Major fire-alarm maker Hochiki Corp. has developed a new system that monitors the safety of homes and reports irregularities to owners' mobile phones, company officials said.

The equipment, to be installed in users' homes, will cost from 60,000 yen to more than 300,000 yen, depending on options.

The utility fee for the monitoring network will cost 980 yen a month, and some installation fees are required, they said.

The "S-mode" system consists of a micro-server to be installed in each home. It will link sensors around the home that detect gas, smoke, heat and break-ins.

When problems are detected, the data are sent to a central server. A warning e-mail or call to the customer's mobile phone is then sent through an around-the-clock Internet-access service.

By accessing the "S-mode URL" attached to the e-mail, customers can see images of their home. After checking them, they can call the police or fire department if they feel it necessary, the officials said.

Privacy will be protected as the e-mail and images will be secured under a code system.

The system was developed by Hochiki, together with the Tokyo-based Index Corp.

Hochiki is a major player in home security monitoring services using infrared-sensor systems. It also provides a wireless monitoring system for the elderly who live alone. Index is a software company specializing in mobile technology application.

The new system will become available gradually from September. Those who wish to install the system must have a mobile phone capable of accessing the Internet and a contract with an Internet access provider.