AU7649481A - Ultrasonic communication and security system - Google Patents

Description

Ultrasonic Communication and Security System

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No. 182,497, filed August 29, 1980.

In the above referenced patent application a reliable ultra sonic communication system was disclosed in an embodiment which provided a supervised wireless security system. The present application incorporates all of the disclosure of Serial No. 182,497 and adds further disclosure of a communication system employing modifications of the multiple (at least two) frequency propagation of ultrasonic energy to assure reliability in the presence of multipath cancellation which produces a temporary null at a particular time and location for one of the propagated frequencies.

In the disclosed embodiments two ultrasonic frequencies are transmitted omnidirectionally through the atmospheric medium within a closed space, such as a building, such that multipath reception is inevitable. The ultrasonic frequencies are separated in frequency enough to assure (with substantial certainty) that, nulls at both frequencies do not occur at the same time in the same location.

The coding is selected on the basis of frequency or timed bursts (e.g., binary coded on-off transmission) or combinations of both to code the data to be transmitted at the two transmitted frequencies in a format that can recover the data at the receiver whenever one or more of the ultrasonic energy waves arrives with sufficient magnitude to be detected.

Simplification of equipment and enhanced reliability are obtained in the preferred embodiments by using sequential transmission of data bits as the upper and lower sidebands of a suppressed carrier. Thus demodulation using the carrier frequency as a reference produces a single frequency equal to the sideband off-set upon reception of either or both sidebands. BACKGROUND OF THS INVENTION

A traditional security system consists of a plurality of intrusion sensors located at each secured opening, such as doors and windows. As a rule, the sensors are magnetically operated switches. When the door or window is closed, these switches are held closed. In a supervised system all the switches are connected in series, then connected to a control unit. If one or more switches open or the interconnecting wire is cut, the break in the circuit is detected by the local unit and an alarm condition is reported.

A non-supervised system, which is seldom used, uses switches which are open when the secured door or window is closed. The switches close when the opening is breached. This completes a circuit which is detected by the control unit and an alarm occurs. If the wire to the switches is cut before an intrusion occurs, it is not detected since the circuit simply remains open.

Other types of intrusion sensors such as infrared, microwave, and ultrasonic motion detectors, or photobeams (electric eye), can also be used. Each sensor contains a relay which is energized when no intrusion is occurring. If an intrusion is detected or the internal power supply fails, the relay becomes deenergized and its contacts open breaking the circuit (in a supervised system) to signal an alarm.

One of the problems with prior art systems is the provision of supervision where the area to be protected covers multiple rooms. Wiring the central and remote units of a complete system in such spaces involves substantial expense at installation time and except in commercial warehouse space or the like the wiring must be concealed for aesthetic purposes. The cost of such installations is prohibitive for the individual home or small business and greatly in creases the expense for large commercial installations. The attempt to couple the elements of a system by radio link would avoid the problem of wiring but introduces the problem of interference between systems and units of a system since the radio waves transmit through the walls of a building and cause interference within the system or with other radio equipment. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the united States and similar agencies in other countries do not ordinarily permit periodic communication between automatic system elements and thus radio linked systems are incapable of being supervised, i.e., capable of testing their own condition for ready operability in the event of any alarm condition. Ultrasonic systems, on the other hand, have their energy confined by the walls of a room and thus do not present a problem of interference between units which are located in adjoining rooms. This property prevents communication between units of a system which have to cover more than one room. In addition the problem of null conditions for ultrasonic energy is severe because the transmission paths change with environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity such that communication between ultrasonic units cannot be assured at any given time even though no null was experienced when the unit was installed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a supervised multi-function security system based on ultrasonic energy transmission, which is adapted to overcome the limitations of previous ultrasonic systems in that multi-communication between muitiroom enclosures is achieved and the communication signal is frequency and time redundant in a manner which avoids the loss of signal due to nulls. The major units of the system are primarily interconnected by ultrasonic sound waves and thus require no installation wires. Where convenient, auxiliary units may be connected into the system by wire or coupling through the AC wiring in the building without adding any significant installation expense or inconvenience.

The system utilizes a plurality of transponders which can be interrogated from a central data unit for reporting back operative or inoperative condition and alarm conditions in the vicinity of local trans- ponders. Transmission between adjacent rooms is accomplished by acoustic repeaters which are adapted to provide two-way communication between the central data unit and remote transponders. Multiple functions are provided by the system by initial programming and by key control operation of the system once it is installed.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a supervised multiroom capability in a supervised security system which eliminates the requirement for wire connection between units and does not present any problems of radio interference or other regulated energy emission limitation. A further object of the invention is to provide an economical security system which makes supervised security available on an installed basis at a cost less than provided by present systems and in which the system can be recovered without expense or defacing of the building in the event that it is desired to remove the system.

Still another object is to provide a supervised security system which is reliable in terms of the communication of the data required among the multiple units of the system without the use of wire connections between the primary units of the system and at the same time permits polling of the units of the system for periodically checking overall operativeness thereby to assure that the system is always operative and capable of detecting and reporting an alarm as intended, thereby complying with requirements for insurance, underwriter's Laboratory approval and other advantages such as insurance discounts. These and other objects will become apparent, from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a floor plan view of a home illustrating a typical residential installation of the system of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a phasor diagram useful in describing the occurrence of nulls in multipath transmission of energy. Fig. 3 is a plot of signal strength over a period of hours for an ultrasonic signal at a particular location and at a single frequency. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the synchronous detector signal recovery system for a four-frequency transmission as used in accordance with the disclosed embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a basic timing diagram for the system.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a transponder contemplated to be embodied as an integrated circuit for use in various units of the system. Fig. 7A, 3, C is a waveform diagram showing signal timing in the operation of the transponder of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the central data unit of the system. Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an acoustical repeater as used in the system.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of a remote keypad used in the system.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an emergency reporting unit used in the system.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an alternate system of the invention using frequency coded information.

Fig. 13 is a waveform diagram useful for describing the system of Fig, 12.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a further modification of the invention having simplified circuit requirements and low standby power consumption.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram of a simplified security system employing the communication system of Fig. 14. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIRST PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

General Description

The general location and function of the components of the system will first be described with reference to Fig. 1.

Central Data Unit (CDU)

A Central Data Unit (CDU) (shown and described with reference to Fig. 8) is located near an entrance or other convenient location such as concealed in a closet. The CDU is powered from the AC mains and has a constantly charging standby battery for use in the event of a power failure. It has a single ultrasonic transducer used for transmitting and receiving which is located to radiate and receive ultrasonic energy in the principal space to be protected. The CDU has a telephone-type keypad which is used for arming and disarming the system by using special code numbers. The keypad is also used for programming the system when installed, such as:

-entry/exit codes.

-number of transponders used in the system.

-which transponders monitor the entrance/ exit.

-entry and exit delay times.

-which transducers are used to report burg iary, fire, etc.

-which transducers are to be active 24 hours per day. The CDU has a numerical display used to indicate information such as: -which openings are not secure (e.g. open window). -which openings caused an alarm, -number of seconds remaining on the entry/ exit timer. The CDU is normally in the listen mode. It periodically transmits an interrogation code to all transponders, each remote unit responds if all is well. If a unit does not respond, an alarm is initiated.

The CDU can receive at any time an unsolicited response from a transponder which either indicates intrusion or other alarm or a low battery. If it is an intrusion, or other alarm event, an alarm is iniated, or, optionally, the intrusion can be verified by interrogating the transponders, in which event the unit detecting the intrusion will not respond. The low battery signal is stored and displayed at the CDU along with the identity number of the unit sending the signal so the user can be reminded to change that transponder's battery.

