Importance

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Abstract

An interface unit adapts an existing alarm system, e.g., an existing automobile alarm system, so that it selectively provides additional alarm features not previously available. Such features are made available, at least in part, through use of the components of the existing alarm system. Thus, there is no need to remove the existing alarm system, or (in one embodiment) to even cut or relocate any of the wires used with the existing alarm system. All that is required is to install the interface unit and couple it in an appropriate manner to the existing system. The features made available through the interface unit selectively include voice messages that are triggered: whenever the alarm system senses a violation event, to indicate the arming or disarming of the system, or to report to the owner the violation events that have occurred since the system was last armed. Further, a vocal report to the owner from the interface unit indicates that an incoming cellular call is ringing, or reports how many unanswered cellular calls occurred during a predetermined time period. Still further, the interface unit allows, in one embodiment, one or more of the sensors used with the existing alarm system to be selectively disabled or enabled.

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First Claim