Event monitoring and detection device testing

Abstract

Described herein are devices, methods, and systems for event monitoring and detection device testing. One device includes a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory to operate a sensor of an event monitoring and detection device at a first sensitivity level, operate the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device at a second sensitivity level, and return the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device to the first sensitivity level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to equipment, methods, and systems for testing event monitoring and 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 monitoring and 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. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 A block diagram illustrating an event monitoring and detection device according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0004] Figure 2 An example of a system for event monitoring and testing equipment is illustrated according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 3A A portion of an event monitoring and detection apparatus that is obscured by a solid object is illustrated according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3B A portion of an aerosol-masked event monitoring and detection apparatus according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0007] Figure 4 A block diagram of an alarm system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 5 This is an example of a controller for testing event monitoring and detection equipment according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0009] This document describes apparatus, methods, and systems for testing event monitoring and detection devices. One apparatus includes a memory and a processor for executing instructions stored in the memory to operate a sensor of the event monitoring and detection device at a first sensitivity level, to operate the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device at a second sensitivity level, and to return the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device to the first sensitivity level.

[0010] As architects desire cleaner, more modern building interiors, the demand for concealed, flush-mounted open-room event monitoring and detection devices (sometimes referred to herein as "smoke detectors," "detectors," or "devices") continues to grow. Unlike enclosed room designs, open-room detectors have a detection chamber open to the surrounding air. Open-room event monitoring and detection devices are discussed in U.S. Patent No. 8,624,745, filed March 16, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0011] However, testing the functionality of these types of detectors presents challenges. Aerosols can be expensive and time-consuming, and may only allow for checking the effective operation of the equipment on a low-frequency basis (e.g., once a year).

[0012] Self-test modules can be used to test detectors, but these are limited by their very specific air velocity requirements and the use of undesirable large amounts of aerosol. For self-test modules, due to the limited amount of wax available for combustion, checks against concealment can only be performed periodically. Additionally, the fire alarm panel associated with a detector using a self-test module must be placed in service mode to exceed alarm thresholds for functional testing. This requires a technician on-site and prevents testing from being conducted in the background.

[0013] The ability to periodically check the proper operation of detectors is of significant value. Embodiments of this disclosure allow detectors to demonstrate their correct operation and reassure building owners that the detectors and the larger system are functioning as intended. Additionally, as part of ongoing testing, embodiments of this disclosure can determine whether a detector is being masked through its normal operation. As mentioned herein, "masking" occurs when a detector is physically obstructed in some way. Masking can occur accidentally or due to intentional human tampering. In some cases, the detector may be masked by solid objects (e.g., tape or plastic bags). In other cases, the detector may be masked by aerosols or liquids (e.g., spray paint). Embodiments of this disclosure can provide notification in the event of detector masking, enabling appropriate corrective action to be taken.

[0014] Typically, detectors operate at calibrated sensitivity to detect smoke particles, which may have diameters ranging from, for example, 0.4 micrometers to 0.07 micrometers. To test its functionality, the detector according to the embodiments herein may temporarily enter a calibrated increased sensitivity mode to detect fine particles in normal ambient air (e.g., particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, referred to herein as PM2.5 particles). If these particles are detected in the increased sensitivity mode, it can be concluded that the detector functions in its normal operating mode. Compared to previous methods involving infrequently (e.g., annually) requiring field technicians to take the fire control panel offline, the embodiments of this disclosure allow for rapid and more frequent functional testing (e.g., daily or hourly).

[0015] As previously discussed, embodiments of this disclosure can detect masking. For example, a detector according to embodiments herein can utilize light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to create both a beam path and a scattering path, each of which can be detected by a photodetector. If the intensity of the signal associated with the beam path decreases, embodiments herein can determine that a masking condition exists because the beam is at least partially blocked. If the intensity of the signal associated with the scattering path increases, embodiments herein can determine that a masking condition exists because the light from the scattering path is being reflected by one or more foreign objects.

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of example, how one or more embodiments of this disclosure can be practiced.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 could refer to... Figure 1 The component "04" in the text, and similar components in Figure 2 The number 204 can be used to refer to the middle.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 1 A block diagram of an event monitoring and detection device 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The event monitoring and detection device 100 may include a controller (e.g., a microcontroller) 122, a sound generator 118, and a test chamber 104.

