Sound level test

Abstract

Described herein are devices, methods, and systems for sound level testing. An example mobile device includes a user interface, a memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: determine, based on location information received by the mobile device, a sound emitting device of a facility that is closest to a location of the mobile device; receive, via the user interface, an instruction to initiate a sound level test of the sound emitting device that is closest to the location of the mobile device; in response to receiving the instruction, send, to a computing device, a command to initiate the sound level test of the sound emitting device that is closest to the location of the mobile device; and record, during the sound level test, a sound level of the sound emitting device that is closest to the location of the mobile device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to equipment, methods, and systems for sound level testing. Background Technology

[0002] Large facilities (e.g., buildings) such as commercial facilities, office buildings, hospitals, etc., may have fire alarm systems and / or public address voice alarm systems that can be triggered during an emergency (e.g., a fire) to provide guidance to occupants of the facility, such as warning them to evacuate. For example, a fire alarm system may include a fire control panel and multiple fire sensing devices (e.g., sounders and / or smoke detectors) distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms) that can detect a fire occurring in the facility and provide audio notification of the fire to occupants of the facility via alarms. As an additional example, a public address voice alarm system may include multiple speakers and / or microphones that can provide audio instructions and / or commands to occupants of the facility during an emergency.

[0003] During the commissioning and / or maintenance of fire alarm systems or public address system voice alarm systems, it is necessary to test the system's sound-generating equipment (e.g., transmitters, detectors, loudspeakers, microphones, etc.) to ensure they emit appropriate sound levels. However, such sound level testing can be a very time-consuming process. For example, sound level testing may account for 25% of the commissioning process. Furthermore, such sound level testing (e.g., the sounds emitted by the equipment during testing) can be a major stimulus to facility occupants. For example, the sounds emitted by the equipment may overwhelm people with autism or other sound sensitivities. Moreover, such sound level testing may not always produce accurate results. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 An example of a system for sound level testing according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0005] Figures 2A to 2D An example illustration of a sound level test according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 3A A block diagram of a mobile device for sound level testing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 3B A block diagram of a computing device for sound level testing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0008] This document describes apparatus, methods, and systems for sound level testing. An example mobile device includes a user interface, memory, and a processor configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to: determine, based on location information received by the mobile device, the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device; receive, via the user interface, instructions to initiate a sound level test on the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device; in response to receiving the instructions, send a command to a computing device to initiate a sound level test on the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device; and, during the sound level test, record the sound level of the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device.

[0009] As noted above, previous methods for testing the sound levels of sound-generating devices used in fire alarm systems or public address voice alarm systems (e.g., during system commissioning or maintenance) could be very time-consuming processes. For example, a previous method for such sound level testing could be a manual process in which technicians or other users had to make the devices throughout the facility sound and take sound recordings from several points in different areas of the facility (e.g., rooms), record these recordings in a report, and then repeat the test with witnesses to verify that the appropriate sound levels were achieved at all points in the facility.

[0010] In contrast, the embodiments of this disclosure can provide automated sound level testing of the sound-generating devices of fire alarm systems or public address voice alarm systems, which can take significantly less time than previous manual methods. For example, in some cases, automated sound level testing according to this disclosure can take up to 35% less time than manual sound level testing using previous methods.

[0011] Furthermore, as noted above, prior methods for testing the sound levels of sound-generating devices in fire alarm systems or public address system voice alarms can be highly stimulating to facility occupants, especially those with autism or other sound sensitivities, and may be inaccurate. However, the automated sound level testing according to this disclosure can more precisely determine (e.g., locate) the location where the sound level is being tested at a given time, and generate audio only from sound-generating devices in the appropriate area or from specific (e.g., a single) device. Moreover, the automated sound level testing according to this disclosure can efficiently manage power consumption by ensuring that the sound level output by the device is neither too high nor too low, and can suggest changes (e.g., attenuation) to the sound level to an appropriate level. Therefore, compared to prior methods, the automated sound level testing according to this disclosure can be less stimulating (e.g., less overwhelming) and more accurate to facility occupants.

[0012] 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 the present disclosure may be practiced.

[0013] 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.

