Panel monitoring system

Abstract

A panel monitoring system (10) for a wall assembly (100) that includes a panel (200) and a panel support column (300). The panel (200) is located at the installation position of the panel supporting column (300). The panel monitoring system (10) includes a panel position sensor unit (400) for generating panel status identification information (410). The panel status identification information (410) may include a disengagement signal (412) generated in response to disengagement of the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) from its mounting position on the panel support post (300) and / or an engagement signal (414) generated in response to placement of the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) on its mounting position on the panel support post (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a panel monitoring system.

[0002] In particular, the present disclosure relates to a panel monitoring system for a wall assembly. Background Art

[0003] Panel walls (e.g., walls composed of a series of connected panels) can be used in a variety of ways, such as forming barriers around equipment, defining pathways through a specific space, and dividing a workspace into different areas. Panel walls can be provided with doors that allow access through them and can be locked to control access. These doors can even be equipped with alarms to indicate if they have been opened.

[0004] In the example of a wall surrounding equipment or storage areas, the panels could be damaged if, for example, a vehicle backing into them or debris from equipment struck them. They could then be removed and replaced. However, removing the panels could present problems, such as the risk of users walking through the wall (e.g., if the wall surrounds hazardous equipment) or the potential safety risks associated with removing the panels (e.g., if the wall surrounds an area where goods are stored). Furthermore, the panels, once removed and replaced, could mask any signs that the integrity of the wall assembly has been compromised.

[0005] Therefore, there is a significant need for a system that can monitor the panels of a wall assembly to indicate whether they have been removed and / or replaced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure there is provided a panel monitoring system and a wall assembly as described in the accompanying claims. Further features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0007] According to the present invention, a panel monitoring system (10) for a wall assembly (100) is provided. The wall assembly (100) includes a panel (200) and a panel support column (300), wherein the panel (200) is located at a mounting position on the panel support column (300). The panel monitoring system (10) includes a panel position sensor unit (400) for generating panel status identification information (410), wherein the panel status identification information includes one or more of the following: a detachment signal (412) in response to the panel (200) in the wall assembly (100) being detached from its mounting position on the panel support column (300); and an engagement signal (414) in response to the panel (200) in the wall assembly (100) being engaged with the panel support column (300) at its mounting position.

[0008] The panel position sensor unit (400) generates a disengagement signal (412) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and the panel support column (300) to remove the panel (200) from the panel support column (300).

[0009] The panel position sensor unit (400) generates an engagement signal (414) in response to the detected relative movement between the panel (200) and the panel support column (300) in the mounted position of the panel (200) on the panel support column (300).

[0010] The panel monitoring system (10) further includes a signal processing unit (500) for receiving and processing the panel status identification information (410).

[0011] The panel monitoring system (10) may record the panel status identification information (410) in a panel status identification information data set (416).

[0012] The panel monitoring system (10) may generate a panel status identification information dataset (416) report.

[0013] The panel monitoring system (10) may record the time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal (412) and / or engagement signal (414) in a panel status indicator information data set (416).

[0014] The panel monitoring system (10) can identify the panel identification mark (12) set on the panel (200), generate a panel identification signal (14), and record the panel identification signal (14) in a panel status identification information data set (416).

[0015] The panel monitoring system (10) further includes an alarm signal generator (600) for receiving panel status identification information (410) from the panel position sensor unit (400) and generating an alarm signal (602) in response to the panel status identification information (410).

[0016] The alarm signal generator (600) may generate an alarm signal (602), wherein the alarm signal (602) includes one or more of the following:

[0017] a. removing the alarm signal (604) in response to the detachment signal (412);

[0018] b. a lost panel alarm signal (606) when no engagement signal (414) is received after a predetermined amount of time; and

[0019] c. Repeat the panel loss alarm signal (608) until the engagement signal (414) is received.

[0020] The panel monitoring system (10) further includes an audible alarm (700) and / or an electronic visual instrument (702) for responding to the alarm signal (602) received from the alarm signal generator (600).

[0021] The audible alarm (700) and / or electronic visual instrument (702) may generate different outputs for each type of alarm signal (602).

