Method and arrangement for visually inspecting fire alarms

Abstract

Method and arrangement for visually inspecting fire alarms that are connected to a central fire alarm system via a detector line, wherein a detector to be inspected on the detector line is put into an inspection mode, wherein a detector in the selected inspection mode is configured to transmit optical signals in a wavelength range that is visible to human beings and to receive optical signals; a visual inspection of the detector is carried out by a service engineer; wherein, after the visual inspection has been carried out by the service engineer, a suitable illuminant (e.g. flashlight) transmits an appropriately coded or modulated optical signal to the detector, the coded or modulated optical signal containing information about the success of the inspection; wherein the detector relays the content of the received signal to the central fire alarm system via the detector line; and wherein the detector outputs a defined optical signal (e.g. flash sequence) as a feedback signal in the wavelength range visible to human beings after it has received the coded or modulated optical signal.

Description

[0001] Procedure and arrangement for the visual inspection of fire detectors

[0002] The invention relates to a method for the visual inspection of fire detectors connected to a fire alarm control panel via a detector line. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for operating and / or implementing the method. Furthermore, the invention relates to fire detectors configured to operate the method.

[0003] Fire detectors must be visually inspected once or several times a year in accordance with applicable local guidelines ("local code of practice"). For this purpose, a trained person walks through the building and examines each installed fire detector. This involves a visual inspection to determine whether the fire detector still appears to be functional (e.g., not damaged, not heavily soiled, not covered, etc.), whether any structural changes have occurred in its immediate vicinity (which could impede or delay smoke entry into the fire detector), and whether the room's use still matches the detector's configured parameter set.

[0004] Each inspected fire detector is checked off on a checklist (paper or electronic checklist) either continuously or at the end of the inspection. However, this does not allow for verification of whether the inspector (e.g., service technician) found the detector, whether they looked at the correct detector, and / or whether they actually inspected it.

[0005] There are proposals to replace visual inspection in the future, for example, with fire detectors that monitor the smoke inlet and its immediate surroundings. There are also suggestions to use drones for fire detector inspection.

[0006] There are also suggestions for taking photo and video documentation of the inspected fire detectors and automatically evaluating the images. Such procedures are typically limited to good lighting conditions and short distances to the detector.

[0007] There are also proposals to equip fire detectors with NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth beacons. Upon completion of an inspection, the fire detector emits an ID (a unique identifying signal), which is received by an app on the inspector's smartphone.

[0008] However, such proposed systems are still expensive and / or unreliable.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective and easy-to-implement method for the visual inspection of fire detectors.

[0010] The task is solved by a method for the visual inspection of fire detectors that are connected to a fire alarm control panel via a detector line,

[0011] (VS1) wherein a detector of the detector line to be inspected is set to an inspection mode, wherein a detector in the set inspection mode is configured to transmit optical signals in a wavelength range visible to humans and to receive optical signals; (VS2) performing a visual inspection of the detector by a service technician;

[0012] (VS3) whereby after carrying out the visual inspection, the service technician sends a coded or modulated optical signal to the detector using a suitable light source (e.g. flashlight or smartphone), whereby the coded or modulated optical signal contains information about the success of the visual inspection («pass» / «fail»);

[0013] (VS4) whereby the detector forwards the content of the received signal via the detector line to the fire alarm control panel; and

[0014] (VS5) whereby the detector outputs a defined optical signal (e.g. flashing sequence) as a feedback signal in the wavelength range visible to humans after receiving the coded or modulated optical signal.

[0015] The method enables simple verification of the performance of a visual inspection of fire detectors or other hazard detectors. The method can be automated based on existing infrastructure. A further advantage is that the performance of a visual inspection can be monitored automatically. The detector line can be wireless or wired. The light source (e.g., a flashlight or smartphone) preferably has two different transmission modes, which can be triggered by buttons or softkeys, for example; green button = pass; red button = fail.

[0016] The detector emits a defined optical signal in the form of defined flashing sequences. Alternatively or additionally, the detector can be configured to send a feedback signal via the detector line to the service technician's smartphone via the fire alarm control panel or cloud infrastructure. The detector could also be configured to send the feedback signal directly to the service technician's smartphone via suitable communication media.

