Portable alarm system that interfaces with an individual's personal radio

ES 2 307 828 T3

DESCRIPTION

Alarm system that interfaces with a personal radio.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable alarm system and, in particular, to an alarm system that interfaces with a personal radio and with a remote speaker / microphone.

Background of the invention

A typical alarm system includes a sensor and an alarm indicator. The sensor works to detect an event and produces a signal that represents that the event has occurred. The alarm indicator receives the signal and, in response, causes an alarm to occur that informs someone or something that the event has occurred. For example, one type of alarm system uses a sensor to detect the breakage of a window glass and produces an electrical signal indicative of the breakage of the window glass. An alarm indicator processes the electrical signal in multiple ways. For example, the electrical signal can be used to cause an audible alarm to sound, call the police or security service and provide the relevant information, or provide a visual cue on a computer / video monitor. In one type of alarm system, the sensor operates to detect an event and if the event is detected, transmit a radio signal indicative that the event has occurred. A receiver that is tuned to the frequency of the signal produced by the transmitter works to receive and process the signal to produce the desired alarm.

US 4,665,385 discloses a system for monitoring the presence of potentially dangerous situations used in combination with pre-existing voice communication systems. The system includes sensors to detect dangerous situations, which are located in a separate module or in a remote speaker. The separate module is linked to a conventional hand-held transceiver by cable, the cable being part of the voice communication network, connecting the remote speaker with the conventional hand-held transceiver. Upon detecting dangerous situations, a signal is generated, which identifies the sensor, and is transmitted from the separate module to the conventional hand-held transceiver using the voice communication system.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a portable, personal alarm system that interfaces with a one-person portable radio and at least one remote speaker, which is typically connected to the portable radio and takes the form of a headset or headset. a flap / shoulder strap attachment to provide the individual with an audible indication that a radio signal has been received from a remote sensor indicating that an event, for example a movement, has been detected at the sensor site. Among the applications of the system are military applications involving the establishment of defensive perimeters. The system is also useful in SWAT team applications where rooms in certain buildings are "cleaned" by members of SWAT teams and the "cleaned" rooms need to be monitored to determine if someone later enters the rooms.

In many situations, certain individuals carry a portable radio that has a speaker interface that enables a remote speaker (that is, a speaker that is separate from the radio or not built into the radio housing) to connect to the channel. from the radio speaker. For example, many police and military forces employ a radio that includes a socket for a speaker connection plug to connect the radio to a remote speaker device. The remote loudspeaker device includes a loudspeaker that is either in a headset that is located adjacent to the individual's ear or is attached to a portion of a sight garment adjacent to the individual's ear. Also, the remote speaker device includes a speaker connection plug that is adapted to mate with the receptacle for the radio speaker connection plug for connecting the remote speaker device and the radio. When the remote speaker device and the radio are connected to each other, by means of the speaker connection plug and the receptacle for the speaker connection plug, the individual can hear the communications that have been received by the radio on the speaker. remote. In many cases, the remote speaker device is used in combination with a remote microphone that is located adjacent to an individual's mouth and that functions to convert the individual's oral communications into electrical signals for processing into a radio transmission.

The present invention relates to a portable, personal alarm system according to claim 1.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a personal, portable alarm system, which includes a first interface for connecting to the speaker and microphone channels of a personal portable radio, and a second interface for connecting to the remote speaker microphone. of the person. A communication channel connects the first and second interfaces. As such, when the system is connected to a personal portable radio and the remote speaker microphone, the individual can hear the communications that have been received by the radio and have their voice communications transmitted to the radio for transmission. An alarm processing device functions to receive a sensor radio signal from a remote sensor, process the signal, and produce an alarm signal that is fed into the communication channel for transmission to the remote speaker and reports to the individual that the signal has been received from the remote sensor.