Transponders Typically a transponder T is installed next to each secured opening and connects to the sensing switch. They can. also be connected to other intrusion sensors such as infrared, microwave, and ultrasonic motion detectors or photobeams. Each transponder is individually battery powered and is intended to operats for one year without servicing. A single ultrasonic transducer is used for both transmitting and receiving. A built-in coding switch is used to program each transponder with its unique identification number when it is installed.

Normally, the transponder is in the listen mode. If it receives an interrogation from the CDU, it responds by transmitting its identity code, providing that its sensor is in the non-alarm state. If in the alarm, state, it does not respond. When its sensor transfers to the alarm state, it immediately transmits its identification code to the CDU. This unsolicited response is interpreted by the CDU as an alarm. If the battery is low, it will randomly transmit a low battery code followed by its identity code.

Repeaters

Three types of repeaters are used: - acoustical repeaters AR, repeaters AC which signal over the buildings' AC wiring, and direct wire repeaters where direct connection to a point in a remote area is easily accessible. There are also extension wire connected transducers ET .

The acoustical repeater AR fastens to the door seperating a protected area from the CDU. Like a transponder it is battery powered. Two parallel connected transducers are used, one on each side of the door. It is initially in the listen mode. When a burst of ultrasound is detected from either side of the door, the repeater responds by transmitting an ultrasonic burst through both transducers. It receives from either side of the door and transmits from both sides. There is a delay from reception to retransmission due to the time required to process the received signal. In passing through a repeater an unsolicited response from a transponder is delayed once. The response due to an interrogation is delayed twice, once in each direction. This predictable delay is taken into account by the CDU. To prevent delays from compounding only one level of acoustic repeating is allowed. These delays are in addition to transmit time delays due to the speed of sound.

The AC line and direct connected repeaters act as booster amplifiers. When they are not transmitting, they are relaying back to the CDU a linearly amplified version of the ultrasound picked up in that area. The resulting delay is negligible. If the CDU is concealed, an extension transducer ET can be mounted just outside enclosure via a short. length of wire. Remote Keypad

The remote keypad unit RKP is ah optional device which is battery powered. It can be used to communicate with the CDU via ultrasound. If the CDU is not easily accessible, one or more of these devices can be mounted near the entrances. It has a telephone type keypad and a low power liquid crystal display (LCD). The arm/disarm codes are entered then transmitted to the CDU. The CDU transmits back a signal acknowledging successful arming or disarming which is then displayed at the remote keypad.

A single transducer is used for transmitting and receiving.

Only arm/disarm codes can be entered at the remote keypad since all programming must be done at the CDU. "Low battery" is not transmitted to the

CDU by this unit. It is displayed on the remote keypad itself since it is frequently viewed by the user.

Emergency Transmitters

Emergency transmissions can be made with battery powered hand-held devices PB which can transmit whenever they are manually activated. When activated, they transmit continously, overriding all other communications with the CDU. There are two emergency codes so both holdup and medical crisis channels can be used in a single installation. These devices have an ID code so they can be polled to insure that they are functioning.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION The components which have just been briefly described can be arranged to protect a multiroom enclosure such as a dwelling as shown in Fig. 1. Switches are placed on all openings to the outside, door, windows, etc. The switches at each location are connected to a transponder T. A grouping of windows and their corresponding switches can connect to a single transponder. The CDU may conveniently be mounted inside a storage room with an extension transducer ET mounted just outside the storeroom door. The CDU communicates directly with all the transponders T which are not separated by a physical barrier. Since there are no doors which close off the kitchen, living room or dining area, direct communication is possible to transponders in those areas. The transponders in the master bedroom, bedrooms 1 and 2, and bath 1 use acoustical repeaters AR to transfer the signal from one side of their doors to the other. Because of the delay produced by acoustic repeaters only one level can be used. For this reason an AC line repeater is used in bath 2. If an acoustic repeater were used between bath 2 and the master bedroom a second level of acoustic repeating would be present which in the presently disclosed system is not allowed without modification of the timing. Because a wire run is easily made through the store room floor, an extension transducer can be installed in the basement to cover transponders located there. If the wire run is more than a few feet, a direct wired repeater would be used. At the time an installation is made such as the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, the transponders T are coded with DIP switches to have an identifying preamble and identification number and the central data unit CDU is programmed to control the system, store data and process various type signals such as intrusion, low battery, entry/exit, identification of entry/exit zones and the provision of exit time delay, all as more completely described hereinafter.

PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

Multipath Interference

The transducers in all units have fixed orientations for ease of installation and their output pattern is omnidirectional. The ultrasound thus is scattered in all directions and can be received from all directions. The ultrasound travels within a room or other enclosure from one point to the other via many paths due to reflections off walls, ceiling, floor, etc. It can go around corners in hallways, into alcoves, and other areas not separated by wall or window type barriers. It is therefore, inevitable that a transmission arriving at a recieving transducer over different paths will arrive with different phase. If a single ultrasonic frequency is used in an ultrasonic communication system, fading can occur. This phenomenon is analogous to HF radio transmission over long distances where some of the signal reflects off the ionosphere. Fading is due to the phase difference between the same signal arriving at the receiving point via paths of different lengths. At some points in space thevector sum of these signals is zero. A pickup device at those points will not receive the signal. At other points in space the vector sum is not zero so the signal can be received there. This is known as destructive and constructive interference.

The phasor diagram in Fig. 2 is drawn to illustrate the same signal arriving via two separate paths. Actually many paths exist but Fig. 2 illustrates the phenomenon. Each diagram of Fig. 2 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) represents the signal at different points in space. The amplitude and Phase of the two path signals differ from diagram to diagram. In Fig. 2(d) a deep null occurs when the two signals have opposite phase and the resultant is zero. The amplitudes of the two signals are equal, but their phase differs by 180°. The probability for a hull deep enough to lose the signal, completely is slight, but it is finite and is dealt with in. the present invention to provide a reliable system.

It is impractical to avoid deep nulls during installation. If a receiving transducer were placed at a high energy point during installation, a deep null could shift to that position later as the temperature and other climatic parameters vary the speed of sound. A typical recording of ultrasonic energy vs. time is shown in Fig. 3 for a single frequency at a single point in space. There are many minor nulls which do not affect reception over moderate distances. The occasional deep null would block the signal completely. The location of the nulls in space shifts as the frequency is varied. If more than one frequency is used for signalling, it is extremely improbable for both frequencies to produce a deep null at the same points in space at the same time. Accordingly, the present invention uses multiple frequencies in a manner which avoids the null problem.

Signalling and Coding Format

Four different frequencies are used sequentially in the presently disclosed preferred enbodiment of the invention. A crystal oscillator in each unit generates a precise reference frequency, fR, typically between 25 and 45 kHz. Using digital techniques, this frequency is shifted up or down by a frequency, f1, similar to single sideband modulation. Either an upper or lower sideband of f1 can be generated, fR+f1 or fR-f1 respectively. Using the same process, another two frequencies are generated by shifting fR up or down by a frequency f2 producing fR+f2 or fR-f2. The frequencies f1 and f2 are typically in the range of 100 to 300 Hz and are separated in frequency enough to be separately detected in a frequency discriminator, for example 65 Hz.

Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a typical receiver for recovering f1 or f2 signal transmissions throughout the system. An ultrasonic transducer 41 applies a signal fR+f1, or fR+f2 to synchronous detector 42 which has reference frequency fR applied as the switching frequency to detect the sideband that is present. The output of detector 42 is applied to a bandpass filter 43 which passes frequencies f1 and f2 and rejects frequencies outside the band. The detected and selected sideband, f1 or f2 , is amplified in amplifier 44 and applied to frequency discriminator 45. Since the high frequency components are filtered out only the difference frequency is amplified. If fR-f1 or fR+f1 is received, f1 emerges from the bandpass filter 43. Likewise, if fR-f2 or fR+f2 is received, f2 results. The frequency discriminator 45 after the amplifier 44 measures the frequency and produces a logic level at either its f1 output 46 or at its f2 output 47. It is not important whether the upper or lower sideband is received; onlv that f1 or f2 can be recovered and can be distinguished from one another to produce either an f1 or f2 output at terminals 46 or 47 respectively. Referring to Fig. 5, the formatting for data transmissions will be described. Each unit can act as the transmitter for a given condition. During normal supervised mode the CDU periodically initiates a scan of N time slots which interrogates all other units to establish, by their recognized responses, that the entire system is operative and secure. Transponders can initiate a transmission to the CDU (an unsolicited response) to report alarm or low battery condition. The remote keypad and the emergency unit can also initiate transmissions. In each instance when transmission is in progress the system locks out initiation of other transmission until the end of the scan in progress to assure processing the data from various sources without interference.

The transmission scan is represented in Fig. 5 and is shown having N time slots. An offset of f1 is assigned to the odd numbered time slots, and an offset of f2 to the even numbered time slots. A data bit consists of an odd followed by an even time slot. If a binary one is sent, a burst of ultrasound is sent in both time slots for that data bit - first an offset by f1 then an offset by f2. The recovery of either or both f1 and f2 defines a binary one. One or the other of the transmissions f1 and f2 may be lost due to a deep null. If fR+f1 is transmitted in the first half, odd time slot, fR-f2 will be sent in the second half, even time slot. This ensures a greater frequency separation reducing the probability of both transmission frequencies being lost in the same null.

The first four data bit positions, eight time slots, are assigned to the preamble, Data Bits A,B,C,D. This preamble defines the ultrasonic transmission as to type of interrogation, response, data transmission, or emergency.

The following preambles are transmitted and recognized as binary words:

Preamble Bits ABCD

CDU

- Interrogate with Reset 1110

- Interrogate without Reset 1110 Transponder - Unsolicited Response - Alarm 1000

- Unsolicited Response - low Battery 1001 Preamble Bits ABCD

Remote Key Pad

- Data Transmission 1101 Emergency Unit

- Hold Up 1010

- Medical Emergency 1111

- Low 3attery (same as transponder) 1001 The first bit A in the preamble is always a binary one. When the first f1 is detected, time slot 1 is established in ail units by a timer in each unit which starts and establishes the frame of reference for the time slots. If f2 is detected first, it means that f1 was lost in a deep null. To compensate for this delayed start the timer is advanced by one time slot.

When the CDU interrogates the transponders, it sends out the appropriate preamble. Each transponder receives this preamble and responds in one of the time slots. Only one time slot per transponder, as preset by a DIP switch which establishes its identity number as a time slot code position, is used per response to reduce the scan time. Transponder 1 responds during time slot 9, i.e., after the eight time slots for the preamble. It responds at that time by sending a burst of ultrasound which is offset in frequency by f1 from fR since slot 9 is an odd time slot. Transponder 2 responds during time slot 10 offset in frequency by f2 from fR since it is an even time slot. Each transponder responds with the appropriate offset frequency f1 or f2 and either above or below fR. The next time each unit responds, it does so with the same frequency offset f1 or f2 but on the opposite side of fR. If a response is not detected from a unit during one interrogation due to a deep null, interrogation is repeated. On this second interrogation each transducer, including the one which was not detected on the previous interrogation, responds with its frequency offset on the opposite side of fR and will be received. Since deep nulls are rare, double inte rrogations are infrequent and the probability that two successive responses offset on opposite sides of fR will be in a deep null is negligible.

When a transponder sends an unsolicited response due to an intrusion or low battery, it does so using two time slots per data bit to be sure this attention demanding signal is received by the CDU. A transponder originating a transmission is the only unit transmitting at that time so there is no crowding of data. For such conditions the first bit in the pre amble locks out all other units for the duration of the scan. The CDU recognizes the preamble as an intrusion or low battery condition then awaits a response in a numbered time slot which defines the identity number of the transponder by its arrival time within the scan.

The data transmission of a transponder after sending its preamble occurs during its assigned time slot and at its assigned frequency offset. It transmits again in the next time slot still at its assigned frequency but offset on the opposite side of fR. For example: - If transponder #5 detects an intrusion it responds with fR+f1 in bit position 13. Then it transmits fR-f1 in bit position 14. If fR+f1 is lost in a deep null, only fR-f1 will be detected in time slot 14. The CDU knows from the preamble that an unsolicited response is being received. It also knows that f1, which is detected as a first signal in time slot 14, is not assigned to that slot, therefore, it must be the second transmission from transponder #5 and is processed as an event identified by the preamble and localized by the time slot 14 arrival time which is the "next time slot" allocated to transponder #5.

Another reason for assigning different frequencies in alternate time slots is reverberation. One frequency is allowed the duration of two time slots fot its reverberation to die down. At the alternate time slot, the frequency assigned to that slot will be stronger than the reverberation from the previous frequency. Since the assigned frequency is stronger, it will predominate and be detected by the frequency discriminator. The frequency discriminator can only select one frequency and it selects the strongest if both are present.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM TRANSPONDER

Referring now to Fig. 6 which is a block diagram and Fig. 7 which is a waveform and timing diagram, the transponder will be described in detail. The transponder is disclosed as a custom made CMOS integrated circuit (IC) for small size and low power consumption and includes terminals for connection with particular external circuits and components. This IC provides economy of manufacture in this form and also is designed to be used in ail the units of the system which require its various functions. Thus, the IC can be connected to different external circuits and comp¬onents to provide the desired functions of each unit. A crystal oscillator 31 operates continously and generates fR, the reference frequency, which drives frequency divider 32. The frequency fR is divided down to produce the offset frequencies f1 and f2 and drives a timer 33 via AND gate 3 at a frequency, for example of 200 Hz. When the timer reaches its maximum count, its output, A, is high and inverter 1 produces a low level. In the transponder the "continuous operation" terminal of the IC is held low hence the output of OR 2 is also low. As long as the output of OR 2 is low AND 3 blocks the signal from the frequency divider 32 to the timer 33; therefore, the timer 33 stops when it reaches its maximum count. An intrusion event presets the timer 33 to start a scan by initiating a count as will be hereinafter described.

It can be seen that by raising the "continous operation" input to the IC, OR 2 supplies a high state to AND 3 continuously thus causing the timer to operate continuously and not stop at its maximum count. This feature is used by the emergency reporting unit which will be described later with reference to Fig. 11.

Intrusion

For an intrusion event the security system provides for actuation of a switch 34 or its equivalent as the sensor responsive to the intrusion. The sensor provides a high level to the sensor input when the switch 34 opens, waveform E, Fig. 7. If a "lockout" latch 35 is not set, its output, H, is low. The H output is converted to a high state by inverter 4 the output of which is applied to AND 5 then OR 6 to pass the intrusion signal. If the timer 33 is at its maximum count its output, A, is high; therefore, AND 7 passes the intrusion signal and sets the intrusion latch 38. The intrusion signal from AND 7 also presets the timer 33 to the 1 count via OR 8 and AND 9. The timer 33 then counts until its maximum count is reached. In the timing diagram, Fig. 7, the maximum count is shown at 16 for simplicity. Normally, a larger number would be used, such as 32 or 64. When the timer 33 is operating, a data clock is generated, waveform B, defining the time slots. When the timer 33 is preset, waveform A drops and a preamble encoder 36 is activated generating the ALARM code. The preamble ALARM code is wire-programmed via the external terminals 37 of the IC. The high state from an "intrusion" latch 38 reaches AND 10 via OR 11. This state gates the preamble, which arrives via OR 17 through AND 10, to OR 12 then to AND 27, waveform T. Waveform T arrives at AND 27 via an external connection 39 from an "internal data output" terminal 51 which jumper 39 connects to a "data input" terminal 62. The "data input" terminal 62 is used without connection 39 by other system components such as the CDU and remote key pad to inject data directly to AND 27.