[0017] A first advantageous embodiment of the invention is that in method step (VS1), an individual detector, the detectors of the detector line, or a logical group of detectors are placed in inspection mode. This allows a dedicated selection of which detectors or detector groups (e.g., in a specific building zone or in a specific building section) are to be inspected.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that, after a detector has been set to inspection mode, it emits a predefined flashing sequence via suitable optical means. This alerts a service technician performing the visual inspection to those detectors that require a visual inspection. This prevents unnecessary searching. The inspection can thus be carried out more efficiently.

[0019] After all detectors have been inspected, the inspector advantageously switches the system back to normal operating mode using an app or fire alarm control panel. Alternatively, all detectors return to normal operating mode after a certain period of time (e.g., after a timer has expired). It is also conceivable for detectors that have already been inspected to automatically return to normal operating mode immediately after the acknowledgment sequence has been sent. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the inspection mode is set using an app (APP) on a mobile communications terminal (MG), wherein the app (APP) is data-linked to a cloud server (S) and / or to the fire alarm control panel (BMZ) via suitable communications connections (KV1, KV3). A corresponding app can easily be loaded onto a mobile communications terminal (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) of the service technician.The service technician can thus very efficiently put the relevant detectors into inspection mode. The service technician's mobile communication device (e.g., smartphone or tablet computer) is connected to the cloud server or the fire alarm control panel via suitable communication connections (e.g., radio connections, Wi-Fi).

[0020] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the inspection mode is set via an input on the fire alarm control panel, such as via a keyboard, a button or a touch display on the fire alarm control panel.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the content of the received signal is forwarded to a cloud server. The content of the received signal (pass / fail, detector ID) can be stored in the cloud in a corresponding database in a BIM model (building information model), e.g., for

[0022] Evaluation and / or documentation purposes. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the detector forwards the content of the received signal as confirmation of a visual inspection to an app on a mobile communications terminal, wherein the app is connected to a cloud server and / or the fire alarm control center via suitable communication connections.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the app retrieves this data from the cloud ("pull") or this data is "pushed" to the app from an application in the cloud.

[0024] This means that a visual inspection carried out is documented and / or verified on the mobile communication device.

[0025] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the optical signal transmitted by the light source (e.g., a flashlight) to the detector has a modulation frequency of > 16 Hz, in particular > 24 Hz, preferably > 50 Hz. This means that the flickering of the light emitted by the light source is no longer perceptible to the human eye. The service technician illuminates the detector with the light source (e.g., a flashlight or a suitable flashlight app on the mobile communication device) to visually assess the detector. This allows, for example, visual detection of a blockage.

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the optical signal sent to the detector by the light source (e.g. flashlight, light source of a smartphone) has a Manchester coding.

[0027] With this coding method, the "light on" and "light off" states are distributed approximately equally. This advantageously ensures that the average brightness of the emitted light remains constant.

[0028] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that current detector data can be output and / or checked via an app on a communications terminal. This allows a completed visual inspection to be documented and / or verified on the mobile communications terminal.

[0029] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention lies in a fire detector configured to operate the method according to the invention. Fire detectors configured to operate the method according to the invention allow the verification and / or documentation of a completed inspection to be carried out efficiently and reliably.

[0030] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the fire detector comprises a fiber optic cable configured to receive and emit optical signals. Fire detectors can comprise a fiber optic cable connected optically downstream of an LED. The fiber optic cable emits the light received from the LED at its opposite end on the outside of the detector. The fiber optic cable can be configured, for example, as part of an optical service interface.

[0031] If a fire detector already includes a fiber optic cable, this does not need to be retrofitted. A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is that the alarm indicator LED of the fire detector is configured to function as a photoreceiver (e.g., photodiode). The alarm indicator LED is switched to photodiode mode, and a photocurrent corresponding to, in particular proportional to, the received light intensity is evaluated. Alternatively or in addition to the alarm indicator LED, a standard indicator LED can be used to cyclically indicate the detector's operating status.

