Fire safety device address and location verification

Abstract

A system includes a plurality of remotely addressable devices that are individually programmed with configuration data and emit an output signal that is modulated to encode the configuration data such that the output signal includes a visual output signal and / or an audio output signal. The system also includes a mobile device in communication with the plurality of remotely addressable devices. The mobile device receives and demodulates the output signal to extract configuration data. The system also includes a central controller in communication with the plurality of remotely addressable devices. The mobile device or central controller identifies a physical location of each remotely addressable device, and also responds to verification that the respective remotely addressable device is installed in the physical location associated with the respective remotely addressable device in the structure. It is determined that a respective remotely addressable device is properly configured and operable to communicate with the central controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to a fire safety network of addressable devices for commercial and residential buildings, and more particularly to systems and methods for verifying the location of addressable devices after installation or reinstallation. Background Art

[0002] In a fire and / or safety system having a central controller (such as a fire panel) and remote addressable devices (such as fire detectors, smoke detectors, and alarm notification devices), it is necessary to verify that each addressable device is installed in the correct physical location within the structure and is properly configured and operable. However, it is possible that such a remote addressable device configured for one physical location (e.g., room 2 floor 1 or area 1) may be inadvertently installed in a different "wrong" location in the building (e.g., room 10 floor 2 or area 2). This problem is euphemistically referred to as the "painter's problem," in which a painter removes all of the remote addressable devices from their corresponding chassis, paints the rooms and halls, and then replaces the remote addressable devices in the wrong chassis.

[0003] By activating each remote addressable device individually, its installed location and correct operation can be verified at a central controller (such as a fire panel). This verification can be completed by two maintenance technicians, one manually activating the remote addressable device and the other located at the central controller or fire panel. Typically, the two technicians will communicate verbally to verify the proper operation and association of the addressable devices with the physical locations stored in the database of the central controller or fire panel. Alternatively, a single technician can perform the verification by manually activating a single addressable device and then personally going to the central controller or fire panel location to verify that the correct operation and location are observed for the activated device. Both of these manual device location verification methods are time-consuming and costly for qualified technicians. Summary of the invention

[0004] Briefly, aspects of the present invention relate to a verification system and method for verifying the installation location, device-specific configuration data, and operating status of a remotely addressable device. A system and method for clearly ensuring that a corresponding device is in the correct location (for communication with an appropriate fire panel or other system controller) without requiring other personnel at the fire panel to verify the address and location of a specific device when a wireless (cloud) connection is unavailable or prohibited is presented herein. Existing remotely addressable devices (installed into a base) include a strobe or visual indicator (e.g., LED) or an audio annunciator. Such a remotely addressable device using a first embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a test / beacon mode and a modulation circuit / module. In one embodiment, the modulation circuit / module includes modulation logic employed when a processor of the remotely addressable device is commanded by a central controller or fire panel to enter a test / beacon mode. In the test / beacon mode, the processor retrieves configuration data unique to the device (such as its assigned address and location) from a local memory and encodes the unique configuration data in a visual or audio output signal of the remotely addressable device. In one embodiment, when a visual or audio output signal is emitted, the visual or audio output signal may be modulated by the device processor to encode the unique configuration data. A mobile device (e.g., a wireless mobile phone) may include a verification application or logic configured to use a camera or other visual receiver of the remote addressable device to receive a modulated visual signal from the device and demodulate the visual signal to extract the encoded unique configuration data. For devices that do not have a strobe or visual indicator and modulate the audio output signal to encode the unique configuration data, the remote addressable device may include an attenuator to limit the audio level of the audio output signal, thereby limiting the number of people in the area of ​​the remote addressable device being tested who may be disturbed by the audio output signal. In this embodiment, the verification application or logic of the mobile device may receive a modulated audio signal from the remote addressable device using a microphone of the mobile device and demodulate the audio signal to extract the encoded unique configuration data. The mobile device is capable of comparing the extracted data emitted by the remote addressable device with a database of corresponding configuration data for each device, which is stored or will be stored in a central controller or fire panel for communicating with the addressable device. Configuration differences or device defects are indicated on the mobile device. In one embodiment, the central controller or fire panel may send a broadcast message to all devices to perform a test / beacon mode, thereby "flashing" / "pulsing out" or modulating the unique data of the corresponding remote addressable device via its visual indicator LED or its audio annunciator.Alternatively, the remote addressable device may include a microphone or photodiode that can be separately signaled by a mobile device having a speaker to transmit a test / beacon command to the remote addressable device and / or a laser pointer to transmit a signal detectable by the device's photodiode, causing the device to enter a test / beacon mode as described above. If a technician suspects a device-to-device conflict, one device may be turned off via a phone that sends to a device with a receiving component. Or a lens may be added to the phone that narrows the field of view to pick up only one of the two devices.

