Arrangement for carrying out a test procedure of the operating state of a fire detector and method for testing the functionality of a fire detector

The described arrangement and method automate fire detector testing by matching on-site identifiers with stored data, ensuring accurate fire detector identification and reliable testing results, compatible with multiple fire alarm systems.

DE102020108583B4Active Publication Date: 2026-01-29EINERT GERRIT +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102020108583
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-03-27
Publication Date
2026-01-29
Estimated Expiration
2040-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing fire detector testing methods fail to verify that the detector triggering the alarm is the same as the one identified by its external label, leading to potential miscommunication during real fires.

Method used

An arrangement comprising a test unit, detection unit, and verification box that automatically identifies the fire detector, compares its identifier with stored data, and documents the test results, ensuring accurate matching and reliable testing.

Benefits of technology

Ensures reliable fire detector testing by untrained personnel, compatible with various fire alarm control panels, and provides automated documentation to prevent false alarm misinterpretation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Arrangement for performing a test procedure of an operating state of a fire detector (1), consisting of a test unit (11), a detection unit (10), a verification box (20) and a monitoring unit (18), wherein the test unit (11) serves to apply a test action (13) to the fire detector (1), the detection unit (10) includes a detector detection module (7) for detecting fire detector identifiers (3) arranged at the location of the fire detector (1) and a forwarding module (8) for establishing a bidirectional signal path (21) to the verification box (20) and a display module (9) for displaying test results on site and the verification box (20) contains means for performing an identity check between a fire alarm identification (3) in an associated event start record (102) of an event message (101) generated by the fire alarm (1) as a result of the test procedure and the fire alarm identification (3) detected by the detector identification module (7).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9 for performing a test procedure of the operating state of a fire detector and a method for testing the functionality of a fire detector.

[0002] Fire alarm systems and the fire detectors connected to them must be regularly maintained, with each fire detector undergoing a functional test once a year. The term "fire detector" encompasses all technical sensor devices capable of detecting typical parameters associated with a fire or open flame. This includes, in particular, smoke detectors, multi-sensor detectors, heat detectors, light beam smoke detectors, and similar sensors that can register fire phenomena and be activated by them. Manual call points for activation in the event of a fire are also included.

[0003] These functional tests include, in particular, intentionally triggering the respective fire detectors of the fire alarm system at regular intervals. This is done, for example, by using a test gas, by applying heat, or by pressing the activation button on the manual fire alarm call point.

[0004] Within a fire alarm system, each fire detector has a unique identifier. This identifier consists, for example, of a detector group number and a detector number. This identifier is subsequently referred to as the fire detector identification. For example, the designation 25 / 10 means a detector group number of 25 and a detector number of 10. This unique identifier is transmitted and displayed in the fire alarm system's alarm event message in the event of an alarm. Simultaneously, a visually readable marking in the form of a detector identification plate with the imprint 25 / 10 is affixed to the fire detector at its installation location.

[0005] According to current technological standards, a fire alarm test is carried out as follows: The fire detector to be tested is triggered using a detector tester. Manual activation of the manual call point is also possible. The fire detector then triggers an alarm. After the fire detector has been triggered, the fire detector identification number on the detector's label must be checked against the fire detector identification number that the detector output to the fire alarm system along with the alarm signal. The fire detector test is only successful if these two sets of data match. This ensures that the technically correct fire detector corresponds to the fire detector identified on-site by its label.

[0006] State-of-the-art testing equipment includes devices that communicate with fire detectors via a communication channel and thereby receive identification characteristics, such as a fire detector ID, from the detector. Furthermore, fire alarm systems have a test mode with storage of test alarms. In these systems, the test alarms are saved automatically. The fire detector IDs associated with the alarm event are transmitted to an end device. DE 10 2018 113 461 A1 discloses a manually operated tool for installing and maintaining detectors. The document specifically discloses a combination of a functional unit for applying a test effect to the fire detector under test and a connected reading unit. The functional unit contains components for handling the respective fire detector, i.e., for installation, testing, and maintenance; the reading unit is designed for reading a label carrier.Such a device can simultaneously test a fire alarm and read a label. The data read can be transmitted wirelessly to a mobile communication device. The testing process can therefore be electronically logged.

