Alarm peripheral, method for installing the alarm peripheral, method for detecting opening of an enclosure element and method for arming a security monitoring system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an alarm peripheral, the alarm peripheral comprising: a magnetic sensing device at least partially coupled to an enclosure element, the magnetic sensing device being configured to sense a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device and to generate a magnetic event signal upon detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field; an accelerometer mounted on a movable part of the enclosure element; and a processor communicatively coupled to the magnetic sensing device and to the accelerometer, the processor being configured to process the magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device in order to determine that the enclosure element has been opened; the processor being also configured to generate an alarm event when signals received from the accelerometer are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold. The disclosure also relates to a method for installing an alarm peripheral; to a method for detecting opening of an enclosure element; to a method for arming a security monitoring system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to anti-intrusion surveillance and security monitoring systems and more particularly, to an alarm peripheral, a method for installing the alarm peripheral, a method for detecting unauthorized openings of an enclosure element having the alarm peripheral and a method for arming a security monitoring system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Security installations that are or include security monitoring systems for monitoring premises, often referred to as burglar alarms, typically provide means for detecting the presence and / or actions of people at the premises, and for reacting to detected events. Commonly such systems include alarm peripherals in the form of: sensors to detect the opening and closing of doors and / or windows to provide a secure perimeter to the premises, creating one or more protected interior spaces; movement detectors to monitor spaces (both within and outside buildings) for signs of movement; microphones to detect sounds such as breaking glass; and typically image sensors to capture still or moving images of monitored zones. These security monitoring systems may be self-contained, with alarm indicators such as sirens and flashing lights that may be activated in the event of an alarm condition being detected.

[0003] Such security monitoring systems typically include a control unit (which may also be termed a central unit), generally mains powered, that is communicatively coupled to the alarm peripherals -sensors, detectors, cameras, etc. ("nodes"), and which processes notifications received from the different alarm peripherals and determines a response. The central unit may be linked to the various nodes by wires, but increasingly is instead linked wirelessly, rather than by wires, since this facilitates installation and may also provide some safeguards against sensors / detectors effectively being disabled by disconnecting them from the central unit. Similarly, for ease of installation and to improve security, these nodes typically include an autonomous power source, such as a battery power supply, rather than being mains powered.

[0004] As an alternative to self-contained systems, a security monitoring system may include an installation at a premises, domestic or commercial, that is linked to a remote Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) or Central Monitoring Station (CMS) where, typically, human operators manage the responses required by different alarm and notification types. In such centrally monitored systems, the central unit at the premises installation typically processes notifications received from the nodes in the installation, and notifies the Central Monitoring Station of only some of these, depending upon the settings of the system and the nature of the detected events. In such a configuration, the central unit at the installation is effectively acting as a gateway between the nodes and the Central Monitoring Station. Again, in such installations the central unit may be linked by wires, or wirelessly, to the various nodes of the installation, and these nodes will typically be battery powered rather than mains powered.

[0005] As explained, among the nodes of the security monitoring system, typically one or more door and / or window sensors are included. These sensors typically have some means to detect that the corresponding door or window has been manipulated. For this purpose, these sensors comprise a magnet mounted on the door and / or window, and a magnetic switch, which is a reed switch that opens / closes depending on the proximity of the magnet. When the door and / or window is closed, the magnet keeps the reed switch circuit closed. The operation of these magnetic sensors is thus, quite binary: either the window is open or is closed.

[0006] However, sometimes users want to leave the windows at their homes in an intermediary position wherein the window is crack open for ventilation, for instance specifically of awning windows and tilt and turn windows or doors. Current magnetic sensors do not permit this cracking of a window, since if not all windows and doors of the secured perimeter are fully closed, the corresponding reed switch would be in an open state, precluding the alarm system from being armed.

[0007] Yet, it is desirable to allow users to arm their alarm systems even in this situation.

[0008] Patent document WO 2020 / 099371 A1 discloses an alarm system detector for door or window.

[0009] The present inventors have appreciated that there therefore exists a need to improve alarm peripherals, in particular their capabilities of detecting the movement of the enclosure item -door or window- on which these alarm peripherals are mounted, their installation process and security monitoring systems including such peripherals.

