SERVICE DEVICE FOR A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM, CORRESPONDING FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM, SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a service device for a fire protection system, a corresponding fire protection system, a system for operating such a fire protection system with a service device and a method for operating a fire protection system using the service device.

[0002] A fire protection system is understood to mean any type of system that can be used for the purpose of (preventive) fire protection in buildings, halls, rooms, or similar. Such fire protection systems can include, for example, but are not limited to, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems, spark extinguishing systems, smoke extraction systems, and / or a combination of these. Fire protection systems within the meaning of the invention are, in particular, systems that comprise a central device and one or more peripheral devices and / or components that communicate with the central device.

[0003] In a specific embodiment, the fire protection system is, in particular, a fire alarm system. Fire alarm systems typically comprise a fire alarm control panel (or a fire alarm and extinguishing control panel) as the central device and, as an example of one or more peripheral devices, one or more fire detectors, which may be configured as fire gas or smoke detectors, smoke detectors, flame detectors, spark detectors, and / or heat detectors, as well as alarm devices, which may be configured as horns, sirens, circular or flashing lights, or similar devices.

[0004] In response to the detection of a (potential) fire event, the fire alarm control panel receives a corresponding signal from the one or more corresponding fire detectors. The fire alarm control panel then triggers a danger signal through the fire alarm system. In response to such a danger signal, an extinguishing system that is communicatively connected to the fire alarm system, in particular to its central device, can be triggered. Furthermore, the central device of the fire alarm system can also initiate other measures, such as triggering the alarm system, alerting the fire department, providing escape movement controls, closing fire barriers, or similar.In this way, fire incidents such as fires or ignition sources within the protection zone of the fire protection system can be detected early, even if no one is present in the protection zone at the time of the fire. This can prevent further spread of the fire if necessary.

[0005] The extinguishing systems triggered by the fire alarm system may include, but are not limited to, sprinkler systems, water spray systems, foam extinguishing systems, gas extinguishing systems, powder extinguishing systems, or similar systems, which can be used specifically to extinguish a fire. However, the term "extinguishing system" can also include fire prevention systems, such as inerting systems or similar systems for active fire prevention.

[0006] Fire extinguishing systems are permanently operational systems designed to distribute an extinguishing agent such as water, foam, gas, or powder to contain or extinguish existing fires. They consist of a piping system with appropriate outlets, such as sprinklers or nozzles, through which an extinguishing agent, such as water, gas, or powder, can be applied to a fire, thus containing the fire until the fire department arrives to (finally) extinguish it. In the best case scenario, the extinguishing system can extinguish the fire independently.

[0007] The triggering mechanism of the extinguishing system can be configured mechanically, for example, by closing the outlet openings with a glass ampoule or a fusible link, which is designed to be destroyed by high temperatures and thereby release the extinguishing agent. In some embodiments, the extinguishing system can also be triggered manually, for example by operating a switch or opening a shut-off valve. In the fire protection systems according to the invention, the extinguishing system is typically triggered by the fire alarm system when it automatically or manually detects a (potential) fire event. The combination of a fire alarm system and an extinguishing system is also referred to below as a fire protection system.

[0008] It is of utmost importance that fire protection systems operate with high reliability and are also reliably capable of detecting (potential) fire incidents and initiating appropriate measures. It is therefore the operator's responsibility to regularly inspect and / or maintain such fire protection systems. Given the safety relevance of fire protection systems, it is advantageous if potential malfunctions can be identified as early as possible. This allows for timely maintenance and / or repairs to be initiated, thus preventing an initially minor malfunction from resulting in major, potentially system-wide failures.

[0009] Typically, inspection and / or maintenance to identify faults is carried out by a user on-site. In this case, the fire protection system may be located in a remote and / or difficult to access location. This increases the effort and costs involved each time inspection and / or maintenance work is carried out. In such cases, inspection and / or maintenance activities are carried out as infrequently as possible, and the time intervals between work are kept as long as possible. However, the relatively long periods between inspection and / or maintenance work mean that faults and / or malfunctions cannot always be detected early. In these cases, a malfunction may remain undetected for some time, which means that the fire protection system does not function as intended during this period and, in the worst case, may even lead to further malfunctions.Furthermore, troubleshooting can be very costly, as it is first necessary to check on-site what the problem is, then, if necessary, the necessary materials for maintenance and / or repair must be obtained and only then can troubleshooting begin.

[0010] It is therefore advantageous to perform at least some of the specified inspections and / or maintenance via remote inspection and / or remote maintenance. This allows certain inspection and / or maintenance procedures to be performed remotely—for example, directly at the fire protection system installer's location and / or at a dispatcher's—without having to travel to the fire protection system's location in every case. According to the state of the art, the fire protection systems to be inspected / maintained in this way must be designed from the outset for such remote inspection and / or remote maintenance.This creates further difficulties because, on the one hand, remote monitoring can only be carried out for fire protection systems specifically designed for this purpose, and, on the other hand, individual components and / or peripheral devices in such fire protection systems can only be removed and / or added with great effort, since they must be designed again from the outset for remote monitoring.

[0011] In this context, WO 2011 / 076184 A1 teaches a communication device that enables remote monitoring and / or remote maintenance of a security system, on the one hand, and a modular design—and thus retrofittability—on the other. This communication device is, so to speak, "connected upstream" of the existing system, so that the communication device and the system operate independently of each other, thus being self-sufficient. However, the functionalities of the communication device of WO 2011 / 076184 A1 are limited to providing a communication connection between a security system and a remote user. The communication device of WO 2011 / 076184 A1 therefore merely represents a type of "communication tunnel" for transmitting information from the security system to the user.While this may enable remote testing, it still requires significant user interaction, as the user must view the transmitted information and, based on this information, independently draw conclusions about the system's status. This can also lead to delays in fault identification, as users typically do not continuously view the information received from the communication device.

[0012] US 2008 / 084291 A1 relates to a method, a device, a remote-controlled accessory, and an authentication server for facilitating operations such as an authenticated test of life safety equipment with components including a control panel and sensors. The life safety equipment must be tested according to a fire safety regulation. An access procedure is performed to identify the equipment and the test requirements and to establish a communication session between the equipment and an authentication server during an authenticated test. Another access procedure is performed to enable access to a remote device to facilitate the authenticated test and to establish a communication session between the remote device and an alarm system or an authentication server, or similar.Information associated with an impending activation of one of the sensors is received by the remote device. Information associated with the sensor when activated, if detected by the alarm system, is reported to the authentication server, and the reported activation information is forwarded to the remote device. Authentication information associated with the activated sensor is received by the remote device, and an authenticated report is forwarded to the remote device when all alarm condition sensors have been tested according to the test procedures.

[0013] EP 3 095 098 A1 relates to a system and method for testing fire detection and alarm devices of a fire alarm system, comprising a central operating system that establishes a connection between a control panel of the fire alarm system and a mobile computing device operated by a technician. During a walkthrough test, the on-site technician activates the fire detection or fire indicator devices of the fire alarm system, and the activated devices signal the control center, and event data is generated. The event data from the control center is sent to the operations center for storage. The operations center sends the event data to a mobile computing device operated by a technician. The on-site technician can then verify that the devices are physically intact, have not been modified, are functioning properly, and are located in their assigned locations.

[0014] EP 3 264 385 A1 relates to systems and methods for installing, commissioning, testing, and maintaining a fire alarm control panel via a mobile device. Some methods may include receiving a first signal from a fire alarm control panel, the first signal containing identification information of the fire alarm control panel, transmitting a second signal containing the identification information to a server device, receiving a third signal containing a second piece of information from the server device, and displaying the second piece of information on a user interface device, the second piece of information containing information regarding the installation, commissioning, testing, or maintenance of the fire alarm control panel.

[0015] In the case of fire protection systems, however, it is desirable to detect any faults that have occurred or are imminent as quickly as possible in order to ensure reliable operation of the fire protection system.

[0016] Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a system for operating a fire protection system in which the problems described above are overcome. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a system that can reliably identify and even predict possible faults or malfunctions of the fire protection system. A further object of the invention is to create a system with which the status of a fire protection system can be monitored, preferably continuously, without significant user interaction.

[0017] According to the invention, this object is achieved in a first aspect, according to independent claim 1, by a service device for a fire protection system, comprising a communication device which is configured to communicate with the fire protection system via a first bidirectional communication connection in order to receive status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system from the fire protection system, and at least one computing device which is configured to retrieve one or more comparison values ​​for the status information from a storage unit, to evaluate one or more values ​​of the status information based on a comparison with the one or more comparison values ​​for the status information and, based on the evaluation, to generate at least one status indication for the fire protection system.

[0018] This means that a service device is provided which comprises a communication device which is configured to establish a bidirectional communication connection between itself and a fire protection system to be monitored, in particular a corresponding central communication device of the fire protection system. For this purpose, the service device is preferably provided at the location of the fire protection system. Thus, communication between the communication device of the service device and the fire protection system can be wired or wireless. The communication connection is preferably a wireless connection, wherein a wired communication connection can be provided in addition to the wireless connection, in particular by means of a specially provided connection to a component of the fire protection system, for example to a central device of the fire protection system.However, the communication connection between the service device and the fire protection system can also be exclusively wired.

[0019] The service device receives status information indicative of the fire protection system's status via the communication connection with the fire protection system. The term "status information" refers here to all information that allows conclusions to be drawn about the status of the fire protection system, particularly the status of the components of a central device, such as modules and / or peripheral devices. The term "status information" refers in particular to the basic data that allows a statement to be made about whether the peripheral device is still functioning properly.Alternatively or additionally, the status information may also relate to information about the status of a central device and / or the components of the central device, such as the current power consumption of the central device or of an individual module therein, the battery charge level (determined via the battery resistance) of a battery in the central device, and the like.

[0020] The status information can be provided, in particular, as part of the fire protection system's system information. The term system information refers to all types of data that describe the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices it contains. In particular, the system information can include factory data, i.e., data that provides information about the hardware used, such as module designations, serial numbers, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the system information can also include operating data used to configure the fire protection system, such as logic settings and configurable (modifiable) parameters of the fire protection system and the associated peripheral devices. Alternatively or additionally, the system information can also include additional data generated during the operation of the fire protection system, such as runtime data.At least part of this runtime data can be used as status information. Alternatively or additionally, the status information can include further information, independent of the runtime data, that allows the status of the fire protection system to be monitored in order to detect potential malfunctions as early as possible.

[0021] The service device further comprises a computing device configured to retrieve one or more comparison values ​​from a storage unit. This storage unit can be configured as an internal storage device of the service device in which the comparison values ​​have been stored. Alternatively or additionally, the service device can also be configured to retrieve the comparison values ​​from an external storage unit, for example via the communication device, which then forwards the comparison values ​​to the computing device. The external storage unit can be configured, in particular, as a data storage device of a server component, wherein the communication device is configured to access the external storage unit via a network. In other embodiments, the external storage unit can also be configured as an external database that is connected directly to the service device, either wirelessly or by cable.