ES 2 307 828 T3

A further embodiment of the invention employs a processing device that not only feeds the alarm signal into the communication channel for transmission to the individual's remote speaker but also feeds the alarm signal into the communication channel for transmission. transmission to the microphone channel of the personal portable radio. Consequently, the alarm signal is not only heard by the individual with the system attached to their personal portable radio, but is also broadcast for others to hear. This allows the system to be attached to a personal portable radio which is better than having a system attached to the portable radios of all individuals in a group who may need or want to be informed that a remote sensor has detected an event. such as a movement.

Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a detection device to detect whether the speaker or the communication channel is being used to transmit a signal received by the personal portable radio or to transmit a signal produced by the individual using his remote microphone. . In other words, the detection device detects whether the radio and the remote speaker or microphone are being used for communication with other radios. If the radio is being used to communicate, the sensing device produces a "hold" signal which is used by the processing device to hold any alarm signals that have not yet been input to the speaker or communication channel and any alarm signal that is received while radio communication is taking place until the channel is unoccupied, that is, it is not being used for radio communication.

In another embodiment, the "hold" signal serves as an interrupt signal to which the processing device responds by terminating any incoming input of an alarm signal or signals on the speaker or communication channel. Also, the processing device determines that alarm signals are saved for later introduction into the loudspeaker or the communication channel.

Yet another embodiment of the invention enables the individual to define the content of the alarm signals. In one embodiment, the system is run in a mode that enables the individual to use a microphone associated with the individual's portable radio to input a voice record that is correlated to the remote sensor. Consequently, when the radio signal from the sensor is received by the system, the processing device causes the voice record to be input to the speaker channel or the communication channel. For example, the voice record could be "move in input # 3" or simply "input # 3". If multiple sensors are to be used, the system is capable of incorporating multiple pre-recorded alarm messages of the indicated type.

In another embodiment, the processing device is capable of processing signals from several different sensors and inputting a signal that is related to each sensor into the speaker or communication channel. To be more precise, in many applications, it is desirable to use a plurality of sensors, each in a different location. In this situation, the sensors each transmit a distinguishable or individualized signal. The processing device is capable of distinguishing these individualized signals from each other and then causing a signal to be input into the loudspeaker or communication channel that identifies which of the plurality of remote sensors has detected an event, such as movement. .

Still other embodiments of the system include remote sensors. One such remote sensor is a "perimeter fence" sensor that transmits a radio signal when someone or something passes between two separate points that are connected by "perimeter fence". In one embodiment, a portable electromagnetic perimeter wiring electromagnetic sensor is used that produces a radio signal when an electromagnetic beam, typically invisible, extending between an emitter and a detector is interrupted by the passage of a person or a detector. object. Another portable remote sensor is a portable motion sensor that transmits a radio signal when movement is detected within a certain area.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a portable alarm system that interfaces like a personal portable radio;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the portion of the portable alarm system that interfaces with a personal portable radio;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a portable motion sensor; and Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a portable optical "perimeter wire" sensor.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a personal portable alarm system 10 that interfaces with a personal portable radio 12 and a remote speaker microphone configuration, which takes the form of a headset 14. Before describing the system 10 , the portable radio 12 and the headphones 14 will be described.

The portable radio 12 is of a size and weight that enables an individual to carry it with him or her. Examples of this type of portable radio are tactical radios used by the police, security forces and military, which

ES 2 307 828 T3 are usually seen attached to a belt or shoulder strap. Typically, the portable radio 12 has a built-in speaker 18 for listening to communications received by the radio and a built-in microphone 20 that converts an individual's oral communications into electrical signals that contain information that is embedded in a radio signal transmitted by the radio. 12. Radio 12 includes a remote interface 22 that enables a remote speaker configuration, such as headsets 14, to be attached to radio 12. Remote interface 22 usually takes the form of a pair of plug receptacles, one of which connects to the speaker channel located within radio 12 and the other connects to the microphone channel located within radio 12. Other forms of interfaces are feasible. When a remote speaker-microphone setup is connected to remote interface 22 of radio 12, operation of built-in speaker 18 and built-in microphone 20 is disabled in favor of remote speaker-microphone to prevent feedback problems. Radio 12 typically also includes other operator interface features (not shown) such as a "key" that enables the individual to place the radio in a transmit or receive mode of operation, a volume control, and a channel selector. .