[0014] It should be understood that elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, interchanged, combined, and / or eliminated to provide several 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.

[0015] 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 between different figures can be identified by using similar digits. For example, 104 can be referenced. Figure 1 The element "04" in the text, and similar elements can be referenced as Figure 3A 304 in the middle.

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 An example of a system 100 for sound level testing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. For example, system 100 can be used to test the sound level (e.g., sound pressure level and / or intelligibility) of a sound-emitting device 102 in a facility (e.g., a building). For example, the facility may be a large facility with many floors, such as a commercial facility, office building, hospital, etc. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to a particular type of facility.

[0018] The sound-generating device 102 may be, for example, a sounder or smoke detector of a fire alarm system for a facility. Such a sound-generating device can provide occupants of the facility with audio notifications (e.g., audio alarms) in the event of a fire or other emergency occurring in the facility. As an additional example, the sound-generating device 102 may be a device of a public address voice alarm system (e.g., a speaker and / or microphone) that can provide audio instructions and / or commands to occupants of the facility during a fire or other emergency. In some examples, the sound-generating device 102 may be tested during the commissioning and / or maintenance of the fire alarm system or the public address voice alarm system.

[0019] Although for the sake of simplicity and to avoid obscuring the embodiments disclosed herein, Figure 1A single sound-emitting device 102 is shown, but a facility (e.g., a fire alarm system or a public address voice alarm system) may include multiple sound-emitting devices located throughout the facility (e.g., in different rooms and on different floors). For example, sound-emitting device 102 may be one of multiple sound-emitting devices in a specific area (e.g., zone) of the facility.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may include control panel 104. Control panel 104 may be, for example, a physical control panel installed in the facility, such as a control box.

[0021] Control panel 104 may be used (e.g., by a user) to monitor and / or control components (e.g., devices such as sound-emitting device 102) of a facility's fire alarm system and / or public address system. For example, a user may use control panel 104 to directly control the operation of components (e.g., actions performed by these components). Furthermore, control panel 104 may receive (e.g., collect) data from components, such as, for example, real-time operational data. For example, control panel 104 may receive data directly from components. Such data may include, for example, the current operating status, operational condition, and / or attributes of the components. As an additional example, control panel 104 may receive signals (e.g., alarm signals) from components indicating an emergency (e.g., fire) occurring in the facility. In addition to devices such as sound-emitting device 102, components monitored and / or controlled by control panel 104 may also include fans and / or dampers that can perform smoke control operations (e.g., pressurization, purging, exhaust, etc.) during a fire, and / or sprinklers that can provide water for fire suppression, as well as other components.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, system 100 may include mobile device 104. Mobile device 104 may be a tablet, smartphone, laptop, or wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch) belonging to a technician or engineer, such as a fire alarm system or a public address voice alarm system. Examples of mobile device 104 will be further described herein (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 3A ).

[0023] During sound level testing of the facility's acoustic equipment, a user of mobile device 104 (e.g., a technician or engineer) can walk (e.g., on foot) through the facility to test the facility's acoustic equipment using mobile device 104. For example, a user can carry (e.g., while holding) mobile device 104 to a location within the facility, and mobile device 104 can determine the acoustic equipment located closest (e.g., most proximate) to that location (e.g., the location of mobile device 104). Figure 1 In the example shown, the sound-emitting device 102 is identified as the sound-emitting device closest to the mobile device 104.

[0024] Mobile device 104 can determine the nearest sound-emitting device based on location information received by the mobile device. For example, in some embodiments, mobile device 104 can determine that sound-emitting device 102 is the nearest sound-emitting device based on the strength of a wireless signal (such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal) received from the sound-emitting device at that location. For example, each corresponding sound-emitting device in the facility can emit a wireless signal including the device's identifier and location (e.g., room), which can be received by mobile device 104, and the sound-emitting device with the strongest wireless signal strength received by mobile device 104 at that location can be determined as the nearest sound-emitting device.

[0025] As an additional example, in some implementations, mobile device 104 can determine that sound device 102 is the closest sound device by scanning a code (such as a QR code) on the sound device. For example, each corresponding sound device in the facility may include a code that includes the device's identifier and location, which can be scanned by mobile device 104, and the sound device whose code is scanned by mobile device 104 can be determined as the closest sound device.

