Alarm Response Management via User Device Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alarm systems face challenges in preventing unnecessary emergency responses due to limitations in user management, particularly when false alarms occur, leading to wasted resources and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to manage alarm events through user devices, enabling notification and response actions such as verifying or canceling alarms, with the ability to dispatch responders only when necessary, using a processor and security control unit to facilitate communication between user devices and remote monitoring centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a short time window is allotted for users to enter a disarm code or contact the monitoring center, then the system can quickly determine whether response services are needed, but the user may not be able to prevent emergency response in time, leading to unnecessary resource deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a notification message to the user device immediately when an alarm event is detected, prompting the user to respond before emergency services are dispatched. This preliminary notification gives the user advance warning and opportunity to disarm the system or provide verification information, preventing unnecessary resource deployment while maintaining quick response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary communication channel between the alarm system and the user, where a notification message is sent to the user device and a response message is received back. This intermediary process allows the user to verify the alarm and provide instructions without requiring direct immediate contact with the monitoring center, balancing speed with user control
2Reliability
If the monitoring center representative calls the property owner to verify the alarm event, then the nature of the alarm can be verified, but if the representative cannot immediately speak with the owner, response services may be initiated unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical telephone call verification process with an automated electronic messaging system. The notification message is transmitted electronically to the user device, and the response message is received electronically, eliminating the need for immediate human-to-human communication while maintaining verification accuracy and reducing time loss
3Reliability
If emergency response services are dispatched quickly upon alarm detection, then life safety is prioritized, but false alarms result in wasted resources and unnecessary costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary action by sending a notification message to the user before dispatching emergency services. This allows the user an opportunity to verify the alarm and indicate whether response services are actually needed, preventing resource waste from false alarms while maintaining the capability for rapid life-saving response when genuinely required
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the user receives a notification message, processes the alarm information, and sends back a response message indicating whether the alarm is genuine or a false alarm. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust the response appropriately, dispatching services only when necessary and conserving resources when the alarm is false
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing a response to an alarm event for an alarm system monitoring a premises are provided. The premises is associated with at least one user device. The system includes a monitoring device including a processor programmed to: determine whether an alarm event has triggered at the premises, determine whether a user response message associated with the at least one user device has been received, and in response to receiving the user response message, cause an indicator at a remote monitoring center to indicate whether the user wants at least one response action.