[0032] When using the alarm indicator LED (AI LED) or the standard indicator LED as a photoreceiver, it is important that the wavelength of the light emitted by the light source (e.g., a flashlight, a smartphone's flashlight function) is <= the wavelength of the light emitted by the AI ​​LED. For example, if the AI ​​LED flashes green, red light would have no effect on the AI ​​LED configured as a photodiode. It is advantageous to use a white LED as the photodiode, whose optical spectrum covers the wavelength range of the indicator LED configured as a photodiode.

[0033] The alarm indicator LED can be operated as a photodiode to use the LED as a receiver for optical communication or as a receiver for ambient light.

[0034] The object is further achieved by an arrangement comprising: a detector line with fire detectors, wherein the fire detectors are set up to receive optical signals and to transmit optical signals in the wavelength range visible to humans, wherein the detector line is connected to a fire alarm control panel by data technology; a suitable illuminant (flashlight) which is set up to send a correspondingly coded and / or modulated optical signal to the respective fire detector after carrying out a visual inspection of a respective fire detector, wherein the coded or modulated optical signal contains information about the success of the respective visual inspection («pass» / «fail»); wherein a respective fire detector is set up to forward the content of the received signal to the fire alarm control panel; wherein the respective fire detector is set up to transmit a defined optical signal (e.g.blink sequence) as a feedback signal in a wavelength range visible to humans after receiving the coded or modulated optical signal.

[0035] The arrangement can be implemented using infrastructure already present in the building. Suitable lighting devices (e.g., flashlights) and mobile communication devices (smartphones) are also usually available.

[0036] The invention and advantageous embodiments of the present invention are explained using the example of the following figure. It shows:

[0037] FIG 1 shows an exemplary arrangement for the visual inspection of fire detectors that are connected to a fire alarm control panel via a detector line, and FIG 2 shows an exemplary flow chart for a method for the visual inspection of fire detectors.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an exemplary arrangement for the visual inspection of fire detectors, the arrangement comprising: a detector line ML with fire detectors Ml - M3, each of which has, for example, an optical fiber LL1 - LL3, configured to receive optical signals COS and to transmit optical signals DOS1, DOS2 in a wavelength range COS visible to humans, wherein the detector line ML is data-linked to a fire alarm control panel (BMZ); a suitable illuminant LM, which is configured to send a correspondingly coded and / or modulated optical signal COS to the respective fire detector Ml - M3 after performing a visual inspection of a respective fire detector Ml - M3, wherein the coded or modulated optical signal COS contains information sig about the success of the respective inspection;wherein a respective fire detector Ml - M3 is configured to forward the content sig of the received signal (COS) to the fire alarm control panel BMZ; wherein the respective fire detector Ml - M3 is configured to output a defined optical signal DOS2 as a feedback signal in a wavelength range visible to humans after receiving the coded and / or modulated optical signal COS.

[0039] It is advantageous to put a single detector M1, M2, M3, the detectors of the ML detector line, or a logical group of detectors into inspection mode. It is advantageous to put all detectors M1 - M3 of the ML detector line into inspection mode.

[0040] Advantageously, a detector Ml - M3, after being set to inspection mode, outputs a predefined flashing sequence DOS1 via suitable optical means LL1.

[0041] The inspection mode is advantageously set via an app (APP) on a mobile communication device (e.g. smartphone or tablet computer), whereby the app (APP) is connected to a cloud server S and / or to the fire alarm control panel BMZ via suitable communication connections KV1, KV3. The communication connections KV1, KV3 can be implemented, for example, via suitable radio connections. The cloud server S has suitable communication means, suitable input / output means, suitable processing means, suitable storage means, and suitable software. The cloud server S is implemented in a suitable cloud infrastructure. The cloud server S advantageously has a suitably configured or equipped analysis unit AE (e.g. analysis engine, rule-based analysis engine, AI engine) to process received data IDM (detector ID) or sig (information on the success of an inspection of a detector Ml - M3: ("pass" / "fail"), i.e.Inspection successfully completed or inspection not successful or not fully completed).