[0010] Such security monitoring systems contribute to the safety and wellbeing of occupants of the protected premises, as well as safeguarding articles within the protected perimeter - which may of course not simply be limited to a house or dwelling but may also extend to the grounds of the house, protected by a boundary fence and gate, for example.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to provide enhanced security monitoring systems, and corresponding apps, methods and other implementations that improve the scope of security monitoring systems, as well as providing new functionality and methods.SUMMARY

[0012] The present disclosure solves the shortcomings of the existing solutions with an alarm peripheral which, while protecting against any unauthorized intrusion from outside the enclosure being protected, allows the enclosure to be ventilated from the inside by opening enclosure elements, such as doors and windows, up to a limit determined by a vent or tilting position of such enclosure elements without necessarily triggering the alarm peripheral.

[0013] A first aspect of the disclosure relates to an alarm peripheral that comprises a magnetic sensing device at least partially coupled to an enclosure element of the enclosure or installation to be monitored and protected from unauthorized intrusions.

[0014] The magnetic sensing device is configured to sense a magnetic field surrounding it and to generate a magnetic event signal upon detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field.

[0015] The alarm peripheral also comprises an accelerometer mounted on a movable part of the enclosure element and a processor communicatively coupled to the magnetic sensing device and to the accelerometer.

[0016] The processor is configured to process the magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device in order to determine that the enclosure element has been opened.

[0017] The processor may be configured to process signals received from the accelerometer, and to generate an alarm event when the signals received from the accelerometer are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

[0018] In other words, when opening of the enclosure element has been determined by detecting a change in the magnetic field being sensed (in the magnitude and / or direction thereof) with respect to the magnetic field being measured when the enclosure element is closed, a magnetic event signal may be sent to the processor. The magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device is actually indicative that the enclosure element has been opened.

[0019] Then, upon the processor determining that the enclosure element has been opened, the processor may start processing the signals emitted by the accelerometer to detect opening beyond the preestablished opening threshold. The accelerometer may provide measurements regarding speed and direction of the movable part during its movement while it is being opened. With the signals received from the accelerometer the processor is, thus, able to determine the speed, direction and position of the movable part of the enclosure element, e.g., a window sash or a door leaf of a window and door, respectively, with respect a static part of the enclosure element, e.g., the frame of the window or door that are embedded in the wall, ceiling or floor of the enclosure being monitored and protected, of the enclosure element. By comparing the position and / or displacement of the movable part with respect to the preestablished opening threshold the processor is able to determine if the enclosure element has been partially opened, for instance, for ventilating the enclosure, or if the enclosure element has been opened beyond the preestablished opening threshold. When the processor detects that the enclosure element has been opened in such a way that the position / displacement of the movable part is beyond the preestablished opening threshold (this being representative, for example, of the enclosure element being open enough for a person to pass through the window) or the enclosure element is fully open, an alarm event may be triggered indicating a possible unauthorized intrusion within the enclosure.

[0020] As used herein, an enclosure may refer to any at least partially closed space having one or more enclosure elements, such as a window or a door, through which a person may access to the inside of the closed space delimited within the enclosure.

[0021] In the present disclosure, the magnetic sensing device may refer to any sensor able to detect or measure magnitude and / or direction of a magnetic field, and to detect a change thereof. That is, the magnetometer may be configured to detect changes in an ambient magnetic field, typically, in the magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device. By way of example, the magnetic sensing device may be a reed switch proximity sensor, a magnetometer or a combination of thereof. While the reed switch proximity sensor only can detect the presence or absence of the magnetic field based on the previously established opening threshold, the magnetometer is also able to measure a variation of the magnetic field three-dimensionally, in terms of changes in magnitude and / or direction thereof. The magnetic sensing device can also comprise one or more Hall effect sensors.

[0022] The magnetic sensing device can be mounted on the movable part or on the static part of the enclosure element. Typically, the magnetic sensing device is mounted on the movable part of the enclosure element.

[0023] This magnetic field is generally generated by a magnet. The magnetic field sensed by the magnetometer may also be the magnetic field produced by the earth.

[0024] In some embodiments, the processor is integrated in the magnetic sensing device, or the processor is comprised within the magnetic sensing device. By way of example, the processor can be integrated or be a part of the magnetic sensing device when the magnetic sensing device is a 3D magnetometer having processing capabilities. This simplifies manufacturing and mounting of the alarm peripheral.

[0025] In some embodiments, the preestablished opening threshold is defined as a distance between a portion of the movable part and a static part of the enclosure element, as an angle between the movable part and the static part of the enclosure element or as a combination of both. If the enclosure element is a window, the preestablished opening threshold can be established as a distance between a window sash, or a border there and a portion of a fixed window frame facing the window sash. The preestablished opening threshold can be also stablished as an angle formed by the window sash and the fixed window frame, when the window open, be it partially or fully open. Similarly, if the enclosure element is a door, the preestablished opening threshold can be established as a distance between one of the borders of the door leaf and the portion of the fixed door frame facing said border. The preestablished opening threshold can be established as an angle formed by the door leaf and the fixed door frame, when the door is fully or partially open.