[0007] US Patent 2008 / 0084291A1 relates to a method and device for authenticating online testing, inspection, maintenance, and control of safety equipment, generating maintenance reports, and enabling remote access. The document mentions devices and procedures known from the prior art for remotely querying and testing, in particular, fire detectors. The teaching presented therein aims to enable comprehensive testing of fire detector arrays, with a particular focus on the automated generation of test reports to ensure the most complete possible monitoring of the fire alarm system.

[0008] US 2015 / 0097664A1 discloses generally known components for monitoring and maintaining fire alarm systems as a supplementary technical background.

[0009] The methods disclosed in the aforementioned publications do not, however, verify that the fire detector that triggered the alarm at the fire alarm system is actually the one identified externally by its fire detector identification number on the detector's nameplate. Undetected false alarms can, however, lead to firefighters receiving incorrect information about the location of the fire in the event of a fire.

[0010] The task is therefore to specify an arrangement and a procedure for carrying out a test that eliminates the disadvantages of current test methods and devices. In particular, it should be ensured that the testing of fire detectors can be carried out practically even by untrained personnel, while the reliability of the test remains fully guaranteed. Furthermore, the functionality of the arrangement and the procedure should be compatible with fire alarm control panels from different manufacturers.

[0011] The problem is solved by an arrangement according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 9.

[0012] The arrangement according to the invention for performing a test of the operating state of a fire detector consists of a test unit, a detection unit, a verification box, and a monitoring unit, wherein the test unit serves to apply a test stimulus to the fire detector. The detection unit contains a detector detection module for capturing fire detector identifiers located at the fire detector, a forwarding module for establishing a bidirectional signal path to the verification box, and a display module for showing test results locally. The verification box contains means for performing an identity check between a fire detector identifier in an associated event start data record of an event message generated by the fire detector as a result of the test and the fire detector identifier captured by the detector detection module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the detector detection module, the forwarding module, and the display module are designed as components of a mobile detection unit.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the detector recognition module features an optical camera arrangement in combination with an image recognition device for optically reading the fire detector recognition.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the test unit is designed as components of a mobile recognition unit with an integrated test unit, communicating with a test device control unit and a recognition unit.

[0016] The detection unit and the detection unit with integrated test unit are advantageously connected to the verification box via a bidirectional signal path.

[0017] In one configuration, the verification box is permanently connected locally via a unidirectional signal path to a software and / or hardware module of the fire alarm control panel and is thus permanently assigned to the fire detectors of this fire alarm control panel.

[0018] In one configuration, the verification box features a fire alarm system interface module in communication with a processing and storage unit and a communication unit.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a monitoring unit is connected to at least one verification box via a communication channel.

[0020] The method for performing a test procedure with automatic confirmation and documentation of the test results when testing fire detectors is carried out according to the invention with the following process steps: A fire detector is triggered by a test unit through the application of a test stimulus to trigger an event message identifying the fire detector at a fire alarm control panel.

[0021] A fire alarm detection unit captures the fire alarm signal located at the fire alarm location and transmits the fire alarm signal to a verification box.

[0022] The event message is transmitted from a software and / or hardware module of the fire alarm control panel to a verification box.

[0023] The verification box then compares the event message with the transmitted fire alarm identification number, checking whether the fire alarm identification number recognized by a detector identification module of the detection unit is identical to a fire alarm identification number in an associated event start data record of the event message.

[0024] In an embodiment not referred to here as being based on the invention, a comparison is performed to determine whether the fire alarm detection detected by the detector recognition module and transmitted to the verification box is identical to a fire alarm detection data set previously stored in the verification box for this fire alarm control panel.

[0025] In a further non-inventive embodiment of the method, the result of the comparison is displayed on the display module, wherein, in the case of a positive result of the comparison, further data available for this fire detector, for example a last test date, are displayed on the display module and, in particular, the test device control unit is instructed to activate the test unit.