[0022] The term calibration values ​​refers specifically to target values ​​for the individual parameters contained in the status information. The calibration values ​​therefore refer to the values ​​that should be present for the respective status information in order to determine that the fire protection system is functioning as specified. If the calibration values ​​deviate from the determined values, it can be concluded that a problem has occurred within the fire protection system.

[0023] The calibration values ​​can be determined theoretically or empirically. This means that the calibration values ​​can either be calculated and stored in memory as target values, or they can include the actual values ​​determined in the past for the system and / or the fire protection system, which are stored in memory as calibration values. This means that if it was determined in the past that the system and / or the fire protection system was functioning, it can be assumed during the inspection of the system and / or the fire protection system that the calibration values ​​read from the historical memory correspond to the calibration values, indicating that the system and / or the fire protection system is functioning.

[0024] The computing device then uses the comparison values ​​to evaluate the status information based on the comparison between the actually determined values ​​of the parameters of the status information and the comparison values. This means that the computing device is configured to compare how far the current actual value deviates from the target value and to output a corresponding status indication that allows a statement to be made about the status of the fire protection system. The status indication is thus configured to indicate whether the fire protection system is functioning without disruptions or whether disruptions and / or malfunctions can be detected at certain locations. The status indication can be output, in particular, to a user.

[0025] In some embodiments, the communication device is further configured to communicate with a central device of the fire protection system via the first bidirectional communication connection, wherein the central device is in communicative connection with at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system.

[0026] In some embodiments, the fire protection system comprises, in particular, a central device, such as a fire alarm control panel. In this case, the bidirectional communication connection between the service device and the fire protection system can comprise a bidirectional communication connection between the communication device of the service device and a central communication device of the central device.

[0027] The central device can further be configured to communicate with at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system. For this purpose, the central device can communicate with the peripheral devices either via the central communication device, which also serves to communicate with the service device, and / or via a central peripheral device in the central device that is dedicated to communicating with the peripheral devices. In the latter case, the central peripheral device should then be configured to communicate with the central communication device in order to transmit the information received from the peripheral devices to the service device.

[0028] The term "peripheral device" refers to any type of sensor, detector, detector (hazard detector, fire detector), alarm device, emergency call device, or actuator, control, or switching device for controlling or shutting down devices such as extinguishing systems or air conditioning systems. Fire detectors can be automatic fire detectors such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame detectors, spark detectors, fire gas detectors, or smoke aspiration systems. Fire detectors can also be designed as manual fire call points.

[0029] According to the invention, the following peripheral devices are provided in particular: Fire detectors, such as automatic fire detectors or manual fire call points and hazard detectors for recording event messages, fire alarms and faults, and / or limit switches which are used to detect the position of, for example, ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves or similar, and / or pressure switches, and / or float switches for level measurements in, in particular, compressed air water tanks, unpressurised water tanks and / or other extinguishing fluid storage vessels, and / or temperature switches, for example for monitoring the ambient temperature within the fire alarm system and / or the fire protection system; and / or pump pressure switches which are used, for example, to start pump motors in the event of a pressure drop in the extinguishing fluid-carrying piping network and / or in a fitting; and / or gas sensors; and / or actuators such as horns, flashing lights, valves or similar.

[0030] This communication connection between the central device and the service device, and between the central device and the peripheral devices, makes it possible, on the one hand, to transmit status information indicative of the status of the central device to the service device, and, on the other hand, to transmit status information indicative of the status of the peripheral devices to the service device. This allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the status information and thus a particularly accurate assessment of the condition of the fire protection system.

[0031] In some embodiments, comparing the one or more values ​​of the status information with the one or more comparison values ​​comprises determining a threshold value for a deviation. The computing device is further configured to generate a deviation indication when the threshold value is exceeded or undershot and to integrate the deviation indication into the status indication. In one modification, the computing device is configured to output a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication.

[0032] The target values ​​of a fire protection system are usually not limited to a single value, but rather fluctuate within a range defined by upper and lower limits. These limits can be determined by guidelines. Alternatively or additionally, they can be calculated or empirically determined.

[0033] In some embodiments, these upper and lower limit values ​​are stored in the memory unit. The computing device of the service apparatus is configured to read these limit values ​​and to determine which limit values ​​are to be used for which parameter within the status information. The computing device is then configured to determine the value of the respective parameter within the status information and compare it with the upper and lower limit values. If the value of the parameter is within the limits, the computing device determines that everything at this point complies with the specifications. If the value exceeds the upper limit value or falls below the lower limit value, however, the computing device determines that there is a deviation from the norm. In this case, the computing device is configured to generate a deviation indication.The deviation indication indicates that a certain value is deviating, meaning that the value is no longer within the specified range. This deviation indication can then be output haptically, graphically, and / or audibly. In some embodiments, the deviation indication is implemented as an alarm.

[0034] In some embodiments, particularly in the case of a graphical output of the deviation indication, this includes an indication of which value—or values—are affected by the deviation and whether the limit value has been exceeded or undershot. In some embodiments, the deviation indication also already includes an indication of the possible cause of the deviation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to output a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication, i.e., an indication that maintenance of the fire protection system is necessary. The computing device can output the maintenance indication, in particular, to the central device, i.e., cause the communication device to transmit the maintenance indication to the central communication device. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device can also output the maintenance indication to a user terminal, i.e., cause the communication device to transmit the maintenance indication to the user terminal. The user terminal preferably comprises a graphical user interface on which a graphical representation of the maintenance indication can be displayed.

[0036] This allows for continuous monitoring of the fire protection system without the need for user interaction. The user is only notified when a potential fault or malfunction is automatically detected by the system.

[0037] In some embodiments, the communication device is further configured to communicate with at least one user terminal via a second bidirectional communication connection in order to transmit the status indication to the user terminal.

[0038] The service device can further be configured to communicate with one or more user terminals via a further, second, bidirectional communication connection using its communication device. This communication preferably occurs to transmit the status indication generated by the computing device to the user terminal. The status indication can then be displayed to the user on the user terminal. In some embodiments, transmitting the status indication further comprises transmitting the status information, wherein the status information can be filtered if necessary, depending on the user's authorization, meaning that not all status information is transmitted.

[0039] A user terminal is understood in particular to mean a laptop, a mobile phone, data glasses, or another type of device that allows a user to register the transmitted status indication and, if necessary, display the status information. The user terminal is particularly configured to generate a graphical representation of the status indication and display this graphical representation to a user.

[0040] The bidirectional communication between the communication device of the service device and the user terminal is also preferably wireless. In some embodiments, the communication between the communication device and the user terminal takes place, in particular, via a mobile radio network using a known mobile radio technology. In other embodiments, the communication takes place via a different type of network.

[0041] By using a wireless instead of a wired connection, it is possible to keep the service device locally at the fire protection system (and, if necessary, connect it to the fire protection system via a wired connection), while still being able to flexibly view the status of the fire protection system being tested from any location. This means the user can carry the user device with them and will be immediately notified as soon as a potential fault and / or malfunction occurs. This allows for even more efficient monitoring of the fire protection system.

[0042] In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to store the state information in the memory unit.

[0043] It is preferred that the computing device is configured to store the status information received via the communication device in the storage unit following the evaluation, optionally together with the generated status indication and a corresponding time stamp. The storage unit can again be either an internal storage device of the service device or an external memory, for example in a server component. By storing the status information, in particular with a time stamp, it is possible to generate a history for the status information over a longer period of time—and thus a status history of the fire protection system. This makes it possible to view the long-term history of the values ​​of the status information. This can enable a prediction of the status of the fire protection system, in particular of potential future malfunctions.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first communication connection and / or the second communication connection comprise an encrypted communication connection.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bidirectional communication connection between the central communication device of the central device and the communication device of the service device can be encrypted. Alternatively or additionally, the bidirectional communication connection between the communication device of the service device and the user terminal can be encrypted. For this purpose, the service device, the central device, and the user terminal can each comprise a cryptography device by means of which the system information is encrypted and then transmitted. In some embodiments, only the central device and the service device, or only the user terminal and the service device, can comprise a cryptography device if only one of the two bidirectional communication connections of the service device is to be encrypted.

[0046] The keys used to encrypt the first bidirectional communication connection between the central communication device and the communication device can also be used to authenticate the service device to the central device. In particular, the key can contain an authentication parameter that authenticates the service device to the central device and thus, for example, defines the access rights of the service device.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the keys used to encrypt the second bidirectional communication connection between the communication device of the service device and the user terminal can also serve for authentication, whereby both the user terminal can authenticate itself to the service device and the service device can authenticate itself to the user terminal. In some embodiments, only the user terminal authenticates itself to the service device. Here, too, authentication can be performed via a corresponding authentication parameter within the encryption key. The user can also be identified via authentication.

[0048] In some embodiments, the communication device is further configured to receive at least one user input from the user terminal via the second bidirectional communication connection, wherein the computing device is further configured to perform the evaluation of the state information further based on the user input.

[0049] It is preferred that the user can interact with the service device, for example, react to the status indication, the deviation indication, and / or the maintenance indication. For this purpose, the user terminal preferably comprises a user input device that allows the user to make a user input, preferably in response to the display of status information. In some embodiments, however, the user can also react to the status indication and / or the deviation indication and / or the maintenance indication.

[0050] The computing device is then configured to consider the user input when evaluating the status information. The user input can therefore preferably be further information about the status, such as the information that a specific peripheral device has been replaced, removed, or added—and therefore different values ​​are now available. In other embodiments, however, the user input can also be a confirmation of the status information, indicating that it corresponds to the user's expectations. In some embodiments, the user can, for example, indicate that a peripheral device should be replaced. The computing device will then include a corresponding note in the status indication when generating the status indication.

[0051] In some embodiments, the state information includes at least one of the following: Information indicative of the functionality of at least one alarm unit of the fire protection system; and / or information indicative of the status of locking elements of the fire protection system; information indicative of the status of switching elements of the fire protection system; and / or information indicative of the status of the central device of the fire protection system.

[0052] The status information can, in particular, include parameters or information that indicate whether a reporting unit is functional as a possible peripheral device of the fire protection system. Reporting units typically include sensors for detecting fire parameters. These sensors can become contaminated and / or destroyed over extended periods of time. In a specific embodiment, the status information includes one or more values ​​that indicate whether the reporting units are still functioning reliably. This determination is preferably based on a comparison between the value of the status information as an actual value and a corresponding comparison value as a target value. In some embodiments, the actual values ​​that are indicative of contamination can be stored over an extended period of time in order to monitor their development.This allows early detection of a shift in the value, especially towards the limit value at which functionality no longer exists.

[0053] The status information can also include parameters or information that indicate whether closure elements, such as flaps or similar, as peripheral devices of the fire protection system, are functional and, if applicable, are in the specified position. For example, a value of a parameter in the status information can indicate the degree of opening of a closure element. In a functioning fire protection system, each closure element must have a specific position that is linked to a specific degree of opening. If the value of a closure element deviates from this specified degree of opening beyond certain tolerance limits, this can be assumed to be a fault. Here, too, it is possible to record the values ​​over a long period of time in order to predict a possible trend for the individual closure elements and, if necessary, replace them before the permissible tolerance limits are violated.

