Event detection device testing

Abstract

Devices, methods, and systems for event detection device testing are described herein. In one embodiment, a device includes a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory to enable a filtering mode when an event detection device is simultaneously operating in a normal mode of operation, cause a self-test module of the event detection device to generate an amount of test medium for a test chamber of the event detection device, an air moving device of the event detection device passes the test medium through the test chamber, and the event detection device uses the test medium to perform an anti-masking test to determine if the test chamber is blocked while in the filtering mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to equipment, methods, and systems for testing event detection devices. Background Technology

[0002] Large facilities (e.g., buildings), such as commercial facilities, office buildings, hospitals, etc., may have alarm systems that can be triggered during emergencies (e.g., fires) to warn residents to evacuate. For example, the alarm system may include control panels and multiple event detection devices distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms) that can sense events occurring in the facility and notify residents of the events via alarms.

[0003] Maintaining an alarm system may include regularly cleaning and testing the event detection equipment. Such cleaning and / or testing of the event detection equipment may be mandated by practice specifications to ensure that the equipment is functioning correctly. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A portion of an example of an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0006] Figure 3 A block diagram of an alarm system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 A system for testing an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 5 A timing diagram for testing an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 6 A method for testing a software filter for an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 7 This is an example of a controller for testing an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This document describes apparatus, methods, and systems for testing event detection devices. One apparatus includes a memory and a processor for executing instructions stored in the memory to enable a filtering mode while the event detection device is simultaneously operating in a normal operating mode, causing a self-test module of the event detection device to generate a quantity of test medium for the test chamber of the event detection device, causing an air-moving device of the event detection device to allow the test medium to pass through the test chamber, and causing the event detection device to use the test medium to perform an anti-masking test to determine whether the test chamber is blocked while in filtering mode.

[0012] As mentioned above, maintaining an alarm system may include regularly cleaning and testing event detection devices. However, because testing can only be performed periodically, there is a risk that faulty event detection devices may not be detected quickly enough, or that not all event detection devices in the alarm system may be tested.

[0013] Testing each event detection device can be time-consuming, costly, and disruptive to operations. For example, maintenance engineers are often required to access event detection devices located in areas occupied by building occupants or in typically inaccessible parts of the building (e.g., elevator shafts, high ceilings, suspended ceiling spaces, etc.). Therefore, maintenance engineers may need to spend several days and make multiple visits to complete testing of the event detection devices, especially in large sites. Additionally, there are often some event detection devices that have never been tested due to access issues.

[0014] To ensure that event detection devices are tested, they can utilize self-testing processes. Self-testing processes can be automated processes performed by the event detection device without the presence of a user (such as a maintenance engineer or other type of user). Therefore, self-testing processes allow for the testing of event detection devices even if such devices are remotely located and / or difficult to access.

[0015] The self-test process may include generating a test medium and providing it to a test chamber for sensing. The test medium may be provided by a self-test module included in the event detection device. However, if the test chamber is blocked, the event detection device may be unable to monitor events in the facility when the device is in normal operating mode, as, for example, smoke may not be able to enter the test chamber.

[0016] Therefore, ensuring the test chamber is not blocked can be important. One way to determine if the test chamber is blocked is to perform an anti-masking test. An anti-masking test can be a process that, when performed, determines whether the test chamber of the event detection device is blocked, or whether the event detection device is covered (e.g., this would block the test chamber), etc.

[0017] Such anti-masking tests can be performed periodically. However, periodic anti-masking tests can cause event detection equipment to exit normal operating mode to perform anti-masking tests, so that they do not actively detect events in the facility, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the event detection system.

[0018] Additionally, performing a masking test that generates a certain amount of test media exceeding the alarm threshold of the event detection device while it is in maintenance mode can quickly deplete the amount of test media available in the event device's self-test module. This limits the number of masking tests that can be performed.