[0005] According to an illustrative embodiment of the invention, a system includes remote addressable devices. Each of the remote addressable devices is individually programmed with configuration data of a corresponding one of the remote addressable devices. The corresponding one of the remote addressable devices emits an output signal modulated to encode the configuration data associated with the corresponding one of the remote addressable devices. The output signal includes at least one of a visual output signal or an audio output signal. The system also includes a mobile device in communication with the remote addressable devices. The mobile device receives the output signal from the corresponding one of the remote addressable devices and demodulates the output signal to extract the configuration data associated with the corresponding one of the remote addressable devices. The system also includes a central controller in communication with the remote addressable devices. The mobile device or the central controller identifies a physical location of each of the remote addressable devices, and the mobile device or the central controller further determines, in response to verification of identifying that the corresponding one of the remote addressable devices is installed at a physical location associated with the corresponding one of the remote addressable devices in a structure, that the corresponding one of the remote addressable devices is properly configured and operable to communicate with the central controller.

[0006] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a method for verifying the address and physical location of a remote addressable device (such as a fire safety device) in communication with a central controller (such as a fire panel) is provided. The method includes: individually programming configuration data of the remote addressable device in each of the remote addressable devices. The method also includes: identifying the physical location of each of the remote addressable devices at the central controller. The method also includes: transmitting an output signal by a corresponding addressable device in the remote addressable devices, the output signal being modulated to encode the configuration data associated with the corresponding addressable device. The output signal includes at least one of a visual output signal or an audio output signal. The method also includes: receiving the output signal from the corresponding addressable device in the remote addressable devices and demodulating the output signal in a mobile device to extract the configuration data associated with the corresponding addressable device in the remote addressable devices. The method further includes: in response to identifying that the corresponding addressable device is installed at a physical location associated with the corresponding addressable device in the structure, verifying that the corresponding addressable device is installed at a physical location associated with the corresponding addressable device in the structure by determining that the corresponding remote addressable device is appropriately configured and operable to communicate with the central controller.

[0007] By referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, the above features and advantages and other features and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art. Although it is desirable to provide one or more of these or other advantageous features, the teaching disclosed by the present invention extends to those embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they achieve one or more of the above advantages. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description of the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like objects.

[0009] Figure 1 A device verification system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is configured to verify the address and physical location of a remotely addressable device (such as a fire safety device) that communicates with a central controller (such as a fire panel).

[0010] Figure 2 An area with multiple remotely addressable devices is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, allowing a technician to detect signals from the remotely addressable devices using a mobile device.

[0011] Figure 3A remotely addressable device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is individually programmed with unique configuration data, the unique configuration data including an assigned address and an assigned location in a local memory, for transmitting an output signal modulated to encode the unique configuration data, so that the output signal includes at least one of a visual output signal and an audio output signal and also includes a second communication component, a test / beacon mode, a modulation circuit / module including a modulation logic adopted by a processor, a receiver capable of detecting a test / beacon command, and a second tracker module attached to the remotely addressable device.

[0012] Figure 4 A base is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with an existing remotely addressable device mounted thereon, the base including a strobe or visual indicator (e.g., an LED), an audio annunciator, and a first tracker module attached to the base so that the base can be selectively activated.

[0013] Figure 5 A central controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown, the central controller having a database of corresponding configuration data and a first communication component, such that the central controller is configured to send a broadcast message to all remotely addressable devices.

[0014] Figure 6 A mobile device having a verification application or logic, a third communication component, a camera or other visual receiver, and a microphone is shown, the mobile device also including a transmitter capable of transmitting a test / beacon command, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a flow chart of a method of verifying the address and physical location of a remotely addressable device (eg, fire safety device) in communication with a central controller (eg, a fire panel) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 Modulation as a simple asynchronous data sequence according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Fig. 9 Manchester encoding according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Various techniques related to systems and methods for facilitating device authentication mechanisms to authenticate remote addressable devices will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout. In this patent document, the drawings discussed below and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any appropriately arranged device. It should be understood that functionality described as being performed by certain system elements may be performed by multiple elements. Similarly, for example, an element may be configured to perform functionality described as being performed by multiple elements. Various innovative teachings of the present application will be described with reference to exemplary non-limiting embodiments.

[0019] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments, principles and features of the present invention, these embodiments, principles and features are explained below with reference to the implementation in the illustrative embodiments. Specifically, they are described in the context of a device authentication mechanism for authenticating a remotely addressable device. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to use in the described apparatus or method.