[0022] The panel monitoring system (10) may record the or each alarm signal (602) in a panel status identification information data set (416).

[0023] The panel monitoring system (10) of claim 13, wherein the panel monitoring system (10) is operable to record the time (T) and date (D) of the or each alarm signal (602) in the panel status identification information dataset (416).

[0024] The panel position sensor unit (400) includes a switch unit (420) that generates panel status identification information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) relative to its installation position.

[0025] The panel position sensor unit (400) includes a proximity sensor (422) that generates panel status identification information (410) in response to a change in the proximity of the panel (200) relative to its installation position.

[0026] The panel position sensor unit (400) includes an accelerometer (424) and can generate panel status identification information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) in a predetermined direction.

[0027] The panel position sensor unit (400) includes a light sensor (426) and is operable to generate panel status identification information (410) in response to a detected change in the intensity of light received by the light sensor (426).

[0028] The panel monitoring system (10) comprises a housing unit (20) in which a signal processor unit (500) and an alarm signal generator (600) are arranged; the housing unit (20) is mounted on a panel support column (300) and is spaced apart from a panel position sensor unit (400).

[0029] The signal processing unit (500) may generate a shutdown signal (502) in response to receiving the disengagement signal (412).

[0030] A panel monitoring system (10) can monitor a plurality of panels (200) in a wall assembly (100).

[0031] The present disclosure also provides a wall assembly (100) comprising a panel (200) and a panel support column (300), wherein the wall assembly (100) includes the panel monitoring system (10) according to the present disclosure.

[0032] The housing unit (20) of the panel monitoring system (10) can be mounted on a first position (310) on a panel support column (300), and the panel position sensor unit (400) can be mounted on a second position (320) on the panel support column (300) and / or on the panel (200), wherein the first position (310) is spaced apart from the second position (320).

[0033] The signal processor unit (500) can be mounted on the panel support column (300) at a first position (310), and the panel position sensor unit (400) can be mounted on the panel support column (300) at a second position (320) and / or on the panel (200), wherein the first position (310) is spaced apart from the second position (320).

[0034] An audible alarm (700) and / or an electronic visual instrument (702) may be mounted to the panel support column (300).

[0035] Accordingly, a system is provided that is capable of monitoring panels in a wall assembly and identifying whether the panels have been removed and / or replaced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a plan view of an example of a wall assembly 100 including a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a wall assembly 100 (or a portion thereof) including a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 3 is a front view of a wall assembly 100 (or a portion thereof) including a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4 The components of the panel monitoring system 10, the signals generated, and the data stored / reported are shown;

[0041] Figures 5 to 7 An exemplary process for removing a panel from a wall assembly 100 is shown;

[0042] Figures 8 to 10An example of the process of positioning / installing panels to the wall assembly 100 is shown; and

[0043] Figure 11 、 Figure 12 A front view of the wall assembly 100 is shown with panels removed / installed.

[0044] For the avoidance of doubt, the drawings provide schematic representations of examples of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure relates to a panel monitoring system 10 for a wall assembly 100. The present disclosure also relates to a wall assembly 100 having the panel monitoring system 10.

[0046] Figure 1 A plan view of an example of a wall assembly 100 with a panel monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The wall assembly 100 includes panels 200 and panel support columns 300. In the example shown, the wall assembly 100 includes a plurality of panels 200 and a plurality of panel support columns 300. The plurality of panel support columns 300 are spaced apart from each other, wherein a panel 200 spans the gap between each pair of adjacent panel support columns 300. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the wall assembly 100 extends from a fixed wall 1000 (e.g., a fixed / structural portion of a building) and surrounds the equipment 900. For example, the wall assembly 100 can restrict access to the equipment 900 or protect the equipment 900 within the area defined by the wall assembly 100. That is, the wall assembly 100 includes a plurality of panels 200 and panel support columns 300, which are arranged to form a wall 800 that provides controlled access to an area (e.g., an area housing the equipment 900). For example, the equipment 900 can be a welding cell or machining equipment, and the wall assembly 100 can serve as a barrier between the equipment 900 and anyone or anything passing through the wall assembly 100. However, the wall assembly 100 can be configured in any shape or configuration, such as a walkway through an area, or extending all the way around an area (e.g., a work area in a warehouse).