The headphones 14 include a remote speaker 26 and a remote microphone 28. A frame 30 serves to respectively position the remote speaker and the microphone 26, 28 adjacent to an individual's ear and mouth when the headphones 14 are in use. A male connector 32 on the helmets provides the docking interface with the remote interface 22. For example, if the remote interface 22 is a pair of jack plug receptacles, the headphone plug 32 includes appropriate jack plugs for insertion into the jack plug receptacles. Other types of interface structures are feasible that require a different type of male connection. A cord 34 (usually a telephone cord) provides the electrical connections between the remote speaker and microphone 26, 28 and the male connector 32. It should be appreciated that there are various types of remote speaker-microphone structures, of which the headphones 14 are just one example. Consequently, the invention is not restricted to the use of any particular remote speaker-microphone configuration or specific interfaces used to connect said configuration to a radio.

Having described a typical portable radio and remote speakerphone configuration, an embodiment of the system 10 will now be described. In general, system 10 includes a portable receiver 38 that is capable of a) interfacing with a personal portable radio (eg radio 12) and with a remote speaker-microphone configuration to access at least the broadcast channel. communicating with a personal remote speaker and, in the illustrated embodiment, with the microphone channel located within the radio; b) receiving a radio signal from a remote sensor indicative that an event (eg, movement) has occurred adjacent to the remote sensor; and c) processing the radio signal in such a way that an alarm signal is produced on the communication channel leading to the individual's remote speaker, and, in the illustrated embodiment, on the radio microphone channel for transmission to other radios.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 also includes a portable remote sensor 42A that is sized and weighted to allow one person to carry it with them. In general, the portable remote sensor is capable of detecting an event (eg, motion) and after detecting the event, producing a radio signal for reception by the portable receiver 38 indicative of the occurrence of the event. In many applications, additional handheld remote sensors 42B - 42N are employed. It should be appreciated that the portable receiver 38 is also capable of being used in a) an alarm system in which none of the remote sensors are considered portable, that is, they do not have the size and weight to allow one person to carry them. with it, and b) an alarm system employing a combination of remote portable and non-portable sensors. Also, although the portable sensors disclosed herein utilize electromagnetic motion detectors and electromagnetic (eg, optical) "perimeter wiring", it should be appreciated that other types of detectors or detection schemes may be employed in the sensors. For example, temperature and pressure sensors are feasible, if required for a particular application. Certain detection schemes that use mechanical switches are also feasible, such as "foot" switches that are actuated when stepped on and "door" switches that are actuated when a door is moved in one way or another by contact with a moving object.

Referring to Fig. 2, an embodiment of the portable receiver 38 is described. The receiver 38 includes a housing 46. A male connector 48 and a cord 50 provide an interface for establishing a connection to the radio 12 via the remote interface 22. When male connector 48 is connected to remote interface 22, receiver 38 has access to the speaker and microphone channels of radio 12. A remote interface 52 is provided to establish a connection to an individual's remote speaker-microphone setup, which consists of the headphones 14 in the illustrated embodiment. An antenna 54 is arranged to receive the radio signals from one or more remote sensors. Although antenna 52 is shown extending from housing 46, antennas that are positioned with housing 46 or are part of housing 46 are also feasible. A female battery charger connection 56 is arranged to charge an internal battery 58. An on / off switch 60 enables an individual to control the application of power from the internal battery 58 to the other components of the receiver 38.