[0020] The components and materials described below as making up the various embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many suitable components and materials that will perform the same or similar functions as the materials described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] The following reference Figure 1-Figure 9 These and other embodiments of device authentication mechanisms according to the present disclosure are described. The same reference numerals used in the drawings represent similar or identical elements in the several views. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0022] Regulations governing fire protection systems require visual inspection of all fire and smoke detectors and alarm notification devices in a building system. When these devices are network addressable by a fire panel or other system controller, there is a possibility that the unit will be connected to the system's network but placed in the wrong physical location in the building. This is euphemistically known as the "painter's problem," where a painter removes all devices from their respective cradles, paints the rooms and halls, and then re-places the devices in the wrong cradles. Outlined here are systems and methods for clearly ensuring that corresponding devices are in the correct location (for communication with the appropriate fire panel or other system controller) without requiring additional staff at the fire panel to verify the address and location of a particular device when wireless (cloud) connectivity is unavailable or prohibited.

[0023] Each solution embodiment of the present invention allows for verification of the installation location, device specific configuration data and operational status of a remote addressable device. Another benefit is that some of these solutions may require only one technician or self-reporting to the fire panel without the need for a technician. In the case of only one technician, the solution eliminates the walking between the addressable device and the location of the central controller or fire panel. The solution also brings about a reduction in device verification time and related labor costs.

[0024] Consistent with one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 1 shows a device verification system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device verification system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is configured to verify the address 102(1) and physical location 102(2) of a remote addressable device 105 (such as a fire safety device) that communicates with a central controller 107 (such as a fire panel). For device identification, address plates are installed on all addressable components, indicating the address 102(1) of the remote addressable device 105. The tag can be clearly read when the device 105 is mounted on the ceiling and the reader is at least 2 or 3 feet away from the device 105. For example, the tag is permanent type, with a font height of 24 points, using black font and a white background, and covered with a transparent laminate film. In order to address a remote addressable device 105 (such as a fire alarm device) for a fire alarm system, the numbers on the switches on the detectors and modules represent numbers for identification (addressing). Examples of physical locations 102(2) include (e.g., room 2 floor 1 or area 1) or (e.g., room 10 floor 2 or area 2) in a building.

[0025] The device verification system 100 can be an addressable fire alarm system. An addressable fire alarm system is a system in which all fire and smoke detection devices in the system are connected to each other and communicate with each other and a central control monitoring location. This interconnectivity allows control personnel to identify the location or "address" where the initial detection occurred. In contrast to conventional fire alarm systems that operate by electric current, addressable systems send digital signals in binary code. Addressable devices do not require a loop. They use communication technology that allows multiple devices on a given pair of wires to communicate with a central location via some (usually proprietary) communication protocol. In an addressable system, a device can be removed or disabled and it will not affect other devices in the loop.

[0026] For example, an addressable fire alarm system is one in which all fire and smoke detection devices in the system are connected to each other and communicate with each other and a central control monitoring location. This interconnectivity allows control personnel to identify the location or "address" where the initial detection occurred. This information guides the emergency response team to immediately pinpoint their work to the exact location where the problem occurred. Each detection notification device is connected to each other. In addition, each device is directly connected to a central addressable fire alarm control panel, which continuously sends messages to check the functionality of each instrument. In response, each element returns a report that informs the control panel of its current health. If for any reason, the device does not respond, the control panel indicates the problem at that specific address. A technician authorized by a fire maintenance company can immediately go to the scene, repair or replace the problem device, and solve the problem. Another advantage of an addressable fire alarm system is that the elements can be programmed to respond in a specific way with a specific response. The system can be programmed to create a "cause and effect" response. In large buildings with several floors, wings or lots, it is possible to program alarms at a certain distance from the activated alarm to sound with a delay so that the building can be evacuated in an orderly sequence. Addressable devices do not require loops. They use communication technology that allows multiple devices on a given pair of wires to communicate with a central location via some (usually proprietary) communication protocol. Addressable fire alarm systems allow for regular monitoring of the health of each connected device. The alarm will transmit a signal to indicate a defect or failure of any component. The source of the problem is identifiable by address and can be easily maintained. The ability to self-diagnose and repair ensures that the system will operate correctly when needed. With independently wired alarms, each device must be checked individually to ensure functionality, and neglecting to check can lead to disaster.

[0027] The device authentication system 100 includes a plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 ( 1 -n), each of the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 ( 1 -n) being individually programmed with unique configuration data 110 of a corresponding addressable device 105 in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 ( 1 -n).

[0028] A respective addressable device 105 of the plurality of remote addressable devices 105(1-n) is configured to transmit an output signal 112 modulated to encode unique configuration data 110 associated with the respective addressable device 105. The output signal 112 includes at least one of a visual output signal 112(1) and / or an audio output signal 112(2).

[0029] The device authentication system 100 also includes a mobile device 115 (e.g., any type of portable communication device, such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) that communicates with the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n). The mobile device 115 receives the output signal 112 from the corresponding addressable device 105 of the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n) and demodulates the output signal 112 to extract the unique configuration data 110 associated with the corresponding addressable device 105 of the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n).