[0026] In a non-essential embodiment, the verification box can perform a check for the presence of an event start data record, wherein the check includes a test to determine whether the event start data record has been transferred from the software and / or hardware module to the fire alarm system interface module within a specified time window after the fire detector has been subjected to the test effect.

[0027] According to the invention, the verification box checks whether the fire alarm identification detected by the detector recognition module is identical to the fire alarm identification in the associated event start data record.

[0028] In one embodiment, the verification box checks for the presence of both the event start record and the event end record for each event.

[0029] It is advantageous if the verification box records the comparison and assigns it to the respective fire alarm as a saved test documentation.

[0030] Additionally, the test results transmitted to the monitoring unit can be forwarded to subordinate units for further processing.

[0031] In summary, the arrangement according to the invention thus consists of a detection unit for identifying the fire detector to be tested and a verification box for comparing and documenting the test results. The detection unit has a modular design and comprises the detector detection module with an optical camera arrangement in combination with an image recognition device for optically reading the fire detector identification number on the detector's identification plate, the forwarding module for communication with the processing and storage unit of the verification box, and the display module for displaying the test results locally. The verification box consists of the fire alarm system interface module, which uses software and / or hardware modules of the fire alarm control panel for its functionality, the processing and storage unit for data processing and storage, and the communication unit for connecting the detection unit and the monitoring unit.

[0032] The verification box is permanently connected to the fire alarm control panel's software and / or hardware modules via the fire alarm system interface module. The detection unit is portable and is carried to the fire alarm location by the person performing the test, along with the test unit.

[0033] The detection unit is connected to the verification box via a bidirectional signal path.

[0034] In a suitable design, the test unit and the recognition unit are designed as components of a mobile test device.

[0035] In an advantageous design, the verification box is connected to a central monitoring unit via a communication link.

[0036] A procedure for performing a test with automatic confirmation and documentation of the test results when testing fire detectors on fire alarm systems comprises the following procedural steps: The fire alarm identification number displayed on the detector's identification plate is captured by a detection unit (data source 1) and transmitted to the processing and storage unit of the verification box. The transmitted fire alarm identification number is then compared with previously stored data records in the verification box. The result is displayed on the detection unit's display module, which may also show additional data, such as the last maintenance date.

[0037] This fire detector is further triggered by means of a test unit, by applying a test stimulus, to trigger an event message identifying the fire detector at the fire alarm control panel.

[0038] Next, the event message with fire alarm identification is transmitted from the fire alarm system via the fire alarm system interface module (data source 2) to the processing and storage unit of the verification box.

[0039] The processing and storage unit of the verification box then compares the fire alarm detection from data source 1 and data source 2.

[0040] In one design of the procedure, the verification box expects the fire alarm identification from data source 1 and the event message from data source 2 within a predetermined time window and compares them, comparing the fire alarm identifications from both data sources.

[0041] In a further development of the procedure, the result of the comparison is transmitted from the verification box to the display module of the recognition unit and output there.

[0042] In a further design, the event message contains an event start record and an event end record, whereby the verification box checks for the presence of both the event start record and the event end record.

[0043] In this configuration, the verification box logs the comparison and assigns this log to the respective fire alarm as test documentation. The test results are retrieved and logged by a monitoring unit; a monitoring unit can be assigned multiple verification boxes.

[0044] The arrangement and method according to the invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. The attached figures serve to illustrate this. Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6. The same reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent components and process steps.