[0026] The preestablished opening threshold can be defined in terms of the width or height of the opening, the size of the opening depending upon the extent to which the enclosure element is opened.

[0027] In some embodiments, the angle between the portion of the movable part and the static part is within a range between 3° and 15°, and more preferably between 6° and 10°.An angles below 3° may not be sufficient for ventilation purposes; permitting an opening angle of 6° or more is preferred in this respect. An angle of 15° is typically not enough for a human being to trespass, while a maximum angle of 10° provides a stronger barrier for a human being to trespass without producing any movement in the movable part of the enclosure element. In some embodiments, the angle between the portion of the movable part and the static part is within a range between 5° and 20°, and more preferably between 10° and 15°.

[0028] In some embodiments, the distance between the portion of the movable part and the static part is within a range between 0 cm and 4.5 cm, and more preferably between 0 cm and 2.5 cm. The distance can be measured in an orthogonal direction with respect to the static part. This distance can be established as an opening amount or opening percentage the movable part of the enclosure element. This distance varies according to the opening amount.

[0029] In some embodiments, the preestablished opening threshold can be dependent on the construction and / or the location of the enclosure element. By way of example, if the enclosure element is located in a ground floor, the preestablished opening threshold is smaller than if the enclosure element is located on a first or higher floor within the enclosure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the enclosure element has a partially opened state and a fully opened state, the partial opened state corresponding to the preestablished opening threshold. The enclosure element may comprise a mechanism to fix the position of the movable part relative to the static part in the partially opened state such as extensible arms, hinges with blocking mechanism such as tilt and turn hinges, among many other mechanisms.

[0031] In some embodiments, the enclosure element is a tilt and turn enclosure element. A tilt and turn enclosure element may refer to an enclosure element in which by turning the handle 90° the element is opened inwards from its side hinge, in a similar manner to a conventional door. Further turning of the handle to 180°, typically pointing upwards (pointing downwards being the standard closing position), the enclosure element tilts open at the top providing a vent. The tilting is not excessive and is limited to no more than 15°, generally to prevent water from entering and to avoid unauthorised intrusions. A tilt and turn enclosure element (usually, a window) can typically be moved from a fully closed to a fully open position, via numerous intermediate partially opened positions.

[0032] In some embodiments, the enclosure element is a window or a door. Preferably, the movable part of the window is a window sash or vertical slider, and the movable part of the door is a door leaf.

[0033] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensing device is configured to generate the magnetic event signal in response to detecting a change in a magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field with respect to the magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field when the enclosure element is closed. Typically, the magnetic event signal is generated when change in magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field is above some predefined limits. These predefined limits may be dependent on properties of the enclosure, such as magnetic properties related to the enclosure. For example, the magnetic field can be affected by wiring present within the enclosure or close to the enclosure (such as wiring of a lift or elevator drawing high current), or by the existence and location within the enclosure of apparatuses with large electric motors (such as fans, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines or and dryers), or of apparatuses that draw large current (such as electric heaters, ovens, microwave ovens, or air conditioning apparatus).

[0034] In some embodiments, the magnetic sensing device is configured to generate the magnetic event signal detect the opening of the enclosure element in response to detecting a change in a magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field with respect to the magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field when the enclosure element is closed.

[0035] In some embodiments, a first portion of the magnetic sensing device is coupled to or embedded into the movable part of the enclosure element and a second portion of the magnetic sensing device is coupled to or embedded into a static part of the enclosure element, typically a fixed frame of a window or of a door, or in a wall or ceiling where the enclosure element is located.

[0036] In some embodiments, the alarm peripheral forms part of a perimeter alarm system configured to protect an enclosure; typically, the alarm peripheral is integrated as part of the perimeter alarm system that protects the enclosure.

[0037] In some embodiments the processor is configured to process signals from the accelerometer on a periodic basis. This way, the processor is capable of processing signals provided by the accelerometer and may determine aperture of the enclosure element beyond the preestablished opening threshold even in case the magnetic sensing element is not working properly. Or, for instance, in case the magnetic sensing element is taking measurements at a slower rate than its standard configuration mode, for battery reasons.