[0030] The device verification system 100 also includes a central controller 107 in communication with the plurality of remote addressable devices 105(1-n) and the mobile device 115. The mobile device 115 or the central controller 107 identifies a physical location 102(2) of each of the plurality of remote addressable devices 105(1-n). The mobile device 115 or the central controller 107, in response to verification that the respective remote addressable device 105 is installed at the physical location 102(2) associated with the respective remote addressable device 105 within the structure, further determines that the respective remote addressable device 105 is properly configured and operable to communicate with the central controller 107.

[0031] The device verification system 100 does not require other personnel of the central controller 107 to verify the address and physical location of a particular remotely addressable device among the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 ( 1 -n).

[0032] refer to Figure 2 , which shows an area 200 with several remotely addressable devices 205(1-4) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, allowing a technician 207 to detect signals from the remotely addressable devices 205(1-4) using a mobile device 210. Inside the area 200, there are several remotely addressable devices 205(1-4) that transmit signals. For example, each device 205 transmits an encoded message containing its address and other information as needed. Since the devices 205(1-4) are on a single control circuit associated with a fire panel, these data bursts are sequenced by the control circuit so as not to overlap. The mobile device 210 can selectively focus on a given device based on the direction the mobile device 210 is pointing, and has the ability to transmit optical or audible commands to devices equipped to receive such signals. The response from the optical strobe device may include its candela setting, the response from the horn includes its output setting, etc.

[0033] Reference now Figure 3, which shows that the remote addressable device 300 is individually programmed with its unique configuration data 302, including its assigned address 305(1) and its assigned physical location 305(2) in local memory 307. The remote addressable device 300 is configured to transmit an output signal 310 that is modulated to encode the unique configuration data 302, such that the output signal 310 includes at least one of a visual output signal 310(1) and / or an audio output signal 310(2). The remote addressable device 300 also includes a second communication component 315, a test / beacon mode 317, and a modulation circuit / module 320 that includes modulation logic 322 employed by a processor 325. The modulation logic 322 is employed when the processor 325 of the existing remote addressable device 300 is commanded by the central controller 107 to enter the test / beacon mode 317.

[0034] When in test / beacon mode 317, the processor 325 retrieves configuration data 302 that is unique to an existing remotely addressable device 300 from local memory 307, including the device's assigned address 305(1) and assigned physical location 305(2), and encodes the unique configuration data 302 in a visual output signal 310(1) and / or an audio output signal 310(2) of the existing remotely addressable device 300.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the remotely addressable device 300 also includes a receiver 330 capable of detecting a test / beacon command 335 and a second tracker module 340 attached to the remotely addressable device 300 .

[0036] The "painter's problem" can also be solved by modifying an existing base and existing detector / notification device equipment as described above. In this embodiment, the mobile device can be a mobile phone that includes a device commissioning / location verification application. During the commissioning process, a selectively activated Bluetooth-enabled or RF beacon-enabled tracker module ("TrackerModule") (e.g., a "Tile" commercially available from Tile) is attached to the base for the addressable fire safety device. The remote addressable device has a near-field transmitter / receiver with logic similar to the "Tile app" commercially available from Tile on Google Play and the Apple App Store. As part of the commissioning process, the remote addressable device is paired with the base's tracker module. If a "virgin" addressable device is placed in the base, the device pairs with the base's tracker module and reports its configuration data to a central controller or fire panel. Then, if the same remotely addressable device is removed from its paired base and not replaced in its corresponding base, the device can report a fault to a central controller or fire panel and / or enter a test / beacon mode to signal any technician via a mobile phone with a "commissioning / location verification application" similar to the above technology to notify its configuration data and fault signal. In this embodiment, the mobile phone is used to bridge information between the remotely addressable device and the Tracker Module or tile of the base so that the Tracker / Module or tile attached to the base has the minimum configuration / address ID of the remotely addressable device.

[0037] The "painter's problem" can also be solved by modifying an existing base and existing detector / notification device equipment as described above. After attaching a Tracker Module or "tile" to the base, another Tracker Module or "tile" is attached to the remote addressable device. As part of commissioning the remote addressable device to the base, a "commissioning / location verification application" on the mobile phone pairs the two tiles to correspond to each other so that if they are separated, the mobile phone can display the current location of the remote addressable device and its corresponding base to a technician to replace the remote addressable device to its corresponding base.

[0038] Figure 4 Base 400 is shown having an existing remotely addressable device 405 mounted therein and including a strobe or visual indicator 407 (e.g., an LED) and an audio annunciator 410. Base 400 includes a first tracker module 415 attached thereto so that the base can be selectively activated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] like Figure 5, which shows a central controller 500 having a database 505 of corresponding configuration data 507, a first communication component 510, and a user interface 512, such that the central controller 500 is configured to send a broadcast message 515 to all remote addressable devices 105 (1-n) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, the central controller 500 is configured to send a broadcast message 515 to all remote addressable devices in the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n) to enter a test / beacon mode to "blink" / "pulse out" or modulate the unique data of the corresponding remote addressable device via its visual indicator LED 407 or its audio annunciator 410. The unique configuration data 520 of the corresponding addressable device 105 and the physical location 525 can be stored in the central controller 500.