[0019] The event detection device testing according to this disclosure enables the event detection device to perform anti-masking testing while simultaneously operating in normal mode. Compared to previous methods, anti-masking testing can be performed with a smaller amount of test media. Anti-masking testing can be initiated if no event is occurring in the facility, and can be performed while the event detection device is in normal operating mode, ensuring the test chamber is not obstructed while simultaneously monitoring real events. Therefore, the event detection device testing according to this disclosure provides a more efficient and secure solution for anti-masking testing and event detection device operation compared to previous methods.

[0020] In the detailed description below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of that detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, how one or more embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced.

[0021] These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one or more embodiments of this disclosure to be practiced by a person skilled in the art. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical, electrical and / or process changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0022] It should be understood that elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, interchanged, combined, and / or eliminated to provide multiple additional embodiments of this disclosure. The scale and relative dimensions of the elements provided in the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting.

[0023] The figures in this document follow the following numbering convention: one or more first digits correspond to the figure number, while the remaining digits identify elements or parts in the figure. Similar elements or parts in different figures may be identified by using similar digits. For example, 104 in... Figure 1 The term "04" can refer to component "04", while similar components are... Figure 2 The number 204 can be used to refer to the middle.

[0024] As used in this article, “one,” “a,” or “several” can refer to one or more such things, while “multiple” can refer to more than one such thing. For example, “several parts” can refer to one or more parts, while “multiple parts” can refer to more than one part.

[0025] Figure 1 A block diagram of an event detection device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The event detection device 100 may include a controller (e.g., a microcontroller) 122, a sound generator 118, a test chamber 104, a self-test module 106, and an air-moving device 116.

[0026] The controller 122 may include a memory 124 and a processor 126. The memory 124 may be any type of storage medium accessible to the processor 126 to execute various examples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory 124 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) thereon, which can be executed by the processor 126 to perform event detection device testing according to the present disclosure. For example, the processor 126 may execute executable instructions stored in the memory 124 to enable a filtering mode of the event detection device 100, cause a self-test module to generate a certain amount of test medium, cause an air-moving device to pass the test medium through a test chamber, and use the test medium to perform an anti-masking test to determine whether the test chamber is blocked.

[0027] Figure 2 A portion of an example of an event detection device 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The event detection device 200 may correspond to... Figure 1 The event detection device 100 may be, but is not limited to, a fire and / or smoke detector of a fire control system.

[0028] Event detection device 200 can sense events (such as fire) occurring in the facility and trigger a response to notify the occupants of the event. Event responses may include, for example, visual and / or audio alarms. Event responses may also notify emergency services (e.g., fire departments, police departments, etc.). In some examples, multiple event detection devices may be distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms).

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the event detection device 200 may include a test chamber 204 and an air transport device 216. The test chamber 204 may be, for example, an optical scattering chamber, and the air transport device 216 may correspond to... Figure 1 Air-equipped mobile devices 116.

[0030] Air mobile device 216 can control airflow through event detection device 200, which includes test chamber 204. For example, air mobile device 216 can move particles, gases, and / or aerosols from a first end of event detection device 200 to a second end of event detection device 200. Air mobile device 216 can be started in response to a command and can be stopped in response to a command and / or after a specific time period.

[0031] The event detection device 200 can automatically or by command execute a self-test process. The self-test process may include: generating a test medium; initiating the release of the test medium into the test chamber 204; and causing the sensor to acquire a reading of the test medium.

[0032] This reading may include a value associated with the test medium in test chamber 204. The controller may also compare the value associated with the test medium to a threshold.

[0033] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an alarm system 320 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The alarm system 320 may include an event detection device 300 and a fire control panel 301. The event detection device 300 may be, for example, described above in conjunction with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The event detection devices 100 and / or 200 are described.

[0034] Fire control panel 301 may be a cloud computing device, monitoring device, and / or fire detection and control system of alarm system 320. Fire control panel 301 may be configured to send commands to and / or receive reports from event detection device 300 via wired or wireless network. For example, event detection device 300 may report sensor readings during shielding tests. Additionally, in some examples, event detection device 300 may report an acknowledged event to fire control panel 301 in response to a measurement value exceeding a threshold after a specific time period.

