Alarm System Remote Control Segmentation for Security and Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alarm system remote control devices can be inadvertently disarmed by unauthorized persons, and battery-powered devices face issues with power consumption, leading to potential security risks and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two categories of remote control devices, where the first category allows unrestricted arming and disarming, while the second category is restricted from disarming the 'Armed Away' state and can be left unattended, with a low-power mode to extend battery life, and features like motion detection to switch between active and sleeping modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote control device is left unattended for convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as unauthorized persons can disarm the system
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device is segmented into two functional categories: arming functions and disarming functions. The disarming function is further segmented into location-based access control, where only remote control devices located within a predetermined distance of the gateway can disarm the alarm system. This segmentation allows the device to be left unattended for convenience while maintaining security through location verification.
2Ease of operation
If battery-powered remote control devices are used for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but power consumption increases leading to battery drain
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device employs periodic action through sleep mode and wake-up functionality. The device can transition to a low-power sleep state when not in use and wake up upon receiving specific signals or when motion is detected. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining the device's portability and functionality.
3Reliability
If sophisticated authentication steps are required for disarming, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between the remote control device and the alarm system disarming function. Instead of requiring complex authentication at the alarm system level, the gateway verifies the location of the remote control device using wireless signal strength or other location-based metrics. This intermediary approach simplifies the user experience while maintaining security through automated location verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of disarming an alarm system into a disarmed state from a first armed state in which a selected group of alarm detectors have been armed and from a second armed state in which alarm detectors not included in said selected group have been armed. The method includes also the steps of enabling a first category of remote control devices (10; 23) for arming the alarm system into the first armed state and into the second armed state, enabling said first category of remote control devices (10; 23) for disarming the alarm system from the first armed state and from the second armed state, enabling a second category (11) of remote control devices for arming the alarm system into the first armed system, enabling said second category of remote control devices (11) for disarming the alarm system from the first armed state, and disabling said second category of remote control devices (11) for disarming the alarm system from the second armed state. The alarm system comprises at least one alarm detector (14; 16; 18; 20) and a gateway (22).