[0047] Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 12A portion of a wall assembly 100 is shown, namely a panel 200 spanning the space between two panel support columns 300. The wall assembly 100 may include at least one panel support column 300 and one panel 200. The wall assembly 100 may include multiple panel support columns 300 and multiple panels 200. The panel monitoring system 10 may monitor one or more panels 200 in the wall assembly 100. In other words, the features of the panel monitoring system 10 may be replicated / repeated for each wall assembly 100 including each panel 200 and panel support column 300, wherein the panel status identification information dataset 416 includes data for some or all of the panels 200 and panel support columns 300 in the wall assembly.

[0048] In the figures, panel 200 is rectangular, but may have any suitable shape and / or configuration.

[0049] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 As shown, the panel 200 is located at the installation position on the panel support column 300. That is, the panel 200 is installed / fixed to (ie, located on) the panel support column 300. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figures 5 to 10 In the example shown, the panel 200 is mounted (eg, fixed) to two panel support columns 300. In other examples (eg, Figure 11 、 12 As shown in FIG, the panel 200 may be mounted on only one panel support column 300 .

[0050] In the example shown, the status of the panel 200 in the panel monitoring system 10 is monitored by a key element of the panel monitoring system 10 located on one of the panel support columns 300. Thus, the panel support columns 300 located on either side of the panel 200 may be substantially identical, and both panel support columns 300 may support the panel 200, and monitoring of the or each panel 200 may be accomplished using only one panel support column 300 (which is provided by the panel support column 300). Figure 3 The panel support column 300 is shown in dashed lines to indicate its relevance to the installation of the panel 200 rather than the monitoring of the panel 200).

[0051] In other examples, elements of the panel monitoring system 10 may be located in the panel support columns 300 or on either side of the panel 200 .

[0052] In other examples, elements of the panel monitoring system 10 may be located in an area remote from the panels 200 and / or panel support columns 300 in the wall assembly 100. For example, the signal processor unit 500 and the alarm signal generator 600 (described below) that form part of the panel monitoring system 10 may be located in a control room for remote monitoring.

[0053] Figure 4 The features of the panel monitoring system 10 , the signals generated, and the data stored / reported are shown, as described below.

[0054] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the panel monitoring system 10 includes a panel position sensor unit 400. In the example shown, the panel position sensor unit 400 is located on / in the panel support column 300. The panel monitoring system 10 also includes a signal processor unit 500. Figure 2 As shown, the panel position sensor unit 400 can generate panel status identification information 410. Figure 2 As shown by the dotted line in FIG, the signal processor unit 500 can receive the panel status identification information 410. The panel status identification information 410 can be transmitted between the panel position sensor unit 400 and the signal processor unit 500 via a cable (eg, wired or optical fiber) and / or wirelessly.

[0055] The panel position sensor unit 400 may generate panel status indicator information 410 including a detachment signal 412 in response to a panel 200 in the wall assembly 100 being detached from its mounted position on the panel support column 300. The panel position sensor unit 400 may generate the detachment signal 412 in response to a detected relative movement between the panel 200 and the panel support column 300, which causes the panel 200 to be removed from the panel support column 300. The relative movement between the panel 200 and the panel support column 300, which causes the panel 200 to be removed from the panel support column 300, may include the panel 200 moving along the panel support column 300 (e.g., lifting relative to the panel support column 300) (e.g., Figure 5 、 6 and Figure 11 、 12 The relative movement between the panel 200 and the panel support column 300 to remove the panel 200 from the panel support column 300 includes separation and spacing of the panel 200 from the panel support column 300 (as shown). Figure 7 shown).