[0035] The fire control panel 301 can receive reports from multiple event detection devices similar to the event detection device 300. For example, the fire control panel 301 can receive reports from each of the multiple event detection devices similar to the event detection device 300, and transmit commands based on the reports from each of the multiple event detection devices.

[0036] In several embodiments, the fire control panel 301 may include a user interface 336. The user interface 336 may be a GUI that provides information to and / or receives information from the user and / or the event detection device 300. The user interface 336 may display messages and / or data received from the event detection device 300. For example, the user interface 336 may alert the user to unconfirmed events, confirmed events, and / or false alarms reported by the event detection device 300.

[0037] The network described herein can be a network relationship through which event detection device 300 and / or fire control panel 301 communicate with each other. Examples of such network relationships may include distributed computing environments (e.g., cloud computing environments), wide area networks (WANs) such as the Internet, local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), campus networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs), and other types of network relationships. For example, the network may include multiple servers that receive information from event detection device 300 and / or fire control panel 301 via wired or wireless networks and transmit information to the event detection device and / or fire control panel 301.

[0038] As used herein, a “network” can provide a communication system that directly or indirectly links two or more computers and / or peripherals and allows fire control panels to access data and / or resources on event detection device 300, and vice versa. A network can allow users to share resources on their own systems with other network users and access information on systems located at a central location or at a remote location. For example, a network can connect multiple computing devices together to form a distributed control network (e.g., a cloud).

[0039] A network can provide connectivity to the Internet and / or to other entities' networks (e.g., organizations, institutions, etc.). Users can interact with network-enabled software applications to make network requests, such as retrieving data. Applications can also communicate with network management software, which can interact with network hardware to transfer information between devices on the network.

[0040] In some examples, the network can be used by event detection device 300 and / or fire control panel 301 to communicate with remote computing devices. Remote computing devices can be personal laptops, desktop computers, mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, wrist-worn devices, and / or redundant combinations thereof, as well as other types of computing devices. The remote computing devices can receive reports from multiple event detection devices similar to event detection device 300 and / or multiple fire control panels similar to fire control panel 301, and based on these reports, transmit commands to one or more of the multiple event detection devices and / or one or more of the multiple fire control panels.

[0041] Figure 4 A system 410 for testing an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. System 410 may include an event detection device 400 and a remote computing device 426.

[0042] As mentioned above, the event detection device 400 can perform a shielding test as part of a self-test process. The self-test process can be a test to ensure that the event detection device 400 accurately detects events occurring in the area where the event detection device 400 is located. As an example, the self-test process can allow the event detection device 400 to detect smoke particles in the area where the event detection device 400 is located, in order to detect a fire. As part of the self-test process, the event detection device 400 can use the shielding test process during normal operation of the event detection device 400 to determine whether the test chamber 404 of the event detection device 400 is blocked, as further described herein.

[0043] like Figure 4 As illustrated, the event detection device 400 may include a self-test module 406, a test chamber 404, and a controller 422. The self-test module 406 may include an air mobile device 416, and the test chamber 404 may include a sensor 412. The sensor 412 may be, for example, a thermal sensor, a smoke sensor, and / or any other type of sensor or a combination thereof.

[0044] As mentioned above, test chamber 404 may be an optical scattering chamber. An optical scattering chamber may include a light emitter (e.g., at least one light-emitting diode (LED)) and a photosensitive light receiver that measures values ​​associated with a test medium located within test chamber 404. For example, test chamber 404 may cause the light emitter to send pulses to measure the presence of any substance (such as smoke particles and / or the test medium) within test chamber 404, as further described herein.