[0042] Typical functions of a fire alarm control panel BMZ include, for example: receiving, evaluating, forwarding and / or visually and / or acoustically displaying messages or equivalent information from detectors Ml - M3 of the connected detector line ML. The fire alarm control panel BMZ evaluates the incoming signals sig from detectors Ml - M3 and transmits the alarms and control commands to the cloud server S according to a predetermined program, e.g. via a suitable communication connection KV2 (e.g. suitable radio connection, WLAN). This includes, for example, making an emergency call, an announcement, alerting the fire department or a building control center FMS (Facility Management System). The fire department or a building control center FMS (Facility Management System) can also be notified by the server S if there are corresponding indications of a dangerous situation. The fire alarm control panel BMZ advantageously includes an I / O interface D, e.g. implemented as a touch display.

[0043] Optionally, the inspection mode can be set via an input (via the I / O interface D) on the fire alarm control panel BMZ.

[0044] Optionally, the content of the received signal sig is forwarded by a detector Ml - M3 to a cloud server S.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the content of the received signal sig is forwarded by a detector Ml-M3 to an app of a mobile communications terminal MG (e.g., the service technician's smartphone) as confirmation of a completed inspection. The app is connected to a cloud server and / or the fire alarm control panel via suitable communication connections. The optical signal COS sent by the illuminant LM (e.g., a suitable flashlight) to the detector Ml-M3 advantageously has a modulation frequency of > 16 Hz, in particular > 24 Hz, preferably > 50 Hz.

[0046] Advantageously, the optical signal COS sent by the light source LM (e.g. a suitable flashlight) to the detector Ml - M3 has a Manchester coding.

[0047] It is advantageous to output and / or check current data from the M1-M3 detector via an app (APP) of a communication terminal MG.

[0048] Advantageously, the fire detectors Ml - M3 each comprise a light guide LL1 - LL3, configured to receive and output optical signals DOS1, DOS2, COS.

[0049] For the validation and verification of visual inspections of hazard detectors (especially fire detectors), a solution is proposed that can be implemented on the fire detector with minimal product costs. The core of the invention is that, as the final step of the visual inspection, the inspector sends an optical signal (in the visible or invisible wavelength range) to the detector. This coded signal can contain, for example, the following information:

[0050] Identification number of the inspector or service technician. Outcome of the visual inspection (pass / fail).

[0051] The optical signal is received by the detector and the relevant information is forwarded to the fire alarm control panel (and from there optionally to a cloud and back to the inspector's smartphone) in order to document the visual inspection in a report.

[0052] To confirm to the inspector that the fire detector has detected the visual signal, the fire detector can signal this via its internal alarm indicator. For example, the fire detector could change its flashing sequence or the color of its visual pattern (e.g., "Ready to receive" = red flashes every 3 seconds. "Visual inspection acknowledged" = green flashes every 1 second).

[0053] The optical signal that the detector receives can be generated using the following sources:

[0054] • A "flashlight" with visible light. Here, too, the signal is modulated by rapidly switching the flashlight's LED(s) on and off. White light is ideally used as visible light. In this case, it is sufficient for the detector to have an externally addressable photoreceiver sensitive to one of the wavelengths of the visible spectrum. Precise wavelength matching between transmitter and receiver is not required.

[0055] Another advantage of visible light is that it is relatively easy to target the detector. In addition, the flashlight can be operated with unmodulated light to illuminate the detector (step a: the inspector observes the detector under the unmodulated light of his flashlight. Step b: he confirms the visual inspection by pressing a button, whereupon the flashlight emits a modulated signal). The type of signal modulation should be selected so that the "LED ON" and "LED OFF" states are always more or less evenly distributed, regardless of the content of the message. Otherwise, particularly with visible light, prolonged "LED OFF" states could result in annoying flickering. Macher coding of the message solves this problem. If the frequency of the LED switching on / off is greater than approximately 16...50Hz, such as 100Hz, then no flickering is visible to the inspector or service technician.

[0056] An example workflow looks like this:

[0057] 0) The inspector initiates the inspection process via the app or at the fire alarm control panel. This places a single detector, a line, or a logical group of detectors into inspection mode. Each detector is placed in the optical signal receiver module and optionally emits a predefined flashing sequence.