Still referring to Fig. 2, a communication channel 62 connects the interface constituted by the male connector 48 and the cord 50 with the remote interface 52. Consequently, when radio 12 and headsets 14 are both connected to receiver 38, communication channel 62 provides a path for communications received by radio 12 to be transmitted to remote speaker 26 and for an electrical signal representative of a oral communication made at remote microphone 28 to be transferred to radio 12 for processing into a radio transmission. Communication channel 62 includes a path 64 for the loudspeaker and a path 66 for the

ES 2 307 828 T3 microphone. Associated with the loudspeaker path 64 is a loudspeaker signal detector 68. A microphone "key" detector 70 is associated with path 64 for the microphone. Speaker signal detector 68 and microphone "key" detector 70 collectively function to determine if radio 12 is in use. Speaker signal detector 68 functions to determine whether a communication received by radio 12 is being transmitted to remote speaker 26 and if such communication is detected, output a signal indicative of the communication (eg, a "hold "/"interrupt"). After the communication ends, the loudspeaker signal detector 68 outputs a signal indicative thereof (eg, suppresses a "hold" / "break" signal). Microphone "key" detector 68 operates to determine if "key" signals indicative of the period of time during which an individual is using microphone 28 to cause an electrical signal to be transmitted to radio 12 are present. for processing in a broadcast. Specifically, if the "key" signal representing the initiation of an individual use of the remote microphone 28 is detected, the microphone "key" detector 68 outputs a signal indicative thereof (eg, a "Hold" / "interrupt"). When the "key" signal representing end of use of the remote microphone 28 is detected, the microphone "key" detector 68 emits a signal indicative thereof (eg, suppresses a "hold" / " interrupt"). As an alternative to the microphone "key" detector 68, a microphone signal detector may be used that detects the presence of an electrical signal in the microphone path that is representative of an oral communication made at the remote microphone 28.

Also associated with communication channel 62 is an input interface 72 that enables an alarm signal representative of an event at a remote sensor to be input to speaker path 64 for transmission to remote speaker 26. input 72 also enables an alarm signal to be input to microphone path 66 for transmission to radio 12 for broadcast. By introducing the alarm signal into microphone path 66 for broadcast by radio 12, only one member of a team is required to have portable receiver 38. It should be appreciated that it is feasible to produce the alarm signal only in speaker track 62. Such an embodiment would be appropriate in applications in which: a) only one person will need to hear an alarm signal, or b) each member of a team had a portable receiver, thus making retransmission unnecessary.

A voice chip 74 is capable of holding at least one alarm signal or message associated with the occurrence of an event at a remote sensor and inputting the alarm signal into communication channel 62 for transmission to remote speaker 26 and for its broadcast on the radio 12. More typically, voice chip 74 is capable of holding multiple alarm signals or messages, each of which is associated with a different remote sensor and each capable of being selectively inserted into communication channel 62. For example, the Voice chip 74 may contain the messages "sensor 1" and "sensor 2". When a radio signal is received from, for example, remote sensor 2, voice chip 74 is instructed to deliver the message "sensor 2" to input interface 72. A voice-activated microphone keyboard 76 is provided. between the voice chip 74 and the portion of the input interface 72 that serves to input any message into the microphone path 74. The keyboard player 76 operates to produce "key" signals before and after the message has been entered into the message path 64 and which are interpreted by the radio 12 to toggle the radio between transmit and receive modes, just like if the "key" of radio 12 had been activated. To be more precise, keyboard player 76 inputs a "key" signal into microphone path 66 which instructs radio 12 to enter a transmission mode such that an alarm signal or message from voice chip 74 will will continue to be broadcast on the radio. After the alarm signal or message has been input to microphone path 66, keyboard player 76 inserts another "key" signal into microphone path 66 and instructs radio 12 to enter a receive mode so that the communications are received from the other parts of other radios. As an alternative to using keyboard player 76, a controller can be used to input "key" signals into microphone path 66. For example, the controller 82 which is described hereinafter, is capable of being adapted to input the observed "key" signals and thus eliminate the need for the keyboard player 76.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the receiver also includes a radio sensing receiver 78 that detects and demodulates a radio signal that has been transmitted by a remote sensor and received by antenna 54. The demodulated signal produced by receiver 78 from The radiosensor is supplied to a decoder 80 that determines a digital identification code that was incorporated by the radio signal from the remote sensor and that identifies the remote sensor. It should be appreciated that if there is a single remote sensor or if there are multiple remote sensors each transmitting the same signal, only the signal received by antenna 54 needs to be detected. Likewise, if an identification code is needed, the code Identification code is not restricted to a digital code or to any particular procedure or combination of procedures to establish the code.