[0045] As mentioned above, controller 422 enables event detection device 400 to perform a shielding test. The shielding test can be performed while event detection device 400 is simultaneously operating in normal operating mode. For example, during normal operating mode, the shielding test can be performed while event detection device 400 is also listening for real events (e.g., fire detection). That is, event detection device 400 does not need to transition from normal operating mode to a maintenance mode where it does not listen for events during the shielding test. This ensures that if any event occurs while event detection device 400 is performing the shielding test, it can still detect that event.

[0046] like Figure 4As illustrated, controller 422 is included in event detection device 400. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, controller 422 may be located remotely from event detection device 400, such as at remote computing device 426 (e.g., cloud computing device, control panel, etc.). Therefore, while the shielding test procedure described herein may be performed at event detection device 400 (e.g., by controller 422), embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in the case where controller 422 is located remotely from event detection device 400 (e.g., at a fire control panel), the shielding test procedure described herein may be performed at the control panel (e.g., by controller 422).

[0047] Before activating the filtering mode, the controller can cause the event detection device 400 to perform a preliminary event check in the test chamber 404 to determine whether an event is occurring in the vicinity of the event detection device 400. For example, the event detection device 400 can perform a preliminary event check on smoke in the test chamber 404 before activating the filtering mode, as further described herein. The preliminary event check can be utilized before performing a shielding test to ensure that no actual event (e.g., a fire event) is occurring in the facility prior to the shielding test. Additionally, the preliminary event check can ensure that the sensor 412 is stable enough to perform the shielding test. For example, the preliminary event check can help evacuate dust from the test chamber 404 to prevent erroneous results.

[0048] To perform a preliminary event check, controller 422 may include causing air movement device 416 to move air around event detection device 400 through test chamber 404. For example, air movement device 416 (e.g., a fan) may be activated, causing air movement through test chamber 404. During the air movement, controller 422 may cause sensor 412 to acquire a preliminary sample of the air moving through test chamber 404 to determine the presence of any particles (e.g., smoke particles) in the air moving through test chamber 404, which would indicate that an event is occurring. Controller 422 may determine, based on the preliminary sample, whether an event such as a fire is occurring near event detection device 400.

[0049] For example, if the initial sample includes particles exceeding an alarm threshold, this indicates a real event is occurring in the facility. Therefore, in response to the initial sample exceeding the threshold, controller 422 can determine that an event is occurring, and event detection device 400 can enter alarm mode and transmit a signal indicating that an event (e.g., a fire) is occurring. Since a real event is occurring, event detection device 400 can wait to perform a shielding test. However, if the initial sample does not exceed the alarm threshold, controller 422 can determine that no event is occurring in the facility. Therefore, event detection device 400 can perform a shielding test in response to no event currently occurring in the facility, as further described herein.

[0050] Although the preliminary event test is described above as sensor 412 detecting smoke particles, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, sensor 412 and / or another sensor included in the event detection device 400 (e.g., in...) Figure 4 (Not illustrated) may include other detection capabilities, such as heat and / or gas detection capabilities, and in response to the detection of heat and / or gas (or other indication of an event), controller 422 may determine that a real event is occurring, and event detection device 400 may enter an alarm mode and transmit a signal indicating that an event is occurring.

[0051] In response to sensor 412 not detecting an event during the initial event check (e.g., indicating that no real event is occurring in the facility), controller 422 may receive a signal and initiate an anti-masking test process. The signal may be received from, for example, a control panel of an event detection system, a remote computing device 426, a mobile device, etc. Therefore, in response to the initial event check indicating that no event is occurring, controller 422 may enable a filtering mode while event detection device 400 is simultaneously operating in normal operating mode.

[0052] As described above, the normal operating mode of the event detection device 400 is the mode in which the event detection device 400 is sensing real events occurring in the facility. While the event detection device 400 is in filtering mode, it may simultaneously be in normal operating mode. Filtering mode may be, for example, a sub-operating mode of the normal operating mode of the event detection device 400.

