Fire alarm system, procedures and computer program

Abstract

Fire alarm system with a screen display device (1) for operating the system (8), wherein the screen display device (1) has a touchscreen (3), wherein the touchscreen (3) has a display area (4), wherein the display area (4) has at least a section of an operating area (5) which is designed for the input of commands, wherein the screen display device (1) is switchable between a normal operating state and a service operating state, with a data processing unit (2) which evaluates the commands from the operating surface (5), wherein the data processing device (2) has a program module (6) which is configured to control at least one application program for the system (8) in the normal operating state by means of commands from the operating surface (5), wherein the data processing device (2) has a service module (7) which is configured to control at least one service program in the service operating state by means of the commands of the operating surface (5). wherein the at least one application program and the at least one service program are displayed simultaneously on the display area (4), wherein it is provided that the graphical representation of the at least one service program is semi-transparent or transparent and overlays the graphical representation of the application program, that at least one service program is configured as a service termination program, wherein the service operating state can be deactivated by means of commands from the operating surface (5) via the control of the service termination program, by requiring at least two commands from the operating surface (5) to be transmitted to the service termination program for the deactivation of the service operating state, and where the service program is a cleaning program, and the cleaning program ends after a predetermined period of time.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a fire alarm system. The invention also relates to a method for performing a service, as well as a computer program.

[0002] Touchscreen displays are used to display visual information and allow instructions to be given to a device by simply touching the display. By design, touching the touchscreen display results in dirt, so the display must be cleaned regularly for proper maintenance and hygiene. However, cleaning the touchscreen display during operation may result in unwanted instructions being sent to the device, as the display cannot distinguish between cleaning and regular operation. The touchscreen display would have to be turned off to enable cleaning without transmitting instructions to the device.

[0003] DE 101 27 057 A1 describes a modular alarm control panel, with the modules being removable and installable during operation. The alarm control panel comprises a panel controller, which is connected to a display. A cleaning mode for a display unit is known from US 4 992 779 A. EP 2 299 340 A1 describes a system and method for controlling functional devices in buildings. An information display device is known from US 2010 / 0 045 623 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The object of the invention is to improve a fire alarm system, in particular to improve the operation of the screen display device of the fire alarm system and to ensure safe operation of the screen display device of the fire alarm system.

[0005] This object is achieved by the fire alarm system having the features of claim 1, by a method having the features of claim 8, and by a computer program having the features of claim 9. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0006] The invention thus relates to a fire alarm system with a screen display device for operating a system. According to the invention, the system is a fire alarm system. The screen display device has a touchscreen, which is designed to display system information and operate the system. The term "operation" refers to controlling the system, such as turning the system on or off or setting system parameters.

[0007] The touchscreen has a display area that presents a graphical interface to the user. The graphical interface displays graphical information objects, which can be, for example, general information or system commands for a user. In the case of a fire alarm system, alarm messages or other status messages can be displayed.

[0008] Particularly preferably, the touch screen is designed as a stationary device, in particular with a display area larger than 7 inches, preferably larger than 9 inches and in particular larger than 15 inches.

[0009] The display surface has, at least in sections, an operating surface which is touch-sensitive for the input of commands by the user. The commands available to the user can be displayed via the graphical interface of the display surface. Preferably, the operating surface is arranged on the upper side of the touchscreen so as to be congruent with the display surface so that the command can be given by the user. The touch sensitivity of the operating surface can be implemented, for example, via resistive, capacitive, inductive or optical systems, but other functionalities for implementing touch sensitivity are also conceivable. The touchscreen enables interaction between the display surface and the operating surface and the system, i.e. the command entered on the operating surface operates the system and is output on the display surface.For this purpose, the control surface is transparent, allowing the user to see the display's output. Furthermore, the combination of the display and control surfaces provides a user-friendly and compact arrangement, eliminating the need for additional devices such as a keyboard and thus saving costs, or providing an alternative input option.

