Security system with serial number coding and methods therefor

A method for configuring a security device with an identification number, comprising:

• programming a plurality of security devices with a unique identification number, comprising:
• generating a series of initial serial numbers;
• for each of said serial numbers,
• applying a masking algorithm to said serial number;
• programming a security device with said serial number if said masking application provides a true result;
• and
• discarding said serial number if said masking application provides a false result.

A method for configuring a security system, comprising:

• installing at least one of a plurality of security devices in a security system, comprising the steps of
• reading a serial number from the security device;
• applying a masking algorithm to said serial number;
• allowing registration of the security device with the security system if said masking algorithm application provides a true result;
• disallowing registration of the security device with the security system if said masking algorithm application provides a false result.

A method for configuring a security system with a plurality of different device types, comprising:

• a) programming a plurality of security devices with a unique identification number, comprising the steps of
• generating a series of initial serial numbers;
• for each of said serial numbers,
• applying a first masking algorithm to said serial number;
• programming a security device of a first type with said serial number if said first masking application provides a true result;
• applying a second masking algorithm to said serial number;
• programming a security device of a second type with said serial number if said second masking application provides a true result;
• and
• b) installing at least one of the plurality of security devices in a security system, comprising the steps of
• reading the serial number from the security device;
• applying the first masking algorithm to said serial number;
• allowing registration of the security device with the security system as a first device type if said first masking algorithm application provides a true result;
• applying the second masking algorithm to said serial number;
• and
• allowing registration of the security device with the security system as a second device type if said second masking algorithm application provides a true result.

A security system comprising:

• a) a plurality of security devices programmed with a unique identification number;
• and
• b) means for registering selected ones of the security devices comprising:
• i) means for reading the serial number from the security device;
• ii) means for applying a masking algorithm to said serial number;
• and
• iii) means for allowing registration of the security device with the security system if said masking algorithm application provides a true result, and for disallowing registration of the security device with the security system if said masking algorithm application provides a false result.