[0053] In filtering mode, controller 422 may enable a software filter to prevent controller 422 from generating alarm conditions in response to sensor 412 detecting a test medium in test chamber 404. The software filter may prevent event detection device 400 from transmitting alarm signals in response to detecting predetermined signal characteristics that obscure test values, as further described herein.

[0054] The software filter may include a computer-readable instruction to instruct the controller 422 not to transmit an alarm signal when the sensor 412 detects a test medium (e.g., as further described herein) in the test chamber 404. For example, in filtering mode, in response to the generation of test medium, the controller 422 may prevent the generation of an alarm condition for a predetermined amount of time in response to the sensor 412 detecting no more than a threshold amount of test medium in the test chamber 404. In this way, the event detection device 400 can operate in filtering mode while operating in normal operating mode, thereby sensing real events while performing anti-masking tests, as further described herein.

[0055] To perform shielding testing, controller 422 can cause self-test module 406 to generate a certain amount of test medium for test chamber 404. In some examples, the test medium can be an aerosol. For example, controller 422 can cause coil to heat wax until the wax emits the temperature of an aerosol composed of smoke particles. The coil and wax can be located in self-test module 406 of event detection device 400.

[0056] The controller 422 enables the air mobile device 416 to allow the generated test medium to pass through the test chamber 404. For example, the air mobile device 416 may move the generated test medium into the test chamber 404 for detection by the sensor 412, and then empty the test medium from the test chamber. Based on the emptying of the test medium from the test chamber 404 by the air mobile device 416, the controller 422 may determine whether the test chamber 404 is blocked, as further described herein.

[0057] The controller 422 enables the event detection device 400 to perform an anti-masking test using the generated test medium to determine whether the test chamber 404 is blocked when the event detection device 400 is in filtering mode. A masking test can be used to perform the anti-masking test.

[0058] The shielding test may include, before the test medium is generated and moved into the test chamber 404, causing the sensor 412 to acquire an initial value (e.g., a clean air value) to verify the clean air status of the sensor 412. The initial value may be a reference value for shielding testing, as further described herein. For example, the initial value may be 0% shielding per meter (%OPM). In response to the initial value indicating a clean air status (e.g., the initial value is less than a predetermined threshold shielding level, such as 0.5%OPM), the controller 412 may generate the test medium as described above and cause the sensor to acquire a shielding test value, as further described herein.

[0059] After the test medium is generated and the air transport device 416 moves the test medium into the test chamber 404, the sensor 412 can acquire multiple occlusion test values. For example, at a first time, the sensor 412 can acquire a first occlusion test value of 15% OPM; at a second time, the sensor 412 can acquire a second occlusion test value of 8% OPM; at a third time, the sensor 412 can acquire a third occlusion test value of 1% OPM, and so on.

[0060] The controller 422 can determine that at a third time, the third occlusion test value of 1% OPM is within a threshold amount from the initial value (e.g., 0% OPM). For example, the threshold amount could be 2% OPM, and since the third occlusion test value of 1% OPM is within the threshold amount from the initial value, the controller 422 can determine that the third occlusion test value is within the threshold.

[0061] While sensor 412 is acquiring occlusion test values, the software filter described above prevents controller 422 from transmitting alarm signals. For example, the software filter can filter the signal from sensor 412 to produce a filtered signal that does not exceed the alarm threshold of event detection device 400. Therefore, the software filter prevents controller 422 from transmitting alarm signals.

[0062] The shielding test may include determining the amount of time taken to evacuate the test medium from the test chamber 404. If it takes a long time to evacuate the test medium from the test chamber 404, this may indicate that the test chamber 404 is blocked, while if it takes a short time to evacuate the test medium from the test chamber 404, this may indicate that the test chamber 404 is not blocked, as further described herein.

[0063] Therefore, controller 422 can determine the amount of time elapsed between an initial value of 0% OPM and a occlusion test value (e.g., a third occlusion test value) within a threshold amount of the initial value. For example, controller 422 can determine that the amount of time elapsed between the initial value of 0% OPM and the third occlusion test value of 1% OPM is 20 seconds.

