Exit route indication via synchronized audible cues

Abstract

Guiding people toward the facility's exit involves sending messages to multiple sound-emitting devices. Each message is addressed to a corresponding sound-emitting device and includes a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to that specific sound-emitting device, indicating when the device should issue an audible alarm. Broadcast alarm messages are sent to all sound-emitting devices. In response to receiving a broadcast alarm message, each sound-emitting device issues an audible alarm based on one or more timing parameters unique to that device, relative to the time the broadcast alarm message was received, creating a perceptible sequential audible scan from the sound-emitting devices toward the facility's exit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for assisting people in evacuating facilities. Background Technology

[0002] Many buildings and other facilities have audible alarms that activate in the event of an emergency. These alarms warn people to evacuate the building or facility. Emergency situations can include, for example, fire, chemical spills, bomb threats, active shooters, or any other emergency. In many cases, buildings have designated routes for evacuating the building in the event of a fire or other emergency. These routes are marked by signage. Unfortunately, in many situations with limited visibility, such as when smoke from a fire enters areas of the building, signage can be difficult to read. Furthermore, people often do not follow the instructions on the signage, especially when forced to do so during an emergency. There remains a need for improved systems and methods for guiding people out of emergency situations using auditory cues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for assisting people in evacuating facilities. Examples can be found in methods for activating multiple audible devices to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan toward the exits of the facility. This exemplary method includes sending multiple messages via a communication bus to the multiple audible devices, each message addressed to a corresponding audible device among the multiple audible devices, and each message including a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding audible device. The one or more timing parameters specify when the corresponding audible device emits an audible alarm, such as relative to a subsequent broadcast alarm message. The broadcast alarm message is then transmitted via the communication bus to all audible devices among the multiple audible devices. In response to receiving the broadcast alarm message, each audible device among the multiple audible devices emits an audible alarm according to the one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding audible device, based on the time relative to the time of receiving the broadcast alarm message, to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan from the multiple audible devices toward the exits of the facility.

[0004] Another example can be found in a method for providing an exit route indication. The exit route includes multiple devices networked to an alarm panel, each of which includes an internal clock and is configured to provide an audible alarm. An exemplary method includes the alarm panel sending a specific position within an alarm sequence to each of the multiple devices networked to the alarm panel, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the multiple devices output their audible alarms. The alarm panel broadcasts an alarm signal to each of the multiple devices networked to the alarm panel. In response to receiving an alarm signal from the alarm panel, each of the multiple devices emits an audible alarm according to its specific position within the alarm sequence, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the multiple devices output their audible alarms.

[0005] Another example can be found in a system comprising multiple sound-emitting devices for emitting audible alarms and an alarm panel operatively coupled to the multiple sound-emitting devices. The alarm panel is configured to send a specific position within an alarm sequence to each of the multiple sound-emitting devices, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the multiple sound-emitting devices output their audible alarms. The alarm panel is also configured to broadcast an alarm signal to each of the multiple sound-emitting devices. In response to receiving an alarm signal, each of the multiple sound-emitting devices emits an audible alarm according to its specific position within the alarm sequence.

[0006] The foregoing summary is provided to facilitate understanding of certain features of this disclosure and is not intended to be a complete description. A full understanding of this disclosure can be obtained by considering the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. Attached Figure Description

[0007] A more complete understanding of this disclosure can be achieved by considering the following description of various exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method;

[0016] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the floor plan, providing an example of how to use sound-generating equipment to provide an exit route;

[0017] Figure 10 This is an illustrative timing diagram; and

[0018] Figure 11 This is an illustrative timing diagram.

[0019] While this disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternatives, its details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit aspects of this disclosure to the specific exemplary embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the substance and scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. In some drawings, elements deemed unnecessary for understanding the relationships between the illustrated parts may have been omitted for clarity.

[0021] This document assumes that all numbers are modified by the term “about” unless otherwise explicitly stated. Expressions of numerical ranges using endpoints include all numbers contained within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references, unless otherwise expressly stated. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in its meaning to include “and / or,” unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0023] It should be noted that references to "implementation scheme," "some implementation schemes," "other implementation schemes," etc., in the specification indicate that the described implementation schemes may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each implementation scheme need not necessarily include specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same implementation scheme. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an implementation scheme, it is conceivable that, whether explicitly described or not, that feature, structure, or characteristic may be applied to other implementation schemes, unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary system 10 configured to guide people through exit routes to the exits of a facility, particularly in situations of reduced visibility, where exit signs may be difficult to see, or in stressful situations, where previously learned exit routes may be difficult to remember. The exemplary system 10 includes multiple sound-emitting devices 12, labeled 12a, 12b, and 12c. Although a total of three sound-emitting devices 12 are shown, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative, as system 10 may include any number of sound-emitting devices 12, and may include far more than three. The sound-emitting devices 12 may be distributed throughout the facility, such as one sound-emitting device 12 in each area, room, or space on each floor of the facility. Each of the sound-emitting devices 12 is configured to emit an audible alarm.