[0045] It shows: Fig. 1. A basic configuration consisting of a locally installed fire detector and a fire alarm control panel, Fig. Two exemplary components of the arrangement for carrying out a test procedure with automatic confirmation and documentation of the test results when testing fire detectors on fire alarm systems, Fig. 2a Exemplary components in a further advantageous arrangement for carrying out a test procedure with automatic confirmation and documentation of the test results when testing fire detectors on fire alarm systems, Fig. 3 exemplary communication processes of the in Fig. 2 components shown, Fig. 3a Exemplary communication process of the in Fig. 2a components shown, Fig. 3b an exemplary content of the event output from a software and / or hardware module of the fire alarm control panel, Fig. 4 an exemplary mobile testing device in a schematic basic structure with integrated testing unit, Fig. 5 another exemplary embodiment of a mobile testing device, Fig. 6 an exemplary flowchart of the method according to the invention.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows a basic configuration known according to the state of the art, consisting of a locally installed fire detector 1 and a fire alarm control panel 5, which are connected via a wireless or wired communication network 6. This configuration is used as a basis for the following discussion. Naturally, the depicted fire detector 1 represents a multitude of fire detectors 1 that can be connected to a fire alarm control panel. The fire detector 1 is installed at a predetermined location, for example, in a building, and is located, for instance, on a ceiling 4. The fire detector 1 communicates with components of a fire alarm control panel 5, which can monitor a multitude of fire detectors. With respect to the fire alarm control panel 5, the fire detector 1 is identified by a fire detector identifier 3, consisting of a detector group number and a detector number.This fire alarm identification number 3 must be clearly indicated on a detector identification plate 2 at the installation location of the fire alarm 1. Fig. 1 For example, the marking “25 / 10” is printed on the detector identification plate 2. This fire detector identification 3 is displayed at the fire alarm control panel 5 in the event of an incident, for example a fire, together with the description of the incident, and is output as an incident message 101 to software and / or hardware modules 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5.

[0047] Personnel who need to go to the location of fire alarm 1 to respond to the reported fire, especially firefighters, orient themselves using the alarm identification plate 2 with the fire alarm code 3, which is located in the immediate vicinity of fire alarm 1 and is easily legible without tools. In this case, the fire alarm code 3 consists of the numbers "25 / 10". Here, "25" designates an alarm group and "10" is the number of the individual alarm within that group. It is clear that the fire alarm code 3 must be uniquely, reliably, and preferably permanently assigned to fire alarm 1. Incorrect assignments would therefore have disastrous consequences in a real fire.

[0048] The exemplary arrangement and method described here automatically detect such misattributions.

[0049] This is shown by the Fig. 2, Fig. 2a, Fig. 3 and Fig. 3a Exemplary components, process flows and signal transmissions between the components. Fig. Figure 3b additionally shows the structure of an example event report, in particular the event data records transmitted.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows the components of the arrangement for performing a test procedure with automatic confirmation and documentation of the test results during the testing of fire detectors in fire alarm systems. A detection unit 10 is provided, which, at the installation location of the fire detector 1, optically detects the fire detector identification number 3 on the detector identification plate 2 using the detector detection module 7. This plate is located in close proximity to the fire detector 1. A camera 25 with optical image recognition, integrated into the detector detection module 7, serves this purpose. The detected fire detector identification number 3 is forwarded via a forwarding module 8 and a communication unit 17 to a processing and storage unit 16 of a verification box 20. The forwarding module 8 and the communication unit 17 are connected via a bidirectional signal path 21. A display module 9, also shown in the detection unit 10, serves to display the test results at the test location.

[0051] The arrangement also includes a test unit 11, which is designed to apply a test action 13 to the fire detector 1.

[0052] The detection and transmission of the fire alarm signal 3 occurs simultaneously with, or within a specific time window of, the activation of the fire alarm 1 by the test stimulus 13 generated by the test unit 11. In principle, the test unit 11 is functionally independent of the detection unit 10. Two independent devices can also be used for this purpose.

[0053] The test stimulus 13, for example, test smoke, triggers a notification of the event "fire" at the fire alarm control panel 5, specifying the fire detector identification number 3 of the fire detector 1 that detected this event. This notification is simultaneously output as an event message 101 via the aforementioned communication network 6 to a software and / or hardware module 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5 and forwarded via a fire alarm system interface module 15 to the processing and storage unit 16 of the verification box 20. The verification box 20 is conveniently located at the fire alarm control panel 5 and is connected to it via a signal path 19. Via a communication channel 27, the verification box 20 is connected through its communication unit 17 to a central monitoring unit 18.This central monitoring unit 18 can then monitor several verification boxes 20 and retrieve and log the results of the verifications from there.