[0064] Controller 422 can compare the amount of time elapsed between an initial value and a occlusion test value within a threshold amount of the initial value to a threshold time. In one example, the threshold time could be 25 seconds. The controller can compare the elapsed time (e.g., 20 seconds) to the threshold time (e.g., 25 seconds) and determine that the test medium has emptied test chamber 404 within the threshold time limit. Therefore, controller 422 can determine that test chamber 404 is not blocked in response to the time being less than the threshold.

[0065] However, in the second example, the threshold time could be 15 seconds. The controller can compare the elapsed time (e.g., 20 seconds) with the threshold time (e.g., 15 seconds) and determine that the test medium has not been emptied from test chamber 404 within the threshold time limit. Therefore, controller 422 can determine that test chamber 404 is blocked in response to the elapsed time exceeding the threshold.

[0066] As mentioned above, if test chamber 404 is blocked, event detection equipment 400 may malfunction and may be unable to detect real events in the facility. Therefore, controller 422 may generate and transmit a notification in response to determining that test chamber 404 is blocked. The notification may be transmitted to remote computing device 426, fire control panel, user's mobile device, etc.

[0067] Additionally, a remedial procedure can be performed in response to determining that test chamber 404 is blocked. In response to event detection device 400 failing an anti-masking test (e.g., determining that test chamber 404 is blocked), controller 422 can switch event detection device 400 from a normal operating mode to a disabled mode. In disabled mode, event detection device 400 does not listen for real events in the facility. In some examples, the generated notification can be used to inform the user that event detection device 400 should undergo maintenance to clear test chamber 404. In some instances, event detection device 400 can be retested to determine whether the first anti-masking test produced a false positive result.

[0068] Therefore, when the event detection device 400 is in disabled mode, the controller 422 can receive a command to perform a second shielding test. This command can be received from, for example, a remote computing device 426, a fire control panel, a mobile device, etc.

[0069] In response to a received command, controller 422 may switch event detection device 400 from a disabled mode to a normal operating mode, and then enable a filtering mode. Additionally, controller 422 may cause air mobile device 416 to purge test chamber 404. Purge test chamber 404 may include causing air mobile device 416 to generate airflow through test chamber 404 for a predetermined time period. Controller 422 may then cause event detection device 400 to perform a second shielding test according to the process described above to verify whether test chamber 404 is blocked or whether the first shielding test produced a false positive result (e.g., and test chamber 404 is not actually blocked).

[0070] The above-mentioned anti-masking test process can be performed at a specific frequency. For example, the anti-masking test process can be performed every 5 minutes, every 20 minutes, or every hour.

[0071] Additionally, in some examples, the anti-masking test process can be performed in response to input. For example, in response to user input (e.g., to remote computing device 426, to...). Figure 4 This method allows for the performance of anti-masking tests on mobile devices (not listed in the table), control panels, etc. It enables "on-demand" testing of the event detection device 400.

[0072] During the normal operating mode of the event detection device 400, the event detection device 400 can sample the air in the environment surrounding the event detection device 400 to obtain real events. When the event detection device 400 is in normal operating mode (e.g., not in self-test or maintenance mode), the shielding test process described above can be performed.

[0073] Performing a shielding test while the event detection device 400 is in filtering mode allows the shielding test to be completed when the event detection device 400 is in normal operating mode, because the shielding test can be performed without causing the event detection device 400 to falsely detect real events. However, the event detection device 400 can detect real events while the shielding test is being performed. For example, during the shielding test, smoke generated from a real fire in the facility (e.g., a non-test medium event) can enter the test chamber 404, and this smoke exceeds the alarm threshold of the event detection device 400 while the shielding test is being performed. Sensor 412 can also detect smoke generated from a real fire (e.g., separate from the test medium) even during the shielding test. In response to detecting an event during the shielding test, controller 422 can put the event detection device 400 into alarm condition even when the event detection device 400 is in filtering mode.