[0025] In some cases, at least some of the sound-emitting devices in the sound-emitting device 12 may be standalone, single-function devices designed, for example, to simply sound an alarm or emit an audible alarm. In other cases, at least some of the sound-emitting devices in the sound-emitting device 12 are multi-functional devices, such as fire alarms, smoke detectors, exit signs, fire and / or emergency lighting equipment, etc., which are configured to not only perform their primary functions but also emit audible alarms. Each sound-emitting device in the sound-emitting device 12 includes an internal clock 14, labeled 14a, 14b, and 14c, respectively. The internal clock 14 within a particular sound-emitting device 12 may be used by the sound-emitting device 12 to know when to emit an audible alarm or other noise based on a sequence (e.g., a scan), which can help guide people safely to exits in poor visibility conditions.

[0026] The exemplary system 10 includes an alarm panel 16 operatively coupled to a plurality of sound-emitting devices 12. The alarm panel 16 is configured to send a specific location within an alarm sequence to each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12 output their audible alarms. The alarm panel 16 is also configured to broadcast an alarm signal that triggers the alarm sequence to each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12. For example, the alarm sequence can be determined when system 10 is installed and can be programmed into the alarm panel 16 and / or the sound-emitting devices 12. In some cases, such as when an alarm sounds and it is determined whether a particular exit and / or route is safe to use, or whether one or more of the sound-emitting devices 12 have stopped working, the alarm sequence can be determined. In response to receiving an alarm signal from the alarm panel 16, each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12 is configured to emit an audible alarm according to its specific location within the alarm sequence. In some cases, multiple sound-emitting devices 12 each output their audible alarms, thereby providing a silence period between specific locations within the alarm sequence. While the silence period can have any suitable duration to increase the perceived movement of the alarm sequence toward an exit, the silence period can be 5 milliseconds or less, 4 milliseconds or less, 3 milliseconds or less, 2 milliseconds or less, or 1 millisecond or less.

[0027] In some cases, the alarm panel 16 can be configured to broadcast a synchronization signal to each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12, wherein, in response to receiving the synchronization signal, each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12 synchronizes its internal clock 14 with the synchronization signal, and thus synchronizes with each other. Having synchronized clocks facilitates synchronization between audible alarms emitted by the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12, and also achieves consistent and relatively short periods of silence between audible alarms, both of which contribute to the desired sense of perceptible movement toward an exit in the alarm sequence. To maintain system reliability, the alarm panel 16 can be configured to repeatedly poll each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12 to verify that each of the plurality of sound-emitting devices 12 remains online and active.

[0028] As shown, in some cases, the exemplary system 10 may include a fire alarm 18 operatively coupled to an alarm panel 16 and / or a smoke detector 20 operatively coupled to an alarm panel 16. Although a single fire alarm 18 is shown, in some cases, the facility may have two, three, or more fire alarms 18 operatively coupled to the alarm panel 16, such that the alarm panel 16 can indicate one or more fire alarms 18 when an emergency is present, such as a detected fire, and when one or more fire alarms 18 should sound. In some cases, there may not be a single fire alarm 18, and the emitting devices 12 may be combined and used as fire alarms.

[0029] Although a single smoke detector 20 is shown, the facility may have a large number of smoke detectors 20 operatively coupled to the alarm panel 16. For example, the smoke detector 20 may be configured to warn the alarm panel 16 of a possible fire. The alarm panel 16 may also receive alerts from other devices, such as, but not limited to, adjacent alarm panels, regarding possible fires or other potential emergencies. Figure 1 The fire alarm is used as an example, but it is anticipated that this alarm system can be used in response to any suitable emergency (such as fire, chemical spill, bomb threat, active shooter, or any other emergency). Furthermore, the facility is anticipated to be a building, a collection of buildings such as campus buildings, a vehicle such as a ship or aircraft, and / or any other suitable facility.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 22 for activating multiple sound-emitting devices (such as sound-emitting device 12) to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan toward the exit of a facility. Exemplary method 22 includes sending multiple messages via a communication bus to the multiple sound-emitting devices, each message being addressed to a corresponding sound-emitting device among the multiple sound-emitting devices, and each message including a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sound-emitting device, as indicated in block 24. The one or more timing parameters specify when the corresponding sound-emitting device emits an audible alarm relative to a broadcast alarm message. The broadcast alarm message is sent via the communication bus to all the multiple sound-emitting devices, as indicated in block 26.