[0010] The screen display device can be switched between a normal operating mode and a service operating mode during operation. In the normal operating mode, the system can be operated via the control panel, whereas in the service operating mode, commands for performing service work are preferably only permitted or evaluated, but operation of the system is excluded. Service work can include, for example, repairs or maintenance, in particular cleaning the control panel.

[0011] The screen display device comprises a data processing device that evaluates the commands entered from the control surface and, based on the commands, determines the control sequence of the screen display device. The data processing device enables the user, among other things, to switch the screen display device from the normal operating mode to the service operating mode and vice versa.

[0012] The data processing device comprises a program module configured to control at least one application program for the system in the normal operating state using commands from the control panel. The program module enables the user to operate the system, preferably without restrictions, through the at least one application program.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, it is proposed that the data processing device have a service module configured to control at least one service program in the service operating state using commands from the control surface. The at least one service program from the service module serves exclusively to perform service work and thus precludes operation of the system. One advantage of the service module is that service work can be performed on the control surface while the screen display device is operating, without inadvertent or unintentional operation of the system via the control surface.

[0014] One advantage of the invention is the applicability of the screen display device in fire alarm systems. For safety reasons, fire alarm systems must be operable at all times. In fire alarm systems used to monitor fires and, for example, to control fire systems in public buildings such as train stations, airports, hospitals, or museums, continuous operation of the screen display device is necessary. Since servicing the control panel can be performed without switching off the screen display device according to the invention, the system can be operated at all times.

[0015] According to the invention, the screen display device is designed to display the application program and the service program simultaneously on the display surface, so that the graphical representation of the application program remains recognizable even in the service mode and can be monitored at any time. In particular, the graphical representation of the application program is also updated during the service mode. This design ensures that the system can be monitored even in the service mode of the screen display device. Preferably, the graphical representation of the service program is transparent or partially transparent and overlays the graphical representation of the application program.

[0016] According to the invention, the service program is designed as a service abort program, wherein the service operating state can be deactivated using commands from the control panel via the control of the service abort program. Deactivation of the service operating state may, for example, be desired if operation of the system is required, for example to trigger or process an alarm. One advantage is therefore that, although operation of the system is locked in the service operating state and therefore accidental or unwanted control of the system is excluded, the screen display device can be switched to the normal operating state at any time at the user's request using the service abort program. This means that the user can always operate the system when necessary.

[0017] For deactivation of the service mode, it is preferable to stipulate that at least two commands must be entered on the control panel. Since the control panel may be touched during service work, for example, when cleaning the control panel, the requirement that the user enter multiple commands ensures that no unintentional switching from the service mode to the normal mode occurs. Accidental or unintentional operation of the system can thus be avoided.

[0018] Optionally, as a further condition, the at least two commands must be entered with graphical support on the display surface on the operating surface. For this purpose, the display surface provides graphical action surfaces as a graphical interface, which are shown to the user for entering the commands. The at least two commands are preferably entered on the operating surface at a spatial distance, preferably at a distance of more than 5 cm, in particular more than 10 cm, from one another. Service work, for example continuous cleaning and wiping processes, which could result in contact with the at least two graphical action surfaces, would preferably not lead to a switch from the service operating state to the normal operating state due to the spatial distance, since further touches of the operating surface were made between the spaced action surfaces, which would indicate an unintentional switch.Unwanted or accidental user inputs can thus be filtered out by the data processing device. For example, the first graphical action area and the second graphical action area can be arranged diagonally to each other in the display area.

[0019] Despite the requirement that multiple commands be entered, service work may affect the graphical action areas displayed on the control panel in such a way that, under certain circumstances, an inadvertent switch to the normal operating state could occur. Therefore, it is particularly preferred to have to enter the at least two commands simultaneously, at a predetermined time interval, and / or in a predetermined sequence, in particular directly one after the other on the control panel without any intermediate inputs. This condition or conditions required by the service cancellation program virtually rule out inadvertent touching of the multiple graphical action areas on the control panel, so that only an intentional switch of the screen display device to the normal operating state can occur.