[0026] As an additional example, in some implementations, mobile device 104 may determine that sound-emitting device 102 is the closest sound-emitting device based on location information received from different sound-emitting devices. For example, different sound-emitting devices may know the location information of sound-emitting device 102 and send that information to mobile device 104.

[0027] Mobile device 104 may receive instructions to initiate a sound level test on a sound-emitting device (e.g., sound-emitting device 102) determined to be closest to the location of the mobile device. These instructions may include, for example, selection (e.g., touch selection) of sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., an icon representing sound-emitting device 102) by a user of mobile device 104 via the user interface of mobile device 104. For example, mobile device 104 may display on the user interface a list of facilities or a map of sound-emitting devices that have received wireless signals from their respective locations (e.g., sound-emitting devices within the wireless range of the mobile device) (e.g., identifiers of sound-emitting devices), and an identifier of which sound-emitting device is closest to the location of mobile device 104. For example, the closest sound-emitting device may be included at the top of a list or highlighted on a map. The user can then select the closest sound-emitting device from the list or map via the user interface of mobile device 104. Examples of such displays will be further described herein (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 2A ).

[0028] In some implementations, the instruction may be to initiate a sound level test only for the sound-emitting device located closest to mobile device 104 (e.g., sound-emitting device 102 only). For example, a user may choose to test only sound-emitting device 102. In some implementations, the instruction may be to initiate a sound level test for all sound-emitting devices in the same area of ​​the facility as the sound-emitting device located closest to mobile device 104 (e.g., the same area of ​​the facility's fire alarm system or public address voice alarm system). For example, a user may choose to test all sound-emitting devices in the facility that are in the same area as sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., including sound-emitting device 102).

[0029] In response to receiving an instruction to initiate a sound level test, mobile device 104 may send a command via network 106 to computing device 108 of system 100 to initiate a sound level test on the sound-emitting device (e.g., sound-emitting device 102) located closest to mobile device 104. For example, if the received instruction is to initiate a sound level test only on sound-emitting device 102, mobile device 104 may send a command to computing device 108 to initiate a sound level test only on sound-emitting device 102. If the received instruction is to initiate a sound level test on all sound-emitting devices in the same area as sound-emitting device 102 in the facility, mobile device 104 may send a command to initiate a sound level test on all sound-emitting devices in the same area as sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., including sound-emitting device 102).

[0030] The computing device 108 may be located remotely from the facility and, in some implementations, may be part of a centralized management platform. For example, the computing device 108 may be part of a distributed (e.g., cloud) computing environment. Furthermore, the computing device 108 may be a computing device belonging to the facility administrator.

[0031] Mobile device 104 can communicate with computing device 108 via network 106, such as Figure 1 As shown. For example, mobile device 104 can send a command to computing device 108 to initiate a sound level test on sound-emitting device 102. Computing device 108 can also communicate with control panel 110 via network 106, as will be further described herein.

[0032] Network 106 can be a network relationship through which computing device 108 can communicate with mobile device 104 and control panel 110. 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), as well as other types of network relationships. For example, network 106 may include several servers that receive information from and transmit information to mobile device 104, computing device 108, and control panel 110 via wired or wireless networks.

[0033] As used herein, a “network” provides a communication system that directly or indirectly links two or more computers and / or peripherals and allows users to access resources on other computing devices and exchange messages with other users. A network can allow users to share resources on their own systems with other network users and access information on systems located in a central location or in a remote location. For example, a network can connect several computing devices together to form a distributed control network (e.g., the cloud).

[0034] A network can provide connectivity to the Internet and / or to the networks of other entities (e.g., organizations, institutions, etc.). Users can interact with network-enabled software applications to make network requests to retrieve files or print on a network printer. Applications can also communicate with network management software, which interacts with network hardware to transfer information between devices on the network.