[0022] The controller 122 may include a memory 124 and a processor 126. The memory 124 may be any type of storage medium that can be accessed by the processor 126 to execute various examples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory 124 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium on which computer-readable instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) are stored, which can be executed by the processor 126 to perform testing of the event monitoring and detection device according to the present disclosure. For example, the processor 126 may execute executable instructions stored in the memory 124 to operate the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device at a first sensitivity level, operate the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device at a second sensitivity level, and cause the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device to return to the first sensitivity level.

[0023] Figure 2 A system 210 for testing event monitoring and detection equipment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. System 210 may include event monitoring and detection equipment 400 and remote computing device 426.

[0024] Event monitoring and detection equipment 200 can correspond to Figure 1 The event monitoring and detection equipment 100 may be, but is not limited to, fire and / or smoke detectors of fire control systems.

[0025] Event monitoring and detection equipment 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 monitoring and detection devices may be distributed throughout the facility (e.g., on different floors and / or in different rooms).

[0026] like Figure 2As shown, the event monitoring and detection device 200 may include a test chamber 204. The test chamber 204 may be, for example, an optical scattering chamber. In some embodiments, the test chamber is an open chamber. The test chamber 204 may include a light source (e.g., at least one light-emitting diode (LED)) 213 and a sensor 212. In some embodiments, the sensor 212 is a photosensitive light receiver (e.g., a photodiode, photoresistor, phototransistor, photovoltaic light sensor, etc.) that measures a value associated with the received light and generates a signal associated with the measured value. For example, the test chamber 204 may cause the light source 213 to send pulses to measure the presence of any particulate matter (e.g., smoke, PM2.5, etc.) in the test chamber 204. In some embodiments, the sensor 212 includes a photodiode array. The photodiode array may include a first portion and a second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion is positioned at a first angle, and the second portion is positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the first portion is configured to receive light of a first wavelength (or a first wavelength range), and the second portion is configured to receive light of a second wavelength (or a second wavelength range).

[0027] Sensor 212 acquires environmental particulate matter readings by causing light source 213 to send pulses and capturing the light pulses. The captured light pulses can be used to estimate particle size and quantity based on the distribution of light scattering intensity of individual particles in the air from test chamber 204. A signal indicating the distribution of light scattering intensity can be generated by sensor 212 and included as data in the environmental particulate matter readings.

[0028] Sensor 212 may include a variable sensitivity level. As used herein, the term "sensitivity level" refers to the variation in the input parameter required to produce a normalized output variation. For example, sensor 212 may have a first sensitivity level and a second sensitivity level, wherein the second sensitivity level is more sensitive than the first sensitivity level. The first sensitivity level may be, for example, the normal operating sensitivity level of sensor 412, for detecting events during normal operating conditions. In some embodiments, the first sensitivity level is configured to detect smoke particles. For example, the first sensitivity level may be 0.2% masking / meter (%OPM).

[0029] In some embodiments, the second sensitivity level is configured to detect particulate matter in air that does not contain smoke. For example, particulate matter in air without smoke may include PM2.5 particles. In some embodiments, the second sensitivity level is at least 89 times more sensitive than the first sensitivity level. For example, the second sensitivity level may be 20% OPM. Note that sensor 212 is not limited to only two sensitivity levels. For example, sensor 212 may include more than two sensitivity levels.

[0030] As mentioned above, the event monitoring and detection device 200 enables sensors to acquire ambient particulate matter readings of the environment surrounding the device 200. These readings can occur during the normal operating mode of the device 200. For example, during the normal operating mode of the device 200, ambient particulate matter readings can be acquired while the device 200 is further listening for other events (e.g., fire detection).

[0031] Sensor 212 can operate at a first sensitivity level, and controller 222 can determine whether an event, such as a fire, is occurring near device 200 based on the signal generated by sensor 212. For example, if the signal exceeds an alarm threshold, device 200 can transmit a signal indicating that an event (e.g., a fire) is occurring. However, if the signal does not exceed the alarm threshold, controller 222 can determine that no event is occurring.

[0032] To test the functionality of device 200, sensor 212 may be switched to operate at a second sensitivity level (e.g., temporary operation) to test whether the sensor can detect fine particulate matter in normal ambient (e.g., non-smoky) air. In some embodiments, sensor 212 returns to a first sensitivity level after a predetermined period of time. The period for which the sensor operates at the second sensitivity level is configurable. In some embodiments, this period is five seconds, but the embodiments described herein are not limited to a specific period for testing purposes. The frequency at which sensor 212 operates at the second sensitivity level and returns to the first sensitivity level can be scheduled and / or configurable by the user.