Receiver 38 also includes a controller 82 that generically operates to: a) not cause any alarm signals that must be input into communication channel 62, or b) cause alarm signals that need to be input into communication channel 62 in response. to a radio signal from a remote sensor that is indicative of the occurrence of an event adjacent to a remote sensor. To be more precise, when the on / off switch 60 is in the "off" state, the controller 82 does not cause any alarm signals or messages stored in the voice chip 74 that must be input into the communication channel 62. . When the on / off switch 60 is in the "on" state, the controller 82 generally operates to use the decoded digital signal to identify the remote sensor that the radio signal is transmitted and received by the antenna 54 to instruct the chip. voice tag 74 to input an alarm signal on communication channel 62. However, the point in time that controller 82 instructs voice chip 74 to input a signal

The alarm ES 2 307 828 T3 depends on the outputs of the speaker signal detector 68 and microphone "key" detector 70, which monitors the controller 82. The controller 82 operates to give a preference to communications in the communication channel 62 that occurs from the radio 12 or as a result of the use of the remote microphone 28. Consequently, if speaker signal detector 68 is not detecting any communication on speaker path 64 from radio 12 and microphone "key" detector 70 is not detecting any "key" signal on path With microphone 66, controller 82 operates to instruct voice chip 74 to input alarm signals or messages into communication channel 62 for transmission to the individual's remote speaker 26 and for transmission to radio 12 for broadcast. If either the speaker signal detector 68 detects a communication or the microphone "key" detector 70 detects a "key" signal indicative of the likely use of microphone path 66, the response of the controller 82 depends whether or not the voice chip 74 is in the process of introducing an alarm signal or message on the communication channel 62. If the voice chip 74 is not inputting an alarm signal into communication channel 62 when either the speaker signal detector 68 detects a communication or the microphone "key" detector 70 detects a " key ”indicates the use or probable use of the microphone path 66, controller 82 stores the information required to trigger an alarm signal or message that would otherwise have been entered for delivery when communication channel 62 was free. If various radio signals are received before communication channel 62 becomes free, controller 82 waits for the required information to cause alarm signals or messages to be sent when communication channel 62 is free. If voice chip 74 is inputting an alarm signal or message on communication channel 62 when either speaker signal detector 68 or microphone "key" detector 70 makes a detection, controller 82 operates to store the information required to cause any alarm messages that were interrupted to be transmitted after the channel is free. Likewise, if the other radio signals are received while transmission channel 62 is being used, controller 82 waits for the required information to cause these alarm messages to be entered into communication channel 62 after the channel is left. free.

Still referring to FIG. 2, receiver 38 also includes a registration switch 142 that enables an individual to record a given alarm signal or message on voice chip 74 for a sensor via remote microphone 28. Switch 142 includes a selection switch that may be set to an "off" position or any one of a plurality of "on" positions, each of the "on" positions corresponding to a separate sensor. The switch 142 also includes a button / default switch that if actuated when the select switch is in one of the "on" positions causes a default alarm signal or message stored in the voice chip 74 to be selected or preferential over any alarm signal or message that was previously recorded by means of the remote microphone 28. When the switch select switch 142 is in an "on" position corresponding to a particular sensor and the default button / switch is not actuated, a register input circuit 144 is activated which receives the alarm signal or message that An individual wants to register from the microphone path 66, said alarm signal or message being established by the individual speaking through the remote microphone 28. Register input circuit 144 communicates with controller 82 to set the "preferred" alarm signal or message on voice chip 74 and set the preferred alarm signal or message as the message to be input on communication channel 62. when a radio signal is received from the remote sensor to which the signal or message refers. One possible use of the preferred alarm signal or message is to provide information as to the specific location of the sensor with which the alarm or message is associated, even though the default alarm signal or message does not include any such information. For example, if the default message is “sensor 3” a preferred alarm or message for sensor 3 would be “upstairs window sensor”.