[0038] A second aspect relates to a method for installing an alarm peripheral, the method comprising the steps of: i. coupling at least part of a magnetic sensing device to an enclosure element, the magnetic sensing device being configured to sense a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device, and to generate a magnetic event signal upon detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field, the magnetic sensing device being part of the alarm peripheral; ii. coupling an accelerometer to a movable part of the enclosure element, the accelerometer being part of the alarm peripheral; iii. opening the enclosure element until a partial opening state is reached; iv. measuring, by the magnetic sensing device, the magnetic field and storing the measured magnetic field.

[0039] This partial opening state can be configured during the installation of the alarm peripheral. Thus, the proposed method for installing an alarm peripheral gives the possibility of establishing this partial opening state, which sets the preestablished opening threshold beyond which the enclosure is not secure.

[0040] In certain embodiments the method for installing the alarm peripheral may have several predefined partial opening states, which have been proved to protect the security of the enclosure. This may be provide the final user of the alarm peripheral - and ultimately, of a security monitoring system having at least one of these alarm peripherals, - with the security that these predefined partial opening states of the enclosure element are secure to protect their enclosure (typically, their homes).

[0041] The method for installing the alarm peripheral also enables that this partial opening state may be defined in real-time, typically, in situ. That is, the final user of the alarm peripheral may decide on the size of this partial opening state, thereby giving the final user with a greater sensation of confidence, having actively participated in this decision about how much the windows / doors of his / her home can be left open without being a breach to their home's security.

[0042] In some embodiments the alarm peripheral is as disclosed with respect to the first aspect presented in the foregoing.

[0043] A third aspect relates to a method for detecting opening of an enclosure element, the method comprising: monitoring, by a magnetic sensing device at least partially coupled to the enclosure element a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device; generating a magnetic event signal upon the magnetic sensing device detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field; processing, the magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device in order to determine that the enclosure element has been opened; and processing signals received from the accelerometer and generating an alarm event when the signals from the accelerometer are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

[0044] In some embodiments, the signals received from the accelerometer are processed in response to having determined that the enclosure element has been open as detected by the magnetic sensing device.

[0045] A fourth aspect relates to a method for arming a security monitoring system comprising at least one enclosure element, the method comprising: verifying, that the at least one enclosure element is either closed or opened less than preestablished opening threshold, arming the security monitoring system.

[0046] This way, the security monitoring system may be armed even when not all windows or doors at their homes are completely closed, enabling them to arm their security monitoring system even when one or more of the windows or doors are just partially open, for instance, for ventilation purposes.

[0047] The security monitoring system may have more than one armed state. In a first armed state that, the security monitoring system in a conventional manner treats any opening of a window or door as an alarm condition (e.g. an alarmed away mode). According to the present disclosure, a second armed state can exist wherein a secured perimeter can be provided even though one or more windows or doors is not fully closed. This second armed state can be, for instance, an armed at home state, or a nocturnal armed at home state.

[0048] The alarm peripheral is especially suitable for mounting on any enclosure item - such as a door or a window- of the perimeter to be secured, and are comprised in the security monitoring system.

[0049] The methods disclosed herein can be run in one or more devices in an isolated manner and / or in a distributed manner. That is to say, one, some or all steps may be run by a same processing device, or one or some steps may be run by one processing device and some other step or steps may be run by one or more other processing devices or even be run in distributed manner, which means that several processing devices cooperate to run one or more steps. In this sense, the steps are digitally run.

[0050] For instance, the processor may be integrated in the magnetic sensing device, and / or the processor can be a separate entity not physically comprised within the magnetic sensing device. In case the magnetic sensing device comprises a processor, this processor can be in charge of fully computing one or more method(s) as disclosed herein. If in addition to the magnetic sensing device comprising its own processor, the alarm peripheral comprises another processor, the method(s) can be executed in a distributed manner. This approach may be more convenient in terms of reducing the computational load of the magnetic sensing device of, allowing the use of less expensive costly magnetic sensing devices.

[0051] The different aspects and embodiments defined in the foregoing may be combined with one another, as long as they are compatible with each other.

[0052] Additional advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detail description that follows and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an alarm peripheral according to some embodiments. Figure Figure 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for installing an alarm peripheral according to some embodiments. Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for detecting opening of an enclosure element according to some embodiments. Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for arming a security monitoring system according to some embodiments. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is given solely for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the present disclosure. Embodiments thereof will be described by way of example, with reference to one or more of the above-mentioned Figures.