[0033] In some embodiments, the controller 222 returns the sensor 212 to the first sensitivity level only if the sensor 212 detects particulate matter during operation at the second sensitivity level. In some embodiments, the controller 222 may bin the particles detected by the sensor while or after the sensor 212 is operating at the second sensitivity level to determine the binned sample. The binned sample may be compared with samples from one or more reference (e.g., known, target, and / or historical) bins to verify that the sensor 212 is operating correctly. In some embodiments, if the similarity between the binned sample and the sample from the reference bin is determined to be within a threshold, the sensor 112 may be determined to be operating correctly. This disclosure is not intended to limit the size and / or number of bins used in such binning.

[0034] In some implementations, if sensor 212 detects particulate matter during operation at a second sensitivity level, a notification indicating that device 200 is operating normally can be provided (e.g., via remote computing device 226). However, if sensor 212 does not detect particulate matter during operation at the second sensitivity level, a notification indicating that device 200 is not operating normally (e.g., an alarm) can be provided (e.g., via remote computing device 226).

[0035] The controller 222 enables the sensor 212 to operate repeatedly at a second sensitivity level and to return the sensor 212 to a first sensitivity level at specific intervals. In some embodiments, such tests are performed hourly. In some embodiments, such tests are performed daily. Additionally, in some embodiments, the above testing process can be performed in response to input. For example, in response to user input (e.g., to remote computing device 226, to…) Figure 2 The above testing process can be performed on mobile devices (not listed), control panels, etc. This method allows for "on-demand" testing of device 200.

[0036] As mentioned above, the device 200 may additionally determine whether the test chamber 204 is shielded (e.g., blocked) via a shielding test, which is described in more detail in conjunction with Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 3A A portion of an event monitoring and detection device 300, which is concealed by a solid object 319, is illustrated according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3B A portion of an event monitoring and detection device 300, shielded by aerosol 321, is illustrated according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. In some cases, Figure 3A and Figure 3B Collectively referred to as "Figure 3". As illustrated in Figure 3, device 300 includes a light source 313 configured to emit a light beam 315 via optical element 322-1. Optical element 323 may be a total internal reflection (TIR) ​​optical element (e.g., a light tube). After exiting optical element 323-1, the light beam 315 may take a direct path along a surface hollow of the chamber and enter a second optical element 323-2, ultimately reaching sensor 312. Sensor 312 may generate a first signal associated with the light beam 315.

[0038] A portion of the beam 315 does not take a direct path to the second optical element 323-2. For example, as shown in FIG3, a portion 317 of the beam can be drawn from a solid masking object 319 (such as...). Figure 3A (as illustrated) and / or aerosol 321 (such as Figure 3B(As illustrated) After being reflected away, it is scattered. The scattering portion 317 can enter the second optical element 323-2 and eventually reach the sensor 312. The sensor 312 can generate a second signal associated with the scattering portion 317.

[0039] Controller 322 may receive each of a first signal and a second signal from sensor 312. A decrease in the first signal (e.g., a decrease exceeding a decrease threshold) indicates masking. An increase in the second signal (e.g., an increase exceeding an increase threshold) indicates masking. If either the decrease threshold or the increase threshold is exceeded, the controller may cause a notification to be provided (e.g., via a remote computing device, not shown in FIG3). As previously discussed, sensor 312 may include a photodiode array, which may include a first portion and a second portion. In some embodiments, the first portion is positioned at a first angle, and the second portion is positioned at a second angle. In some embodiments, the first portion is configured to receive light of a first wavelength (or a first wavelength range), and the second portion is configured to receive light of a second wavelength (or a second wavelength range). In some embodiments, the second portion may be dedicated to, for example, anti-masking / anti-blocking determination as illustrated in FIG3.

[0040] Figure 4 A block diagram of an alarm system 420 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The alarm system 420 may include an event monitoring and detection device 400 and a fire control panel 401. The event monitoring and detection device 400 may be, for example, as described above in conjunction with... Figure 1 , Figure 2 And the event monitoring and detection devices 100, 200 and / or 300 described in Figure 3.

[0041] Fire control panel 401 may be a monitoring device for alarm system 420, a fire detection and control system, and / or a cloud computing device. Fire control panel 401 may be configured to send commands to and / or receive reports from event monitoring and detection device 400 via wired or wireless networks. For example, event monitoring and detection device 400 may report sensor readings during its self-test process. Additionally, in some examples, event monitoring and detection device 400 may report an acknowledged event to fire control panel 401 in response to a measurement value exceeding a threshold after a specific time period.

