Smart System for Deciding When to Send Security Alerts

This patent describes a method and system for analyzing both alarm and non-alarm events from a building's security system to intelligently decide if a notification should be sent.

What it covers

The system processes various types of information from a building's security setup. This includes 'alarm event data,' which are signals indicating a potential problem, like a triggered motion sensor. It also considers 'non-alarm event data,' which could be routine occurrences, such as a door opening during business hours. By looking at both types of data together, the system determines whether to 'send a notification,' aiming to provide more accurate alerts and reduce unnecessary alarms. For example, if a motion sensor triggers an alarm ('alarm event data') but a cleaning crew's entry log ('non-alarm event data') shows they just entered the area, the system might decide not to send a notification.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover security systems that only process alarm events without considering non-alarm data.
• —Does not cover systems that process security data but do not include a step of determining whether to send a notification.
• —Does not cover general data processing systems unrelated to premises management.
• —Does not cover systems that respond to security events solely with physical actions, like locking doors, without a notification decision.
• —Does not cover systems that only send notifications for every single detected event, regardless of context.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in combining 'alarm event data' with 'non-alarm event data' to make a smarter decision about sending a notification. This allows the system to understand the context of an event, moving beyond simple 'alarm on/off' triggers to prevent unnecessary alerts.

Why it matters

Efficiently processing security event data is crucial for modern building management. By combining alarm and non-alarm information, this approach can help reduce false alarms, which are a significant burden on security personnel and emergency services. This allows for more focused responses to genuine threats, making security systems more reliable and trustworthy for users and operators.

Real-world examples

• 1.Smart home security systems with activity logs
• 2.Commercial building access control systems
• 3.Integrated campus security platforms
• 4.Industrial facility monitoring systems