[0056] Optionally, the panel position sensor unit 400 may generate the panel status identification information 410 including the engagement signal 414 in response to the panel 200 in the wall assembly 100 being placed (i.e., engaged, installed, positioned) in the installation position on the panel support column 300. The panel position sensor unit 400 may generate the engagement signal 414 in response to the detected relative movement between the panel 200 and the panel support column 300 in which the panel 200 is placed in the installation position on the panel support column 300. The relative movement between the panel 200 and the panel support column 300 (which indicates that the panel 200 is placed (i.e., engaged, installed, positioned) in the installation position on the panel support column 300) may include the panel 200 moving along the panel support column 300 (e.g., lowering relative to the panel support column 300) (e.g., lowering relative to the panel support column 300). Figure 9 、 10 and Figure 12 、 11 The relative movement between the panel 200 and the panel support column 300 to place the panel 200 in the installation position on the panel support column 300 includes a movement that brings the panel 200 close to and / or in contact with the panel support column 300 (e.g. Figure 8 shown).

[0057] The signal processing unit 500 is configured to process the panel status identification information 410. That is, the signal processing unit 500 may execute an action / instruction based on the panel status identification information 410.

[0058] The panel monitoring system 10 may record the panel status identification information 410 in a panel status identification information dataset 416. That is, the panel monitoring system 10 includes a memory storage device or communicates with a memory storage device, and the panel status identification information 410 is recorded in the memory storage device to generate the panel status identification information dataset 416.

[0059] The panel monitoring system 10 can generate a report of the panel status identification information dataset 416. For example, the panel monitoring system 10 can display and / or transmit the panel status identification information dataset 416 for review by a user and / or another monitoring system. For example, the panel monitoring system 10 can transmit the panel status identification information dataset 416 to a remote station (e.g., a computer, a server, a mobile terminal) for user review and attention.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the panel monitoring system 10 may record the time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal 412 and / or engagement signal 414 in the panel status identification information dataset 416. In other words, the panel monitoring system 10 may record the time (T) and date (D) of the occurrence / generation of the disengagement signal 412 and / or engagement signal 414 in the panel status indicator information dataset 416.

[0061] The panel 200 includes a panel identification 12, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The panel identification 12 may be attached to or located within the panel 200. The panel identification 12 includes information identifying the type of panel 200 and / or the specific panel 200 (e.g., a unique identification number, a part number, and / or a serial number). The panel monitoring system 10 may record the panel identification 12 provided on the panel 200, generate a panel identification signal 14, and record the panel identification signal 14 in the panel status identification information dataset 416. Thus, the panel identification 12 and the panel identification signal 14 may be used to create and record information indicating that a panel 200 in the wall assembly 100 has been moved and whether the reinserted panel 200 is the same as the removed panel.

[0062] The panel monitoring system 10 further includes an alarm signal generator 600, which can receive the panel status identification information 410 from the panel position sensor unit 400 and generate an alarm signal 602 in response to the panel status identification information 410. The alarm signal generator 600 can receive the panel status identification information 410 from the panel position sensor unit 400 via the signal processor unit 500 and generate the alarm signal 602 in response to the panel status identification information 410.

[0063] The alarm signal generator 600 generates alarm signals 602 including a removal alarm signal 604 in response to the disengagement signal 412, a missing panel alarm signal 606 in response if the engagement signal 414 is not received after a predetermined amount of time, and / or a missing panel alarm signal 608 that repeats until the engagement signal 414 is received.

[0064] The alarm signal generator 600 may generate the missing panel alarm signal 606 if the engage signal 414 is not received after a predetermined amount of time from the time the disengage signal 412 is generated.

[0065] The alarm signal generator 600 may generate repeated panel missing alarm signals 608 after having generated the disengage signal 412 until the engage signal 414 is received.

[0066] The panel monitoring system 10 also includes an audible alarm 700 and / or an electronic visual instrument 702 (eg, a light source such as an LED (light emitting diode) or an LED array) to respond to the alarm signal 602 received from the alarm signal generator 600 .

[0067] The audible alarm 700 and / or the electronic visual meter 702 can generate different outputs for each type of alarm signal 602. For example, the audible alarm 700 can generate a different sound for each type of alarm signal 602. For example, the electronic visual meter 702 can generate a different light pattern (e.g., if using LEDs) for each type of alarm signal 602.