The data clock, waveform B, has the correct duty cycle for transmission. The data clock gates the data arriving from terminal 62 through AND 27; the resulting signal is then used to modulate the ultrasonic signal for transmission. As shown in waveform T, U, and V in Fig. 7 under the heading UNSOLICITED RESPONSE (ALARM) the ALARM preamble 1000 and the transponder identity number are transmitted in the manner now to be descibed.

The instantaneous ultrasonic frequency for transmission is generated by a frequency synthesizer 63. Waveform D from the timer 33 toggles at half the data clock rate. Waveform C is fundamentally the same as waveform D except its polarity can be controlled by exclusive OR 18. As C toggles, it alternately gates f1 and f2 into the frequency offset input 64 of the synthesizer 63. When the output of Exclusive OR 18 is high, AND 13 conducts and AND 12 does not. When the output of Exclusive OR 13 is low, AND 12 conducts and AND 13 does not.

Waveform D reaches an upper/lower sideband control input 65 of the synthesizer 63 via Exclusive OR 15. As waveform D toggles, it alternately selects the upper and lower sideband. Each time the system operates to initiate a scan, a sideband reversing flip-flop 66 toggles, to produce waveform F. This toggle reverses the polarity of waveform D in Exclusive OR 15 so on aiter nate scans the opposite sidebands of each offset frequency are used.

The data pulses, U, from AND 27 key the synthesized ultrasonic frequency f_o to the signalling output of AND 16 which in turn drives a transducer 67 with wave form V. Waveform U also disables the frequency discriminator 45 during transmission so the transmitted signal will not be detected. In this example, the transponder has its indent!ty number encoder 71 programmed with number "4". Programming is done with a DIP switch 72 connected as an external circuit. When the code "4" time slot is reached, i.e., time slot 12, "This.Time Siot" output 73, produces a pluse wavexorm R. Pulse R passes through OR 17, is then gated through AND 10, and passes through OR 12 and AND 27, eventually reaching AND 16 which gates an ultrasonic frequency for transimission which is offset by f2 during time slot 12. A pulse, waveform S, then emerges from a "Next Time Slot" output 74 of the identity encoder 71 in time slot 13. This pulse, waveform S, reverses the waveform C output from Exclusive OR 18. Normally, an f1 offset would be sent in position 13. This reversal in waveform C generates an offset of f2 instead. The offset of f2 is the opposite sideband from time slot 12 because waveform D continues to alternate normally. Thus the two data pulse transmissions at the same frequency offset representing an alarm are separated in carrier frequency to avoid nulls as previously described.

As the scan ends the maximum count in timer 33 is reached and timing stops. Waveform A goes high and the "intrusion" latch 38 resets. The falling side of waveform G sets the "lockout" latch 35. Waveform H goes high causing inverter 4 to supply AND 5 with a low state. No further alarms can be reported since MFD 5 then blocks the sensor input.

Interrogation Without Reset-Alarm Verification

When an alarm transmission is received by the CDU it may optionally be programmed to send an interrogation for alarm verification. For this option the CDU sends out the "Interrogate Without Reset" preamble 1100. The signalling for this condition is indicated in Fig. 7 under the heading: INTERROGATION WITHOUT RESET (ALARM VERIFICATION-OPTIONAL). The first data, bit of this preamble is a binary 1. An offset of f1 is sent followed by an offset of f2. The received signal at the transponder (Fig. 5) is synchronously detected using fR as a reference as previously described (Fig. 4). The first signal, f1, is recovered by the bandpass filter 43, amplifier 44, then frequency discriminator 45. The F1 terminal of discriminator 45 goes high which reaches AND 9 via OR 8. The timer 33 is stalled at its maximum count, output' A is HIGH, so AND 9 passes the F1 logic level presetting the timer

33 to a number 1 which starts the scan interval as has been described. If f1 were lost due to a deep null, only f2 would be detected in the second half of the first data bit. In this case, AND 19 would conduct passing the F2 output of the discriminator 45 thus presetting the timer to a number 2 to compensate for the late start.

A preamble decoder 67 receives its data, the F1 or F2 detected outputs, from OR 25. At the end of the eighth time slot the preamble is decoded by decoder 67. In this example upon decoding the preamble 1100, an output emerges from the "Interrogate Without Reset" terminal of decoder 67 as waveform K which passes through OR 20 to set a "Respond to Interrogation" latch 68.

When latch 58 is set, waveform M goes high. The output from inverter 4 is low due to the "lockout" latch 35 being set. When it is time to respond (time siot 12), waveform R goes high; but it is blocked by AND 21 so no response is transmitted. A response is never sent during the next time siot, (13 in this example) during an interrogation since AND 10 is blocking as the "intrusion" latch 38 (waveform G) is not set. This lack of response in time slot 12 is interpreted by the CDU as an alarm condition.

Interrogation With or Without Reset

The CDU can interrogate with or without reset at any time according to its program or keyboard command. As previously described, "Interrogation Without Reset" is used to confirm an intrusion condition. In addition, it may be desirable to delete areas of protection while maintaining surveillance of other areas. By interrogating such areas without reset the first response after an intrusion sensing event (e.g., a door opening) sets the intrusion latch 38 and lockout latch 35 is set until such time as a preamble code for interrogation with reset is transmitted. During the armed condition when the premises are protected by the system the CDU transmits supervisory interrogations periodically, e.g., once every 1 1/2 minutes, and these scans occur with reset to assure repeated responses indicating that all is well. When the premises are occupied the system can be disarmed or selective areas can be set to respond while others ignore the interrogation from the CDU as will be described. The last two scans shown in Fig. 7 show routine interrogations with the offset reversing of sidebands on alternate scans due to waveform F. Interrogation With Reset

During normal conditions the sensor input is low (window closed, etc.). As previously described for the "interrogation Without Reset", the timer is started upon receipt of an F1 or F2 output from the disciminator 45 and the preamble decoder 67 supplies an output, this time via the "Interrogate With Reset" terminal, waveform L. This pulse L immediately resets the "lockout" latch 35 such that its output H drops and the output of inverter 4 rises. This state allows "This Time Slot" pulse, R, to pass through AND 21 so an offset of f2 can be transmitted during time slot 12; the CDU thus receives a normal response.

If the "lockout" latch 35 is not sat and an intrusion occurs while a scan is in process, a "wait" latch 74 is set. Since the timer 33 is operating, its output, waveform A, is low. AND 7 will not pass the intrusion signal; hence, the "intrusion" latch 38 will not be set. Inverter 22 supplies a high state to one input of AND 23 which causes the intrusion signal to set the "wait" latch 74. At the end of the scan the "wait" latch 74 is reset as waveform A goes high. The falling edge from the output of the "wait" latch activates a delay circuit 75. At the end of the delay, the delay circuit 75 sets the "intrusion" latch via OR 6 and AND 7. A normal unsolicited response indicating intrusion is then initiated.

Low Battery Indication The battery voltage is monitored by a "low battery" detector 76. Near the end of battery life, but before it becomes useless, the "low battery" detector 76 starts generating widely spaced random pulses. If a scan is not in process, AND 24 passes the low battery signal setting a "low battery" latch 77. At the same time the timer 33 is preset to a number 1 via OR 8 and AND 9 starting a scan. The "low battery" latch 77 changes the preamble in preamble encoder 36 so the CDU will know a "low battery" is being reported and not an alarm. This change in pre amble 1001 is indicated in Fig. 7, waveforms P, T, and V by the dotted lines additons thereto. The low battery preamble, and waveforms R and S pass through OR 17 and AND 10 to be transmitted just like the intrusion signal previously described. if a scan is in process, the message is not transmitted but eventually one will be sent. It takes days before the battery becomes useless after the "low battery" detector starts generating pulses so there is no urgency regarding this transmission.