[0031] In response to receiving a broadcast alarm message, each of the multiple transmitter devices emits an audible alarm according to one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding transmitter device, based on the time relative to the time the broadcast alarm message was received, to create a perceptible sequential audible scan from the multiple transmitter devices toward the facility's exit, as indicated in box 28. In some cases, the alarm sequence may include one or more time slots in which all transmitter devices of the multiple transmitter devices emit an audible alarm, followed by multiple time slots in which each transmitter device of the multiple transmitter devices emits an audible alarm in a designated time slot within the time slots.

[0032] In some cases, one or more timing parameters are configured such that each of a plurality of transmitter devices emits an audible alarm in a corresponding time slot within a plurality of sequential time slots in an alarm sequence, with a silence period between each audible alarm. The silence period may, for example, be five milliseconds or less. In some cases, one or more timing parameters may specify a corresponding sequential time slot within a plurality of sequential time slots in an alarm sequence for the corresponding transmitter device. In some cases, one or more timing parameters may include one or more of a trigger interval and an alarm duration, wherein the trigger interval specifies how long after the time of receiving a broadcast alarm message the audible alarm of the corresponding transmitter device is emitted, and the alarm duration specifies the duration of the corresponding audible alarm.

[0033] Imagine a communication bus that can be wired or wireless. The communication bus can allow broadcast messages as well as messages addressing specific devices or groups of devices on the communication bus. Exemplary wired communication bus protocols include Fieldbus, BACnet, LON, Modbus, C-bus, and Ethernet. Exemplary wireless communication bus protocols include WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, Bluetooth, and EnOcean. These are just examples.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 30 for activating multiple sound-emitting devices (such as sound-emitting device 12) to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan toward an exit of a facility. Exemplary method 30 includes sending multiple messages via a communication bus to the multiple sound-emitting devices, each message being addressed to a corresponding sound-emitting device among the multiple sound-emitting devices, and each message including a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sound-emitting device, as indicated in block 32. The one or more timing parameters specify when the corresponding sound-emitting device emits an audible alarm relative to a broadcast alarm message. The broadcast alarm message is sent via the communication bus to all the multiple sound-emitting devices, as indicated in block 34.

[0035] In some cases, in response to receiving a broadcast alarm message, each of the multiple sound-emitting devices can synchronize its internal clock, wherein each of the multiple sound-emitting devices is configured to combine its internal clock with one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sound-emitting device to determine when to issue its audible alarm, as indicated in box 36. In some cases, each of the sound-emitting devices issues an audible alarm according to one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sound-emitting device relative to the time the broadcast alarm message is received, to create a perceptible sequential audible scan from the multiple sound-emitting devices toward the exit of the facility.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 38 for activating multiple sound-emitting devices (such as sound-emitting device 12) to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan toward the exit of a facility. Exemplary method 38 includes sending multiple messages via a communication bus to the multiple sound-emitting devices, each message being addressed to a corresponding sound-emitting device among the multiple sound-emitting devices, and each message including a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sound-emitting device, as indicated in block 40. The one or more timing parameters specify when the corresponding sound-emitting device emits an audible alarm.

[0037] A broadcast alarm message is sent via a communication bus to all the multiple transmitter devices, as indicated in box 42. In response to receiving the broadcast alarm message, each of the multiple transmitter devices emits an audible alarm according to one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding transmitter device based on the time relative to the time the broadcast alarm message was received, to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan from the multiple transmitter devices toward the exit of the facility, as indicated in box 44.

[0038] In some cases, a broadcast synchronization message, separate from the broadcast alarm message, is sent via a communication bus to all the multiple audible devices, as indicated in box 46. This can be done periodically, such as every 60 seconds, every hour, daily, or monthly. In response to receiving the broadcast synchronization message, each of the multiple audible devices synchronizes its internal clock, wherein each of the multiple audible devices is configured to combine its internal clock with one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding audible device to determine when to issue its audible alarm, as indicated in box 48.