[0058] 1) While standing under the detector, the inspector examines it to check for critical points. They may receive additional information via an app on their smartphone.

[0059] 2) The inspector confirms the visual inspection or check by shining a flashlight on the detector and, at the push of a button, transmitting a coded / modulated optical signal to the detector. The signal can include the inspector's identification number and / or the outcome of the visual inspection (pass / fail). The optical signal is received by the detector, and the relevant information is forwarded to the fire alarm control panel to document the visual inspection in a report. Optionally, the information can be forwarded to a cloud-based system and to the inspector's smartphone. The respective detector can be marked as "inspected" on the smartphone app.

[0060] 3) The detector signals that it has received the optical signal from the flashlight with a special flashing sequence of its internal alarm indicator. The inspector moves on to the next detector and starts again at step 1).

[0061] 4) After all detectors have been inspected, the inspector returns the system to normal operating mode via the app or fire alarm control panel. Alternatively, all detectors will return to normal operating mode after a certain period of time. It is also conceivable that previously inspected detectors will automatically return to normal operating mode immediately after the acknowledgement sequence is sent.

[0062] Since the communication link from the detector to the fire alarm control panel via the detector bus is always present, the visual inspection can be logged immediately and the inspector can be confirmed that the report was successful via the detector's internal alarm indicator.

[0063] Another advantage is the minimal additional product cost of the fire detector. This is particularly important for a function that is not used consistently and not in all markets.

[0064] Compared to a radio receiver, the optical receiver's lower power consumption is noteworthy. Furthermore, the available frequency bands of a radio system often vary from country to country, and the product (radio transmitter and receiver) requires additional approval.

[0065] Figure 2 shows an exemplary flow chart for a method for inspecting fire detectors that are connected to a fire alarm control panel BMZ via a detector line ML,

[0066] (VS1) wherein a detector Ml - M3 of the detector line ML to be inspected is set to an inspection mode, wherein a detector Ml - M3 in the set inspection mode is configured to receive and transmit optical signals DOS1, DOS2, COS;

[0067] (VS2) Carrying out a visual inspection of the detector Ml - M3 by a service technician B;

[0068] (VS3) wherein, after carrying out the inspection, a coded and / or modulated optical signal COS is sent to the detector (Ml - M3) by means of a suitable illuminant LM by the service technician B, wherein the coded and / or modulated optical signal COS contains information (sig) about the success of the inspection;

[0069] (VS4) whereby the content of the received signal (sig) is forwarded from the detector Ml - M3 to the fire alarm control panel BMZ;

[0070] (VS5) whereby the detector outputs a defined optical signal DOS2 (e.g. flashing sequence) after receiving the coded and / or modulated optical signal COS.

[0071] A single detector, the detectors in the detector line, or a logical group of detectors can be placed into inspection mode using appropriate inputs or input mechanisms. Once placed into inspection mode, a detector M1 - M3 preferably emits a predefined flashing sequence DOS1 via suitable optical means LL1.

[0072] The inspection mode is advantageously set via an app APP of a mobile communication terminal MG, whereby the app APP is connected to a cloud server S and / or to the fire alarm control center (BMZ) via suitable communication connections KV1, KV3.

[0073] Optionally, the inspection mode can be set via a corresponding input on the fire alarm control panel BMZ.

[0074] Optionally, the detector Ml - M3 forwards the content of the received signal (sig) to a cloud server S.

[0075] Optionally, the respective detector M1 - M3 forwards the content of the received signal (sig) to an app on a mobile communication device (MG) as confirmation of a completed inspection. The app is connected to a cloud server S and / or the fire alarm control panel (BMZ) via suitable communication connections (KV1, KV3).

[0076] Advantageously, the optical signal COS sent by the illuminant (LM) to the detector has a modulation frequency > 16 Hz, in particular > 24 Hz, preferably > 50 Hz.

[0077] The optical signal COS transmitted by the LM light source to the detector is preferably Manchester encoded. Current data from the M1 M3 detector is preferably output and / or verified via an app on a communication terminal device (MG).