[0054] The status information can also include parameters that indicate the current switching position of the fire protection system's switching elements and / or whether, for example, the switching position of the individual switching elements has shifted or deviated. In a fire protection system, each switching element has a predetermined position for the non-triggered state. It must be verified whether this position is actually maintained. This is the only way to ensure that the fire protection system functions in the event of a fire. Here, too, the switching position of the individual switching elements can be tracked over time to identify potential trends.

[0055] The status information can further include parameters that indicate the status of the central device of the fire protection system and / or the components of the central device, such as corresponding modules. Such a parameter can be, for example, the power consumption of the central device and / or the resistance of a battery in the central device. If the value for the power consumption and / or the resistance changes, this can be a sign that the connected loads are malfunctioning. This is because such loads may have a higher or lower consumption and thus represent a changed load. For status monitoring using the above parameters, the quiescent current of the central power supply, i.e. the power supply unit, of the central device is preferably determined and monitored over an extended period.If the quiescent current shows a shift, such as an increase, this either means that certain components have been added to the fire protection system or that one or more components are malfunctioning. In this case, too, a potential malfunction can be predicted by observing the value development for a specific parameter within the status information over a longer period of time.

[0056] In a further embodiment, the computing device is configured to receive system information from the central device and to prepare it for transmission to the at least one user terminal, to receive at least one user input from the user terminal in response to the transmitted system information, and to adapt the system information of the fire protection system on the basis of the at least one user input.

[0057] The processing of system information can be understood, in particular, as processing depending on the user to whom the processed system information is made available. If the user is the installer, the system information is processed differently than if the user is a dispatcher or a customer. The user can be identified, in particular, via the user terminal. In some embodiments, the identification can comprise entering an access code and / or a password when connecting the user terminal to the service device. Alternatively or additionally, the identification can also comprise determining biometric data, for example a fingerprint or an iris pattern, and identifying the user based on the biometric data.Alternatively or additionally, the user can also be identified via a property of the user terminal and / or a subscriber identification module installed therein. In some embodiments, the identification can be performed independently of the user terminal.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, processing the system information may include creating a log and / or a summary. In other embodiments, processing the system information may also include evaluating the system information to determine whether the fire protection system, for example, meets parameters specified by guidelines, such as approval and / or safety standards, or remains within the limit values ​​specified by guidelines. In some embodiments, processing may also include comparing the measured (actual) values ​​with the corresponding comparison values ​​(target values) of the status information determined during operation, which, as part of the system information, are indicative of the status of the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices and / or components contained therein.In any case, it is intended that the processing is carried out in such a way that the system information is compiled for the respective user according to the role assigned to him.

[0059] If the user is, for example, the installer, logging can include, in particular, logging of the system information data relating to certain testing activities specified by guidelines, i.e., a type of maintenance log. Alternatively or additionally, such logging can include the comparison between the measured (actual) values ​​and the corresponding comparison values ​​of the variable parameters in the status information, which are indicative of the status of the fire protection system and / or the components and / or peripheral devices contained therein, i.e., a type of status logging.In some embodiments, the evaluation of the system information can serve, in particular, a real-time check of the fire protection system, wherein the values ​​of the system information parameters, in particular the status information parameters, are provided to the user in real time and, in particular, real-time messages are displayed, for example, in the event of malfunctions or the like. The processing can also include processing the system information, in particular the status information, such that the user is provided with documentation about the fire protection system, its temporal development, and possible predictions for the future.

[0060] If the user is the dispatcher, the logging and / or summary can include, in particular, a summary of the condition check and / or a summary of previous inspection and / or maintenance protocols in order to give the dispatcher an overview of the workload required for the next maintenance / repair. In some embodiments, the user can also be provided with a summary and / or a list of the suggested materials required for maintenance based on the evaluation. In addition, a result of the evaluation, i.e., an evaluation result, can be displayed so that the user can check for themselves whether the list is complete. In some embodiments, the processing can also include creating an overview of the current configuration of the fire protection system—or of the individual components and / or peripheral devices therein.

[0061] If the user is an end customer, the processing of the data can in particular comprise a summary of the current status of the fire protection system, or of the components and / or peripheral devices located therein. In some embodiments, the processing can also comprise filtering, so that the user is only shown the system information that might be of interest to them. In some embodiments, this particularly concerns - in the case of a real-time display - those system information that deviates from the norm, in particular those status information that deviates from their calibration values. In some embodiments, the processing can also comprise the creation of test logs, maintenance logs and / or maintenance reports. It is preferred here that this logging comprises less detailed information than, for example, in the case of the installer.The processing may further comprise summarizing the past values ​​of one or more parameters of the system information, in particular the status information. In some embodiments, the processing may also comprise evaluating and indicating and / or predicting an expected fault and / or a tendency for certain faults.

[0062] In some embodiments, the user input comprises, in particular, an operating log entry of a service technician, and the adaptation of the system information comprises, in particular, adding this operating log entry to the test and / or maintenance logs and / or maintenance reports and / or other types of logs created by the computing device on the basis of the system information, in particular the status information.

[0063] In some embodiments, the user input can also specify additional materials required for maintenance, and the computing device can be configured to determine, based on these materials, which maintenance work is pending. In some embodiments, the adaptation based on the user input can also include processing and / or providing additional system information. In some embodiments, the adaptation of the system information can also include adapting the configuration of one or more system parameters of the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices and / or components located therein, so that a user can configure the fire protection system via a remote connection, for example because the user has recognized that such a configuration is necessary.The extent of the configuration and / or adaptation of the system information and / or system parameters may depend in particular on the respective user and his or her access rights and may be individually adapted by the service device.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the communication device is configured to communicate with the at least one user terminal by means of the server component.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the communication device of the service device is configured to communicate with a server component, which in turn is configured to communicate with the user terminal. This means that the bidirectional communication between the service device and the user terminal (or the user terminals) takes place via the server component. The server component can be configured to check the access rights of the user terminal on the one hand and the access rights of the service device on the other hand, and to permit access only if the check is positive. Alternatively or additionally, the server component can be configured to check the identification of the user terminal and / or the service device and to compare whether a specific user terminal is permitted to communicate with a specific service device.Here, too, the server component can be configured to establish a connection only upon positive identification. This can increase security against unauthorized access.

[0066] In some embodiments, the server component can, in particular, comprise the data memory in which the system information can be stored. In this case, permanent storage of the system information in the service device is not necessary. Finally, at least part of the processing of the system information by a computing device of the server component can be taken over by the service device, particularly if the server component comprises a data memory for storing past system information. This has the advantage, on the one hand, that the demands placed on the service device, in particular on its internal storage device, are reduced.Secondly, storing system information on a server component allows the service device to be replaced, particularly in the event of a failure and / or malfunction of the service device, without first requiring the data stored on it to be transferred. Instead, a new service device can directly access the system information and other data stored on the server component and thus continue working based on the status of the previously deployed service device.

[0067] It is further preferred that the service device further comprises an identification device which is configured to transmit identification data of the service device to the central device and / or the at least one user terminal.

[0068] In some embodiments, the service device is also identified by a dedicated identification device. For this purpose, the service device comprises a means by which the service device can identify itself, preferably by transmitting a corresponding identification number. This identification preferably occurs with the central device of the fire protection system. Alternatively or additionally, the service device can also identify itself with one or more user terminals using the ID number.

[0069] In some embodiments, the identification device can also be configured to receive an identification number from the user terminal and / or the central device, so that the identification occurs bidirectionally. In some embodiments, the identification number can also be transmitted only by the user terminal and / or the central device, and the service device is not identified.

[0070] In some embodiments, the service device further comprises a storage device for storing the system information.

[0071] In some embodiments, the service device is equipped with a storage device, such as a volatile and non-volatile memory. This storage device is preferably used to store the system information. In some embodiments, the system information can be stored only on the service device. Alternatively or additionally, the system information can also be stored in a data memory of the server component. In some embodiments, certain system information can also be stored only in the storage device of the service device and certain system information only in the data memory of the server component. In some embodiments, redundant storage takes place in the storage device of the service device and the data memory of the server component.This increases the flexibility of the system, as the service device in particular can be replaced without great effort, as well as the security of the storage, since if one storage device is destroyed, the information is still available in another storage device.

[0072] In a further development, the computing device is further configured to detect a difference between the system information stored in the storage device and the system information provided by the central device, and to adapt the system information in the storage device in response to this difference.

[0073] Not all system information is subject to temporal variations. There is also system information, such as factory data, that (should) have constant values ​​over an extended period of time or permanently. In this case, retransmitting a value for such system information, deleting the previous value, and then re-storing the new (same) value represents an unnecessary use of system capacity. To avoid such waste of resources and reduce the amount of data to be transmitted, the computing device of the service device is preferably configured to determine a difference between the system information stored in the storage device and the system information provided by the central device, i.e., to determine which values ​​of which system information have changed.The computing device is further configured, in response to this determination, to retrieve and rewrite to the storage device only those system information whose values ​​have changed. All other system information is not re-stored, optionally with a note indicating that it has remained constant.

[0074] According to a further development, the computing device is configured to detect the difference when the first communication connection is established between the central device and the service device.

[0075] In some embodiments, this comparison of the system information and the associated determination of any differences preferably occurs each time the first communication connection is (re-)established between the central communication device of the central device and the communication device of the service device. This ensures that the service device saves the current status of the system information each time it is reconnected to the central device.

[0076] In some embodiments, the storage device is further configured to store a first software identification of software data, wherein the computing device is further configured to read a second software identification from the central device via the first communication connection, which is indicative of the software data on the central device, to compare the first software identification and the second software identification, and in response to determining that the first software identification and the second software identification differ, to transmit the software data to the central device via the first communication connection.

[0077] The service device can also be configured to check a firmware version of the central device or a module located therein and, if necessary, update it to the latest version.

[0078] For this purpose, the storage device of the service device is configured to store a first software identification. In this case, a first software identification is understood to mean, in particular, an identification number that is indicative of a software version of software data. In this context, software data refers to the data and codes constituting the firmware. The first software identification preferably indicates a current version of the software data.

[0079] A second software identification is also understood to mean, in particular, an identification number that is indicative of a software version of software data. The software version indicated by the second software identification is the version of the software data as it is currently installed and active on the central device or the corresponding module.

[0080] When establishing the first bidirectional communication connection between the central device and the service device, the first and second software identifications are preferably compared with each other by the computing device of the service device. If the software version indicated by the second software identification, i.e., the software version active on the central device or a module thereof, differs from the software version indicated by the first software identification, the computing device of the service device is preferably configured to transmit the current software data by means of the communication device via the bidirectional communication connection to the central device, where the software data can then be used to update the software version.

[0081] It is preferred that the current version of the software data be stored in the server component's data storage. This means that the service device retrieves this current software data from the server component's data storage and then transmits it to the central device. This ensures that the firmware is updated when the service device starts up. The update can be triggered manually or automatically.