[0039] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 50 for activating multiple sound-emitting devices (such as sound-emitting device 12) to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan toward the exit of a facility. Exemplary method 50 includes sending multiple messages via a communication bus to the multiple sound-emitting devices, each message being addressed to a corresponding sound-emitting device among the multiple sound-emitting devices, and each message including a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sound-emitting device, as indicated in block 52. The one or more timing parameters specify when the corresponding sound-emitting device emits an audible alarm. A broadcast alarm message is sent via the communication bus to all the multiple sound-emitting devices, as indicated in block 54.

[0040] In response to receiving a broadcast alarm message, each of the plurality of speaker devices emits an audible alarm according to one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding speaker device based on the time relative to the time the broadcast alarm message was received. These one or more timing parameters generate a perceptible sequential audible scan from the plurality of speaker devices toward the exit of the facility, as indicated in box 56.

[0041] In some cases, method 50 may include repeatedly sending broadcast synchronization messages to keep the internal clocks of each of the multiple transmitter devices synchronized within 1 millisecond or less, as indicated in block 58. In some cases, and to maintain system reliability, method 50 may include repeatedly polling each of the multiple transmitter devices to verify that each of the multiple transmitter devices remains online and active, as indicated in block 60.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 62 for activating multiple sound-generating devices (such as sound-generating device 12) to produce a perceptible sequential audible scan toward an exit of a facility. Exemplary method 62 includes determining a defined route toward an exit of the facility, as indicated in box 64. In some cases, the route may be determined based on information about which routes and / or exits of the facility may currently be blocked or not recommended for other reasons (based on the current emergency situation, such as being blocked by a fire, chemical spill, etc.). In some cases, the route may also take into account any sound-generating devices that are not currently inoperable.

[0043] Once the route is determined, exemplary method 62 includes sending multiple messages via a communication bus to multiple transmitter devices, wherein the multiple messages are configured to identify which of the multiple transmitter devices emits an audible alarm as part of an alarm sequence, and when each of the multiple transmitter devices emits an audible alarm, to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan along the defined route toward the facility's exit, as indicated in block 66. Each message is addressed to a corresponding transmitter device among the multiple transmitter devices, and each message includes a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding transmitter device. The one or more timing parameters specify when the corresponding transmitter device emits an audible alarm. Thereafter, a broadcast alarm message is sent via the communication bus to all transmitter devices among the multiple transmitter devices, as indicated in block 68.

[0044] In response to receiving a broadcast alarm message, each of the plurality of speaker devices emits an audible alarm according to one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding speaker device based on the time relative to the time the broadcast alarm message was received, to generate a perceptible sequential audible scan from the plurality of speaker devices along a defined route toward the exit of the facility, as indicated in box 70.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 72 for providing indication of an exit route, the exit route including multiple devices (such as audible device 12) networked to an alarm panel (such as alarm panel 16). Each of the multiple devices includes an internal clock (such as internal clock 14) and is configured to provide an audible alarm. Exemplary method 72 includes the alarm panel sending a specific position within an alarm sequence to each of the multiple devices networked to the alarm panel, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the multiple devices output their audible alarms, as indicated in block 74. The alarm panel then broadcasts an alarm signal to each of the multiple devices networked to the alarm panel, as indicated in block 76. In response to receiving an alarm signal from the alarm panel, each of the multiple devices emits an audible alarm according to its specific position within the alarm sequence, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the multiple devices output their audible alarms, as indicated in block 78.

[0046] In some cases, instead of broadcasting alarm signals, or in addition to broadcast alarm signals, the alarm panel can broadcast a separate synchronization signal, and in response to this synchronization signal, each of the multiple devices can synchronize its internal clock. In some cases, multiple devices each output their own audible alarm, thus providing a silence period between specific points within the alarm sequence. As an example, the silence period could be 2 milliseconds or less.

[0047] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 80 for providing indication of an exit route, the exit route including multiple devices (such as audible device 12) networked to an alarm panel (such as alarm panel 16). Each of the multiple devices includes an internal clock (such as internal clock 14) and is configured to provide an audible alarm. Method 80 includes the alarm panel sending a specific position within an alarm sequence to each of the multiple devices networked to the alarm panel, the alarm sequence specifying the order in which the multiple devices output their audible alarms, as indicated in block 82.