[0035] In response to receiving a command from mobile device 104, computing device 108 may initiate a sound level test on the sound-emitting device (e.g., sound-emitting device 102) located closest to mobile device 104. Computing device 108 may initiate the sound level test by sending a command to control panel 110, for example, via network 106, which in turn may send a command to sound-emitting device 102 to perform the sound level test. For example, if the command is to initiate a sound level test only on sound-emitting device 102, control panel 110 may send the command to perform the sound level test only on sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., not on any other sound-emitting devices in the facility). If the command is to initiate a sound level test on all sound-emitting devices in the facility located in the same area as sound-emitting device 102, control panel 110 may send the command to perform the sound level test to all sound-emitting devices in the facility located in the same area as sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., including sound-emitting device 102).

[0036] The computing device 108 can initiate a sound level test on the sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., only the sound-emitting device 102, or all sound-emitting devices in the same area as the sound-emitting device 102) for a specific duration. The duration can be, for example, a short, concentrated time span that is just long enough for the mobile device 104 to record the sound level of the sound-emitting device 102. For example, the duration could be ten seconds.

[0037] In response to receiving a command from control panel 110, sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., sound-emitting device 102 alone, or all sound-emitting devices in the same area as sound-emitting device 102) can perform a sound level test. For example, in response to receiving a command, sound-emitting device 102 can emit a sound that it would emit if a fire or other emergency were actually occurring in the facility (e.g., an audio notification, instruction, and / or command).

[0038] During a sound level test (e.g., while sound-emitting device 102 is performing a sound level test), mobile device 104 may record the sound level of the sound-emitting device (e.g., sound-emitting device 102) closest to where mobile device 104 is located (e.g., emitted by that sound-emitting device). For example, a user of mobile device 104 may hold mobile device 104 facing sound-emitting device 102 to record the sound level. The recorded sound level may be, for example, the decibel (e.g., sound pressure level) level of the sound emitted by sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., if the sound-emitting device is a smoke detector or a loudspeaker), or the speech transmission index level of the sound emitted by sound-emitting device 102 (e.g., if the sound-emitting device is a public address system alarm device). In an example where a sound level test is performed by all sound-emitting devices in the same area as sound-emitting device 102, the sound level of each corresponding sound-emitting device in the same area as sound-emitting device 102 may be recorded in a similar manner.

[0039] Mobile device 104 may use, for example, its own microphone or a microphone coupled to (e.g., plugged into) mobile device 104 (e.g., a calibrated microphone) to record the sound level of the sound-generating device. As an additional example, in some embodiments, an additional (e.g., third-party) device (such as a handheld calibrated decibel reader or other certified device) may be used to record the sound level of the sound-generating device. The additional device may be paired with mobile device 104 to automatically (e.g., digitally) provide the recorded sound level to mobile device 104, or a user of mobile device 104 may manually provide (e.g., type) the sound level recorded by the additional device to mobile device 104 via the user interface of mobile device 104.

[0040] In some implementations, the mobile device 104 may record the time of the sound level test. For example, the mobile device 104 may record a timestamp of when the sound level of the sound-generating device is recorded. Furthermore, the mobile device 104 may record the location of the sound-generating device in the facility (e.g., room). For example, as previously described herein, the location of the sound-generating device may be received from the device (e.g., via the device's wireless signal or code).

[0041] Mobile device 104 may display the recorded sound level, sound level test time, and / or the location of the sound-emitting device on its user interface. Examples of such displays will be further described herein (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 2B ).

[0042] In some examples, a user may wish to record the sound level of the sound-emitting device 102 from multiple different locations during a sound level test (e.g., only the sound-emitting device 102, or each corresponding sound-emitting device (including the sound-emitting device 102) in the same area as the sound-emitting device 102). For example, a user may wish to record the sound level of the sound-emitting device 102 from at least three different locations in the room where the sound-emitting device 102 is located. In such an example, the user may move to different locations during the sound level test, and the mobile device 104 may record the sound level of the sound-emitting device 102 at each location during the sound level test.