[0068] The panel monitoring system 10 may record the alarm signal 602, or each alarm signal 602 (e.g., the removed alarm signal 604 signal, the missing panel alarm signal 606, and / or the repeated missing panel alarm signal 608), in the panel state identification information dataset 416. In other words, the panel monitoring system 10 may record the occurrence, or each occurrence, of the alarm signal 602 (e.g., the removed alarm signal 604 signal, the missing panel alarm signal 606, and / or the repeated missing panel alarm signal 608) in the panel state identification information dataset 416.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the panel monitoring system 10 may record the time (T) and date (D) of occurrence of the or each alarm signal 602 in the panel status identification information dataset 416 .

[0070] The signal processor unit 500 can generate a shutdown signal 502 in response to the received disengagement signal 412. For example, if the panel 200 is at least partially moved relative to its panel support column 300, the shutdown signal 502 can be a command to shut down the device 900. The shutdown signal 502 includes an alert to prompt a user to shut down the device 900.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the panel position sensor unit 400 includes a switch unit 420, and the switch unit 420 can generate panel status identification information 410 in response to the panel 200 moving relative to its installation position. That is, the panel position sensor unit 400 includes a switch unit 420, and the switch unit 420 can generate panel status identification information 410 in response to the movement of the panel 200. The movement of the panel 200 can be the movement of the panel 200 relative to its installation position along the length L of the panel support column 300 (for example, relative longitudinal movement in the direction of the length L), as shown in FIG. Figures 5 and 6 The changes in position shown, such as Figures 9 and 10 and Figure 11 、 Figure 12The switch unit 420 can be a physical switch 420 (e.g., responsive to contact between the switch 420 and the panel 200), a magnetic switch 420 (e.g., responsive to a magnetic connection between the panel support column 300 and a magnetic element in the panel 200), or an electronic connection (e.g., responsive to a change in an electrical circuit between a panel support column 300 and a conductive element in the panel 200).

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the panel position sensor unit 400 includes a proximity sensor 422 that can generate panel status identification information 410 in response to changes in the proximity of the panel 200 relative to its installation position. For example, if the sensor senses that the distance between the proximity sensor 422 and the panel 200 has increased, it means that the panel 200 has been removed from the panel support column 300 (or is in the process of being removed). Conversely, if the proximity sensor 422 senses that the distance between the proximity sensor 422 and the panel 200 has decreased, it means that the panel 200 has been installed on the panel support column 300 (or is in the process of being installed on the panel support column 300).

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the panel position sensor unit 400 includes an accelerometer 424, which can generate panel status identification information 410 in response to movement of the panel 200 in a predetermined direction. For example, if the accelerometer 424 senses "upward" movement (e.g., in the length direction L), it means that the panel 200 has been removed from the panel support column 300 (or is in the process of being removed). Conversely, if the accelerometer 424 senses "downward" movement (e.g., in the length direction L), it means that the panel 200 has been installed on the panel support column 300 (or is in the process of being installed on the panel support column 300).

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the panel position sensor unit 400 may include a light sensor 426, which may generate panel status identification information 410 in response to changes in the intensity of light received by the light sensor 426. For example, when the detected light increases, it means that the panel 200 has been removed from the panel support column 300 (or is in the process of being removed). Conversely, when the detected light decreases, it means that the panel 200 has been installed on the panel support column 300 (or is in the process of being installed on the panel support column 300).

[0075] As shown in the figure, the panel monitoring system 10 includes a housing unit 20. A signal processing unit 500 and an alarm signal generator 600 are disposed in the housing unit 20. An audible alarm 700 and / or an electronic visual meter 702 are also disposed in the housing unit 20. Alternatively, the audible alarm 700 and / or the electronic visual meter 702 may be disposed on a distal side of the housing unit 20, for example, near the wall assembly 100, on the panel 200, or on a display unit distal to the wall assembly 100.