[0074] Figure 5 A timing diagram 530 for testing an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. The steps of timing diagram 530 may be derived, for example, from the foregoing. Figure 4 The described event detection device (such as event detection device 400) performs the operation.

[0075] To perform shielding tests, a certain amount of test medium can be generated for the test chamber. As indicated at 534, a coil included in the self-test module of the event detection device can heat wax to generate an aerosol.

[0076] Before commencing the shielding test, a preliminary event check can be performed to ensure that no event is currently occurring during the shielding test. Therefore, as indicated at 536, the air removable device can move air around the event detection device through the test chamber at 538. A preliminary sample of the air moving through the test chamber can be obtained. Using the preliminary sample, the controller can determine whether an event is occurring. As indicated in the timing diagram, the preliminary sample at 538 can be obtained before the coil heats the wax at 534.

[0077] Additionally, at 540, the air mobile device can be made to send pulses to allow the generated test medium to pass through the test chamber of the event detection device. For example, the air mobile device can allow the generated test medium to flow through the test chamber, so that the sensor can acquire a sample of the air, including the generated test medium, as it flows through the test chamber, as further described herein.

[0078] The sensor can acquire multiple shading test values, including the air containing the test medium generated in the test chamber, as indicated at 542. For example, at 544, the sensor can acquire a shading test value as the air transport device is allowing air containing the generated test medium to pass through the test chamber. Additionally, at 546, the sensor can acquire another shading test value. The shading test value at 546 can be a shading test value within a threshold of an initial value, as described above. Figure 4 As described. At this point, the controller can determine the amount of time for evacuating the test medium from the test chamber, indicated by the amount of time elapsed between the shielding test value at 544 and the shielding test value at 546.

[0079] As indicated at 548 in timing diagram 530, the sensor reading output can be filtered to prevent alarm signals from being transmitted to the fire control panel. For example, the duration of the filtering continuous shielding test can be enabled at 550. As indicated at 552, the filtered sensor reading output can be below the alarm threshold of the event detection device, thereby preventing alarm signals from being transmitted to the fire control panel during the shielding test. Figure 6 The software filter is described further.

[0080] Figure 6 A method 660 for testing a software filter for an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Method 660 may be derived, for example, from the foregoing. Figure 4 The described event detection device (such as event detection device 400) performs the operation.

[0081] Method 660 can be executed as a software filter to prevent the event detection device from transmitting alarm signals. At 662, method 660 includes setting a sensor sampling rate for anti-masking testing. For example, the sensor sampling rate can be set to a higher sampling rate for anti-masking testing compared to the normal operating sampling rate when the filtering mode of the event detection device is not enabled. The sampling rate can be set to, for example, 320 milliseconds.

[0082] At 664, method 660 may include calibrating the test chamber. For example, test chamber offset may be removed and a calibration factor may be applied to the sensor.

[0083] At 666, a first filter can be applied to the signal from the sensor. The filter can be, for example, a configurable averaging filter. The averaging filter can be a recursive averaging filter that, when applied to the output signal from the sensor, prevents the output signal from the sensor from exceeding a response threshold, thereby preventing the event detection device from generating and transmitting alarm signals during shielding testing. At 672, method 660 can include transmitting the filtered signal to a fire control panel on a first output channel. The averaging filter can be used to enable the transmission of sensor response and event detection device status to the fire control panel on the first output channel.

[0084] At 668, method 660 may include applying a second filter to the signal from the sensor. The second filter may be configurable, and configurable filter parameters may be stored at 670 in memory local to and / or remote from the event detection device. At 674, the signal filtered by the second filter may be transmitted to a fire control panel on a second output channel, wherein the signal filtered by the second filter may also be below a response threshold, thereby preventing the event detection device from generating and transmitting alarm signals during shielding tests.