[0082] In some embodiments, this transmission comprises the prior sending of a request as to whether an update of the software version is desired. In some embodiments, the service device transmits this request to the user terminal, and the user terminal generates an indication, which may be haptic and / or acoustic and / or visual and / or similar, that an update is recommended. The user can then confirm this request, which leads to a transmission of the software data, or reject it. In this case, the update is omitted. Alternatively or additionally, the service device can be configured to transmit this request to the central device. The central device can be configured to either automatically check the request and, if an update is possible, confirm it in order to initiate the update.Alternatively or additionally, the central device can be configured to output an indication, which may be haptic and / or acoustic and / or visual and / or similar, and thus prompt a user of the central device to respond to the request. Here, too, the update is performed in response to a confirmation from the user.

[0083] The first and second software identifications can also be provided by means other than corresponding identification numbers. It is important at this point that the format of the first and second software identifications allows for comparison between the two software identifications. Therefore, it is preferable for the first and second software identifications to be provided in the same format.

[0084] In some embodiments, the service device further comprises an indication device configured to output an indication when the receiving of the system information is completed.

[0085] An indication device can be understood here as any type of device that provides a perceptible indication to the user, indicating that the system information to be provided has now been fully received. This indication can be provided, in particular, haptically, acoustically, and / or visually. In some specific embodiments, the indication device is a device configured to provide both a visual and an acoustic indication. Alternatively or additionally, the indication device can be configured to transmit the indication to the user terminal, wherein the user terminal is configured to provide a corresponding indication.

[0086] In some embodiments, the system information includes at least one of the following: Data comprising information about at least one component of the fire protection system, and / or data comprising information about a setting of the fire protection system, and / or data comprising information about an operating state of the fire protection system.

[0087] As already mentioned above, system information can be understood as all information about the fire protection system. In particular, the system information can include data that contains information about at least one hardware component of the fire protection system. The term "component" is to be understood broadly and includes both the individual peripheral devices of the fire alarm system, such as the various fire detectors, pumps, temperature sensors, circuit arrangements, and the like, which can be identified as part of the system information, for example, by their serial numbers, as well as the components of the central device, such as the individual modules that can be inserted into the central device to perform specific activities. This hardware-related data is also referred to below as "factory data" for short.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, the system information may also include data about a fire protection system setting. This includes, in particular, the adjustable parameters of the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices within it, which can be set and adjusted, for example, during the configuration of the fire protection system. Furthermore, this data may also include logic settings of the fire protection system's logic elements. This data is also generally referred to as "operating data" below.

[0089] Alternatively or additionally, the system information may also include data about the operating status of the fire protection system. This data, also referred to as status information, refers to additional data generated during operation that allows conclusions to be drawn about the operating status of the fire protection system. Parameters of the status information include, for example, the pressure of a pump or the pressure in the pipe system, the power consumption of the central device, values ​​indicative of sensor contamination, and / or temperature data and / or similar.

[0090] According to some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to check the at least one user input and, in response to the check, to generate a check indication for transmission to the user terminal.

[0091] In some embodiments, the computing device of the service device is configured to check and validate the user input made in response to the displayed system information. In particular, the computing device is configured to check whether the user input is permissible during the validation process. In some embodiments, checking whether the user input is permissible means checking whether the user input relates to an aspect that the user making the input has access to and is authorized to influence. Thus, the installer of the fire protection system typically has more aspects for which they can make user inputs than the end customer.

[0092] However, checking the admissibility of a user input can also be understood as checking whether the input is permissible in terms of content. In some embodiments, for example, the user can change the adjustable parameters using the user input, whereby the changes are not compatible with any predefined limit values. In this case, the computing device can use the check to prevent the parameters from being adjusted based on a user input that is not permissible for the fire protection system.

[0093] In the case of a permissible user input, the service device can issue a positive indication to the user via the user terminal, which in particular includes confirmation that the system information has been adjusted. In the case of an impermissible user input, the service device can issue an indication that the user input is not permissible and / or an indication that the changes have not been made. Further indications are conceivable.

[0094] In some embodiments, receiving the at least one user input comprises authenticating the user terminal. In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to determine an access authorization of the user terminal and / or to filter the system information transmitted to the user terminal based on the access authorization.

[0095] It may be advantageous for the service device to receive information about the user terminal's access rights to the central device and / or the server component. For this purpose, the service device preferably comprises an authentication device as part of the computing device, which is configured to authenticate the central device and / or the server component upon receiving the system information. This allows the user to check whether the system information has been transmitted correctly and completely from the correct central device and / or server component.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the authentication device can be configured to check the validity of a license and, based on this check, decide on the user terminal's access to the service device and / or the server component. Access can be denied if the license has expired and permitted if the license has not expired or has been extended. In this case, the central device can be configured, in particular, to automatically recognize the service device upon establishing a communication connection with the service device and to provide it with all system information. The authentication device is further configured to request a license key from the user terminal upon establishing communication with the user terminal. In response to this request, the user terminal transmits its license key via this communication connection.The license key is then verified by the authentication device. If it is valid, the user device is granted access to the service device. If it is invalid, access is denied. This denial may include a notice that the license key is no longer valid and may need to be renewed.

[0097] In some embodiments, the license key is provided to the user terminal by an external server. To do so, the user must connect to the external server and request the license key. The license key can then be provided permanently or for a limited time. In the latter case, the license key must be extended and / or renewed after a certain period of time. In some embodiments, this period is between one year and one day, in particular between 100 days and one day, in particular 30 days. The external server can be provided, in particular, by the installer of the fire protection system and / or the server component. In some embodiments, the external server can also be provided as part of the server component, in which case the user terminal without a valid license key only has limited access to the server component.

[0098] In some embodiments, the authentication of the user terminal can serve not only to grant or prevent access, but also to determine the scope of access for the user. In these embodiments, the computing device is particularly configured to determine the user's access rights based on the authentication performed by the authentication device and then to filter the system information depending on the access rights. Thus, only certain system information is displayed to certain users. This has the advantage, on the one hand, that the user is not flooded with unnecessary information, and on the other hand, it can prevent an unauthorized user from gaining insight into, for example, the configuration data and logic settings of the fire protection system.

[0099] In some embodiments, the communication device is configured to allow the user terminal to access at least part of the system information of the fire protection system, wherein the computing device is configured to receive at least one user identification from the at least one user terminal and to authenticate the at least one user terminal based on the at least one user identification.

[0100] Access to at least part of the system information is understood in particular to mean that the user terminal's access to the system information can be restricted. In some embodiments, this restriction is such that access is completely prevented. In some embodiments, the restriction is implemented such that the user terminal's access depends on the authorization level of the user assigned to the user terminal. To determine this authorization level, the user is first identified. According to the invention, this identification takes place by authenticating the user terminal. For this purpose, the service device further comprises a computing device configured to receive at least one user identification from the user terminal and to authenticate the user terminal on the basis of this user identification.

[0101] A user identification is understood here to mean any type of identification with which the user terminal assigned to a specific user can be identified. A user identification can, for example, comprise a device identification number of the user terminal. In other embodiments, the user identification can also comprise a MAC identification or a unique identifier generated, for example, based on the device identification and a user ID. In other embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM) or an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) can be used to authenticate the user terminal—or the corresponding user.

[0102] The term "authentication" here means first identifying the user and then determining the user's authorization level, i.e., which system information should be provided to the user. This means that authentication determines whether system information should be transmitted and, if so, which system information the user is permitted to receive.

[0103] This type of user identification and authentication ensures that only authorized users have access to relevant system information. It also allows for further subdividing the authorization levels known from the state of the art, thus defining more specific access authorizations. This allows for the implementation of individual and role-specific access rights for the fire protection system.

[0104] In some embodiments, the service device further comprises an access restriction device configured to enable access by the at least one user terminal to the central device if the at least one user terminal can be authenticated and to prevent access if the at least one user terminal cannot be authenticated.

[0105] The service device preferably comprises an access restriction device configured not only to restrict or enable viewing of the system information based on authentication—i.e., to provide only certain system information to certain users—but also to enable, restrict, and / or completely prevent access to the central device of the fire protection system itself, in particular for configuring it, activating / deactivating certain functions, and the like, based on authentication. For example, authentication by the computing device of the service device may reveal that the user is an installer of the fire protection system. In this case, the user receives unrestricted access to the central device and its configuration.If authentication reveals that the user is a dispatcher, access can be restricted to the central device settings that need to be changed for maintenance work performed by the dispatcher. However, if authentication reveals that the user is a customer, access to the central device can be completely denied unless the customer is intended to make changes to the fire protection system.

[0106] In some embodiments, the service device further comprises a verification device, wherein the verification device is configured to receive an access verification from the at least one user terminal and, in response to the access verification, to cause the communication device to establish the bidirectional communication connection with the server component.

[0107] In some embodiments, the communication device of the service device is preferably configured to establish a further bidirectional communication connection with a server communication device of the server component. Providing such a server component has the advantage that some of the functionalities of the service device, for example, storing the system information in a memory, can be outsourced to the server component, thus reducing the capacity requirements of the service device. In some embodiments, however, the system information can also be stored both in a memory device of the service component and in a data memory of the server component, in order to enable redundant storage of the relevant system information.

[0108] In any case, it is necessary to ensure that a user is authorized to use the server component. For this purpose, the service device comprises a verification device configured to verify that a user—identified by the user terminal—is authorized to use the server component. For this purpose, the verification device is configured to receive an access verification from the user terminal. The user terminal is configured to transmit the access verification to the communication device of the service device. The communication device then transmits the access verification to the verification device for verification of the user. In some embodiments, the user identification comprises or corresponds to the access verification. In some embodiments, the access verification can also be a dedicated signal.

[0109] The verification device is configured to determine, based on the access verification, whether the user is authorized to access the server component. If this is the case, the verification device releases the bidirectional communication connection between the communication device of the service device and the server communication device of the server component, allowing the user to use the functionalities of the server component. If, however, the user is not authorized, the verification device does not release the connection, and the unauthorized user cannot access the server component.

[0110] The verification device is thus configured to restrict access to the server component by the service device with which the user communicates, in particular to prevent access if the user is not authorized to use the server component. In some embodiments, the user can obtain a server license, which allows the user to use the server component. In some embodiments, the server license is time-limited. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be a permanently granted server license.

[0111] In some embodiments, the service device and the user terminal can also be configured, after verification of the user and the corresponding release of the communication connection between the service device and the server component, to no longer communicate exclusively directly, but alternatively or additionally via the server component. In this case, the server communication device of the server component is configured, in particular, to establish a further bidirectional communication connection to the user terminal. Communication between the service device and the user terminal can then take place directly and / or via the server component. Communication via the server component has the advantage that the server component can assume some of the functionalities of the service device without significantly increasing the data volume to be transmitted.

[0112] In some embodiments, the at least one user identification comprises an identity module of the user terminal.