[0020] For example, a first of the at least two commands can be displayed as a request to abort the service operating state. Once the first command has been executed, a second of the at least two commands can be displayed as a graphical action area with a security question indicating the actual request to abort the service operating state. All other commands are interpreted as aborting the abort sequence.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one service program is designed as a visual cleaning program, wherein it is preferably provided that a cleaning status is shown on the display surface depending on the commands from the operating surface. The visual cleaning program is provided in particular when the operating surface needs to be cleaned. The display of the cleaning status simulates the cleaning progress of the operating surface by the user. Preferably, when the visual cleaning program is set, the operating surface is initially shown as dirty by means of the display surface by showing a first graphical interface. To indicate the dirt, the display surface can, for example, show dirt particles as a graphical interface. The operating surface shown as dirty thus simulates the area of ​​the operating surface that needs to be cleaned.

[0022] If contact is made with a section of the operating surface, for example during a cleaning process by the user, a different graphical interface of the display surface appears in this section. Contact with a section therefore simulates the removal of dirt particles and a different graphical interface appears in this section. To represent the cleaned section, a neutral graphical interface or the program interface normally displayed by the application program can be displayed. Once the cleaning process is complete, i.e. the operating surface is shown as cleaned by a neutral graphical interface, the service operating state can be deactivated either manually as described above using the service cancellation program or automatically by the data processing device.

[0023] According to the invention, the cleaning program is terminated after a predefined period of time has elapsed. The period of time is specified by the data processing device. For example, the cleaning program can be activated for a period of 15 seconds, with the time period beginning from the moment the cleaning program is activated. During the predefined period of time, the user can perform service work—such as cleaning the control panel. Once the period of time has elapsed, the data processing device preferably automatically switches to the service mode.

[0024] The fire alarm system is used to monitor fires and control the fire system. In particular, the application program displays alarm messages or status messages from the fire detectors in the fire alarm system.

[0025] Another object of the invention relates to a method for performing a service on a screen display device of a fire alarm system, preferably on the screen display device as described above, wherein information is displayed and commands are entered via a touchscreen. The screen display device can be switched between a normal operating state and a service operating state, wherein a program module is called in the normal operating state and a service module is called in the service operating state. The entered commands are transmitted to the correspondingly called module, i.e., either the program module or the service module is executed by the entered commands.The input commands control an application program of the program module for the system in the normal operating state of the screen display device, and the commands control a service program of the service module for the screen display device in the service operating state of the screen display device.

[0026] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the screen display device comprises a computer program with program code means for carrying out the method, wherein the computer program forms a further subject matter of the invention.

[0027] Further features, advantages, and effects of the inventions will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. These show: Fig. 1 shows in block diagram the screen display device as an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 in a front view the touch screen from the Fig. 1 in a service operating state when executing a service cancellation program; Fig. 3 in a front view the touch screen from the Fig. 1 in the service operating state when carrying out a visual cleaning program as a first embodiment; Fig. 4 in a front view the touch screen from the Fig. 1 in the service operating state when carrying out the visual cleaning program as a second embodiment.

[0028] The Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a screen display device 1 as one embodiment of the invention. The screen display device 1 enables a user to operate a system 8. For example, the system 8 is designed as a fire alarm system or a camera surveillance system. The screen display device 1 has a touchscreen 3, which comprises a display area 4 and an operating area 5. The display area 4 is designed to show the user information about the system 8 and / or operating aids for operating the system 8 by means of a graphical interface. The operating area 5 enables the user to operate the system 8 and is arranged on the top side of the touchscreen 3, congruent with the display area 4.

[0029] The system 8 is operated by touching the operating surface 5. The touching of the operating surface 5 is forwarded as a command input to a data processing device 2, which evaluates the command input and outputs updated information about the system 8 and / or action areas for operating the system 8 to the user via the display surface 4.