[0040] For some embodiments, the database 505 of the central controller 500 may be preloaded into the mobile device 115, 210 so that the communication is not required when the technician is away from the central controller 500. For example, the database 505 may be preloaded into the memory component of the mobile device 115, 210 from the central controller 500 or from an external tool (e.g., a PC-based engineering tool).

[0041] like Figure 6 , the figure shows a mobile device 600 having a verification application 605 (e.g., software) or logic, a third communication component 610, a camera or other visual receiver 615, and a microphone 617. The mobile device 600 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention also includes a transmitter 620 capable of transmitting a test / beacon command 335. The mobile device 600 includes a verification application 605 or logic configured to use the camera or other visual receiver 615 of the mobile device to receive a modulated visual output signal 625 from a remotely addressable device in a plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 (1-n) and demodulate the modulated visual output signal to extract encoded unique configuration data 630 associated with the remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 (1-n).

[0042] The mobile device has a third communication component 610 and a microphone 617, so that the mobile device utilizes the verification application 615 or logic to use the microphone 617 of the mobile device to receive a modulated audio output signal 625 from a remotely addressable device among multiple remotely addressable devices 105 (1-n) and demodulate the modulated audio output signal 625 to extract the encoded unique configuration data 630 associated with the remotely addressable device among the multiple remotely addressable devices 105 (1-n).

[0043] The mobile device 600 can compare the extracted encoded unique configuration data 630 emitted by the remote addressable device 105 with a database 635 of corresponding configuration data for each of a plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n) to identify and verify the remote addressable device 105 based on a comparison between a detected address and an expected address and / or a detected location and an expected location, thereby indicating a configuration difference or device defect on the mobile device 600.

[0044] like Figure 3 As described, the corresponding remote addressable device 300 includes a receiver 330 capable of detecting a test / beacon command 335. The receiver 330 can be one of an audio sensor or a light sensor. The mobile device 600 includes a transmitter 620 capable of transmitting the test / beacon command 335 to cause the corresponding remote addressable device 300 to enter the test / beacon mode 317. The transmitter 620 can be one of an audio source or a light source.

[0045] The mobile device 600 includes a device commissioning / location verification application, such as a verification application 615 or logic. During the commissioning process, the first tracker module 415, which is Bluetooth-enabled or RF beacon-enabled, may be selectively activated when the first tracker module 415 is attached to the base 400 of a remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n). Optionally, the second tracker module 340 is attached to a remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n).

[0046] The mobile device 600 or central controller 500 identifies the authentication by: (a) receiving the authentication from the mobile device 600, (b) detecting the authentication in the user interface 512 of the central controller 500, or (c) determining the authentication based on the unique configuration data 520 of the corresponding addressable device 105 and the physical location 525 stored in the central controller 500.

[0047] exist Figure 7 , which shows a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprising: verifying the address and physical location of a remotely addressable device (fire safety device) communicating with a central controller (such as a fire panel). Figure 1-Figure 6 It should be understood that some steps do not need to be performed in any particular order and some steps are optional.

[0048] The method 700 includes step 705 of individually programming configuration data (110, 302, 507, 520, 630) of a plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n) in each remote addressable device in the plurality of remote addressable devices. The method 700 also includes step 710 of identifying, at a central controller 500, a physical location (102(2), 305(2), 525) of each remote addressable device in the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n). The method 700 also includes step 715 of transmitting, by a corresponding addressable device in the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n), an output signal (112, 310) modulated to encode the configuration data (110, 302, 507, 520, 630) associated with the corresponding addressable device. The output signal (112, 310) includes at least one of a visual output signal or an audio output signal. The method 700 further includes step 720 of receiving, in the mobile device 600, an output signal (112, 310) from a corresponding addressable device in the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n) and demodulating the output signal (112, 310) to extract configuration data (110, 302, 507, 520, 630) associated with the corresponding addressable device in the plurality of remote addressable devices 105 (1-n). The method 700 further includes step 725 of verifying that the corresponding addressable device is installed in the physical location (102(2), 305(2), 525) associated with the corresponding addressable device in the structure by determining that the corresponding remote addressable device is properly configured and operable to communicate with the central controller 500.

[0049] The method 700 also includes providing a base 400 in which an existing remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n) is mounted and includes a strobe or visual indicator (e.g., an LED) or an audio annunciator. The method 700 also includes providing a test / beacon mode 320 and a modulation circuit / module in an existing remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n) such that it includes modulation logic employed when a processor of the existing remotely addressable device is commanded by the central controller 500 to enter the test / beacon mode 320.