[0085] Therefore, the event detection device test according to this disclosure allows the event detection device to perform anti-masking testing while it is simultaneously operating in normal operating mode to detect real events. Anti-masking testing ensures that the test chamber of the event detection device is not blocked when the event detection device 400 is able to simultaneously monitor real events. Compared to previous methods, event detection device testing provides a more efficient, robust, and cost-effective solution for anti-masking testing and event detection device operation.

[0086] Figure 7 This is an example of a controller 722 for testing an event detection device according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 7 As illustrated, according to this disclosure, controller 722 may include memory 724 and processor 726 for testing event detection devices.

[0087] The memory 724 can be any type of storage medium that can be accessed by the processor 726 to execute various examples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory 724 can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which computer-readable instructions (e.g., executable instructions / computer program instructions) are stored, which can be executed by the processor 726 to perform an event detection device test according to the present disclosure.

[0088] Memory 724 can be volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 724 can also be removable (e.g., portable) memory or non-removable (e.g., internal) memory. For example, memory 724 can be random access memory (RAM) (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and / or phase-change random access memory (PCRAM)), read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and / or optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), flash memory, laser disc, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices and / or magnetic media (such as cassette tape, magnetic tape, or disk) and other types of memory.

[0089] Furthermore, although memory 724 is illustrated as being located within controller 722, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, memory 724 may also be located within another computing resource (e.g., enabling computer-readable instructions to be downloaded via the Internet or another wired or wireless connection).

[0090] The processor 726 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a semiconductor-based microprocessor, and / or other hardware device suitable for retrieving and executing machine-readable instructions stored in the memory 724.

[0091] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same technology may replace the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of the various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0092] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of illustration rather than limitation. Combinations of the above embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description.

[0093] The scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure includes any other application using the structures and methods described above. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0094] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are combined in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. This approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim.

[0095] Instead, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims below are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A controller (122, 422, 722) for testing event detection devices (100, 200, 300, 400), said controller comprising: Memory (124, 724); and Processors (126, 726), the processors being configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory (124, 724) to: The filtering mode is enabled when the event detection devices (100, 200, 300, 400) are operating simultaneously in normal operation mode; The self-test module (106, 406) of the event detection device (100, 200, 300, 400) generates a certain amount of test medium for the test chamber (104, 204, 404) of the event detection device (100, 200, 300, 400). The air transport device (116, 216, 416) of the event detection equipment (100, 200, 300, 400) allows the test medium to pass through the test chamber (104, 204, 404); and The event detection devices (100, 200, 300, 400) are used to perform an anti-masking test using the test medium to determine whether the test chambers (104, 204, 404) are blocked when in the filtering mode.

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to enable the filtering mode in response to a preliminary event check indicating that no event is occurring.

3. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to cause the event detection device to enter an alarm condition in response to the detection of a non-test medium event during the shielding test.

4. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to cause the air mobile device to vent the amount of test medium generated from the test chamber.

5. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The anti-masking test includes a masking test.

6. The controller of claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to perform the occlusion test by: Before generating the test medium, the sensor (412) is made to acquire initial values ​​to verify the clean air status of the sensor (412); After the test medium is generated, the sensor (412) acquires multiple occlusion test values ​​until one of the multiple occlusion test values ​​is within the threshold amount of the initial value; as well as Determine the amount of time elapsed between the initial value and the one occlusion test value within the threshold amount of the initial value among the plurality of occlusion test values.

7. The controller of claim 6, wherein, The processor is further configured to perform the occlusion test by determining that the test chamber is not blocked in response to the time amount being less than a threshold.

8. The controller of claim 6, wherein, The processor is further configured to perform the occlusion test by determining that the test chamber is blocked in response to the time amount being greater than a threshold.

9. The controller of claim 8, wherein, The processor is configured to generate and transmit a notification in response to determining that the test chamber is blocked.

10. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to enable a software filter in response to the sensor (412) of the event detection device detecting the test medium in the test chamber to prevent the controller from generating alarm conditions.

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