[0048] Subsequently, the alarm panel broadcasts an alarm signal to each of the multiple devices networked to the alarm panel, as indicated in box 84. In response to receiving an alarm signal from the alarm panel, each of the multiple devices emits an audible alarm according to its specific position within an alarm sequence, which specifies the order in which the multiple devices output their audible alarms, as indicated in box 86. In some cases, method 80 may further include synchronizing the internal clocks of each of the multiple devices in response to receiving an alarm signal from the alarm panel, as indicated in box 88.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of plan layout 90, which provides an example of how sound-generating devices can be used to provide an exit route. Multiple sound-generating devices (labeled 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, and 104, respectively) are distributed within plan layout 90. Plan layout 90 includes exit 106. It should be understood that sound-generating device 92 is furthest from exit 106, while sound-generating device 104 is closest to exit 106.

[0050] When an alarm sounds, audible devices 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, and 104 sequentially emit audible alarms, one at a time, to guide people in the space represented by floor plan 90 toward exit 106 and to a safe location. In the exemplary alarm sequence, audible device 92 emits an audible alarm first. Next, audible device 94 emits an audible alarm. Next, audible device 96 emits an audible alarm. Next, audible device 98 emits an audible alarm. Next, audible device 100 emits an audible alarm. Next, audible device 102 emits an audible alarm. Next, audible device 104 emits an audible alarm. By means of each of the sound-emitting devices 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102 and 104 emitting audible chirps in sequence, each audible chirp lasting for a short period of time, with brief periods of silence between the sequential audible chirps, a person is able to perceive the alarm sequence moving toward exit 106. This allows people to more easily follow the sound as it guides them toward exit 106, even when visibility is limited by, for example, smoke or darkness.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a timing diagram 108 illustrating exemplary communication between the alarm panel 16 and each of the sound-emitting devices 12. Timing diagram 108 includes a row 110 indicating the activity of the alarm panel 16. Timing diagram 108 includes a row 112 indicating the activity of the first sound-emitting device 12, a row 114 indicating the activity of the second sound-emitting device 12, and a row 116 indicating the activity of the "x"th sound-emitting device 12, where "x" is an integer greater than 2.

[0052] As indicated in the first column 118, the alarm panel 16 provides a message to the first sounder device 12. This message includes timing information such as, but not limited to, the scan trigger interval, slot position, number of sounders in the alarm sequence, slot duration, and / or previous slot duration. The first sounder device 12 replies shortly afterward, indicating that the message has been received. As indicated in the second column 120, the alarm panel 16 provides a message to the second sounder device 12. This message includes timing information such as, but not limited to, the scan trigger interval, slot position, number of sounders, slot duration, and / or previous slot duration. The second sounder device 12 replies shortly afterward, indicating that the message has been received. As indicated in the third column 122, the alarm panel 16 provides a message to the "x"th sounder device 12. This message includes timing information such as, but not limited to, the scan trigger interval, slot position, number of sounders, slot duration, and / or previous slot duration. The "x"th sounder device 12 replies shortly afterward, indicating that the message has been received.

[0053] Column 124 instructs alarm panel 16 to provide a broadcast message to all sound-emitting devices in sound-emitting device 12. The broadcast message serves as a synchronization signal received by all sound-emitting devices in sound-emitting device 12 and can be used to synchronize their internal clocks, ensuring that each sound-emitting device in sound-emitting device 12 accurately participates in sound scanning to safely guide one or more people to exit 106. The broadcast message is repeated periodically as indicated in column 126. In some cases, the broadcast message may be an activation broadcast alarm message that also initiates an alarm sequence. In other cases, the broadcast alarm message may be provided separately from the broadcast message.

[0054] As indicated in Column 128, Alarm Panel 16 can periodically poll each of the sound transmitter devices 12 to ensure that each of the sound transmitter devices 12 remains online and operational. For example, if the battery power of a sound transmitter device 12 drops below a usable level, that sound transmitter device may fail. For example, a sound transmitter device 12 may fail due to a fire. By periodically polling each of the sound transmitter devices 12, Alarm Panel 16 knows which sound transmitter devices 12 are available to participate in sound scanning if necessary.

[0055] Figure 11 This is a timing diagram 130 illustrating an example of a fire alarm sequence. In this example, there are a total of seven (7) sounding devices 12, with... Figure 9 The sound-generating devices shown are matched. A fire alarm sequence is initiated at start time 132. The fire alarm sequence begins with a collective alarm cycle (here, two time slots), during which all sound-generating devices 12 emit their corresponding audible alarms. The collective alarm cycle continues until stop time 134. Then, a sound scanning sequence begins at start time 136, which may correspond to stop time 134, or may be slightly before or after stop time 134. In some cases, a silence period may be provided between stop time 134 and the start time of the sound scanning sequence.