[0050] The method 700 further includes, while in the test / beacon mode 320, retrieving from the local memory 307 of an existing remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n) its unique configuration data, the unique configuration data being unique to the existing remotely addressable device, including its assigned address 305(1) and its assigned physical location 305(2). The method 700 further includes, encoding the unique configuration data (110, 302, 507, 520, 630) in a visual output signal or an audio output signal of the existing remotely addressable device. The method 700 further includes, verifying the address and location of a particular remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n) without requiring additional personnel at the central controller 500.

[0051] The method 700 also includes providing a camera or other visual receiver for the mobile device 600. The method 700 also includes providing a microphone for the mobile device 600. The method 700 also includes providing a visual device and / or an audio device for a remotely addressable device in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105(1-n).

[0052] The method 700 also includes causing the central controller 500 to send a broadcast message 515 to all remotely addressable devices in the plurality of remotely addressable devices 105 (1-n), thereby entering a test / beacon mode to "flash" / "pulse output" or modulate unique data of the corresponding remotely addressable device via its visual indicator LED or its audio annunciator.

[0053] During normal operation, the device 105 polling the LED will only flash when the device has uniquely received its address from the corresponding fire panel. This behavior can be enhanced so that the light emitted by the polling LED is encoded with the address and other information of the corresponding device. Under normal system supervision, the interval between LED flashes is longer, approximately equal to the number of devices in the circuit multiplied by 250ms. On a fully utilized circuit of a fire panel, the LED will only flash once in about a minute. If the mobile device has the ability to focus on a single device, a test operation is initiated in which the panel places the devices in a given circuit in a mode in which the LED of each device communicating with the circuit network will transmit its data every 250ms on each data polling frame. The latter technique improves efficiency, but either method can be used for the purpose of collecting data.

[0054] The mobile device can receive and decode data from the LED light emitted by the device modulated with a predetermined frequency / coding key. Using the decoded data, the mobile device has program logic for: (1) determining the device address from the decoded data; (2) prompting the user of the current location; (3) checking the address and location lookup table to determine whether the address from the device corresponds to an associated predetermined location. If not, the device marks all devices that are not associated with the user-recognized location (e.g., in the wrong room).

[0055] The remote addressable device 105(ln) has a polling LED as a "sign of life" indicator. Typically, this LED performs a dim, rapid flash that simply indicates that the device has heard and spoken to the fire panel. If the current drive to this LED is increased, it can be modulated by the device processor to encode data that can be detected by external devices but is not observable by humans. This data can be the physical device serial number, or the address assigned to the remote addressable device by the fire panel.

[0056] The modulation can be Figure 8 A simple asynchronous data sequence is shown. However, this type of modulation suffers from the duty cycle problem. For example, in the case of a series of all zeros, the LED will only light up for one cell, the start bit. If the series is all ones, the LED will remain on for eight cell cycles, resulting in a cumulative illumination difference of 1 to 8, ranging from barely visible to too bright. For this reason, this simple approach is not desirable for the proposed technique.

[0057] Manchester Code Fig. 9 . A Manchester encoded data stream or a more complex FM / FSK modulation on a high frequency carrier has a duty cycle very close to 50% at all times. A slight flicker can be perceived, it will not be as intense as an asynchronous signal. Combined with a short duration in background identification mode, this will allow these devices to constantly transmit their addresses as beacons via their corresponding polling LEDs.

[0058] Because the duration and brightness of the LEDs may be disruptive to occupants in the environment, in some embodiments, this mode of operation may be optional. This mode is commanded by the fire panel to begin at the start of an inspection session and continue until the session ends.

[0059] Notification devices provide other signal sources, such as horns, speakers, or LED strobes. As previously discussed, the same form of signal encoding can be used for these sources, but the power and control interfaces may limit the amount of data that can be transmitted.

[0060] Next in this paragraph is described bidirectional communication as used in at least one embodiment. As contemplated, the notification device has a microphone and a photodiode primarily for self-test functions. However, these sensors can also be used to receive signals from external devices, thereby allowing the notification device (NA) to receive commands. The signal can originate from a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a dedicated device, or a combination of both.

[0061] Next in this paragraph is described the ID for commands as used in at least one embodiment. If the device can receive commands, the identification sequence is not continuous and can respond to inquiries from the mobile device. This will reduce the annoyance of continuous audible sounds or flashing lights.

[0062] For audible communication, existing speakers within smartphones may prove to be too weak, depending on the acoustic properties of the location. Additionally, standalone smartphones may not be able to converge on a single device.