[0078] One aspect of the present invention is that the respective optical fiber LL1 - LL3 of a fire detector is advantageously realized by an optical service interface of the fire detector.

[0079] With increasing self-diagnostic capabilities of the detectors, the service interface is only required for commissioning, for triggering a detector test and possibly for programming / configuring the detector.

[0080] It is proposed to operate the alarm indicator LED on the fire detector also as a photo receiver and thus cover the following functions:

[0081] • Receiver for service interface (the transmitter remains the alarm indicator LED as before),

[0082] • Recipient for the «Visual Inspection Verification»,

[0083] • Ambient light sensor.

[0084] The alarm indicator LED can be operated as a photodiode to use the LED as a receiver for optical communication or as a receiver for ambient light.

[0085] The light guide incorporated into the detector cover ensures that the LED can shine outwards - and in the opposite direction, light also reaches the LED (in its function as a photoreceiver). It is important to note that the maximum photosensitivity of the LED is achieved at the wavelength at which it generates light. A red LED at 625nm can therefore be used as a photoreceiver for light with a wavelength of 625nm. The remote station (such as a test and analysis device) should therefore operate either with this wavelength or, more advantageously, with broadband, white light, as this also contains the specific wavelength (625nm in this example). This guarantees that even if the wavelength of the detector LEDs changes (due to production tolerances or component discontinuation), the remote station does not have to be adapted.

[0086] Thus, the following exemplary functions can be realized:

[0087] Service interface based on purely optical communication

[0088] • Service interface based on purely optical communication (detector: transmitter + receiver = alarm indicator LED, test picker: transmitter = white LED, receiver = broadband photodiode).

[0089] • The communication distance is very short, and the test and analysis unit shields from ambient light. There are no high data rate requirements (approximately 2k to 5k baud / s), so the transmitter and receiver can be operated in time-division multiplex mode.

[0090] Reception of a coded signal from, for example, a «flashlight» of the fire alarm inspector, which serves to confirm the successful «visual inspection»

[0091] • Measurements have shown that distances of 5-10m can be achieved even without optimization. In principle, even greater distances are possible. • This additional function, which is not currently available, increases the efficiency of an inspector's on-site visits.

[0092] Basic sensor for ambient brightness

[0093] • The ambient brightness information can be used, for example, for day / night detection. It can also be used to determine whether the building is wasting energy unnecessarily (leaving the lights on on weekends), or whether the detector is mounted in a false ceiling (dark) or in the room (bright).

[0094] • Due to the wavelength selectivity of the LED or photodiode mentioned above, a correlation to LUX values ​​is only possible to a limited extent. A possible solution could be to also switch the green alarm indicator LED to a photodiode.

[0095] Examples of advantages for the inventive use of the alarm indicator LED:

[0096] • Cost savings for one or more features that are rarely used or not used by all customers.

[0097] • The detector can be implemented without any changes to the mechanics and with minimal electronic changes (ideally 0 costs).

[0098] • Compared to the current Service Interface, no RED approval is required.

[0099] • The principle can be applied not only to fire detectors, but also to other peripheral devices that use an alarm indicator or, more generally, an LED: e.g. manual fire detectors, flame detectors or

[0100] Linear detector .

[0101] In summary, the invention relates to a method and an arrangement for the visual inspection of fire detectors which are connected to a fire alarm control panel via a detector line, wherein a detector of the detector line to be inspected is set to an inspection mode, wherein a detector in the set inspection mode is configured to receive and transmit optical signals;

[0102] Carrying out a visual inspection of the detector by a service technician; wherein, after carrying out the visual inspection, the service technician sends an appropriately coded or modulated optical signal to the detector using a suitable light source (e.g. flashlight), wherein the coded or modulated optical signal contains information about the success of the visual inspection; wherein the detector forwards the content of the received signal to the fire alarm control panel; wherein the detector outputs a defined optical signal (e.g. flashing sequence) after it has received the coded and / or modulated optical signal.