Other Functions

Many circuits or sources of signals may be connected to the external terminals of the IC to adapt it for use by the other system components as will be described. A "Signal Received in Last Data Bit Position" output 73 is not used by the transponder. This signal is only used by the remote key pad unit and is generated in the following manner. If a data bit is received at the last bit position of a scan time, a pulse from the timer 33 occuring at that time is gated to the output terminal 73 via AND 26.

CENTRAL DATA UNIT (CDU)

Referring to Fig. 8 the arrangement for using the IC of Fig. 6 as the Central Data Unit will be described. A standard microcomputer, μC, such as the Intel 8048 is programmed to control the system, store data such as intrusions, low battery, entry/exit zones and time delays. As shown in Fig. 3, the μC and the same IC developed for the transponder are connected to peripherals to complete the CDU. The CDU does not have an identity number so that input to the IC is not used. When interrogating, the μC injects the "with" or "without reset" preamble into the IC. The reference frequency, fR, is derived from the μC clock which is crystal controlled. Thus, a separate crystal is not used with the IC but fR from the μC is injected directly into crystal input 1.

Several outputs from the IC are provided for the μC. The timer output indicates to the μC that a scan is in process. The data clock is used to manage the time slots. Received data is obtained by the μC from the "f1 received" and "f2 received" terminals. The μC inputs data directly into the "Data In" terminal 62 of the IC and uses the "Internal Data Output" terminal 61 primarily to route the preamble back to the "data in" terminal 62 at the appropriate time.

The transducer drive and detection circuitry are the same as that in the transponder. In addition, there are interface circuits 81 and 82 to permit the use of direct wire and AC power line repeaters, see Fig. 1.

The μC is programmed to the requirements of the individual installation via its key pad 83. A 2-digit 7-segment display 84 indicates which transponder needs attention:- -door or window open, low battery, etc. An "armed/disarmed" display 85 is provided. A "low battery" indication 86 along with the identity number of the transponder shown on the 7-segment display 84 points out which transponder needs a battery. The key pad 83 is also used for arming and disarming the system using special code numbers. When an intrusion or other alarm event has been detected, an alarm relay 87 communicates this information in known manner. Additional outputs are available so a suitable equipped communicator can furnish additional information if the alarm is due to holdup, medical emergency, or fire.

The CDU is powered from the AC line through power supply 38 and the unit is rendered immune to AC power failure by means αf a stand-by battery 89.

Acoustical Repeater A feature of the present invention is the acoustical repeater as shown in Fig, 9 which enables the system to operate through closed doors and walls using ultrasonic energy for transmission. The repeater has no identity number, so those terminals on the IC are not used. Its preamble is wire-programmed for the transponder code indicating low battery and is only used during "low battery" transmission originating from the repeater. When any preamble is received, the scan interval time starts. As code bursts are received, "f1 or f2 received" terminals trigger the pulse generator 91 via OR 1. Assuming the "low battery" latch 77 (Fig. 6) is low, inverter 2 supplies AND 3 with a high state. This state allows the pulse from the pulse generator 91 to reach the "data input" terminal via OR 4. If f1 is received, the synthesizer inside the IC is still generating f1 so the pulse causes f1 to be retransmitted immediately. The repeater is powered by a local battery which is also connected to a "low battery" detector 92. If a low battery condition is detected, the "low battery" latch 77 inside the IC is set. The output of inverter 2 causes AND 3 to stop conducting and AND 5 routes the internal data back to the "data input" terminal. This circuit allows an unsolicited response to be sent with the transponder "low battery" preamble. No identity number is sent. At the end of this scan, a "verification" latch 93 is set. Inverter 6 drops the signal input to AND 3 , and for the duration of the next scan, the repeater cannot transmit. Because it does not retransmit the responses its transponders cannot respond to the CDU. The transponder identity number thus indicates to the CDU which repeater has a low battery. At the end of this scan, the verification latch 93 is reset, so subsequent signals will be repeated.

The transducer driving and signal detection circuitry is identical to that in the transponder except two transducers are connected in parallel, one for each side of the door, as shown. The repeater can also be used for signal boost on long distance links such as in a long hallway where the distance is such that the attenuation makes reception unreliable. The repeater is normally in a listen mode with its receiver circuits and crystal oscillator 31 operating from its local battery.

Remote Key Pad The remote key pad shown in Fig. 10 has no identity number so that input to the IC is not used. The Remote Key Pad unit is used to arm and disarm the system from a location remote from the CDU. Thus, where the entrance/exit door is too far from the CDU to permit convenient use, a Remote Key Pad unit can be kept near the door used to enter and leave the premises.

Data is manually entered into the key pad keyboard 101 which enters it serially into a shift register 102. The number of digits entered are counted in counter 103 and the entry of data from keyboard 101 also starts a timer 105 which sets a short interval during which code can be entered. When the correct number of digits for a code is received, the output of digit counter 103 goes high. This output causes "code entered" to be displayed on display 104 and applied to Sensor Input on the IC via AND 2 . If an incomplete code is entered, no further restarts are accepted by the timer 105. At the end of the timing interval, the timer 105 clears the shift register 102 via OR 1. The shift register 102 can also be manually cleared by reset button 106. The timer 105 is disabled when the correct number of digits have been entered thereby preserving data entered in the shift register 102 for processing.

If a scan is in process in the CDU or a transponder the output of timer 33 in the IC is low and AND gates 2,4, and 6 are disabled. If no scan is in process, the IC timer 33 output is high. The maximum count signal from the digit counter 103 passes through AND 2 to the "sensor" input of the IC which starts a scan. A "data send" latch 107 is also set. The "lockout" latch 35 in the IC is disabled by grounding that terminal on the IC. The data clock waveform B is then gated into the shift register 102, sequencing the data from the shift register 102 into the "data in" terminal of the IC for transmission. At the end of the scan interval, the "data send" latch 107 and digit counter 103 are reset by timer 33 output going high. If the arming code is sent, the CDU initiates an "Interrogate With Reset". If all transponders respond, the system is armed (i.e., all lockout latches 35 reset) and the CDU sends a binary 1 in the last data position. The IC supplies a pulse from the "Signal Received in Last Data Position" terminal. This pulse arrives just as the IC timer 33 is making its transition at the end of the scan. This sets an "Armed/Disarmed" display latch 108 via AND 4. "Armed" is displayed on display 109. The signal is always received in the last data position whenever the CDU is armed. If the CDU did not arm due to an open window, no pulse is received in the last data position and the output of inverter 5 is high when the IC timer 33 makes its transition at the end of the scan. This condition resets the "Armed/Disarmed" latch 108 via AND 6 thus displaying "disarmed" on. display 109.

Since this device is viewed frequently by the user, it displays "low battery" directly on a "low battery" display 110 when, the battery is low rather than transmitting it to the CDU.

Emergency Reporting Unit - "Panic Button"

The Emergency Reporting Unit (sometimes referred to as a. "panic button") is shown in Fig. 11. This unit responds to interrogations from the CDU just like a transponder. It has an identity number programmed by a DIP switch so it can be monitored by responding to interrogation. The preamble is wire-programmed with the transponder code 1001 so it can report "low battery" as described for the transponder. The unit has a switch 111 which is used to select one of two modes: "Medical Emergency" or Hold-Up" (i.e., robbery in progress). When a start button 112 is pressed, an "emergency" latch 113 is set. Its output goes high enabling AND 1. If switch 111 is in the "Medical Emergency" mode, a continous high state from the battery passes through AND 1 to the "data in" terminal via OR 4. Also, the "continous operation" input is high preventing the interval timer 33 in the local IC from stopping at the end of the scan interval. Inverter 2 disables AND 3 , so internal data will not reach the data input.