[0063] Although audio and visual communication are described herein, the present invention also contemplates a range of one or more other types of communication. For example, other forms of communication may be implemented based on one or more features presented above without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0064] The techniques described herein may be particularly useful for fire safety systems installed in building systems. Although specific embodiments are described with respect to fire safety systems, the techniques described herein are not limited to such systems, but may also be used with other equipment verification systems.

[0065] While the embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in exemplary forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions and deletions are possible, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims and their equivalents.

[0066] The embodiments and their different features and advantageous details are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the following description. Descriptions of well-known starting materials, processing techniques, components and equipment are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments, are given only by way of illustration, not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and / or rearrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0067] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, article, or apparatus.

[0068] In addition, any examples or explanations given herein should not be considered in any way as a restriction, limitation or illustrative limitation of any term or terms used in them. Instead, these examples or explanations should be considered as being described relative to a specific embodiment and are merely illustrative. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that any term or terms used in these examples or explanations will cover other embodiments that may or may not be given with them or elsewhere in this specification, and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the term or terms.

[0069] In the foregoing description, the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the description and the accompanying drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described with respect to its specific embodiments, these embodiments are only illustrative, not limiting the present invention. The description of the embodiments of the present invention shown here is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed herein (and specifically, including any specific embodiments, features or functions is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to such embodiments, features or functions). On the contrary, the description is intended to describe illustrative embodiments, features and functions, so as to provide context for those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present invention, without limiting the present invention to any specifically described embodiments, features or functions. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present invention are described herein only for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, as will be recognized and understood by those skilled in the relevant art. As noted, these modifications can be made to the present invention according to the aforementioned description of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention and are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention is described herein with reference to the specific embodiments of the present invention, the scope of modifications, various changes and substitutions is intended to be in the aforementioned disclosure, and it will be understood that in some cases, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth, certain features of the embodiments of the present invention will be adopted without corresponding use of other features. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention.

[0071] Throughout this specification, the corresponding appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment," or similar terms in different places do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the specific features, structures, or characteristics of any particular embodiment may be combined with one or more other embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are considered to be part of the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0072] In the description of the present invention, many specific details are provided, such as examples of parts and / or methods, so as to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or with other devices, systems, assemblies, methods, parts, materials, parts and / or the like. In other examples, known structures, parts, systems, materials or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid blurring the various aspects of embodiments of the present invention. Although the present invention can be illustrated by using specific embodiments, this is not and does not limit the present invention to any specific embodiment, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments are easily understood and are a part of the present invention.

[0073] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements depicted in the drawings / illustrations may also be implemented in a more separate or integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in some cases, as may be useful depending on the particular application.

[0074] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the described benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any components that may make any benefit, advantage, or solution occur or become more significant are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a plurality of remotely addressable devices, each remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices being individually programmed with configuration data of a corresponding addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices, wherein the respective one of the plurality of remotely addressable devices transmits an output signal modulated to encode the configuration data associated with the respective addressable device, wherein the output signal comprises at least one of a visual output signal or an audio output signal; a mobile device in communication with the plurality of remotely addressable devices, the mobile device receiving the output signal from the corresponding one of the plurality of remotely addressable devices and demodulating the output signal to extract the configuration data associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of remotely addressable devices; and a central controller that communicates with the plurality of remote addressable devices, the mobile device or the central controller identifying a physical location of each of the plurality of remote addressable devices, and the mobile device or the central controller also determining that the respective remote addressable device is appropriately configured and operable to communicate with the central controller in response to verification identifying that the respective remote addressable device is installed at the physical location associated with the respective remote addressable device in the structure.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A base in which an existing remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices is mounted and includes a strobe or visual indicator (eg, LED) or an audio annunciator.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The existing remotely addressable device among the plurality of remotely addressable devices includes a test / beacon mode and a modulation circuit / module including modulation logic employed when a processor of the existing remotely addressable device is commanded by the central controller to enter the test / beacon mode.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: When in the test / beacon mode, the processor retrieves unique configuration data unique to the existing remote addressable device from a local memory, including an assigned address of the existing remote addressable device and an assigned location of the existing remote addressable device, and encodes the unique configuration data in a visual output signal or an audio output signal of the existing remote addressable device.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The system does not require other personnel of the central controller to verify the address and location of a particular remotely addressable device among the plurality of remotely addressable devices.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The central controller has a first communication component, the plurality of remotely addressable devices each include the processor, the local memory, a second communication component, and the mobile device has a third communication component and a camera or other visual receiver, Wherein, the mobile device includes a verification application or logic, which is configured to use a camera or other visual receiver of the mobile device to receive a modulated visual output signal from a remotely addressable device among the multiple remotely addressable devices, and demodulate the modulated visual output signal to extract encoded unique configuration data associated with the remotely addressable device among the multiple remotely addressable devices.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The mobile device has a third communication component and a microphone, wherein the mobile device includes a verification application or logic, which is configured to use the microphone of the mobile device to receive a modulated audio output signal from a remotely addressable device among the multiple remotely addressable devices, and demodulate the modulated audio output signal to extract encoded unique configuration data associated with the remotely addressable device among the multiple remotely addressable devices.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The mobile device is capable of comparing the extracted encoded unique configuration data emitted by the remote addressable device with a database of corresponding configuration data for each of the multiple remote addressable devices to identify and verify the remote addressable device based on a comparison between the detected address and the expected address and / or the detected location and the expected location, thereby indicating a configuration difference or device defect on the mobile device.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The central controller is configured to send a broadcast message to all of the plurality of remotely addressable devices to enter a test / beacon mode, thereby "flashing" / "pulsing" or modulating unique data of the corresponding remotely addressable device via an indicator LED of the corresponding remotely addressable device or an audio annunciator of the corresponding remotely addressable device.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein: the respective remotely addressable device comprising a receiver capable of detecting a test / beacon command, the receiver being one of an audio sensor or a light sensor; and The mobile device includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the test / beacon command to cause the corresponding remotely addressable device to enter the test / beacon mode, the transmitter being one of an audio source or a light source.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The mobile device includes a device commissioning / location verification application such that a first Bluetooth enabled or RF beacon enabled tracker module can be selectively activated when attached to a base of the remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices during a commissioning process, Wherein a second tracker module is attached to the remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The mobile device or the central controller identifies the verification by: (a) receiving the verification from the mobile device, (b) detecting the verification at a user interface of the central controller, or (c) determining the verification based on the configuration data of the corresponding addressable device and the physical location stored in the central controller.