[0056] During the sound scanning sequence, transmitter 7 first sounds its audible alarm during time slot 138. Transmitter 6 then sounds its audible alarm during time slot 140, which begins after a short silence following the end of time slot 138. Transmitter 5 then sounds its audible alarm during time slot 142, which begins after a short silence following the end of time slot 140. Transmitter 4 then sounds its audible alarm during time slot 144, which begins shortly after the end of time slot 142. Transmitter 3 then sounds its audible alarm during time slot 146, which begins shortly after the end of time slot 144. Transmitter 2 then sounds its audible alarm during time slot 148, which begins shortly after the end of time slot 146. Finally, transmitter 1 then sounds its audible alarm during time slot 150, which begins shortly after the end of time slot 148. In some instances, each of time slots 138, 140, 142, 144, 146, and 148 is equal or at least substantially equal in duration. The sound scan sequence ends at time 152. Exactly before or after the end of the sound scan sequence, another collective alarm cycle (here, two time slots) is executed, beginning at time 154 and ending at time 156, during which all sound-emitting devices 12 emit their corresponding audible alarms. Thereafter, a new sound scan sequence begins at a starting point 158, which may be exactly before or after the stopping time 156, and continues as before. This alarm sequence may be repeated until the emergency is resolved.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure can be presented in various forms different from the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Therefore, changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for activating a plurality of sounder devices to produce a perceptible sequential audible scan toward an exit of a facility, the method comprising: sending, via a communication bus, a plurality of messages to the plurality of sounder devices, each message addressed to a corresponding one of the plurality of sounder devices and each message including a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sounder device, the one or more timing parameters specifying when the corresponding sounder device is to sound an audible alert; sending, via the communication bus, a broadcast alert message to all of the plurality of sounder devices; and in response to receiving the broadcast alert message, each of the plurality of sounder devices sounding an audible alert in accordance with the one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sounder device relative to a time of receiving the broadcast alert message to produce the perceptible sequential audible scan from the plurality of sounder devices toward the exit of the facility.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein in response to receiving the broadcast alert message, each of the plurality of sounder devices synchronizes an internal clock, wherein each of the plurality of sounder devices is configured to use its internal clock in conjunction with the one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sounder device to determine when to sound its audible alert.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, via the communication bus, a broadcast synchronization message separate from the broadcast alert message to all of the plurality of sounder devices; and in response to receiving the broadcast synchronization message, each of the plurality of sounder devices synchronizing an internal clock of the corresponding sounder device, wherein each of the plurality of sounder devices is configured to use its internal clock in conjunction with the one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sounder device to determine when to sound its audible alert.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising repeating sending the broadcast synchronization message to keep the internal clocks of the plurality of sounder devices synchronized within 1 millisecond.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more timing parameters are configured such that each of the plurality of sounder devices sounds an audible alert in a corresponding one of a plurality of sequential time slots of an alert sequence, with a period of silence between each of the audible alerts.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the one or more timing parameters specify for the corresponding sounder device a corresponding one of the plurality of sequential time slots of the alert sequence.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the alert sequence includes one or more time slots in which all of the plurality of sounder devices sound an audible alert, followed by a plurality of time slots in which each of the plurality of sounder devices sounds an audible alert in a specified one of the time slots.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a defined route toward the exit of the facility; and wherein the plurality of messages are configured to identify which of the plurality of sounder devices sound audible alarms as part of an alarm sequence, and when each of the plurality of sounder devices sound audible alarms to produce the perceptible sequential audible sweep along the defined route toward the exit of the facility.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more timing parameters comprise one or more of: a trigger interval specifying how long after the time of receiving the broadcast alarm message to sound the audible alarm of the corresponding sounder device; and an alarm duration specifying a duration of the corresponding audible alarm.

10. A system for activating a plurality of sounder devices to produce a perceptible sequential audible sweep toward an exit of a facility, the system comprising: a plurality of sounder devices for sounding audible alarms; an alarm panel operably coupled to the plurality of sounder devices, the alarm panel configured to: send a message to each of the plurality of sounder devices, the message comprising a payload specifying one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sounder device, the one or more timing parameters specifying when the corresponding sounder device is to sound an audible alarm; broadcast an alarm message to the plurality of sounder devices; and in response to receiving the alarm message, each of the plurality of sounder devices sound an audible alarm according to the one or more timing parameters unique to the corresponding sounder device relative to a time of receiving the broadcast alarm message to produce the perceptible sequential audible sweep from the plurality of sounder devices. ​

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