[0042] Fire control panel 401 can receive reports from multiple event monitoring and detection devices similar to event monitoring and detection equipment 400. For example, fire control panel 401 can receive reports from each of the multiple event monitoring and detection devices similar to event monitoring and detection equipment 400, and transmit commands based on the reports from each of the multiple event monitoring and detection devices.

[0043] In several embodiments, the fire control panel 401 may include a user interface 436. The user interface 436 may be a GUI that provides information to and / or receives information from the user and / or the event monitoring and detection device 400. The user interface 436 may display messages and / or data received from the event monitoring and detection device 400. For example, the user interface 436 may alert the user to unconfirmed events, confirmed events, and / or false alarms reported by the event monitoring and detection device 400.

[0044] The network described herein can be a network relationship through which event monitoring and detection device 400 and / or fire control panel 401 can 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 monitoring and detection device 400 and / or fire control panel 401 via wired or wireless networks and transmit information to the event monitoring and detection device and / or fire control panel 401.

[0045] 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 monitoring and detection equipment 400, 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., the cloud).

[0046] 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, such as to retrieve data. Applications can also communicate with network management software, which can interact with network hardware to transfer information between devices on the network.

[0047] In some examples, the network may be used by event monitoring and detection device 400 and / or fire control panel 401 to communicate with remote computing devices. Remote computing devices may 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 may receive reports from multiple event monitoring and detection devices similar to event monitoring and detection device 400 and / or multiple fire control panels similar to fire control panel 401, and transmit commands to one or more of the multiple event monitoring and detection devices and / or multiple fire control panels based on these reports.

[0048] Figure 5 This is an example of a controller 522 for testing event monitoring and detection equipment according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 5 As illustrated, according to this disclosure, controller 522 may include memory 524 and processor 526 for event monitoring and detection device testing.

[0049] The memory 524 can be any type of storage medium that can be accessed by the processor 526 to execute various examples of the present disclosure. For example, the memory 524 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 526 to perform event monitoring and detection device testing according to the present disclosure.

[0050] Memory 524 can be volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 524 can also be removable (e.g., portable) memory or non-removable (e.g., internal) memory. For example, memory 524 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.

[0051] Furthermore, although memory 524 is illustrated as being located within controller 522, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, memory 524 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).

[0052] Processor 526 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 memory 524.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In the above detailed description, for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure, various features are combined in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The approach of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim.

[0057] 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 incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim exists independently as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A controller (122, 222, 522) for event monitoring and detection devices (100, 200, 300, 400), said controller comprising: Memory (124, 524); and Processors (126, 526), ​​the processors being configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to: The sensors (212, 312) of the event monitoring and detection device are operated at a first sensitivity level. The sensors of the event monitoring and detection device are operated at a second sensitivity level; and The sensor of the event monitoring and detection device is returned to the first sensitivity level.

2. The controller according to claim 1, wherein the second sensitivity level is more sensitive than the first sensitivity level.

3. The controller of claim 1, wherein the second sensitivity level is at least 89 times more sensitive than the first sensitivity level.

4. The controller of claim 1, wherein the first sensitivity level is configured to detect smoke particles.

5. The controller of claim 1, wherein the second sensitivity level is configured to detect particulate matter in air without smoke.

6. The controller of claim 5, wherein the particulate matter in the smoke-free air comprises PM2.5 particulate matter.

7. The controller of claim 1, the controller comprising an instruction to return the sensor to the first sensitivity level in response to the detection of particulate matter during operation at the second sensitivity level.

8. The controller of claim 1, the controller comprising instructions for: repeatedly operating the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device at the second sensitivity level, and returning the sensor of the event monitoring and detection device to the first sensitivity level at specific intervals.

9. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller includes instructions for the following operations: The particulate matter detected during operation at the second sensitivity level is binned to produce binned samples; and The sensor returns to the first sensitivity level in response to a comparison between the sample in the bin and the sample in the reference bin.

10. The controller of claim 1, wherein the controller includes instructions for the following operations: Receive a first signal and a second signal generated by the sensor during operation at the first sensitivity level, wherein the first signal is associated with the light beam (315), and wherein the second signal is associated with a scattering portion (317) of the light beam; and Notifications are provided in response to the following: The reduction of the first signal exceeding the reduction threshold; and / or The second signal increases beyond the threshold.

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