Distributed residental alarm system and method therefor

Abstract

A distributed residential alarm system and method provides protection of occupants and property from loss due to theft or hazardous conditions in the residence such as fire or flooding. The alarm system includes multiple alert detectors coupled via a wireless connection to multiple control units each capable of providing master control functions. The control units and detectors communicate with the detectors and each other via a token-passing scheme, whereby unit pairs may be located within the distance limitations of each nodal connection, thus providing coverage over a longer distance than would be possible with communication to a central unit. The system also provides modularity and scalability in that sensors may be easily added to the system and the system is not dependent on any one of the control units in order to function. An apartment management system provides an alternative organization wherein apartment dwellers all can be notified of an alert condition in one of the premises, while preventing false alarm nuisance by initially limiting the alarm to the unit where the alarm condition exists. If after a predetermined time, the alarm in the originating unit has not been cancelled, the other units are notified.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.