[0113] The user terminal is preferably a mobile phone or a tablet. Such mobile phones or tablets are usually equipped with an identity module, in particular a subscriber identity module. (Subscriber Identity Module, SIM) for a mobile network. The subscriber identity module allows the user terminal to be identified in the mobile network. This functionality can also be used to identify the user by the service device. This means that the computing device of the service device is configured to identify the user using the (subscriber) identity module.

[0114] In some embodiments, the identity module, in particular the subscriber identity module, is configured as a programmable module. This allows software-based programming of user identification.

[0115] In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to generate a state log based on an evaluation of the system information comprising the state information and to store it in a storage unit.

[0116] The evaluation of system information, including status information, can include, in particular, the creation of a status log. This status log allows for the determination of whether the fire protection system meets parameters specified by guidelines, such as approval and / or safety standards, or whether it is within the limits specified by guidelines. The status log is designed to be created in such a way that the system information is compiled for the respective user according to their assigned role.

[0117] If the user is, for example, the installer, the status log can specifically include a log of those system information parameters that relate to certain testing activities specified by guidelines, thus representing a type of maintenance log. Alternatively or additionally, such a log can relate to the comparison of actual and target values ​​of adjustable parameters of the fire protection system or operating parameters of the components within it, such as peripheral devices or similar, and thus represent a type of test log.

[0118] If the user is the dispatcher, the condition log can, in particular, include a summary of the previous inspection or maintenance logs to give the dispatcher an overview of the workload required for the next maintenance / repair. In some embodiments, the user can also be provided with a condition log based on the evaluation, which includes a list of the suggested materials required for maintenance. In some embodiments, the condition log can additionally include an evaluation result of the evaluation, so that the user can verify whether the list is complete.

[0119] If the user is an end customer, the status log may, in particular, include the current actual status of the fire protection system or the peripheral devices located therein. In some embodiments, the status log may also include test logs and / or maintenance logs and / or maintenance reports. It is preferred that these logs contain less detailed information than, for example, in the case of the installer. Creating the status log may further include summarizing the past values ​​of one or more pieces of system information, in particular the status information.

[0120] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to generate an evaluation result based on the evaluation of the state information, and the communication device is further configured to transmit the evaluation result, in particular together with the state information, to the data memory of the server component via the corresponding bidirectional communication connection, wherein the evaluation result is associated with a timestamp indicating the time at which the state information was received.

[0121] An evaluation result is understood here in particular to be a summary of the evaluation of the state information at a given point in time, namely the point in time at which this state information was received and evaluated. This means that the evaluation result comprises an evaluation result for each parameter in the state information that has been evaluated. In some embodiments, this can mean that the evaluation result determines that the values ​​of all parameters of the state information lie within the specifications. In some embodiments, however, the evaluation result can also comprise one or more parameters of the state information whose values ​​deviate from the specifications. In this case, the evaluation result can therefore state that the values ​​for parameters a to c lie within the specified range, but not for parameters d and e.Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation result can further include a status indication that can be output to a user. The status indication is configured to indicate whether the fire protection system is functioning without disruptions or whether disruptions and / or malfunctions can be detected at specific locations. If, as mentioned above, the values ​​of parameters d and e are not within the specified range, the evaluation result can, for example, include a status indication that alerts a user to this deviation.

[0122] The evaluation result is preferably transmitted to the server component, with the data memory of the server component being configured to save the evaluation result. In order to be able to trace the point in time at which an evaluation of the status information produced the corresponding evaluation result, the evaluation result is provided with a timestamp that identifies the corresponding point in time. The evaluation result is then written to the data memory, associated with the timestamp. This process is preferably repeated at regular intervals. This allows the temporal development of the evaluation results to be traced. This allows trends and developments in the fire protection system to be identified over a longer period of time and, under certain circumstances, developing faults and / or malfunctions to be predicted at an early stage.

[0123] In some embodiments, the status information is indicative of a status of at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system, wherein the evaluation result is further associated with a device index that is indicative of the respective peripheral device.

[0124] In some embodiments, the status information includes, in particular, values ​​for parameters that are indicative of the status of one or more peripheral devices. In this case, the evaluation result generated on the basis of this status information can, in addition to a timestamp, also be associated with at least one device index, wherein the device index is indicative of the respective peripheral device for which the status information was received. Specifically, this means that if the evaluation result includes the status information of peripheral devices A and B, this evaluation result is associated with the device indices of peripheral devices A and B in such a way that the evaluation result allows the evaluation result for peripheral device A to be uniquely assigned to peripheral device A and the evaluation result for peripheral device B to be uniquely assigned to peripheral device B.In this way, the evaluation results provide a quick overview of the status of the individual peripherals. Furthermore, the additional use of the timestamp allows the development of each peripheral to be monitored over time based on the evaluation results.

[0125] In some embodiments, the user terminal can be used, in particular, to select a specific peripheral device and to provide the results for this specific peripheral device as a function of time from the time-stamped evaluation results. This allows a peripheral-device-specific provision of the status, in particular in the form of a graphical representation, to be achieved.

[0126] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to generate a status log of the fire protection system based on the status information and the timestamp. In one further development, the status log comprises one or more of the status indication, the deviation indication, and / or the maintenance indication.

[0127] In some embodiments, the device index associated with a corresponding peripheral device can also be included in the generation of the status log. For example, the device index can be used to create a filter that allows the temporal progression of the status results for a specific peripheral device to be provided by filtering the further results. In other embodiments, the device index can also be used, for example, to select two similar peripheral devices and create a status log in which the states of the two peripheral devices are compared. Further indices, such as module identification numbers or the like, can also be included in the generation of the status log, allowing a filter to be established specifically for these components and the corresponding status information to be filtered.This provides a simplified and clearer overview of the status of the fire protection system.

[0128] It is preferred that the status log be made available to the user. This can be done, on the one hand, by the user terminal via the display device of the user terminal, which is configured, for example, to graphically display the status log. This allows the user to view the status log even remotely.

[0129] Alternatively or additionally, the status log can also be provided to the user via a central display device of a central device. The central display device can also be configured to generate a graphical representation of the status log and then display it. In this case, the user can view the status log on the central device.

[0130] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to receive a service path specification that specifies an order in which the state information is to be evaluated, and to evaluate the state information according to the service path specification.

[0131] It can be advantageous to check certain parameters in the status information before checking certain additional parameters, especially if there is a dependency between the individual parameters, for example, so that a deviation of a first parameter's value from the norm would result in a deviation of a second parameter's value. To prevent a fault from going undetected in this case—because a deviation has already been found elsewhere—and / or incorrect conclusions from being drawn regarding the functionality of the fire protection system (because a parameter under consideration deviates from the norm due to the deviation of another parameter, although the parameter under consideration has no influence on the fault), it is useful to specify a "service path" in such a case, i.e., to specify the order in which the parameters in the status information should be checked one after the other.This allows the important parameters to be identified at an early stage and thus increases the efficiency of the evaluation.

[0132] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a fire protection system according to independent claim 6, comprising a central device and at least one peripheral device, wherein the central device is configured to be communicatively connected to a service device according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0133] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a system for operating a fire protection system, according to independent claim 7, comprising at least one service device according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein the service device is configured to communicate with the fire protection system via a first bidirectional communication connection.

[0134] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one user terminal, wherein the at least one user terminal is configured to output to a user a status indication for the fire protection system, generated by a computing device of the service device based on an evaluation of status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system. In one modification, the at least one user terminal comprises a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface is configured to display the at least one status indication.

[0135] Preferably, the user terminal can be used to output a status indication for the fire protection system to the user. The status indication can be output haptically, audibly, visually, or in another manner that can be registered by the user. It is particularly preferred that the user terminal comprises a graphical user interface and that the status indication is output to the user in the form of a graphic representation. This allows, in particular, the output of status indications with a greater level of detail regarding the information about the status of the fire protection system and / or the components located therein, such as the central device and peripheral devices.

[0136] The graphical user interface can be implemented, in particular, in the form of a web interface, allowing access to status information and / or status indications, as well as, optionally, deviation indications and / or maintenance indications. The user can then view the status of the fire protection system at any time. This allows for a quick and efficient response in the event of a malfunction and early fault identification.

[0137] In some embodiments, the service device is configured as an internal service module of the central device of the fire protection system.

[0138] In some embodiments, the service device can be designed, in particular, in the form of a module that is installed internally in the central device. The advantage of being designed as an internal module of the central device lies in the fact that the first bidirectional communication connection between the central device and the service device runs internally and is thus better protected against unauthorized access. Alternatively, however, the service device can also be designed as a type of box that can be connected externally to the central device of the fire protection system, for example, via a central card of the central device.

[0139] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a server component, wherein the service device is communicatively connected to the server component, and wherein the storage unit is configured to store the adjustment values ​​and / or the state values ​​as an internal data memory of the server component.

[0140] In some embodiments, the system may comprise a server component, wherein the communication device of the service device is configured to communicate with the server component. For this purpose, the server component may, in particular, comprise a server communication device. The communicative connection between the service device and the server component is then established via the communication device and the server communication device. In some embodiments, the server communication device of the server component is further configured to communicate with the user terminal.In this case, bidirectional communication between the service device and the user terminal (or terminals) can take place, in particular, via the server component, whereby the server component can be configured to check the access rights of the user terminal on the one hand and the access rights of the service device on the other hand, and to permit access only if the check is positive. Alternatively or additionally, the server component can be configured to check the identification of the user terminal and / or the service device and to compare whether a specific user terminal is permitted to communicate with a specific service device. Here, too, the server component can be configured to establish a connection only if the identification is positive. This can increase security against unauthorized access.

[0141] In some embodiments, the server component may further comprise a data storage configured to store the comparison values ​​and / or the values ​​of the state information—in particular, the historical values ​​of the state information. In this case, these values ​​do not need to be stored in the storage device of the service device, thereby reducing the capacity requirements of the service device. In some embodiments, the server component may also comprise a server computing device that can assume at least part of the evaluation of the state information. This allows the demands on the service device to be further reduced and the overall system architecture to be simplified.

[0142] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a fire protection system, according to independent claim 12, comprising receiving, by a service device, status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system, retrieving one or more comparison values ​​for the status information from a storage unit, evaluating the status information based on a comparison with the one or more comparison values ​​for the status information, and generating, based on the evaluation, at least one status indication for the fire protection system.In one modification, the method further comprises determining a threshold value for a deviation between the values ​​of the status information and the one or more comparison values, generating a deviation indication in response to exceeding or falling below the threshold value, and integrating the deviation indication into the status indication. According to a further modification, the method comprises outputting, by the service device, a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication.

[0143] In a further aspect, the present invention, according to independent claim 13, relates to a use of a service device according to one of the embodiments described above for operating, in particular for condition monitoring, a fire protection system for the early detection of a malfunction.

[0144] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments in the accompanying figures. Herein: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the first embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for maintaining and / or checking a fire protection system according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a second embodiment, Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the second embodiment, Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring the condition of a fire protection system according to an embodiment, Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a third embodiment, Fig.Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the third embodiment, Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a method for authenticating a user in a system for operating a fire protection system according to an embodiment, Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a flowchart of a method for monitoring the condition of a fire protection system according to an embodiment.