[0030] Regular use of the touch screen 3 can lead to soiling or similar defects on the operating surface 5. To ensure proper and hygienic operation of the touch screen 3, service work must be performed, in particular cleaning the surface of the operating surface 5 by wiping. However, touching the operating surface 5 during service work must not result in any command input that could result in unintentional or accidental operation of the system 8. However, switching off the touch screen 3 is not possible, particularly in security systems, since their operation must be ensured at all times, for example in emergencies. Therefore, the data processing device 2 enables the user to switch the screen display device 1 between a normal operating state and a service operating state.In normal operating mode, operation of System 8 is permitted, while in service operating mode, operation of System 8 is prohibited.

[0031] In order to be able to set the normal or service operating state of the screen display device 1, a program module 6 must be called for the normal operating state and a service module 7 for the service operating state. The program module 6 comprises at least one application program, which outputs information and / or action areas for operating the system 8 to the user on the display surface 4 and controls the system 8 depending on the command inputs. The service module 7 comprises a service program, which is controlled by the command input via the control surface 5 from the service module 7 and does not offer any operating options for the system 8. The screen display device 1 is designed to display the application program and the service program on the display surface 4 simultaneously, for example.the graphical representation of the service program is transparent and overlays the graphical representation of the application program, so that the graphical representation of the application program remains recognizable even in the service operating state and can be monitored at any time.

[0032] Since only the at least one application program of the program module 6 has action surfaces for operating the system 8, no accidental or unwanted operation of the system 8 can occur in the service operating state. In particular, operation of the system 8 via the control surface 5 is blocked or deactivated. However, since the screen display device 1 can be switched between the service operating state and the normal operating state, the user can return from the service operating state to the normal operating state and operate the system 8 at any time.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a front view of the touch screen 3 from the Fig. 1 in a service operating state. A service interruption program has been selected by the service module 7 as the service program for the service operating state. The service interruption program allows the user to deactivate the service operating state by entering two commands via the control surface 5, thereby accessing the normal operating state and enabling operation of the system 8. Entering more than one command ensures that no unintentional switching from the service operating state to the normal operating state occurs due to a single, inadvertent touch of the control surface 5.

[0034] For the input of the two commands, the display surface 4 displays two graphical action surfaces 9a, 9b, which are spatially spaced from one another by a distance of preferably more than 20 mm. In this exemplary embodiment, the service module 7 first displays the first action surface 9a, and after the command has been entered by pressing the actuation field via the operating surface 5, the action surface 9b. If another touch occurs on the operating surface 5 between the first command input and the second action surface 9b, the service module 7 detects an unintentional command input on the action surface 9a and returns to the first action surface 9a. In particular, the condition of the time-delayed and immediately consecutive, double command input ensures that an inadvertent switch to the normal operating state does not occur due to an inadvertent touch of the operating surface 5, for example, due to a continuous cleaning wipe process.As an alternative to activating the displayed action surfaces 9 at a predetermined time interval, simultaneous activation of the action surfaces 9 is conceivable.

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a front view of the touch screen 3 from the Fig. 1 in the service operating state when performing a visual cleaning program. For the service operating state, a visual cleaning program was selected by the service module 7 as the service program. The visual cleaning program is used to display the cleaning status of the operating surface 5. Thus, when the visual cleaning program is called up, the display area 4 can show graphic elements 10 that overlap with the operating surface 5 to be cleaned. For example, the graphic elements can be designed as soap bubbles, simulated dirt particles, or cartoon bacteria. If the operating surface 5 is touched, for example via a cleaning wipe process, the simulated graphic elements 10 are replaced by another graphic representation 11 that simulates a cleaned operating surface 5. If the operating surface 5 was fully touched, ieIf the operating surface 5 is completely wiped, the cleaning of the operating surface 5 is considered complete and is displayed as completely cleaned, for example via a neutral color.

[0036] The service operating state can be deactivated automatically, for example, via the data processing device 2, preferably after the entire operating surface 5 has been touched. Alternatively, the data processing device 2 can deactivate the service operating state for a predeterminable period of time. As a further alternative, the service operating state can be deactivated manually according to the service termination program of the first exemplary embodiment of the service operating state.

