position information is then forwarded to the control unit 22. Additionally, the user could enter position information for the alarm system 1 using display 21, for example, by manually determining the location within a displayed map.

[0070] Now, using Bluetooth communication, the position information of the alarm system 1 is sent at least once via the communication unit 14 to the communication unit 23 on the mobile device 2.

[0071] The mobile device 2 now uses the control unit 22 to determine its distance from the alarm system 1. To do this, it can use the position information of the mobile device 2 itself as well as the position information of the alarm system 1 to determine, for example, the Euclidean distance.

[0072] Should the control unit 22 detect that a predetermined distance threshold is exceeded, the control unit 22 controls the display 21 so that a visual output as shown in Figure 2 This is done. The visual output corresponds to the I1 interface.

[0073] The user is reminded to arm alarm system 1. The user is given the option to arm it directly or to cancel the process.

[0074] Preferably, an audible signal tone is also emitted.

[0075] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an alarm system according to a third embodiment.

[0076] Essentially, all are in Figure 1 contained components also in Figure 3 Included. Therefore, a redundant description of these is omitted.

[0077] The alarm system 1 is located in house 3, although only the control unit 12 is shown, as the entire alarm system 1 can extend over the entire house and property.

[0078] In this example, a user and their mobile device 2 are initially located outside house 3. This is illustrated in... Figure 3The scenario is that this user now approaches house 3, carrying mobile device 2. Initially, alarm system 1 is armed.

[0079] The mobile device 2 and the alarm system 1 locate their position using the GPS module located in their respective communication units 14 and 23. The location tracking is illustrated by the three parallel arcs.

[0080] Alarm system 1 receives the location signal and position information via communication unit 14. This position information is then forwarded to control unit 12. Alternatively, the user could enter position information into alarm system 1 using display 11, for example, by manually determining the location within a displayed map.

[0081] The mobile device 2 receives the location signal and position information via communication unit 23. This position information is then forwarded to the control unit 22. Additionally, the user could enter position information for the alarm system 1 using display 21, for example, by manually determining the location within a displayed map.

[0082] Now, using wireless communication (e.g., internet-based communication for long distances), the position information of the alarm system 1 is sent at least once via the communication unit 14 to the communication unit 23 on the mobile device 2.

[0083] The mobile device 2 now uses the control unit 22 to determine its distance from the alarm system 1. To do this, it can use the position information of the mobile device 2 itself as well as the position information of the alarm system 1 to determine, for example, the Euclidean distance.

[0084] Should the control unit 22 detect that a predetermined distance threshold is undershot, the control unit 22 controls the display 21 so that a visual output as shown in Figure 2 This is done. The visual output corresponds to the I2 interface.

[0085] The user is reminded to arm alarm system 1. The user is then given the option to disarm it directly or to cancel the process.

[0086] Preferably, an audible signal tone is also emitted.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the procedure for securing against burglary according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] First, it is checked whether alarm system 1 is armed.

[0089] If applicable, process steps S21 and S22 are executed. If not applicable, process steps S11 and S12 are executed.

[0090] Procedure step S11 includes checking a second condition by the alarm system.

[0091] Procedure step S12 includes the output of reminder information to mobile device 2 by the alarm system, so that a user of mobile device 2 is reminded to switch the alarm system 1 from the disarmed state to the armed state.

[0092] Procedure step S21 involves checking a first condition using an alarm system.

[0093] Procedure step S22 includes the output of reminder information to mobile device 2 by the alarm system, so that a user of mobile device 2 is reminded to switch the alarm system from the armed state to the disarmed state.

[0094] The preceding description of the alarm system can be implemented particularly as a procedure. However, it should be noted that the individual procedure steps are not limited to the executing modules.

Claims

1. An alarm system for protection against burglary, comprising: an alarm system (1); and a mobile device (2); wherein the alarm system is configured to check a first condition in a first case when the alarm system (1) is armed, and / or to check a second condition in a second case when the alarm system (1) is disarmed, and the alarm system is configured to cause a reminder message to be displayed on the mobile device (2) when either of the conditions is met, reminding a user of the mobile device (2) to switch the alarm system (1) from the armed state to the disarmed state or vice versa.

2. Alarm system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (12, 22) configured to determine whether the distance between the alarm system (1) and the mobile device (2) falls below and / or exceeds a certain distance; wherein the first condition defines exceeding the distance; and the second condition defines falling below the distance.

3. Alarm system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (12, 22) is configured to check, based on a position of the mobile device (2) and a reference position, whether the distance between the mobile device (2) and the alarm system (1) has been exceeded or fallen below.

4. Alarm system according to claim 2, wherein the mobile device (2) and the alarm system (1) are configured to communicate wirelessly with each other, or the mobile device (2) is configured to communicate wirelessly with another device whose position relative to the alarm system (1) is known; and the control unit (12, 22) is configured to determine when the distance falls below the required level as soon as the distance is within the range of the wireless communication, and / or to determine when the distance exceeds the required level as soon as the distance is outside the range of the wireless communication.

5. Alarm system according to claim 4, wherein wireless communication is realized by at least one Bluetooth connection, one WLAN connection or one UWB connection.

6. Alarm system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reminder information is at least an auditory, visual or haptic output on the mobile device (2).

7. Alarm system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reminder information is an output of an interface (I1, I2) on a screen (21) of the mobile device (2), wherein the interface (I1, I2) enables the user to switch the alarm system (1) from the armed state to the disarmed state or vice versa, or to cancel the process.

8. Method for securing against burglary, comprising the following procedural steps: checking a first condition, by an alarm system, in a first case when the alarm system (1) is armed, and / or checking a second condition, by the alarm system, in a second case when the alarm system (1) is disarmed; and issuing reminder information to a mobile device, by the alarm system, so that a user of the mobile device (2) is reminded to change the alarm system (1) from the armed state to the disarmed state or vice versa.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising the following further method steps: Determining whether the distance between the alarm system (1) and the mobile device (2) falls below or exceeds a certain threshold by a control unit (12, 22); wherein the first condition defines exceeding the threshold; and the second condition defines falling below the threshold.

10. Method according to claim 9, comprising the following further method steps: Checking whether the distance between the mobile device (2) and the alarm system (1) is undershot and / or exceeded by the control unit (12, 22) based on a position of the mobile device (2) and a reference position.

11. The method according to claim 9, comprising the following further method steps: wireless communication between the mobile device (2) and the alarm system (1); or wireless communication between the mobile device (2) and another device whose position relative to the alarm system (1) is known; and determining, by the control unit (12, 22), when the distance falls below the specified range as soon as the distance is within the range of the wireless communication, and / or determining, by the control unit (12, 22), when the distance exceeds the specified range as soon as the distance is outside the range of the wireless communication.

12. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, comprising the following further method steps: Outputting at least one auditory, visual or haptic reminder information on the mobile device.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 12, wherein the following further method steps are comprised: outputting an interface (I1, I2) on a screen (21) of the mobile device (2), wherein the interface (I1, I2) enables the user to switch the alarm system (1) from the armed state to the disarmed state or vice versa, or to cancel the process.

Images