The high state at the "data in" terminal causes a 1111... from the data clock, waveform 3, to be sent continously via AND 27. It does so until a "stop" button 114 is pressed which resets the emergency latch 113. AND 1 then stops supplying a high state to the "data in", AND 3 now conducts the "internal data output" to the "data in" permitting a normal response to interrogation, Also, the "low battery" signal can be sent.

If the emergency unit is in the "Hold-up" mode (switch 111 connected to "Hold-Up") when the emergency latch 113 is set, a 101010...code is sent continously. Since two time positions are used for a single data bit, and alternate data bits are ones and zeros, the data clock is divided by 4 in dividers 115 to send this code. This divider 115 supplies AND 1 with a high state for two time slots, then a low state for the next two time slots, etc. The "Hold-Up" mode is stopped as before by pressing the stop button 114.

The CDU is programmed to recognize the different preambles. The first 4 Bits of the continously transmitted Medical Emergency code (1111) is recognized by the CDC as a Medical Emergency preamble and generates an alarm and indicates to the communicator via a separate output, Fig. 8, that it is a Medical Emergency. By transmitting this continuously, it will eventually be detected by the CDU even though other communication may be occuring when the Medical Emergency code is initiated. As soon as the CDU can receive again, the first 4 code Bits received will be recognized immediately. Likewise, if a Hold-Up code is generated and transmitted (101010...), the first 4 Bits received by the CDU (1010) will re recognized by the CDU as the Hold-Up preamble and will initiate an appropriate alarm.

OPERATION

The operation of the system as just described, will be clear from the foregoing detailed description. Several additional features of the invention will be breifly reviewed. Arming and Disarming the System (at the CDU) The "arm" code is entered into the keypad. If a window is ajar, the CDU rejects the arming request and displays the identity number of that window. The window is then secured and the "arm" code is entered again. If successful this time, "ARMED" is displayed; the exit timer starts. The user has this length of time to exit without causing an alarm. Only the door which has been designated as the entrance/exit can be used or an immediate alarm results. When the user returns, he enters via the same opening. When that door is opened, the entrance timer starts which gives him time to reach the CDU and key-in the "disarm" code. Entry via any other opening results in an immediate alarm. If too much time is taken without disarming the system, it will go into alarm at the end of the entry delay. More than one opening can be designated as an entrance/exit.

Arming and Disarming the System at the Remote

Keypad This procedure is the same as for using the CDC. However, if an arming request is rejected, the user must go to the CDU to see which door or window is not secured.

Deleting Zones Using the keypad on the CDU it can be programmedto disregard any area during the hours of protection. The owner of a small business can occupy his office while the rest of his facility is secure. The transponders in his area are ignored by the CDU. activation of any other transponder results in an immediate alarm. Control of Battery Drain

During the day seme doors are used constantly. If a transmission occured each time the door were opened, the battery life would be greatly reduced. This can be prevented as part of the alarm verifica tion sequence. When a door is opened, the trans ponder transmits its unsolicited response and sets an internal latch, when interrogated to verify the alarm, that transponder does not respond because its latch is set. Also, if the door is opened again, it will not transmit its unsolicited alarm coda because of the set latch.

Since there are two interrogation codes, one, "interrogate without reset", which is used to verify an alarm and the other "interrogate with reset" which resets the latch restoring the transponder to normal operation, each can be used selectively to control particular transponders. During the day the transponders which are monitoring openings 24 hours per day are monitored using the "interrogate without reset" code. The first time a frequently used door is opened it sends its code and sets its latch. If the system is disarmed, the CDU ignores this, transmission and the first alarm during occupancy hours can be discarded. Further transmissions are not possible because of the set latch; thus, the battery is conserved, When the system is armed, an "interrogate with reset" code is sent to all transponders. This resets all latches if all openings are secure and full security for all sensors is then operative. While the invention is not limited to any particular values for the parameters assigned, the values for a typical small (e.g., dwelling house) system will be given.

If the basic ultrasonic carrier frequency fR=25kHz, the offset values can be obtaining by digital division to obtain non-harmonically related sideband frequencies of approximately f1=130.21 Hz and f2=195.31 Hz 31 Hz. The frequency synthesizer 63 generates fo as in a single sideband transmission with only one of the four frequencies fR+f1, fR-f1, fR+f2, or fR-f2, transmitted at any given time siot as controlled by inputs 64 and 55.

The interrogation scan may be programmed to occur once every 90 seconds with a duration of 15 seconds per scan. If thereare 32 slots this gives approximately 0.47 second per siot. The data clock generates one pulse per slot. The transmission burst within a slot is 60ms thus permitting adequate transit time for propagation delay to near and far transponders and still receive the response within, the slot. The filter for selecting f1 and f2 from the output of the synchronous detector is preferable passive to conserve battery power in the self contained units. For this purpose, a gradual band pass roll off is used to avoid ringing initially about 6 db/octave with f1 and f2 at approximately the 3 db down frequencies and with 12 db/octave roll off on the skirts of the curve.

Obviously, other values for the above specified parameters can be used to meet the requirements of compatibility with other equipment (e.g., ultrasonic intrusion detectors) or to expand the system for large commercial installations.

The system just described provides reliable ultrasonic communication of time encoded data. Similar reliabilities can be obtained with two frequency transmissions of frequency coded data. In such systems, considerable simplification is possible because of the use of different frequencies to obtain reliable reception and convey information. Furthermore, frequency coding can be combined with time coding in various ways to greatly expand the capabilities of the system with minimum additional equipment requirements.

Figs.12, 13, 14 and 15 disclose basic frequency coded ultrasonic transmission systems employing the principles of the invention. Such systems can be used independently or combined for use in the time encoded data transmission system previously described.

In this version of the invention, the system also transmits at multiple frequencies to avoid deep nulls. In the systems disclosed in Figs. 12, 13, 14 and 15, a single quantum of information is transmitted as a burst of ultrasound consisting of a sequence of two or more frequencies. The probability of a single ultrasonic frequency being lost in a deep null is slight but finite. The chances of two frequencies being lost is highly improbable. The reliability improves as more frequencies are used in a burst of ultrasound. From a practical point of view, two frequencies are adequate for most uses. This invention is described as signalling by using two frequencies per burst.

As a basic example of multifrequency signalling in accordance with the invention in which information encoding is by frequency, Fig. 12 shows three codes used for signalling by using different frequency groups. Code 1 consists of frequencies fa and fb. Only one of these frequencies needs to survive the transmission path for a code 1 to be detected at the receiver. Likewise, code 2 is represented by the pair of frequencies fc, fd and code 3 by the pair fe, ff. More codes could be used by using more pairs of signalling frequencies.

The system of Fig. 12 has a plurality of code frequency oscillators 130 a, b; 130 c,d; 130 a, f, each producing one of the distinct ultrasonic frequencies fa, fb; fc, fd; fe, ff respectively. Each code pair is applied to a sequence switch 131 from which a particular code pair can be selected (to send that code) by a code select switch 132. The selected code pair frequencies are applied in sequence to a driver 133 which when enabled applies transmittingpower level signals to the transducer 134. Transmissions are initiated by an initiate pulse signal (from any source, such as a sensor or control device) on terminal 135 which triggers a first interval timer 136 and moves sequencing switches 131 to the upper terminal. The end of the first timer interval starts a second interval timer 137. At this instant, the sequencing switch 131 transfers to the lower contacts. The outputs of both timers 136 and 137 pass through OR 138 the output of which is applied to enable driver 133 for the duration of both timing intervals. The receiver in Fig.12 includes a receiving transducer 141. the output of which is applied to a wideband amplifier 142. The output of amplifier 142 is applied to the inputs of bandpass filters 143 each designed to select only one of the transmitted ultrasonic frequencies. Any such frequency which is present passes through its respective filter 143 and is detected as a dc voltage by rectifiers 144 individual to each filter 143. The rectifiers associated with each code pair of frequencies apply their detected outputs to voltage adders 145 respectively. The outputs of the voltage adders 145 are applied to respective threshold circuits 146 which produce code detected output signals at terminals 147 when the detection level of signal exceeds the threshold.