13. A method comprising: individually programming, in each of a plurality of remotely addressable devices, configuration data for the plurality of remotely addressable devices; identifying, at the central controller, a physical location of each of the plurality of remotely addressable devices; transmitting, by a respective addressable device of the plurality of remote addressable devices, an output signal modulated to encode the configuration data associated with the respective addressable device, wherein the output signal comprises at least one of a visual output signal or an audio output signal; In a mobile device, receiving the output signal from the corresponding one of the plurality of remotely addressable devices and demodulating the output signal to extract the configuration data associated with the corresponding one of the plurality of remotely addressable devices; and In response to verification identifying that the corresponding addressable device is installed in the physical location associated with the corresponding addressable device in the structure, verifying that the corresponding addressable device is installed in the physical location associated with the corresponding addressable device in the structure by determining that the corresponding remote addressable device is appropriately configured and capable of operating to communicate with the central controller.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: A base is provided in which an existing remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices is mounted and includes a strobe or visual indicator (eg, LED) or an audio annunciator.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: A test / beacon mode and a modulation circuit / module are provided in the existing remote addressable device among the multiple remote addressable devices, so that the existing remote addressable device includes a modulation logic adopted when the processor of the existing remote addressable device is commanded by the central controller to enter the test / beacon mode.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: while in the test / beacon mode, retrieving from a local memory of the existing remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices unique configuration data unique to the existing remotely addressable device, including an assigned address of the existing remotely addressable device and an assigned position of the existing remotely addressable device; as well as The unique configuration data is encoded in the visual output signal or the audio output signal of the existing remotely addressable device.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: The address and location of a particular remotely addressable device among the plurality of remotely addressable devices is verified without requiring additional personnel at the central controller.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: The mobile device is provided with a camera or other visual receiver.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: The mobile device is provided with a microphone.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: A visual device and / or an audio device is provided for the remotely addressable device of the plurality of remotely addressable devices.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising: Cause the central controller to send a broadcast message to all of the plurality of remotely addressable devices to enter the test / beacon mode, thereby "flashing" / "pulsing" or modulating unique data of the corresponding remotely addressable device via a visual indicator LED of the corresponding remotely addressable device or an audio annunciator of the corresponding remotely addressable device.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein: the respective remotely addressable device comprising a receiver capable of detecting a test / beacon command, the receiver being one of an audio sensor or a light sensor; and The mobile device includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the test / beacon command to cause the corresponding remotely addressable device to enter the test / beacon mode, the transmitter being one of an audio source or a light source.

23. The method of claim 13, further comprising: A device commissioning / location verification application is provided such that during a commissioning process, a first Bluetooth-enabled or RF-beacon-enabled tracker module can be selectively activated when attached to a base of the remotely addressable device among the plurality of remotely addressable devices, wherein a second tracker module is attached to the remotely addressable device among the plurality of remotely addressable devices.

24. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The mobile device or the central controller identifies the verification by: (a) receiving the verification from the mobile device, (b) detecting the verification at a user interface of the central controller, or (c) determining the verification based on the configuration data of the corresponding addressable device and the physical location stored in the central controller.

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