[0043] Mobile device 104 may send sound levels recorded during sound level testing (e.g., sound levels recorded only by sound-emitting device 102, or sound levels recorded by each corresponding sound-emitting device (including sound-emitting device 102) in the same area as sound-emitting device 102) to computing device 108 via network 106, and computing device 108 may store the recorded sound levels. After the sound level testing is completed (e.g., after the sound levels of all sound-emitting devices in the facility have been tested), computing device 108 may generate a report and send it to mobile device 104 via network 106. The report includes the identifiers of the sound-emitting devices that have been tested, the corresponding sound level records for those devices, the corresponding locations of those devices (e.g., rooms), the corresponding test times for those devices, and / or the number of different locations where the corresponding sound levels of those devices were recorded. For example, computing device 108 may generate and send the report in response to a request for a report received from mobile device 104 (e.g., from a user of mobile device 104). This document will further describe examples of how mobile device 104 can receive such requests from users (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 2C ).

[0044] In some implementations, computing device 108 may determine whether the recorded sound levels of sound-generating device 102 are outside a specific (e.g., predefined) sound level range. In an example where the sound levels of sound-generating device 102 are recorded from multiple locations (e.g., positions), computing device 108 may determine an average of the recorded sound levels and whether the average of the recorded sound levels is outside a specific sound level range. A specific sound range may correspond to an appropriate sound level (e.g., appropriate volume and / or intelligibility) for sound-generating device 102 and may be determined based on, for example, safety regulations and / or standards applicable to the facility for sound-generating devices. For example, a recorded sound level outside the range may indicate that the sound level of sound-generating device 102 is too loud, too soft, and / or intelligible.

[0045] If computing device 108 determines that the recorded sound level (or the average of the recorded sound levels) of sound-emitting device 102 is not outside a specific sound level range (e.g., within a specific sound level range), computing device 108 may generate a report including an indication that sound-emitting device 102 has been tested and determined to be within the specific sound level range (e.g., emitting an appropriate sound level), and send the report to mobile device 104 via network 106. The report may also include sound level recordings, the location of sound-emitting device 102, the time of testing, and / or the number of different locations where sound levels were recorded, as previously described herein.

[0046] However, if computing device 108 determines that the recorded sound level (or the average of the recorded sound levels) of sound-emitting device 102 is outside a specific sound level range, this could be an indication that sound-emitting device 102 is not emitting an appropriate sound level and needs adjustment and retesting. For example, if the recorded sound level is above the range, it may be necessary to increase the sound level of the sound-emitting device, and if the recorded sound level is below the range, it may be necessary to decrease the sound level of the sound-emitting device. In response to making such a determination, computing device 108 may send such an indication to mobile device 104 via network 106. Examples of such indications will be further described herein (e.g., in conjunction with...). Figure 2D ).

[0047] In some implementations, computing device 108 may automatically (e.g., without receiving user input) adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the sound level of sound-emitting device 102 in response to determining that the recorded sound level is outside a specific sound level range (e.g., above or below a specific sound level range) and initiate additional sound level tests (e.g., retests) on sound-emitting device 102 using the adjusted sound level. For example, computing device 108 may automatically determine the sound level to which sound-emitting device 102 should be adjusted and send a command via network 106 to control panel 110 to adjust the sound level of sound-emitting device 102 to the adjusted sound level and initiate additional sound level tests. Control panel 110 may then send a command to sound-emitting device 102 to adjust its sound level to the adjusted sound level and perform additional tests using the adjusted sound level in a manner similar to that described earlier herein for the initial sound level tests of sound-emitting device 102. This process may continue to repeat until it is determined that the sound level of sound-emitting device 102 is no longer outside the specific sound level range.

[0048] In some implementations, a user of mobile device 104 can manually (e.g., by providing manual instructions) adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the sound level of sound-emitting device 102 and use the adjusted sound level to initiate additional sound level tests (e.g., retesting) on ​​sound-emitting device 102. For example, in response to mobile device 104 receiving and (e.g., via the user interface of mobile device 104) displaying an indication that the recorded sound level of sound-emitting device 102 is outside a specific sound level range, mobile device 104 can receive instructions via user interface for adjusting the sound level of sound-emitting device 102 and using the adjusted sound level to initiate additional sound level tests on sound-emitting device 102. For example, the sound level to which sound-emitting device 102 is to be adjusted can be determined (e.g., suggested) by computing device 108, or can be input by the user of mobile device 104 via user interface (e.g., manually). In response to receiving an instruction, mobile device 104 may send a command to computing device 108 via network 106 to adjust the sound level of sound-emitting device 102, and use the adjusted sound level to initiate an additional sound level test on sound-emitting device 102 in a manner similar to that described earlier in this document for the initial sound level test of sound-emitting device 102. This process may continue to repeat until it is determined that the sound level of sound-emitting device 102 is not outside a specific sound level range.