[0145] The Figure 1 shows a system 1 according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 comprising a service device 100, a central device 200 of the fire protection system 10, a server component 300 and a user terminal 400.

[0146] The service device 100 comprises a communication device 101, a computing device 102, an identification device 103, a storage device 104, and an indication device 105. The computing device 102 further comprises an authentication device 110.

[0147] The fire protection system 10 comprises a central device 200 and a plurality of peripheral devices 601 that are communicatively connected to the central device 200 (not shown). Even if in the schematic representation of the Fig. 1 only three peripheral devices 601 are shown, the fire protection system 10 can comprise more or fewer peripheral devices 601.

[0148] The central device 200 comprises a central communication device 201, a central computing device 202, a central display device 203, and a central storage device 204. The central communication device 201 is communicatively connected to the communication device 101 of the service device 100 via a bidirectional communication connection 501. The central communication device 201 is further connected to the central computing device 202 and the central storage device 204 via a communicative connection located in the central device 200. This allows system information stored in the central storage device 204 to be transmitted to the service device 100. In some embodiments, the central computing device 202 is configured to process the system information itself and only then transmit it to the service device 100.Alternatively or additionally, the central computing device 202 can also be configured to transmit the system information directly to the service device 100 without any processing, but to prepare it for display on the central display device 203 and to transmit it to the central display device 203 for display.

[0149] The service device 100 is configured to receive the system information via the bidirectional communication connection 501. To this end, the communication device 101 first establishes the bidirectional communication connection 501 to the central communication device 201. The communication device 101 receives an identification number for identifying the service device 100 from the identification device 103 and transmits it to the central communication device 201, which in turn forwards it to the central computing device 202. The central computing device 202 uses the identification number to identify the service device and, in response to the identification, provides the system information that is (temporarily) stored in the central storage device. This information is then transmitted to the communication device 101 via the central communication device 201.When the transmission is complete, this is registered by the communication device 101. This causes the indication device 105 to output a corresponding indication of the complete transmission of the system information. In the specific example of the . Fig. 1 The indication is a visual and an acoustic indication.

[0150] The communication device 101 then forwards the received system information to the computing device 102. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1 This system information includes, in particular, status information, i.e., data that is indicative of the (operating) status of the fire protection system 10 and the components and / or peripheral devices 601 located therein. This status information is generated, in particular, during the operation of the fire protection system 10.

[0151] The computing device 102 is configured to prepare this system information, including the status information, for transmission to the user terminal 400. For this purpose, the communication device 101 is configured to communicate via a bidirectional communication connection 503 with a server communication device 301 of the server component 300 in order to access the data memory 302 of the server component 300. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1The data memory 302 contains a series of target values ​​as comparison values ​​for the values ​​of the corresponding parameters in the status information. The computing device 102 is configured to read these target values ​​from the data memory 302, in particular via the bidirectional communication connection 503, and to evaluate the runtime data based on the target values. The computing device 102 is further configured to transmit the correspondingly prepared system information, optionally together with an evaluation result and / or a status indication, to the user terminal 400 via a bidirectional communication connection 502.

[0152] In some embodiments, the user terminal 400 is first authenticated when establishing the bidirectional communication connection 502 between the service device 100 and the user terminal 400. For this purpose, the computing device 101 comprises an authentication device 110. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1Authenticating the user terminal 400 includes, in particular, verifying that the user of the user terminal 400 has a valid license key. After establishing the communication connection 502, the authentication device 110 transmits a request for a license key. In response to the request, the user terminal 400 transmits, preferably via the communication connection 502, a corresponding license key, which is then checked by the authentication device 110. If the license key is verified positively, i.e., if the license key is valid, the authentication device 110 issues a positive authentication indication, and communication is enabled.If the license key fails verification, i.e., if it is no longer valid, the authentication device 110 issues a negative authentication indication, and the user is denied access to the service device and thus to the system information provided by it. The negative authentication indication can be displayed to the user on the user terminal, prompting the user to request a new license key and / or renew the license key. This ensures that the user only has access to the system information with a valid license.

[0153] The user terminal 400 includes a graphical user interface 401 that allows a user to view the prepared system information and to make at least one user input in response thereto. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 1For example, based on the evaluation of the status information in the system information, the user is informed that a pump within the fire protection system 10 is no longer operating with sufficient pressure. This notification can preferably be transmitted to the user in the form of a status indication, including a deviation indication, which is provided to the user. Optionally, the user also receives a maintenance indication indicating that the pump needs to be repaired or replaced. Furthermore, the user who has received the maintenance indication on their user terminal 400 can optionally make a user input confirming that the maintenance indication was received and, if applicable, indicating that the possible problem with the pump will now be remedied through appropriate maintenance or inspection.

[0154] Based on this user input, the transmitted system information is then adjusted. In particular, it is stored that the user has been informed about the possible pump malfunction and, if applicable, what measures should be taken. These additional comments are then saved as part of the adjusted system information. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1This storage preferably takes place in the data memory 302 of the server component 300. In other embodiments, however, the storage can also take place in a storage device 104 located on the service device 100. However, storage in the data memory 302 of the server component 300 is advantageous because, on the one hand, the storage device 104 located in the service device 100 can be relieved, and, on the other hand, the storage allows the use of a service device other than the service device 100. Thus, even in the event of a malfunction of the service device 100, all data relating to the fire protection system 10 can be accessed directly.Finally, storage in the data memory 302 of the server component 300 is also advantageous in that, for example, the operator of the server component 300, who may be, among other things, the installer of the fire protection system 10, can access the server component directly, i.e. without service device 100, in order to supply the data for further evaluation.

[0155] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 1The system 1 for operating the fire protection system 10 includes a service device 100 configured to communicate directly with the central device 200, the server component 300, and the user terminal 400, via the communication device 101. Although not shown, the central communication device 201, the communication device 101, and the server communication device 301 each include a cryptography device for encrypting the data exchanged between the communication devices. This allows for better data transmission security.

[0156] The Figure 2 shows a system 1' for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a modification of the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 . Here too, the system 1' comprises a service device 100, a central device 200, a server component 300 and a user terminal 400, all of which are configured as described in connection with Fig. 1described, where like reference numbers refer to like components. Since these functionalities correspond to those of the version according to Fig. 1 correspond, a detailed explanation will not be given here.

[0157] In the following, only the differences between System 1 according to Fig. 1 and System 1' according to the modification in Fig. 2 In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 2The communication direction 101 of the service device 100 communicates with the user terminal 400 via the server component. This means that instead of direct communication via the bidirectional communication connection 502 between the service device 100 and the user terminal 400, communication is established via the server component 300. For this purpose, the service device 100 communicates with the server component via the bidirectional communication connection 503, and the server component communicates with the user terminal via the bidirectional communication connection 504. This means that the communication connection between the service device 100 and the user terminal 400 is formed by the communication connection 503 and the communication connection 504.This enables the provision of some, partially optional, functionalities, such as the storage of system information and / or the identification of the user from the service device 100 to the server component 300 and thus leads to a reduction in the system requirements for the service device 100.

[0158] Even if the service device 100 in the systems 1 and 1' according to the embodiments of the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 as an external component, it should be noted at this point that the service device 100 can also be configured as an internal module of the central device 200 without the described functionalities having to be adapted. The service device 100 according to the invention can therefore be designed either as an internal (pluggable) module of the central device 200 or as a connectable, external element.

[0159] The Figure 3shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10, in particular for maintaining and / or checking a fire protection system 10. In step 1000, the bidirectional communication connection 501 is established between the communication device 101 of the service device 100 and the central communication device 201 of the central device 200. This establishment optionally includes identifying and / or authenticating the service device.

[0160] In step 2000, the communication device 101 of the service device receives the system information from the central communication device 201 of the central device 200 and forwards it to the computing device 102 in step 3000. In step 3001, the computing device 102 prepares the system information for transmission to the user terminal 400. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 3the user of the user terminal is an installer and the processing includes an evaluation of the system information to determine whether all system tests have been carried out correctly and confirm the existing operability of the system.

[0161] In step 4000, the processed system information is transmitted to the user terminal 400. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 3 The transmission initially comprises establishing the bidirectional communication connection between service device 100 and user terminal 400 and a corresponding authentication, as in connection with the Fig. 1 described.

[0162] Following receipt of the processed system information, the user terminal 400 generates a graphical representation of the system information in step 4001 and displays it to the user of the user terminal 400. In step 4002, the user makes at least one user input in response to the displayed system information. The user terminal 400 receives this user input and transmits it, optionally together with an association to the corresponding system information, to the communication device 101 of the service device 100.

[0163] In step 5000, the communication device 101 receives the user input and transmits it to the computing device 102, which adapts the system information in step 600 based on the user input and optionally writes the adapted system information to a memory. This memory can in particular be the memory device 104 of the service device and / or the data memory 302 of the server component.

[0164] The Figure 4 shows a system 1 according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a second embodiment. The system 1 comprises a service device 100, a central device 200 of the fire protection system 10, a server component 300, and a user terminal 400.

[0165] The general system architecture of the system 1 according to the second embodiment corresponds to that of the system 1 according to the first embodiment as described in connection with Fig. 1described. Here, too, the service device 100 comprises a communication device 101, a computing device 102, an identification device 103, a storage device 104, and an indication device 105.

[0166] The fire protection system 10 comprises a central device 200 and a plurality of peripheral devices 601, which are communicatively connected to the central device 200 via a bidirectional communication connection 505. Even if in the schematic representation of the Fig. 4 only a single peripheral device 601 is shown, the fire protection system 10 can comprise more or fewer peripheral devices 601.

[0167] The central device 200 comprises a central communication device 201, a central computing device 202, a central display device 203, a central storage device 204 and, additionally, a central power supply 205.

[0168] The central communication device 201 is communicatively connected to the communication device 101 of the service device 100 via a bidirectional communication connection 501. Within the central device 200, the central communication device 201 is connected via a first communicative connection to the central processing device 202, which in turn is connected to the central storage device 204, and via a second communicative connection to the central power supply 205. This internal communication allows the central communication device 201 to collect status information about the status of the central device 200 in order to transmit this information as part of the system information to the communication device 101 of the service device via the bidirectional communication connection 501.This status information can be transmitted, for example, from the central power supply 205 to the central communication device 201 and can relate, for example, to the current power consumption of the central device 200 and / or a component thereof, such as a module, and / or the internal resistance of the accumulators within the central device 200 and / or the modules. Based on the current power consumption and / or the internal resistance, it is possible to infer, in particular, defects within the fire protection system 10.

[0169] Furthermore, the central communication device 201 can be configured to receive status information indicative of the status of the peripheral devices 601. For this purpose, the peripheral devices 601 can be configured to communicate directly with the central communication device 201. Alternatively or additionally, the peripheral devices 601 can also communicate with the central device 200 via the central processing device 202 or a dedicated communication connection to transmit the status information. This status information can, for example, relate to the degree of contamination of a sensor in a peripheral device 601, such as a detector.