In one embodiment, the portable receiver housing 38 is approximately 9.65 cm long, 6.09 cm wide, and 2.54 cm thick, and the receiver 38 weighs approximately 191.5 gm. Other versions of the portable receiver may have different dimensions and / or a different weight and still be portable, that is, have a size and weight that allows an individual to carry it with them.

It should be appreciated that the portable receiver 38 could be integrated, if desired, into a portable radio such as the radio 12. In such an embodiment, the remote interface 52 would replace the remote interface 22 and the connection interface constituted by the remote interface 22 and male connector 48 would be replaced by electrical conductors or otherwise unnecessary.

Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a portable motion sensor 86 suitable for use in system 10 is described. Portable motion sensor 86 includes a hermetically sealed housing or package 88. An inlet 90 for a A battery charger is arranged to charge an internal battery 92. An on / off switch enables an individual to control the application of power from the internal battery 92 to other components of the sensor 86. A microwave proximity / motion sensing circuit / antenna 96 operates to emit microwaves in an area surrounding the sensor and receive the reflected microwaves from objects located in or entering the area. An A to D converter / detector circuit operates to detect a reflected signal, amplify any reflected microwave signal, and convert the amplified signal to a digital signal. A controller 100 operates to receive any digital signal produced by circuit 98 and analyze the digital signal to determine if there is a Doppler shift in the signal indicative that someone or something has moved in the area surrounding the sensor. If controller 100 determines that no movement is occurring in the area, no further action takes place. If, on the other hand, the controller 100 determines that some movement has occurred in the sensor area, the controller 100 activates a radio transmitter 102 and an encoder 104. The encoder 104 outputs a

ES 2 307 828 T3 signal that identifies the sensor and modulates the output of the carrier signal through the transmitter 102. Consequently, the transmitter 102 outputs a radio signal that indicates both that a "movement" event has occurred in the area adjacent to the sensor and identifies the sensor. If the application does not require an identifier to be associated with the sensor, the encoder 104 can be removed or bypassed. The signal produced by the transmitter 104 is applied to an antenna 106 extending from the housing 88. Antennas that are external to or part of the housing 88 are feasible.

The Portable Motion Sensor 86 is approximately 3.8 cm wide, 10.16 cm long, and 2.54 to 3.55 cm thick, depending on the type of internal battery used. The 86 sensor weighs approximately 3.7 grams. Other versions of a portable motion sensor may have different dimensions and / or a different weight and still be considered portable, that is, have a size and weight that allows an individual to carry them with them.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of a portable, electromagnetic "perimeter wiring" sensor 108 suitable for use in system 10. Generically, a "perimeter wiring" sensor is used to indicate whether someone or something has crossed a specific line. The line typically runs through an entrance or passage but can also be arbitrary. Sensor 108 includes a transmitter 110 to produce a beam of light and a receiver 112 to receive the beam of light and if an interruption in the beam of light is detected indicative that someone or something has passed through the extending line between transmitter 110 and receiver 112, causes a radio signal to be generated. Transmitter 110 includes an input 114 for a battery charger to charge an internal battery 116. An on / off switch 118 enables an individual to control the application of power from the internal battery 116 to other components of the transmitter 110. An optical driver 120 of the transmitter produces a signal when the transmitter is active that causes an optical circuit 122 of the transmitter. transmitter produces a beam of light. Typically, a relatively wide beam of light is produced to simplify transmission from receiver 110 to receiver 112.