[0054] The bidirectional signal path 21 and the communication channel 27 can be configured either wirelessly or via a wired connection. A wireless connection is naturally the most practical. For a local configuration of the entire system within a building section, a WLAN network can be used, for example; larger areas can utilize larger communication networks, such as mobile networks.

[0055] Fig. Figure 2a shows components in a further advantageous arrangement for performing a test procedure with automatic confirmation and documentation of the test results when testing fire detectors in fire alarm systems. In this arrangement, the test unit 11 is integrated into the detection unit 10. Additionally, this arrangement includes a test device control unit 22, which is connected to the forwarding module 8. The test device control unit 22 is connected to the test unit 11 and can activate it, so that the fire detector 1 is subjected to the test stimulus 13.

[0056] Fig. Figure 3 shows the exemplary communication process of the in Fig. The two components shown are used. The testing process starts with an optical reading 12 of the fire detector identification 3 by the detector recognition module 7. In operation 201, the recognized fire detector identification 3 is transmitted to the verification box 20. Here, it is checked whether the transmitted fire detector identification 3 matches one of the fire detector identifications previously stored for this fire alarm control panel 5. If this is the case, the test can continue; if not, the test is aborted. The result is displayed on the display module 9 in operation 202. Simultaneously, this operation can transmit further information available for this fire detector, such as the last test date. The acquisition and transmission occur simultaneously or with a time delay within a specific time window, when the fire detector 1 is activated by the test stimulus 13 generated by the test unit 11.

[0057] The test action 13 causes the output of an event start data record 102 at the software and / or hardware module 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5. This is forwarded to the verification box 20 in an operation 203. The processing and storage unit 16 now checks whether the event start data record 102 transmitted with operation 203 contains the name of the event, for example, "fire," and a fire detector identification number 3. In the further procedure, it is checked whether the fire detector identification number 3 transmitted with operation 203 is identical to the fire detector identification number 3 from operation 201. The test is only successfully completed if both fire detector identification numbers 3 from operations 201 and 203 match. The test result is again transmitted to the display module 9 with operation 202 and stored in a data table with the attribute "open event."This state means that the test was successful, but the alarm state on fire alarm 1 is still ongoing.

[0058] When the alarm message at the fire alarm control panel 5 is reset, an event end record 104 is output by the software and / or hardware module 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5. This record is forwarded to the verification box 20 in an operation 204. The verification box checks whether an event start record 102 and an event end record 104 exist for each event 101, with identical event names (e.g., "fire") and fire detector identification number 3. If so, the event is assigned the attribute "closed event" in a data table. All recorded data is forwarded to the monitoring unit 18 in an operation 205. The monitoring unit 18 can then inform the responsible authorities if data entries with the attribute "open event" are present.

[0059] Fig. 3a shows an exemplary communication process of the in Fig. The components shown in 2a. The communication sequence shown here differs from those in only one additional operation 206. Fig. 3 communication sequences shown. After the verification box 20 has determined a match between the fire detector identification 3 transmitted in operation 201 and the fire detector identifications previously stored for this fire alarm control panel 5, the verification box 20 instructs the test device control unit 22 to activate the test unit 11 and to apply the test action 13 to the fire detector 1 using operation 206.

[0060] Fig. Figure 3b, in addition to the preceding figures and explanations, shows an example of the content of the event output 28 from a software and / or hardware module 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5. Essentially, this contains an event message 101. This, in turn, consists of an event start data record 102 and an event end data record 104. Both data records contain the name of the event 103, for example, "fire," and the fire detector identification 3 of the fire detector 1 that detected the event. The event start data record 102 and the event end data record 104 mark the beginning and end of the test process.

[0061] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows an exemplary detection unit with an integrated test unit 23, which is intended for carrying out the method according to the invention. The test unit 11 is held against the fire detector 1 and can subject it to the test stimulus 13, for example, aerosol, smoke, heat, etc. The detector detection module 7 is designed as a camera 25, which optically detects the fire detector identification 3 on the detector identification plate 2. The image recognition itself can take place in the camera itself, in corresponding image processing units directly in the detection unit 23, or also in the verification box 20. The display module 9 is a display which serves to show the test results in plain text. The forwarding module 8 is integrated in the detection unit 23 and serves for bidirectional communication with the verification box 20 in the manner described above.