To operate the system of Fig. 12, the code select switch 132 is rotated to one of its three positions. Code 1 is shown being selected in Fig. 12. An initiate pulse on terminal 135 triggers the timer 136 for the first interval. The sequencing switches 131 can be solid state; mechanical switches are shown to schematically present the switching function. During the first timing interval fa is selected (fc and fe are tentatively selected also but not used because code 1 is selected by switch 132. The end of the first timing interval triggers the timer 137 for the second interval. Since the timer 136 for the first interval is no longer active, the sequencing switches 131 transfer so fb is selected for the second interval. The OR gate 133 output is high for both intervals which enables the transmitter driver. Driver power level signals of fa and then fb reach the transducer 134 and are broadcast sequentially into the room. These signals are received by receiving transducer 141 and processed as has been described.

Referring now to Fig. 13, the operation for different transmission medium conditions will be described for reliable transmission. Again, selection of code 1 for transmission is assumed, In the first example in Fig. 12, fa and fb both survive transmission; neither is in a deep null. Filter 143a produces an output followed by an output from filter 143b. Each filter output is rectified to produce a DC voltage proportional to the signal strength. The outputs from each pair of rectifiers 144a and 144b are fed to the adder 145(1). If the voltage from an adder exceeds the threshold level in 146(1), the output voltage rises at terminal 147(1) indicating that a code has been received. In this example both fa and fb produce a strong DC voltage and the output of the adder 145(1) remains above the threshold for both intervals.

In the second example shown in Fig. 13 [of adder 145(1)], fa is in a deep null while fb is strong. The output voltage of adder 145(1) is below the threshold during the first interval while fa is being transmitted but not received due to the null condition, but it is above the threshold during the second interval while the stronger fb signal is being received. The fact that fb is received, even though fa is not, indicates a code 1 is received. The Sank of oscillators in the transmitting unit can be replaced by a frequency synthesizer. It can be commanded to transmit the frequencies just described by manual command or automatically in response to a sensor (temperature, burglar alarm, etc). Likewise, the bank of filters in the receiving unit can be replaced by a frequency discriminator designed to be sensitive to the pairs of frequencies.

In a preferred embodiment, Fig, 14 modifications which simplify equipment requirements and improve operational characteristics are shown. A frequency synthesizer 151 is used in conjunction with a reference oscillator 152, typically quartz crystal controlled, operated at a frequency fR. In the example shown in Fig, 14, three codes 1,2 and 3 are again assumed and these are characterized for transmission as frequency components f1, f2 and f3 respectively. The synthesizer 151 is shown having f1,f2 and f3 inputs, but it will be understood that these need not be signals at these frequencies since they are generated internally. The synthesizer 151 also has a shift up/down input 153 which controls the actual offset frequency generated relative to the frequency f_R of oscillator 152.

When the f1 input to the synthesizer 151 is raised while the shift up/down input is high (shift up), a frequency equal to f_R + f1 is produced. If the shift up/down input is low (shift down), a frequency equal to f_R - f1 is produced. This is analogous to independently producing the upper and lower sidebands of f1 about f_R. A quantum of information consists of detection of one of the selected code frequencies, f1, f2 or f3. The code frequency is transmitted as a burst of ultrasonic energy; first half of the burst is the upper. sideband (f_R + f1) the second half is the lower sideband (f_R - f1). This is similar to the sequential transmission of fa then fb in Fig. 12. In the following description, similar elements will be given the same reference number, primed, as in Fig. 12. In Fig. 14 f1 is selected by raising the f1 input of synthesizer 151; a transmission is initiated by momentarily raising the initiate input 135'. The timer 136' for the first interval is triggered; its output goes high commanding the synthesizer 151 to generate the upper sideband (f_R + f1). The driver 133' is enabled via the OR gate 138'. At the end of the first interval, the falling edge of the first timer 136' triggers the second timer 137' for the second interval causing its. output to go high. The driver 133' continues to be enabled by the second timer 137' via the OR gate 138'. During the second interval the output of the first timer 136' is low so the synthesizer 151 generates the lower sideband of f1, (f_R - f1). The overall transmitting unit of Fig. 14 enclosed within the dashed line is designated 154.

The receiving unit of Fig. 14 is greatly simplified over that of Fig. 12. Only a single frequency determination need be made for each burst of information. The receiving unit also has a reference oscillator 161 producing f_R. The received signal for code f1 consists of the upper sideband (f_R + f1) followed by the lower sideband (f_R - f1). When the received signal is combined in a mixer 162 with the reference frequency f_R, then filtered by a low pass filter 163, only the difference frequency f1 remains.

It does not matter if f_R + f1 or f_R - f1 were received, only f1 results. Therefore, the sequence of the upper followed by the lower sideband produces a single frequency which is amplified in amplifier 154 and then fed to a frequency discriminator 165. Note that the low pass filter 153, amplifier 164 and discriminator 165 all need to operate only over a relatively small frequency range thereby simplifying design and improving reliability.

If one of the sidebands is lost due to fading, the other very likely will survive, Whether both sidebands are received, or only one, the appropriate frequency is detected, (f1 in this example), which causes the appropriate output to rise (1 in this example).

This type of equipment is often battery powered particularly in applications where installation effort and expense are to be minimized. The transmitter only operates when commanded so power consumption for that short duration is not critical. The amplifier in the receiving unit, however, must operate continuously awaiting a received signal; therefore it must continually consume battery power. The ultrasonic frequencies are in the 20 to 40 KHz range. In order to obtain significant amplifier gain at these frequencies, an excessive amount of power supply current is required to produce the necessary gain bandwidth product to power the amplifier of Fig. 12. In Fig. 14, however, the offset frequencies f1, f2, and f3 range from 200 to about 400 Hz above and below f_R. Mixing occurs in the receiver before amplification so the bandwidth of the signal subsequently amplified is no more than 400 Hz. Sufficient amplifier gain at this frequency is achievable using an amplifier which draws very little power supply current. In the example shown, 3 channels, or 3 different signalling codes are shown to illustrate the signalling by use of frequency groups. This is not a restriction since many more frequency channels can be used. Furthermore, each of these bursts of pairs of ultrasonic frequencies can be time sequenced to convey more information by using a digital code format. There are many coding formats known in the art which can be used,

A typical frequency for f_R is 24 kHz; for f1, 200 Hz; f2, 250 Hz; and f3, 333 Hz, The time for transmitting each sideband is typically 85 milliseconds for a total burst duration of 170 milliseconds. A very basic security system is shown in Fig. 15 which uses the ultrasonic signalling means of Fig. 14. In Fig. 15 the coding for the f₁, f ₂ and f₃. inputs is derived from security sensors. A door is monitored by a switch 171 which connects to enable the f1 input of transmitter unit 154. A switch 172 in a smoke detector in that room connects to the f2 input, and a heat detector switch 173 (for an explisive non-smoldering fire) connects to the f3 input. When one of these switches closes, voltage is applied to the appropriate input of transmitter unit 154. The voltage from the OR gate rises and is differentiated feeding a positive pulse via a diode 175 to the initiate input of transmitter unit 154. This initiates a transmission. For example, if the door had opened, f_R + f1 followed by f_R - f1 is transmitted in a burst of ultrasound. A receiving unit 176 corresponding to the receiving unit of Fig. 14 detects f1 and sets the appropriate latch 177 which illuminates the corresponding indicator light 173 ("penetration"). The guard monitoring the indicators then takes the necessary action. He can reset the latches by means of switch 179 to extinguish the lights after the emergency is over.