[0170] The central communication device 201 is configured to transmit the status information as part of the system information via the bidirectional communication connection 501 to the communication device 101 of the service device 100. For this purpose, the communication device 101 first establishes the bidirectional communication connection 501, wherein the service device 100 can optionally identify itself to the central device 200, as described in connection with Fig. 1described. In some embodiments, the bidirectional communication connection 501 is permanently maintained after being established once in order to transmit the system information, including the status information, from the central communication device 201 to the communication device 101. This allows for permanent monitoring of the status of the fire protection system by monitoring and, optionally, evaluating the status information on the side of the service device 100 and / or the user terminal 400 connected thereto.

[0171] The communication device 101 forwards the status information to the computing device 102. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 4The status information relates, in particular, to the current power consumption within the central device. The computing device 102 is configured to cause the communication device 101 to retrieve a comparison value (target value) for the power consumption from the data memory 302 of the server component 300 via a bidirectional communication connection 503 with a server communication device 301 of the server component 300. Alternatively, the computing device 102 can also be configured to retrieve the comparison value from the storage device 104 of the service device 100 if such a value is stored there.

[0172] The computing device 102 thus receives one or more comparison values ​​indicative of the past power consumption of the central device 200 and can use these comparison values ​​to evaluate the value transmitted with the current status information. For example, the computing device 102 can detect an increase in power consumption and generate a corresponding status indication indicating that the power consumption of the central device 200 has increased. The user can then check whether the increase in power consumption is due to, for example, the addition of peripheral devices 601 to the fire protection system 10, or whether no peripheral devices 601 were added and the increase was therefore caused by other factors, such as an impending defect.

[0173] In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 4the service device 100 is further configured to transmit the status indication to the user terminal 400 via the bidirectional communication connection 502.

[0174] The user terminal 400 includes a graphical user interface 401. The user terminal 400 is configured to generate a graphical representation of the status indication based on the status indication and to display it to the user on the graphical user interface 401. The user can thus remotely detect a possible fault that has occurred or is about to occur and initiate appropriate countermeasures, such as repair or maintenance, replacement of components, or the like.

[0175] Here, the user actions for initiating countermeasures can be defined, in particular, depending on the user or role. For example, a customer for whom the fire protection system 10 was installed can initiate a countermeasure that includes calling certified maintenance personnel. If the user is a dispatcher responsible for maintenance, they can, in response to the status indication, gather the materials for maintenance and / or repair, plan them accordingly, and then initiate them. If the user is the installer, they can, for example, also plan and initiate maintenance and / or repair themselves or dispatch appropriate certified maintenance personnel to carry out the maintenance and / or repair. In any case, the status indication allows the user to take appropriate action.

[0176] The Figure 5shows a system 1' for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a modification of the second embodiment of the Fig. 4 . Here too, the system 1' comprises a service device 100, a central device 200, a server component 300 and a user terminal 400, all of which are configured as described in connection with Fig. 4 described, where the same reference numbers refer to the same components. Therefore, the following will again refer to the differences between System 1 according to Fig. 4 and System 1' according to the modification in Fig. 5 received.

[0177] In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 5The communication device 101 of the service device 100 is configured to communicate directly with one or more peripheral devices via the bidirectional communication connection 506. This means that the communication device 101 of the service device 100 receives status information about the status of the central device via the bidirectional communication connection 501 and status information about the status of the peripheral devices 601 via the bidirectional communication connection 506. This enables a temporally separated transmission of the status information and thus allows for more efficient timing of the transmission.For example, the status information indicative of the status of the central device 200 can be transmitted continuously, and the status information indicative of the status of the peripheral devices 601 can be transmitted only at regular time intervals, wherein the time intervals can be selected, for example, depending on the requirements of the respective peripheral device 601 and / or the guidelines specified therefor.

[0178] Also in the Fig. 4 and 5 the service device 100 is shown as an external component, but can also be set up here as an internal module of the central device 200 without the described functionalities having to be adapted.

[0179] The Figure 6 shows schematically a flow chart of a method according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10, in particular for monitoring the condition of a fire protection system 10 according to the Fig. 4In step 1000', the bidirectional communication connection 501 is established between the communication device 101 of the service device 100 and the central communication device 201 of the central device 200. In step 2000', the communication device 101 of the service device 100 receives the status information indicative of the status of the fire protection system 10 from the central communication device 201 of the central device 200 and forwards it to the computing device 102 in step 3000'. In step 3001', the computing device 102 initiates a retrieval of the comparison values ​​for the status information from a memory. For this purpose, the computing device 102 can, in particular, initiate the communication device 101 to read these values ​​from the data memory 302 of the server component.

[0180] In step 3002', the computing device 102 receives the comparison values ​​and uses them to evaluate the status information. Based on this evaluation, which may in particular include comparing a value of a piece of status information with the corresponding comparison value, the computing device 102 then generates a status indication in step 3003' and causes the communication device 101 to transmit this status indication, optionally together with the status information and / or the system information, to the user terminal 400 via the bidirectional communication connection 502.

[0181] Following receipt of the status indication, the user terminal generates a graphical representation of the status indication in step 4000, optionally together with a graphical representation of the status information and / or the system information, and displays it to the user of the user terminal. In step 4001, the user initiates an appropriate action in response to the status indication if the status indication indicates such an action is necessary to prevent a fault. This allows for early fault detection and thus preventive maintenance and / or repair of the fire protection system.

[0182] The Figure 7shows a system 1 according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a third embodiment. Here, too, the system 1 again comprises a service device 100, a central device 200 of the fire protection system 10, a server component 300, and a user terminal 400, and thus resembles the system architecture of the first and second embodiments.

[0183] The service device 100 comprises a communication device 101, a computing device 102, an identification device 103, a storage device 104 and an indication device 105. In comparison to the embodiments according to the Figures 1, 2 , 4 and 5 The service device 100 further comprises an access restriction device 106 and a verification device 107.

[0184] The user terminal 400 comprises a graphical user interface and an identity module 402, which is preferably designed as a subscriber identity module.

[0185] The fire protection system 10 and the server component 300 essentially correspond to the embodiments according to the Fig. 4 This means that the fire protection system 10 comprises a central device 200 and a plurality of peripheral devices 601, of which Fig. 7 however, again only one is shown, wherein the peripheral devices 601 are communicatively connected to the central device 200 via a bidirectional communication connection 505.

[0186] The communication device 101 of the service device 100 is configured to communicate with the central communication device 201 of the central device via a bidirectional communication connection 501. Furthermore, the communication device 101 of the service device 100 is configured to communicate with the user terminal 400 via a bidirectional communication connection 502.

[0187] Unlike the first and second embodiments, the service device 100 in the third embodiment comprises an access restriction device 106 which is configured to restrict the user's access to the information from the central communication device 201 via the bidirectional communication connection 502, and in particular to prevent the transmission of system information via the bidirectional communication connection 502 to the user terminal 400 as long as the user has not first been authenticated.

[0188] This means in particular that the user terminal 400 only receives the system information from the fire protection system 10 via the service device 100 once the user has been successfully authenticated. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 7 For this authentication, an identity module 402 is used, which outputs a user identification and transmits it to the computing device 101 of the service device 100 via the bidirectional communication connection 502. For this purpose, the bidirectional communication connection 502 is enabled for the transmission of the user identification.

[0189] The computing device 102 is configured to receive the user identification, in particular from the identity module 402, and to determine whether the user identification can be assigned to an authenticated user of the service device 100 and / or the fire protection system 10. If this is the case, the computing device 102 causes the access restriction device 106 to release the bidirectional communication connection 502 between the communication device 101 and the user terminal 400 for the transmission of system information and / or status information by issuing an enable signal. In this case, the system information is then transmitted from the service device 100, or from its communication device 101, to the user terminal 400 as described above.

[0190] However, if the user cannot be authenticated, the computing device 102 causes the access restriction device 106 to maintain the access restriction—either actively by transmitting an explicit signal or passively by omitting the enable signal. In this case, no system information can be transmitted from the service device 100 to the user terminal 400.

[0191] In the Figure 7The service device 100 further comprises a verification device 107, which is configured to restrict access of the service device 100 to the server component 300 and, in particular, to prevent access if the user cannot be verified. This allows checking, before accessing the server component 300, whether a user is authorized to access the server component 300. Such authorization can be understood, in particular, as a server license, which the user must first acquire in order to use the server component 300. Only after acquiring the server license can the user then utilize the additional capacity of the server component 300.

[0192] The verification device 107 is further configured to receive access verification from the user terminal 400, in particular via the communication device 101. In some embodiments, the access verification is configured as part of the identity module 402. Alternatively or additionally, the access verification can also be configured as a separate signal.

[0193] Based on this access verification, the verification device 107 determines whether the user is authorized to access the server component 300 via the bidirectional communication connection 503. If this is the case, the verification device 107 releases the bidirectional communication connection 503 so that it can be established. The user can then utilize the functionalities of the server component 300. If this is not the case, the verification device 107 prevents the release—and thus the establishment—of the bidirectional communication connection 503. This allows access to the server component 300 to be prevented by an unauthorized user.

[0194] The Figure 8 shows a system 1' for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a modification of the third embodiment of the Fig. 7. Here too, the system 1' comprises a service device 100, a central device 200, a server component 300 and a user terminal 400, all of which are configured as described in connection with Fig. 7 described, where the same reference numbers refer to the same components. Therefore, the following will again refer to the differences between System 1 according to Fig. 7 and System 1' according to the modification in Fig. 8 received.

[0195] In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 8 The communication device 101 of the service device 100 is configured to communicate with the user terminal directly, via the bidirectional communication connection 502, and indirectly, via the server component 300, i.e., the bidirectional communication connections 503 and 504. In the specific embodiment of the Fig. 8This means in particular that the bidirectional communication connection 502 is used to transmit the user identification from the user terminal 400, in particular its identity module 402, to the communication device 101, which transmits this user identification to the computing device 102. The computing device 102 authenticates the user terminal 400 as in connection with the Fig. 7 described.

[0196] If the user is identified as an authenticated user based on the user identification, the computing device 102 is configured to cause the access restriction device 106 to release the access of the user terminal 400 to the system information, as also described in connection with the Fig. 7In this case, enabling access means, in particular, enabling access of the user terminal to the data transmitted via the bidirectional communication connection 503 and the bidirectional communication connection 504. This means, in the embodiment according to the Fig. 8 The system information is transmitted not via the bidirectional communication connection 502, but via the bidirectional communication connections 503 and 504, i.e., via the server component. This allows, on the one hand, the user terminal 400 to be verified even without access to the server component 300, and, on the other hand, it enables part of the processing and / or evaluation of the system information to be outsourced to the server component 300.

[0197] Even if the service device 100 is shown again as an external component at this point, the third embodiment according to the Figs. 7 and 8be set up as an internal module of the central device 200 without the described functionalities having to be adapted.