[0062] Fig. Figure 5 shows an example test unit with a pluggable camera module 25a. The camera module 25a can either perform the image recognition itself or simply contain the camera optics. The camera module can be connected to the test unit 11 via a camera port 26. The test device as a whole can therefore optionally be operated either without or with the functionality of the recognition unit.

[0063] Fig. Figure 6 shows an exemplary flow chart for the execution of the method according to the invention.

[0064] The procedure begins with step 31, in which the detector recognition module 7 (data source 1) of the detection unit 10 reads the fire detector identification number 3 of the fire detector 1 to be tested and transmits it to the verification box 20 using operation 201. In step 32, it is checked whether the recognized fire detector identification number 3 matches a fire detector identification number previously stored in the verification box 20 for this fire alarm control panel 5. If this comparison is negative, the procedure branches to step 33, in which the procedure is completed with a negative test result. In such a case, the test of the fire detector was unsuccessful. A corresponding test result is logged and displayed (operation 202). This display is shown, in particular, on the display module 9.

[0065] If the process is successful, this is also displayed on display module 9 along with further data stored for this fire detector. In step 34, it is checked whether an event start data record 102, containing a description of the alarm event from fire detector 1, is available from the software and / or hardware module 14 (data source 2) of the fire alarm control panel 5, whether this record is present at the fire alarm system interface module 15 (operation 203), and whether this message arrived within a predefined time window. If at least one of these criteria is not met, a negative test result is output in step 33.

[0066] If decision step 34 yields a positive result, decision step 35 is executed. Decision step 35 checks whether the fire alarm identification number 3 detected by the detector recognition module 7 (data source 1) of the detection unit 10 is identical to the fire alarm identification number 3 of the event start data record 102, which was transmitted by the software and / or hardware module 14 (data source 2) to the fire alarm system interface module 15. If this is not the case, the process branches to step 33 and a negative test result is output (operation 202).

[0067] If the decision step 35 is successful, step 36 displays a result indicating that the fire alarm test was successful. This information is displayed to the user on display module 9 (Operation 202). The result is also documented.

[0068] The next step is 37. Here, the event start record 102 of the alarm event is stored in a data table with the attribute "open events". In step 38, it is then checked whether a corresponding event end record 104 exists for this event start record 102. If not, in step 39, the event start record 102 remains in the data table under the attribute "open event". Although the check was successful, the alarm state on the fire detector is still active.

[0069] If the test step 38 concludes with a positive value, i.e., an event end record 104 from fire detector 1 is present, then in step 40 the event end record 104 is linked with the event start record 102 and the attribute "open event" is deleted in the data table and changed to "closed event".

[0070] In step 41, the entire process is then saved.

[0071] After completion of step 36, a decision step 42 determines whether the detector check will continue. If the result of this step is positive, the procedure begins again at the previously mentioned step 31.

[0072] If decision step 42 yields a negative result, meaning the fire detector test is not continued, then in step 43 the accumulated alarm messages at the fire alarm system 5 are reset, thereby triggering the output of the event end data records 104 at the software and / or hardware module 14 (according to operation 204 from the Fig. 3 and Fig. 3a). In step 40, which has already been mentioned, the event end records 104 are linked with the event start records 102, and in step 41 the complete sequence of the test process is saved. In step 44, all recorded data from steps 39 and 41 are passed on to the monitoring unit (according to operation 205 from Fig. 3 and Fig. 3a), which is able to inform the competent authorities about the test results, in particular in the presence of data entries with the attribute “open event”.

[0073] In summary, the arrangement and method according to the invention consist, by way of example, of a test device, a mobile detection unit, and a verification unit, which can be designed as a verification box. The mobile detection unit serves for the automatic acquisition of the fire detector identification and contains a detector identification module, a forwarding module, and a display module. The detector identification module automatically acquires fire detector identifications, e.g., detector group number and detector number, on-site at the fire detector to be tested. This automatically starts the verification process.