Receiver 112 includes an input 126 for the battery charger to charge an internal battery 128. An on / off switch 130 enables an individual to control the application of power from internal battery 128 to other receiver components 112. An optical circuit 122 of the receiver operates to produce an electrical signal representative of which any optical signal is received. Consequently, if the optical circuit 132 of the receiver receives the light beam output by the transmitter 110, the circuit 132 produces a representative electrical signal. If the light produced by the transmitter 110 does not reach the transmitter 112, due to someone or something passing between the transmitter 110 and the receiver 112, the circuit 132 produces a representative electrical signal that is distinguishable from the signal produced when the light beam produced by transmitter 110 is received. An amplifier / detector / A to D converter circuit 134 operates to detect the signal output from circuit 132, amplify any detected signal, and convert the amplified signal to a digital signal. A controller 136 operates to receive any digital signal produced by circuit 134 and analyze the digital signal to determine if the signal indicates that someone or something passed between transmitter 110 and receiver 112. If controller 136 determines that no such step has occurred, no further action takes place. If, on the other hand, the controller 136 determines that said step has occurred, the controller 136 activates a radio transmitter 137 and an encoder 138. The encoder 138 outputs a signal that identifies the sensor and modulates the output of the carrier signal by the transmitter 137. Consequently, the transmitter 137 outputs a radio signal that indicates both that a "pass" event has occurred and identifies the sensor. If the application does not require an identifier to be associated with the sensor, the encoder 138 can be removed or bypassed. The signal produced by the transmitter 137 is applied to an antenna 139 extending from a housing 140. Antennas that are lower than or part of the house 140 are feasible.

The transmitter 110 and receiver 112 of the portable electromagnetic "perimeter wire" sensor 108 are each approximately 3.49 cm wide, 5.39 cm long, and 1.58 cm thick. The total weight of the portable, optical “perimeter wire” sensor is approximately 224.3 gm. Other versions of a portable electromagnetic “perimeter wiring” sensor may have transmitters and receivers with different dimensions and / or different weights and still be considered portable, that is, have a size and weight that allows an individual to carry them. with him.

The operation of the system 10 is described below regardless of the type of remote sensor employed and assuming that multiple remote sensors have been deployed each of which produces a radio signal when an event of some type has been detected. Portable receiver 38 is attached to personal portable radio 12 using remote interface 22 of radio 12 and male connector 48 or other interface that mates with remote interface 22. The portable receiver 38 is also attached to the remote speaker-microphone configuration using the remote interface 52 of the receiver 38 and the male connection 32 or another interface that mates with the remote interface 52. With the on / off switch 60 of the receiver 38 in the "off" position, an individual can hear a communication received by radio 12 via remote speaker 26, and use remote microphone 28 to transmit communications via radio 12. When the on / off switch 60 of receiver 38 is set to the "on" position, an individual can direct the same communications as when the on / off switch 60 is in the "off" position. Additionally, however, the individual can hear, via remote speaker 26, any alarm signal or message produced by sensor 38 when a radio signal from a remote sensor is received. The alarm signal or message is also transmitted to radio 12 for broadcast to other radios. The introduction of alarm signals or messages into communication channel 62 for transmission to remote speaker 26 and radio 12 is delayed by receiver 38 if the communication channel

ES 2 307 828 T3 communication 62 is being used in any other way. Likewise, the introduction of alarm signals or messages in the communication channel 62 is interrupted when the signals coming from the radio 12 or the remote microphone 28 are detected. The information regarding the interrupted alarm signal is stored in such a way that the alarm signal or message, in its entirety, can be entered into the communication channel when the channel is clear. If additional radio signals are received when an alarm message is delayed or interrupted, the information necessary to produce each relevant alarm signal or message is put on hold and used to generate alarm signals or messages for introduction into the communication channel. 62 after channel 62 is free.

Typically, receiver 38 is used in communication with multiple remote sensors each of which produces a radio signal when an event has been detected and which contains information identifying the sensor. Receiver 38 retrieves this information from the received radio signal and uses this information to produce an alarm signal that is unique to the sensor that transmitted the radio signal. For example, receiver 38 may input a signal into the communication channel that is heard on remote speaker 26, such as "sensor 2". Typically the individual who hears this message on his remote speaker 26 correlates the message with the known position of sensor 2 and can take appropriate action.

The embodiment described in the preceding lines herein is intended to explain the best known way of carrying out the invention to enable other skilled in the art to use the invention.