[0055] The present inventors have appreciated that the performance of a security monitoring system can be improved by providing alarm peripherals that permit arming of the security monitoring system even when the alarm peripherals are detecting that the piece of enclosure element on which each of this alarm peripherals is mounted is not fully closed.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an alarm peripheral 100 according to some embodiments.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the alarm peripheral 100 comprises a data processor 110, a magnetic sensing device 120 and an accelerometer 130.

[0058] The magnetic sensing device 120 is at least partially coupled to an enclosure element which enclosure element is typically a window (cf. Fig.2: windows 1001, 1002) or a door (cf. Fig. 2: door 1010, 1011).

[0059] Figure 2 shows a view of the front of a premises 1000 protected by a security monitoring system according to some aspects and embodiments. The premises 1000, here in the form of a house, have an exterior door, here a front door 1010. The door gives access to a protected interior space. The security monitoring system secures at least part of a perimeter to the premises 1000, and the door 1010 constitutes an exterior closure in the secure perimeter giving access to a protected interior space of the premises.

[0060] The house as illustrated in Figure 2 has the front door 1010 on the ground floor, and also on the ground floor there is a window 1001. On the upper floor of the house there is another window 1002, and a two-leaf door 1011.

[0061] Alarm peripherals are mounted on every door and window of the house. Typically, the accelerometer 130 is mounted on a movable part of the doors 1010, 1011, such as their door leaf; and on a movable part of the windows 1001, 1002, such as the window sash or vertical slider.

[0062] In the embodiment shown, the alarm peripheral 100 is implemented as a single device, having a housing or casing in which the processor 110, the accelerometer 130 and the magnetic sensing device 120 are integrated. Thus, the magnetic sensing device 120 is also mounted on the movable part of the windows or the doors. It is also possible that the processor 110 is implemented as a separate element.

[0063] The magnetic sensing device is configured to periodically sense a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device.

[0064] In embodiments, the magnetic sensing device is configured for measuring every second, that is, typically at a frequency of 1 Hz.

[0065] The accelerometer scanning frequency is typically set to 200 Hz. To prevent unnecessary usage of the accelerometer, the accelerometer 130 is only activated and requested to provide measurements when an opening has been detected by means of the magnetic sensing device 120.

[0066] The data processor 110 receives signals from the accelerometer 130 and the magnetic sensing device 120. As also shown in Fig. 1, the processor 110 comprises: means 112 for processing signals received from the magnetic sensing device 120; means 114 for processing signals received from the accelerometer 130; and means 116 for processing a magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device 120 in order to determine that the window or door where the peripheral is mounted has been opened; means 118 for generating an alarm event when signals received from the accelerometer 130 are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

[0067] The alarm peripheral thus determines whether opening of the enclosure element has happened, by detecting a change in the magnetic field being sensed by the magnetic sensing device 120. And upon the processor means 116 determining that the enclosure element has been opened, the means 118 of the processor 110 may start processing the signals emitted by the accelerometer 130 to detect whether the corresponding enclosure element -be it a window or a door- has been opened beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

[0068] This alarm peripheral thus enables users who want to leave one or more windows (or doors) at their homes in an intermediary open position. This is especially advantageous in case of awning windows and tilt and turn windows or doors.

[0069] Figure 3 is a diagram chart showing a method 300 for installing an alarm peripheral 100. The method 300 comprises the steps of: at step 301: coupling at least part of a magnetic sensing device to an enclosure element, the magnetic sensing device being configured to sense a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device, and to generate a magnetic event signal upon detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field, the magnetic sensing device being part of the alarm peripheral; at step 302: coupling an accelerometer to a movable part of the enclosure element, the accelerometer being part of the alarm peripheral; at step 303: opening the enclosure element until a partial opening state is reached; at step 304: measuring, by the magnetic sensing device, the magnetic field and storing the measured magnetic field.

[0070] Figure 4 is a diagram chart showing a method 400 for detecting opening of an enclosure element, the enclosure element being the windows 1001, 1002 or doors 1010, 1011, which form part of a perimeter of the premises 1000. The method 400 comprises: at step 401: monitoring, by a magnetic sensing device at least partially coupled to the enclosure element a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device; at step 402: generating a magnetic event signal upon the magnetic sensing device detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field; at step 403: processing, the magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device in order to determine that the enclosure element has been opened; and at step 404: processing signals received from the accelerometer and generating an alarm event when the signals from the accelerometer are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

[0071] Figure 5 is a diagram chart showing a method 500 for arming a security monitoring system. The method 500 comprises: at step 501: verifying that the at least one enclosure element is either closed or opened less than preestablished opening threshold; and at step 502: arming the security monitoring system.