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a front view of the touch screen 3 from the Fig. 1 in the service operating state during the execution of a visual cleaning program as a second embodiment. In this visual cleaning program, as in Fig.3 the cleaning status of the operating surface 5 is displayed. When the visual cleaning program is called up, the display surface 4 initially illustrates, for example, a graphical interface 12 which simulates the operating surface 5 to be cleaned. The graphical interface 12 can, for example, be monochrome. If a cleaning process takes place along the operating surface 5, the graphical interface 12 is replaced by a different graphical representation 11 at the corresponding touch section. The graphical representation 11 illustrates the cleaned operating surface 5 so that the user can see which sections of the operating surface 5 have already been cleaned and which still need to be cleaned. The graphical representation 11 is in a different color than the graphical interface 12, for example, monochrome or designed as a graphic object such as soap bubbles.A possible embodiment for the already cleaned areas 11 is also the representation of the normal operating state, i.e. in particular the normal user interface of the system 8.

Claims

[1] Fire alarm system with a screen display device (1) for operating the system (8), wherein the screen display device (1) has a touch screen (3), wherein the touch screen (3) has a display area (4), wherein the display surface (4) has at least in sections an operating surface (5) which is designed for the input of commands, wherein the screen display device (1) is switchable between a normal operating state and a service operating state, with a data processing device (2) which evaluates the commands from the control surface (5), wherein the data processing device (2) has a program module (6) which is designed to control at least one application program for the system (8) in the normal operating state by means of the commands from the control surface (5), wherein the data processing device (2) has a service module (7) which is designed to control at least one service program in the service operating state by the commands of the control surface (5) wherein the at least one application program and the at least one service program are displayed simultaneously on the display surface (4), wherein the graphical representation of the at least one service program is partially transparent or transparent and overlays the graphical representation of the application program, the at least one service program is designed as a service termination program, wherein the service operating state can be deactivated by means of the commands from the control surface (5) via the control of the service termination program, in that at least two commands must be transmitted from the control surface (5) to the service termination program for the deactivation of the service operating state, and wherein the service program is a cleaning program, wherein the cleaning program is terminated after a predetermined period of time. [2] Fire alarm system according to claim 1, characterized by that in the service operating state, control of the program module (6) for operating the system (8) by the commands of the control surface (5) is excluded. [3] Fire alarm system according to claim 1, characterized by that at least two commands are entered on the control surface (5) with graphic support of the display surface (4). [4] Fire alarm system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by that the at least two commands must be entered on the control surface (5) simultaneously, at a predetermined time interval and / or in a predetermined sequence. [5] Fire alarm system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least two commands must be entered on the control surface (5) at a distance from each other. [6] Fire alarm system according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one service program is designed as a visual cleaning program, wherein it is provided in particular that a cleaning state is shown on the display surface (4) depending on the commands from the control surface (5). [7] Fire alarm system according to claim 6, characterized by that the cleaning state is represented by a simulated cleaning, wherein a first graphical interface is initially displayed by means of the display surface, wherein the graphical interface is changed depending on the commands from the control surface (5). [8] Method for carrying out a service on a screen display device (1) of a fire alarm system, preferably on the screen display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein information is displayed and commands are entered via a touch screen (3), wherein the screen display device (1) is switchable between a normal operating state and a service operating state, wherein the commands in the normal operating state of the screen display device control an application program for the system (8), wherein the commands in the service operating state of the screen display device control a service program for the screen display device (1), wherein the at least one application program and the at least one service program are displayed simultaneously on the display surface (4), wherein the graphical representation of the at least one service program is partially transparent or transparent and overlays the graphical representation of the application program, wherein the at least one service program is designed as a service termination program, wherein the service operating state is deactivated by means of the commands from the control surface (5) via the control of the service termination program, by transmitting at least two commands from the control surface (5) to the service termination program for deactivating the service operating state, and wherein the service program is a cleaning program, wherein the cleaning program is terminated after a predetermined period of time. [9] A computer program comprising program code means for performing all the steps of the method of claim 8 when the program is executed on the fire alarm system of any one of claims 1 to 7.

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