[0049] Figures 2A to 2D An example illustration of a sound level test according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figures 2A to 2D The display shown may be, for example, in a previous combination Figure 1 A screenshot of the display provided on the user interface of the described mobile device 104.

[0050] For example, Figure 2ADisplay 220 shown is a list of sound-emitting devices (e.g., “devices near you”) that have been identified by the facility as being within the wireless range of mobile device 104, as previously described herein. Figure 2A As shown, the list can include the identifiers, types, and locations of these sound-generating devices. For example, in Figure 2A In the example shown, the list includes dual-light thermal voice and stroboscopic self-test device N1.L2.D7 located in zone 5, area 5; dual-light thermal voice and stroboscopic self-test device N1.L2.D8 located in zone 3, area 3; and dual-light thermal voice and stroboscopic self-test device N1.L2.D6 located in zone 4, area 4.

[0051] Display 220 can further identify the device by including the sound-emitting device closest to the location of the mobile device 104 at the top of the list. For example, in Figure 2A In the example shown, the self-test device N1.L2.D7 is the sound-emitting device closest to the mobile device 104.

[0052] Display 220 can receive selection (e.g., touch selection) from a user of mobile device 104 of the sound-emitting device closest to mobile device 104 in order to initiate a sound level test of that sound-emitting device, as described previously herein. For example, in Figure 2A In the example shown, display 220 includes an icon 221 for the self-test device N1.L2.D7, which can be selected by the user to initiate a sound level test on the device.

[0053] like Figure 2A As shown, display 220 may include an indication of the number of sound-generating devices in the facility that have undergone sound level testing (e.g., 7 / 8 or 11 / 11). Furthermore, as... Figure 2A As shown, display 220 allows users (e.g., enables users to) control sound-producing devices within the range of mobile device 104 via a toggle button, and displays only sound-producing devices that have not yet undergone sound level testing (e.g., untested).

[0054] Figure 2B The display 222 shown is a display of the sound level recorded during sound level testing of the sound-emitting device positioned closest to the mobile device 104, as previously described herein. For example, in Figure 2B In the example shown, the recorded sound level is 120 decibels (dB). Furthermore, display 222 includes the identifier and location of the sound-generating device whose sound level was recorded. For example, in Figure 2B In the example shown, the detector with the sound generator 5 is located in room 127 on floor 8 of the facility, and its sound level has been recorded as 120 dB.

[0055] Figure 2CDisplay 224 shown is a display from which mobile device 104 can receive requests from a user of mobile device 104 to generate a report of sound-emitting devices (e.g., speakers) for which sound level tests have been performed and the corresponding sound levels (e.g., dB values) of these sound-emitting devices recorded during the tests, as previously described herein. For example, in Figure 2C In the example shown, display 224 includes a button labeled "Forward," which the user can select (e.g., touch) to generate a report (e.g., via a previously combined...). Figure 1 The computing device 108 described is sent to the mobile device 104.

[0056] Figure 2D Display 226 shown is an indication of whether the sound level recorded during sound level testing of the sound-emitting device closest to the location of mobile device 104 is outside a certain range and whether additional sound level testing (e.g., retesting) of the sound-emitting device is required, as previously described herein. For example, in Figure 2D In the example shown, Display 226 indicates that the sound level recorded during the initial (e.g., first) sound level test of the sound-generating device is above a specific sound level range (e.g., above the desired sound level), but the sound level recorded during subsequent (e.g., second) sound level tests of the sound-generating device (e.g., after adjusting the sound level of the sound-generating device, as previously described herein) is not outside the specific sound level range (e.g., at the desired sound level). Therefore, in Figure 2D In the example shown, no further (e.g., third) sound level testing of the sound-generating device is required.