[0072] That is, before the user being able to arm the security monitoring system - that is, to turn on an armed stated in which the alarm peripherals become active to sense possible intruders within the perimeter secured by the security monitoring system -, it is verified whether all windows and / or doors (in which the alarm peripheral 100 has been mounted) are completely closed or, if open, that they are in partially open and within a preestablished opening range. This partially open may be useful for ventilation, or may also be particularly suitable and useful for letting in and out pets, in a secure fashion.

[0073] The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules / components that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules / components referred to herein may, in some examples, comprise processor-implemented modules / components.

[0074] Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented modules / components. The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some examples, the processor or processors may be located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm), while in other examples the processors may be distributed across a number of locations.

[0075] Examples may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, or software, or in combinations of them. Examples may be implemented using a computer program product, e.g., a computer program tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers.

[0076] In this text, the term "includes", "comprises" and derivations thereof (such as "including", "comprising", etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.

[0077] On the other hand, the disclosure is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An alarm peripheral comprising: a magnetic sensing device at least partially coupled to an enclosure element, the magnetic sensing device being configured to sense a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device and to generate a magnetic event signal upon detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field; an accelerometer mounted on a movable part of the enclosure element; and a processor communicatively coupled to the magnetic sensing device and to the accelerometer, the processor being configured to process the magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device in order to determine that the enclosure element has been opened; the processor being also configured to generate an alarm event when signals received from the accelerometer are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

2. The alarm peripheral of claim 1, wherein the preestablished opening threshold is defined as a distance between a portion of the movable part and a static part of the enclosure element, as an angle between the movable part and the static part of the enclosure element or as a combination of both.

3. The alarm peripheral of claim 2, wherein the angle between the portion of the movable part and the static part is within a range between 3° and 15°, and more preferably between 6° and 10°.

4. The alarm peripheral of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure element has a partially opened state and a fully opened state, the partial opening state corresponding to the preestablished opening threshold.

5. The alarm peripheral of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the enclosure element is a window or a door, and the movable part of the window is a window sash or vertical slider, and the movable part of the door is a door leaf.

6. The alarm peripheral of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic sensing device is configured to generate the magnetic event signal in response to detecting a change in a magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field with respect to the magnitude and / or direction of the sensed magnetic field when the enclosure element is closed.

7. The alarm peripheral of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic sensing device is a reed switch proximity sensor, a magnetometer or a combination thereof.

8. The alarm peripheral of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first portion of the magnetic sensing device is coupled to or embedded into the movable part of the enclosure element and a second portion of the magnetic sensing device is coupled to or embedded into a static part of the enclosure element or in a wall or ceiling where the enclosure element is located.

9. The alarm peripheral of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm peripheral forms part of a perimeter alarm system configured to protect an enclosure of which the enclosure element forms part.

10. A method for installing an alarm peripheral, the method comprising the steps of: i. coupling at least part of a magnetic sensing device to an enclosure element, the magnetic sensing device being configured to sense a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device, and to generate a magnetic event signal upon detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field, the magnetic sensing device being part of the alarm peripheral; ii. coupling an accelerometer to a movable part of the enclosure element, the accelerometer being part of the alarm peripheral; iii. opening the enclosure element until a partial opening state is reached; iv. measuring, by the magnetic sensing device, the magnetic field and storing the measured magnetic field.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the partial opening state can be configured by a user thereof.

12. The method of any one of claims 10-11, wherein the alarm peripheral is the alarm peripheral of any of claims 1-9.

13. A method for detecting opening of an enclosure element, the method comprising: monitoring, by a magnetic sensing device at least partially coupled to the enclosure element a magnetic field surrounding the magnetic sensing device; generating a magnetic event signal upon the magnetic sensing device detecting a change in the sensed magnetic field; processing, the magnetic event signal provided by the magnetic sensing device in order to determine that the enclosure element has been opened; and processing signals received from the accelerometer and generating an alarm event when the signals from the accelerometer are indicative of the opening of the enclosure element beyond a preestablished opening threshold.

14. A method for arming a security monitoring system comprising at least one enclosure element, the method comprising: verifying, that the at least one enclosure element is either closed or opened less than preestablished opening threshold; and arming the security monitoring system.

15. An enclosure element of an enclosure, the enclosure element comprising an alarm peripheral according to any of claims 1-9.

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