Although the only action shown in Fig. 15 is the illumination of indicator lights, the outputs of the receiving unit can drive a data gathering computer system or directly activate an audible alarm. While only simplified systems incorporating the invention have been specifically disclosed, the invention is capable of widely different applications. Thus by the combination of frequency coding operated in a time coded overall system greatly expanded data handling capacity can be achieved. Furthermore, in a large time sequence coded system the use of a frequency coded signal for special purposes can be beneficial. For example in a large system of the type disclosed in Fig. 6 where cycle time is long due to the large number of time slots, frequency coding at frequency f1 can be used for routine operations with emergency events reported at frequency f2. In such a system the occurrence of the emergency is thus detected immediately (as it would be in the Fig. 15 system) but its identification as to location would not be determined until the time slot report on the next scan cycle. Of course, as previously mentioned, the frequency coding can be combined to provide a digital format to increase information capacity.

Many modifications of the invention and a multitude of diverse uses and applications of the teachings will now occur to those skilled in the art. The invention, accordingly, is not to be limited to the systems, disclosed or the uses suggested but encompasses the broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. I claim :

   1. The method of data communication, by propagation of ultrasonic energy through a medium from a transmitter to a receiver, which provides reliable data recovery during signal nulls at said receiver due to multipath cancellation at a transmitted ultrasonic frequency comprising the steps of: coding the data to be transmitted to establish a format recognizable at said receiver to recover said data; transmitting said data by propagating ultrasonic energy at at least two different ultrasonic frequencies modulated in accordance with said coding, said propagating ultrasonic energy frequencies being sufficiently separated in frequency to spatially separate the locations of nulls due to multipath propagation between communicating stations; receiving said different ultrasonic frequencies at said receiver and obtaining a demodulated signal having said format from those received ultrasonic frequencies which have a detectable signal level; and recovering said data from the format of said demodulated signal of any received ultrasonic signals having a detectable signal level.

   2. The method according to claim 1 in which said coding comprises frequency off-set relative to a reference ultrasonic frequency for said propagating ultrasonic energy.

   3. The method according to claim 2 wherein two ultrasonic frequencies are propagated with equal frequency off-sets above and below said reference frequency to produce a data format of a single frequency equal to said off-set upon detection of either of said propagated ultrasonic frequencies.

   4. The method according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3 in which said coding comprises binary sequence control of said ultrasonic energy transmissions.

   5. The method according to any of claims 1 , 2 , 3 or 4 in which said two different ultrasonic frequencies are transmitted in time sequence.

   6. A wireless data communication system comprising a plural ity of stations capable of transmission and reception at different ultrasonic frequencies sufficiently separated in frequency to spatially separata the locations of nulls due to multipath propagation between communicating stations; means for modulating each of said ultrasonic frequency transmissions with the same data bit; and ultrasonic receiving means at each receiving station for recovering said data bits by detection of any one or all of said ultrasonic frequencies.

   7. A system according to claim 6 in which said transmissions are made sequentially as the upper and lower sidebands of a suppressed carrier ultrasonic reference frequency and said receiving means demodulates said sidebands relative to said reference frequency to obtain a demodulated signal at the off-set frequency of the sidebands upon reception of either or both sidebands.

   8. A supervised wireless security system comprising central and remote stations each capable of transmission of redundant information sequentially at different uitra sonic frequencies means at said central station for repeatedly interrogating said remote stations by said transmission of redundant information means at said remote stations for recovering said informa tion by detecting at least one of said frequencies, and means responsive to said information recovered at said remote station for transmitting a response ultrasonic signal.

   9. The system according to claim 3 and including alarm-event sensors, and means coupling at least same of said remote stations to respond to an alarm-event sensed by said sensors for preventing transmission of said response ultrasonic signal .

   10. The system according to claim 4 wherein said some remote stations include means for transmitting an unsolicited response ultrasonic signal upon sensing said alarm-event when interrogation by said central station is not in progress.

   11. The system according to any of claims 8, 9 or 10 and including at least other of said remote stations comprising repeater means responsive to said recovered information for retransmitting said information after a time delay.

   12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said repeater means includes two ultrasonic transducers connected in parallel for both reception and transmission, and means for mounting said transducers with their acoustic axes oriented in different directions.

   13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said two transducers are adapted to be mounted on opposite sides of an ultrasonic energy barrier.

   14. The system according to claim 10 wherein said unsolicited response ultrasonic signal itself comprises transmission of redundant information sequentially at different ultrasonic frequencies.

   15. The system according to claims 3, 9, 10 or 14 wherein said transmission of redundant information, is provided by means for transmitting sequentially at least two ultrasonic energy bursts offset in frequency as sidebands of a suppressed carrier and offset from each other enough to produce substantially different spatial patterns of nulls due to multipath transmission.

   16. The system according to claim IS wherein two different sideband frequencies can be selectively transmitted with suppressed carrier and each sideband frequency can be selectively transmitted as the upper or lower sideband offset from said carrier.

   17. Apparatus according to any of claims 8, 9, 10, 11,

   12, 13, 14 or 16 wherein said remote stations operate from local battery power.

   13. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said transmissions are formatted as multibit preamble followed by at least one data bit wherein the ones in said preamble are sequential transmissions of said two different sideband frequencies and said data bit is transmitted as one of said sideband frequencies.

   19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said data transmission identifies the remote unit making the transmission.

   20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said data bit is transmitted as two sequential bursts of said one sideband frequency one being the upper sideband and the other being the lower sideband.

   21. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said remote stations operate from local battery power and at least some of said remote stations have low battery detectors, nd means responsive to said low battery detectors, and means responsive to said low battery detectors for transmitting a preamble representing low battery and data identifying the remote station making the transmission.

   22. Apparatus according to claim 13 and including a battery powered remote unit programmed to send on command a preamble and data coded for arming and disarming the system, means for initiating said command, and said central unit includes means responsive respectively to reception of an arming or disarming coded transmission for arming or disarming the system.

   23. Apparatus according to claim 18 and including a battery powered remote unit programmed to send selectively emergency message data, manually operable means for initiating transmission of said emergency message data and means at said central station responsive to reception of said emergency message data for preempting other operations during receipt of such emergency message data.

   24. An ultrasonic wireless security system comprising a central station operable for repeatedly sending an ultrasonic interrogation transmission and receiving ultrasonic responses, a plurality of sensors located throughout the premises to be protected and operable by a local alarm event to produce a sensor output a plurality of battery powered ultrasonic transponders located at each sensor and responsive to sensor output to initiate an unsolicited ultrasonic transmission and responsive to receipt of an interrogation transmission for producing an ultrasonic signal transmission response in the absence of said sensor output, each of said ultrasonic transmissions being provided by means for transmitting sequentially at least two ultrasonic energy bursts offset in frequency from each other enough to produce substantially different spatial patterns of nulls due to multipath transmission, and alarm means responsive to receipt of said unsolicited transmission or the absence of receipt of said transmission response signal after an interroga tion transmission.

   25. The system according to claim 23 and including battery powered two-way ultrasonic repeater means for transferring ultrasonic transmissions and responses between said central station those transponders separated from said central station by an ultrasonic energy barrier, said repeater having parallel transducers mounted on opposite sides of said barrier.

   26. The system according to claim 23 or 24 wherein each battery powered unit has means for transmitting an identifying ultrasonic signal for low battery condition.