[0198] The Figure 9shows a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10, in particular for access control of a fire protection system 10. In step 1000", the bidirectional communication connection 501 is established between the communication device 101 of the service device 100 and the central communication device 201 of the central device 200 of the fire protection system 10. In step 2000", the bidirectional communication connection 502 is established between the communication device 101 and the user terminal 400. For this purpose, the communication device 101 receives at least one user identification from the user terminal 400 in step 2001" and transmits this in step 2002" to the computing device 102, which identifies the user based on the user identification and determines in step 2003" whether the user is an authenticated user.

[0199] If this is the case ("Y"), the computing device 102 outputs an enable signal to the access restriction device 106 in step 2004, which causes the access restriction device 106 to enable the communication of system information to the user terminal 400. In this case, the user terminal 400 receives the system information and / or status information that it is permitted to receive according to its access authorization—for example, determined on the basis of authentication—in step 3000.

[0200] If this is not the case ("N"), the computing device 102 omits to output the enable signal in step 2005 and no system information is output to the user terminal 400.

[0201] The Figure 10schematically shows a system 1 according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a fourth embodiment, again comprising a service device 100, a central device 200 of the fire protection system 10, a server component 300 and a user terminal 400.

[0202] The service device 100 comprises a communication device 101, a computing device 102, an identification device 103, a storage device 104 and an indication device 105.

[0203] The fire protection system 10 comprises the central device 200 and a plurality of peripheral devices 601 which are communicatively connected to the central device 200 via a bidirectional communication connection 505.

[0204] The communication device 101 of the service device 100 is configured to communicate with the central communication device 201 of the central device 200 via a bidirectional communication connection 501 in order to receive system information, including status information indicative of the status of the fire protection system 10 and / or the peripheral devices 601 located therein. Furthermore, the communication device 101 of the service device 100 is configured to communicate with the server component 300 via a bidirectional communication connection 503.

[0205] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 10The communication device 101 of the service device 100 thus receives at least one value for a parameter of the status information that is indicative of the status of the fire protection system 10 and / or one or more of the peripheral devices 601. The communication device 101 is configured to transmit the status information to the computing device 102, which is configured to evaluate the status information and generate an evaluation result based on the evaluation. In some embodiments, this evaluation result includes the further system information in addition to the evaluated status information.

[0206] The evaluation result is then transmitted via the bidirectional communication connection 503 to the server component 300, where it is received by the server communication device 301 and subsequently processed for insertion into the data memory 302. This processing can, in particular, include providing the evaluation result with a device index that indicates the respective component checked for its status, for example, a module of the central device 200, a peripheral device 601 of the fire protection system 10, or the like, as well as a timestamp for better temporal traceability and increased security against misuse.

[0207] This means that in System 1 the Fig. 10The evaluation result, i.e., the evaluated status information, optionally including the system information, is written to the data memory 302. This allows a user, in particular the installer and / or certified maintenance personnel, to regularly check the system and verify whether all maintenance work has been performed completely and on time. This allows for automated creation of maintenance logs. In an alternative embodiment—for example, in a case without access to the server component 300—the evaluation result and / or the system information can also be stored in the storage device 104 of the service device 100. This eliminates the need for a server component 300.

[0208] In any case, the evaluation result—possibly after prior authentication—can be viewed by a user using the user terminal 400. In particular, the user terminal 400 can be configured to create a graphical representation of the evaluation result and / or the maintenance log and display it to the user. The user thus has a direct overview of the current maintenance status of the system 1'.

[0209] Figure 11 concerns a modification of System 1 according to the Fig. 10 . Here, too, the same reference symbols refer to the same components, the functionalities of which will not be discussed in detail below. The difference between System 1 of the Fig. 10 and the system 1'of Fig. 11 lies in the manner in which the communication between user terminal 400 and service device 100 takes place. According to the Fig. 10The user terminal 400 communicates directly with the service device 100, or the communication device 101, via the bidirectional communication connection 502. Therefore, the user terminal 400 must access the evaluation result stored within the data memory 302 via the service device 100.

[0210] In contrast, the user terminal 400 communicates in the system 1' of the Fig. 11 via the bidirectional communication connection 504 with the server component to retrieve the evaluation result. In this embodiment, the communication—both for retrieving the evaluation result and for viewing the system information as described above—is always conducted via the server component 300. This makes it possible to transfer certain evaluation and calculation processes from the service device 100 to the server component 300, thus creating a service device 100 with low computing capacity.

[0211] The Fig. 12 shows schematically the flow diagram for a method for operating, in particular for monitoring and maintenance, a fire protection system 10 in a system such as in the Fig. 10 shown.

[0212] In step 1000‴, the bidirectional communication connection 501 is established between the communication device 101 of the service device 100 and the central communication device 201 of the central device 200 of the fire protection system 10. In step 1001‴, the peripheral devices 601 transmit corresponding status information indicative of their status to the central device 200 via the bidirectional communication connection 505. In step 1002‴, the central communication device 201 transmits all system information, including the status information indicative of the status of the peripheral devices 601 and / or the central device 200, to the communication device 101 of the service device 100 for further evaluation.

[0213] In step 2000‴, the communication device 101 transmits the system information thus obtained to the computing device 102 for evaluation and for generating an evaluation result, as well as, optionally, a status indication, deviation indication, and / or maintenance indication. In step 2001‴, the computing device 102 evaluates the system information, in particular the status information, and generates an evaluation result based on the evaluation. The computing device 102 is configured to then add a device index to this evaluation result, which indicates the corresponding component, for example, the corresponding peripheral device 601, for which corresponding status information was available and for which it was therefore possible to determine the status based on an evaluation of this status information.Furthermore, the computing device 102 is configured to add a timestamp to the evaluation result, indicating the time at which the status information was received. The evaluation result thus prepared is then transmitted to the server component 300 in step 2002‴ by means of the communication device 101 via the bidirectional communication connection 503.

[0214] In step 3000‴, the server component 300 receives the evaluation result and transmits it, along with additional information such as the device index and the timestamp, to the data storage 302 in the server component 300. The evaluation result is stored there and can then be used for further evaluation—as a type of actual value or historical value. In step 3001‴, the server component 300 generates a status log before saving the evaluation result. This status log can be generated, in particular, based on the status information as well as the device index and the timestamp.

[0215] In step 4000‴, the evaluation result and / or status log thus created is then transmitted to the user terminal 400 via a bidirectional communication connection. In step 4001‴, the user terminal 400 creates a graphical representation of the evaluation result and / or status log and displays it to the user by displaying the graphical representation on the graphical user interface. The user can then visually check whether the maintenance was performed correctly and what changes have occurred compared to the last cycle. List of reference symbols: System for operating a fire protection system 1, 1' Fire protection system 10 Service device 100 Communication device 101 computing device 102 Identification device 103 Storage device 104 Indication facility 105 Access restriction device 106 Verification facility 107 Authentication setup 110 Central device 200 Central communications facility 201 central computer facility 202 Central display device 203 Central storage facility 204 Central power supply 205 Server component 300 Server communication device 301 Data storage 302 User device 400 Graphical user interface 401 Identity module 402 Communication connection 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506 Peripherals 601

Claims

1. A service device (100) for a fire protection system (10), comprising: a communication unit (101) configured to communicate with the fire protection system (10) via a first bidirectional communication link (501) in order to receive status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system (10) from the fire protection system (10), and at least one processing unit (102) configured to, retrieve one or more comparison values for the status information from a memory unit (104, 302); evaluating one or more values of the status information based on a comparison with the one or more comparison values for the status information, wherein the comparison of the one or more values of the status information with the one or more comparison values comprises determining a threshold value for a deviation, and wherein the processing unit (102) is further configured to generate a deviation indication when the threshold value is exceeded or not reached, and, based on the evaluating, generating at least one status indication for the fire protection system (10), wherein generating comprises integrating the deviation indication into the status indication; wherein the communication unit (101) is further configured to communicate with at least one user terminal (400) via a second bidirectional communication link (502) in order to transmit the status indication to the user terminal (400), wherein at least one of the first communication link (501) and the second communication link (502) comprises an encrypted communication link, wherein the communication unit (101) is further configured to receive at least one user input from the user terminal (400) via the second bidirectional communication link (502), wherein the processing unit (102) is further configured to perform the evaluating of the status information based on the user input.

2. Service device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit (101) is configured to communicate via the first bidirectional communication link (501) with a central device (200) of the fire protection system (10), wherein the central device (200) is in communicative connection with at least one peripheral device (601) of the fire protection system (10)..

3. Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (102) is configured to output a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication.

4. Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing unit (102) is further configured to store the status information in the memory unit (104, 302).

5. Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the status information comprises at least one of the following: - information that indicates the functionality of at least one reporting unit of the fire protection system (10); - information indicative of the status of closing elements of the fire protection system (10); - information indicative of the status of switching elements of the fire protection system (10); - information indicative of the status of the central device of the fire protection system (10).

6. Fire protection system (10) comprising: a central device (200), and at least one peripheral device (601), wherein the central device (200) is configured to be communicatively connected to a service device (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5.

7. System (1, 1') for operating a fire protection system (10), comprising: at least one service device (100) according to claims 1 to 5; wherein the service device (100) is configured to communicate with the fire protection system via a first bidirectional communication link (501).

8. System (1, 1') according to claim 7, further comprising: at least one user terminal (400), wherein the at least one user terminal (400) is configured to output to a user a status indication for the fire protection system, generated by a processing unit (102) of the service device based on an evaluation of the status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system (10).

9. System (1, 1') according to claim 8, wherein the at least one user terminal (400) comprises a graphical user interface (401), wherein the graphical user interface (401) is configured to display the at least one status indication..

10. System (1, 1') according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the service device (100) is configured as an internal service module of the central device (200) of the fire protection system (10).

11. System (1, 1') according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising a server component (300), wherein the service device (100) is in communicative connection with the server component (300), and wherein the memory unit is configured to store at least one of the comparison values and the status values as an internal data storage (302) of the server component (300).

12. Method for operating a fire protection system, comprising: receiving, through a service device (100) via a first bidirectional communication link (501), status information indicative of a condition of the fire protection system (10), retrieving one or more comparison values for the status information from a memory unit (104, 302), receiving, via a second bidirectional communication link (502), at least one user input from a user terminal (400), evaluating the status information based on a comparison with one or more comparison values for the status information and on user input, determining a threshold value for a deviation between the values of the status information and the one or more comparison values, generating a deviation indication in response to exceeding and not reaching the limit value; generating, based on the evaluating, at least one status indication for the fire protection system, wherein generating comprises integrating the deviation indication into the status indication., transmitting the at least one status indication via the second bidirectional communication link (502) to the at least one user terminal (400), wherein at least one of the first communication link (501) and the second communication link (502) comprises an encrypted communication link.

13. Method according to claim 12, further comprising: outputting, through the service device (100), a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication.

14. Use of a service device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5 for monitoring the status of a fire protection system (10) for early error detection.