[0076] As shown, the housing unit 20 is mounted on the panel support column 300 and spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit 400. That is, the housing unit 20 is mounted on the panel support column 300 and spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit 400 along the length L of the panel support column 300. The housing unit 20 can be located at one end of the panel support column 300. Therefore, when the panel support column 300 is vertical (as shown in the figure), the housing unit 20 can be located at the top of the supporting panel support column 300. One housing unit 20 can be mounted on each panel support column 300, and each housing unit 20 is dedicated to the adjacent panel 200.

[0077] Therefore, the housing unit 20 of the panel monitoring system 10 can be mounted at a first position 310 on the panel support column 300, and the panel position sensor unit 400 can be mounted at a second position 320 on the panel support column 300 and / or on the panel 200, wherein the first position 310 is spaced apart from the second position 320.

[0078] In an alternative example (not shown), the signal processor unit 500 is mounted at a first position 310 on the panel support column 300, and the panel position sensor unit 400 is mounted at a second position 320 on the panel support column 300 and / or on the panel 200, with the first position 310 being spaced apart from the second position 320. The sound alarm 700 and / or the electronic vision meter 702 are mounted on the panel support column 300 and are not integral with the signal processor unit 500 in the housing unit 20.

[0079] In use, the panel position sensor unit 400 generates panel status indicator information 410 including a detachment signal 412 in response to a panel 200 in the wall assembly 100 being detached from its mounted position on the panel support column 300. Alternatively, the panel position sensor unit 400 generates panel status indicator information 410 including an engagement signal 414 in response to a panel 200 in the wall assembly 100 being placed (i.e., positioned, mounted, engaged) in its mounted position on the panel support column 300.

[0080] The signal processor unit 500 receives and processes the panel status identification information 410 (eg, to generate outputs of the panel monitoring system 10 as described herein, including logging and reporting of the panel status identification information 410 and / or control of the alarm signal generator 600 ).

[0081] That is, the signal processor unit 500 records the panel status identification information 410 in the panel status identification information dataset 416. The signal processor unit 500 generates a report of the panel status identification information dataset 416. The signal processor unit 500 records the time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal 412 and / or engagement signal 414 in the panel status indicator information dataset 416. The signal processor unit 500 records the panel identification 12 on the panel 200, generates the panel identification signal 14, and records the panel identification signal 14 in the panel status indicator information dataset 416. The signal processor unit 500 records the alarm signal 602 or each alarm signal 602 in the panel status identification information dataset 416. The signal processor unit 500 records the time (T) and date (D) of the alarm signal 602 or each alarm signal 602 in the panel status identification information dataset 416.

[0082] The alarm signal generator 600 may generate the alarm signal 602 (as described above) in response to the engage signal 414 and / or the disengage signal 412 .

[0083] The audible alarm 700 and / or electronic visual 702 then responds to receiving the alarm signal 602 from the alarm signal generator 600 to alert the user of the status of the panel 200 (eg, using the audible alarm 700 and / or electronic visual 702).

[0084] Accordingly, a system 10 is provided that monitors panels 200 in a wall assembly 100 to indicate whether they have been removed and / or replaced. The system 10 allows a user to detect whether a panel 200 has been partially or completely removed or replaced, and can generate corresponding alerts. Each panel 200 in the system 10 is equipped with a panel position sensor unit 400 to ensure that, during inspection, it is clear which panel 200 needs to be inspected for signs of removal and / or replacement.

[0085] It should be noted that all papers and documents related to this application that were filed concurrently with or before this specification are open to public inspection together with this specification, and the contents of all these papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0086] All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0087] Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0088] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one or any novel combination of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one or any novel combination of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A panel monitoring system (10) for a wall assembly (100), characterized in that The invention comprises a panel (200) and a panel support column (300), wherein the panel (200) is configured to be located at an installation position on the panel support column (300); The panel monitoring system (10) includes a panel position sensor unit (400), and the panel position sensor unit (400) can generate panel status identification information (410). The panel status identification information (410) includes one or more of the following: a disengagement signal (412) generated in response to the panel (200) in the wall assembly (100) being disengaged from its mounted position on the panel support column (300); and An engagement signal (414) is generated in response to the panel (200) of the wall assembly (100) being engaged at the panel support column (300) in its installed position.

2. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The panel position sensor unit (400) is configured to generate the disengagement signal (412) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and the panel support column (300), the relative movement being removal of the panel (200) from the panel support column (300).

3. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that The panel position sensor unit (400) is configured to generate the engagement signal (414) in response to detecting relative movement between the panel (200) and the panel support column (300), the relative movement being to place the panel (200) in the mounting position on the panel support column (300).

4. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The invention also includes a signal processing unit (500), wherein the signal processing unit (500) can receive and process the panel status identification information (410).

5. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The panel state identification information (410) may be recorded in a panel state identification information data set (416).

6. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that A report of the panel status identification information dataset (416) may be generated.

7. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that The panel monitoring system (10) may record the time (T) and date (D) of the disengagement signal (412) and / or the engagement signal (414) in the panel status identification information data set (416).

8. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The panel monitoring system (10) can generate a panel identification signal (14) for a panel identification mark (12) provided on the panel (200), and record the panel identification signal (14) in the panel status identification information data set (416).

9. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The invention also includes an alarm signal generator (600), which can receive the panel status identification information (410) from the panel position sensor unit (400) and generate an alarm signal (602) in response to the panel status identification information (410).

10. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that The alarm signal generator (600) may generate an alarm signal (602), wherein the alarm signal (602) includes one or more of the following: a. removing an alarm signal (604) generated in response to the detachment signal (412); b. generating a lost panel alarm signal (606) in response to not receiving the engagement signal (414) after a predetermined amount of time; and c. Repeated panel loss alarm signals (608) until the engagement signal (414) is received.

11. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The invention also includes an audible alarm (700) and / or an electronic visual instrument (702), which can operate in response to the alarm signal (602) received from the alarm signal generator (600).

12. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that The audible alarm (700) and / or the electronic visual instrument (702) may generate different outputs for each type of alarm signal (602).

13. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The panel monitoring system (10) may record the or each alarm signal (602) in the panel status identification information data set (416).

14. The panel monitoring system (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that The panel monitoring system (10) may record the time (T) and date (D) of the or each alarm signal (602) in the panel status identification information data set (416).

15. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The panel position sensor unit (400) includes a switch unit (420) which can generate panel status identification information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) relative to its installation position.

16. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The panel position sensor unit (400) includes a proximity sensor (422) that generates panel status identification information (410) in response to a change in the proximity of the panel (200) relative to its installation position.

17. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The panel position sensor unit (400) includes an accelerometer (424) that can generate panel status identification information (410) in response to movement of the panel (200) in a predetermined direction.

18. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The panel position sensor unit (400) includes a light sensor (426) that generates panel status identification information (410) in response to a detected change in light intensity received by the light sensor (426).

19. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The invention comprises a housing unit (20), wherein the signal processor unit (500) and the alarm signal generator (600) are arranged in the housing unit (20); the housing unit (20) is mounted on the panel support column (300) and is spaced apart from the panel position sensor unit (400).

20. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The signal processing unit (500) may generate a shutdown signal (502) in response to receiving the disengagement signal (412).

21. The panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The panel monitoring system (10) can monitor a plurality of panels (200) in the wall assembly (100).

22. A wall assembly (100), characterized in that Comprising a panel (200) and a panel support column (300), wherein the wall assembly (100) comprises a panel monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The wall assembly (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that The housing unit (20) of the panel monitoring system (10) is mounted at a first position (310) on the panel support column (300), and the panel position sensor unit (400) is mounted at a second position (320) on the panel support column (300) and / or on the panel (200), wherein the first position (310) is spaced apart from the second position (320).

24. The wall assembly (100) according to claim 22, characterized in that The signal processor unit (500) is mounted at a first position (310) on the panel support column (300), and the panel position sensor unit (400) is mounted at a second position (320) on the panel support column (300) and / or on the panel (200), the first position (310) being spaced apart from the second position (320).

25. The wall assembly (100) according to claim 24, characterized in that The sound alarm (700) and / or the electronic visual instrument (702) are mounted on the panel support column (300).

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