[0074] A mechanical connection between the detection unit and the test unit is advantageous. This combines the acquisition of the fire alarm signal and the application of a test stimulus to the alarm in a single operation. Furthermore, this ensures that the verification and documentation of the test result only begins when the test device is directly attached to the alarm.

[0075] The recorded fire alarm identification numbers are displayed on the display module on site and transmitted to the verification box via the forwarding module.

[0076] The verification box is permanently connected to the fire alarm system's data output via the fire alarm system interface module and receives incoming event messages from there. This includes alarm messages, fault or shutdown messages, and other similar operating outputs. These signals are processed in real time.

[0077] The test result is displayed on the display module and saved in the verification box. The saved test results are forwarded to predefined locations, such as a higher-level database and monitoring unit. The monitoring unit informs the responsible departments about the test result.

[0078] The processing and storage unit and the communication unit of the verification box can be configured as a local server or as an in-cloud application.

[0079] The connection between the mobile detection unit and the verification box can be wireless or wired. A wireless connection is preferred.

[0080] Automatic verification occurs simultaneously with the fire detector test. During the test, the fire detector is triggered, and the fire detector identification is compared as described. The test is only successful if the fire detector identification matches a fire detector identification record previously stored in the verification box for this fire alarm control panel, if the fire detector identification and the associated fire alarm event message are sent and received within a specific time window, and if the fire detector identifications from the detection unit and the event output of the fire alarm control panel match.

[0081] The advantages of the invention described here are that fire alarm testing can be carried out safely by persons without specialized knowledge. The entire process is automated and therefore independent of human intervention. Furthermore, an automatic distinction is made between real and test alarms. According to the described test steps, it is always known which fire alarm is currently being tested because the fire alarm identification data is simultaneously available from the detection unit. This is certainly not the case in a real fire.

[0082] Furthermore, it is possible to monitor whether the fire detector and, consequently, the fire alarm system are back in their target state after the test. If this is not the case, this operating parameter is transmitted to the corresponding monitoring units and signaled.

[0083] Finally, each test procedure and its results are documented, thus protecting them from manipulation. The test process can be traced at any time via the test report.

[0084] The arrangement and method according to the invention have been explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. Further embodiments are possible within the scope of expert knowledge. These also arise from the dependent claims. Reference symbol list 1 fire alarm 2 detector identification plates with visually displayed fire alarm identification 3 Fire alarm identification consisting of detector group number / detector number 4 Ceiling 5 Fire alarm control panel 6 Communication network between fire detector and fire alarm control panel 7 Detector detection module with optical camera and image recognition (data source 1) 8 Forwarding module 9 Display module 10 Recognition Unit 10a Recognition unit with integrated test unit 11 Test unit 12 Optical reading of the fire alarm identification 13 Test action 14 Software and / or hardware module of the fire alarm control panel (data source 2) 15 Fire alarm system interface module 16 Processing and storage unit 17 Communication unit 18 monitoring units 19 unidirectional signal path 20 verification boxes 21 bidirectional signal path 22 Test equipment control unit 23 Recognition unit with integrated test unit 24 Display of test results 25 Camera 25a Camera module, pluggable 26 camera connection 27 Communication channel 28 Event output from software and / or hardware module of the fire alarm control panel 31 Reading the fire alarm identification 3 by the detector identification module 7 (data source 1) and transferring this to the verification box 20. 32 Checking for consistency of the detected fire alarm identification 3 with a fire alarm identification data set previously stored for this fire alarm control panel 5 in the verification box 20. 33 Issue: Negative test result 34 Check for the presence of an event start data record 102 with naming of the alarm event and fire alarm identification 3, which was transferred from the software and / or hardware module 14 (data source 2) to the fire alarm system interface unit 15 within a specified time window. 35 Check for consistency of fire alarm identification 3 from data source 1 and data source 2. 36th issue: positive test result 37 Storage with the attribute "open events" 38 Check for the presence of a related event end record 104 39 Further storage with attribute “open events” 40 Assignment of the event end records 104 to the corresponding event start records 102 41 Saving the entire process 42 Decision to continue fire alarm testing 43 Resetting the accumulated alarm messages at the fire alarm control panel 5 with simultaneous output of the event end data records at the software and / or hardware module 14. 44 Transmission of the test results to the monitoring unit and forwarding of these to the responsible authorities. 101 Event Report 102 Event start record 103 Mention of the event 104 Event End Record 201 Operation 201, transmission of the fire alarm detection 3 detected by the detector detection module 7 to the verification box 20 202 Operation 202, Display of the test results determined by the verification box 20 on the display module 9 Operation 203, forwarding of the event start data record 102 from the software and / or hardware module 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5 to the verification box 20 Operation 204, forwarding of the event end data record 104 from the software and / or hardware module 14 of the fire alarm control panel 5 to the verification box 20 205 Operation 205, forwarding of the data captured by the verification box 20 to the monitoring unit 18 206 Operation 206, the test device control unit 28 is instructed by the verification box 20 to activate the test unit 11 and to apply the test action 13 to the fire detector 1