[0057] Figure 3A A block diagram of a mobile device 304 for sound level testing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3B A block diagram illustrating a computing device 308 for sound level testing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The mobile device 304 and the computing device 308 may, for example, be respectively previously combined... Figure 1 The mobile device 104 and computing device 108 are described.

[0058] like Figure 3A As shown, the mobile device 304 may include a memory 334 and a processor 332. (As...) Figure 3B As shown, computing device 308 may include memory 344 and processor 342.

[0059] Memory 334 and 344 can be any type of storage medium that can be accessed by processor 332 and 342 respectively to perform various examples of the present disclosure. For example, memory 334 and 344 can each be a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which computer-readable instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) are stored, which can be executed by processor 332 and 342 respectively for sound level testing according to the present disclosure.

[0060] Memory 334 and 344 can be volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 334 and 344 can also be removable (e.g., portable) memory or non-removable (e.g., internal) memory. For example, memory 334 and 344 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.

[0061] Furthermore, although memories 334 and 344 are illustrated as residing within mobile device 304 and computing device 308, respectively, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, memories 334 and / or 344 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).

[0062] like Figure 3A As shown, mobile device 304 may include user interface 336. A user of mobile device 304 may interact with mobile device 304 via user interface 336. For example, user interface 336 may provide (e.g., display and / or present) information to the user of mobile device 304 and / or receive information from the user of mobile device 304 (e.g., input by the user of mobile device), as previously described herein. For example, in some embodiments, user interface 336 may be a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides information to and / or receives information from the user of mobile device 304, as previously described herein. The display may be, for example, a touchscreen (e.g., the GUI may include touchscreen functionality).

[0063] User interface 336 can be localized to any language. For example, user interface 336 can display information in any language, such as English, Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Arabic, Japanese, Hindi, etc.

[0064] 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.

[0065] It should be understood that the above description is given by way of illustration and not 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In the above specific embodiments, for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure, various features are combined in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim.

[0068] 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 mobile device (104, 304) for sound level testing, said mobile device comprising: User interface (336); Memory (334); and Processor (332), the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory (334) to: The sound-emitting device (102) closest to the location of the facility is determined based on the location information received by the mobile device (104, 304). The user interface (336) receives an instruction to initiate a sound level test on the sound-emitting device (102) located closest to the mobile device (104, 304); In response to receiving the instruction, a command is sent to the computing device (108, 308) to initiate the sound level test on the sound-emitting device (102) located closest to the mobile device (104, 304); and During the sound level test, the sound level of the sound-generating device (102) located closest to the mobile device (104, 304) is recorded.

2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to: The user interface receives instructions to initiate sound level tests on all sound-generating devices in the facility, all of which are located in the same area of ​​the facility as the sound-generating device closest to the mobile device. In response to receiving the instruction, a command is sent to the computing device to initiate the sound level test for all sound-emitting devices in the same area as the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device; as well as During the sound level test, the sound level of each corresponding sound device in the same area as the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device is recorded.

3. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to send a recorded sound level of the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device to the computing device.

4. The mobile device of claim 3, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to: The computing device receives an indication that the recorded sound level of the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device is outside a specific sound level range; In response to the instruction, the user interface receives a command to adjust the sound level of the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device and to initiate an additional sound level test on the sound-emitting device using the adjusted sound level. In response to receiving the instruction, a command is sent to the computing device to initiate the additional sound level test on the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device using the adjusted sound level; as well as During the additional sound level test, the sound level of the sound-emitting device closest to the location of the mobile device is recorded.

5. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to determine the sound-emitting device based on the strength of a wireless signal received from the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device in the facility.

6. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to execute the instructions to record: The time of the sound level test; and The location of the sound-generating device within the facility.

7. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein receiving the instruction to initiate the sound level test on the sound-emitting device located closest to the mobile device includes receiving a selection of the sound-emitting device via the user interface.

8. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the sound-generating device is a sounder of the fire alarm system of the facility.

9. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the sound-generating device is a public address voice alarm device of the facility.

10. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the sound level of the sound-emitting device is a decibel level of the sound emitted by the sound-emitting device.

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