Claims

[1] Arrangement for performing a test procedure of an operating state of a fire detector (1), consisting of a test unit (11), a detection unit (10), a verification box (20) and a monitoring unit (18), wherein the test unit (11) serves to apply a test action (13) to the fire detector (1), the detection unit (10) includes a detector detection module (7) for detecting fire detector identifiers (3) arranged at the location of the fire detector (1) and a forwarding module (8) for establishing a bidirectional signal path (21) to the verification box (20) and a display module (9) for displaying test results on site and the verification box (20) contains means for performing an identity check between a fire alarm identification (3) in an associated event start record (102) of an event message (101) generated by the fire alarm (1) as a result of the test process and the fire alarm identification (3) detected by the detector identification module (7). [2] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the detector detection module (7) is designed with the forwarding module (8) and the display module (9) as components of a mobile detection unit (10). [3] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the detector detection unit (7) comprises an optical camera arrangement in combination with an image recognition device for optical reading of the fire detector detection (3). [4] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the test unit (11) is designed with a test device control unit (22) and a recognition unit (10) as components of a mobile recognition unit with integrated test unit (10a). [5] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the detection unit (10) and the detection unit with integrated test unit (10a) are connected to the verification box (20) via the bidirectional signal path (21). [6] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the verification box (20) is permanently connected locally via a unidirectional signal path (19) to a software and / or hardware module (14) of a fire alarm control panel (5) and is thus permanently assigned to the fire detectors (1) of this fire alarm control panel (5). [7] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the verification box (20) has a fire alarm system interface module (15) in communication with a processing and storage unit (16) and a communication unit (17). [8] Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the monitoring unit (18) is connected to at least one verification box (20) via a communication channel (27). [9] Method for performing a test procedure with automatic confirmation and documentation of test results during a test of fire detectors (1) comprising the following procedure steps: - Triggering a fire detector (1) by means of a test unit (11) by applying a test action (13) to trigger an event message identifying the fire detector (1) to a fire alarm control panel (5), - Detection of a fire alarm identification (3) arranged at the location of the fire alarm (1) by a detection unit (10) and transmission of the fire alarm identification (3) to a verification box (20), - Transmitting the event message (101) from a software and / or hardware module (14) of the fire alarm control panel (5) to a verification box (20), - Comparison of the event message (101) and the transmitted fire alarm identification (3) by the verification box (20), wherein the verification box (20) checks whether the fire alarm identification (3) detected by a detector identification module (7) of the detection unit (10) is identical to a fire alarm identification (3) in an associated event start data record (102) of the event message (101). [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by , that in the verification box (20) a check is performed to ensure that the event start record (102) as well as the event end record (104) of each event (101) are present. [11] Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by , that the verification box (20) records the comparison and assigns it to the respective fire alarm (1) as a stored test documentation. [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by , that the test results transmitted to a monitoring unit (18) are forwarded to subordinate units for further processing.

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