[0103] Reference sign

[0104] Ml - M3 fire detector

[0105] ML detector line

[0106] LL1 - LL3 optical fiber

[0107] BMZ fire alarm center

[0108] DE / A-cut parts

[0109] C Cloud- Inf ras truktur

[0110] S Server

[0111] DB database

[0112] DOS1, DOS2 Optical signal

[0113] B Operator

[0114] MG Mobile Communications Terminal

[0115] LM lamps

[0116] COS Coded and / or modulated optical signal

[0117] Sig pass / fail information

[0118] IDM detector identification

[0119] IDB Operator Identification

[0120] APP App

[0121] KV1 - KV5 communication connection

[0122] FMS Facility Management System

[0123] AE analysis unit

[0124] VS1 - VS 5 procedural step

Claims

Patent claims 1. Procedure for the visual inspection of fire detectors (Ml - M3) connected to a fire alarm control panel (BMZ) via a detector line (ML), (VS1) wherein a detector (Ml - M3) of the detector line (ML) to be inspected is set to an inspection mode, wherein a detector (Ml - M3) in the set inspection mode is configured to transmit optical signals (DOS1, DOS2) in a wavelength range visible to humans and to receive optical signals (COS); (VS2) Carrying out a visual inspection of the detector (Ml - M3) by a service technician (B); (VS3) wherein, after carrying out the visual inspection, the service technician (B) sends a coded and / or modulated optical signal (COS) to the detector (Ml - M3) via a suitable illuminating means (LM), wherein the coded and / or modulated optical signal (COS) contains information (sig) about the success of the visual inspection; (VS4) whereby the detector (Ml - M3) forwards the content of the received signal (sig) via the detector line (ML) to the fire alarm control panel (BMZ); and (VS5) wherein the detector (Ml - M3) outputs a defined optical signal (DOS2) as a feedback signal in the wavelength range visible to humans after it has received the coded and / or modulated optical signal (COS).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein in method step (VS1) an individual detector, the detectors of the detector line, or a logical grouping of detectors are set to the inspection mode.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a detector (M1 - M3), after being set into inspection mode, outputs a predefined flashing sequence (DOS1) via suitable optical means (LL1).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the setting of the inspection mode takes place via an app (APP) of a mobile communication terminal (MG), wherein the app (APP) is data-technically connected to a cloud server (S) and / or to the fire alarm control center (BMZ) via suitable communication connections (KV1, KV2, KV3).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection mode is set via an input at the fire alarm control panel (BMZ).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the content of the received signal (sig) is further forwarded to a cloud server (S).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detector (Ml - M3) further forwards the content of the received signal (sig) as confirmation of a visual inspection carried out to an app (APP) of a mobile communication terminal (MG), wherein the app (APP) is data-technically connected to a cloud server (S) and / or to the fire alarm control panel (BMZ) via suitable communication connections (KV1, KV2, KV3).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the optical signal (COS) sent by the illuminant (LM) to the detector has a modulation frequency > 16 Hz, in particular > 24 Hz, preferably > 50 Hz.

9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the optical signal (COS) sent by the illuminating means (LM) to the detector has a Manchester coding.

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein current data of the detector (M1 - M3) are output and / or checked via an app (APP) of a communication terminal (MG).

11. Fire detector (Ml - M3) arranged to operate a method according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Fire detector (Ml - M3) according to claim 11, wherein an alarm indicator LED of the fire detector is configured to be used as a photoreceiver (e.g. photodiode).

13. Fire detector (M1 - M3) according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising a light guide (LL1 - LL3) arranged to transmit received optical signals (COS) and to transmit optical signals to be output (DOS1, DOS2).

14. Arrangement for the operation and / or implementation of a method according to one of claims 1 to 10, the arrangement comprising: a detector line (ML) with fire detectors (Ml - M3), wherein the fire detectors (Ml - M3) are designed to receive optical signals (COS) and to transmit optical signals (DOS1, DOS2) in the human-visible range Wavelength range, wherein the detector line (ML) is data-linked to a fire alarm control panel (BMZ); a suitable illuminant (LM) which is configured to send a correspondingly coded or modulated optical signal (COS) to the respective fire detector (Ml - M3) after a visual inspection of a respective fire detector (Ml - M3) has been carried out by a service technician (B), wherein the coded and / or modulated optical signal (COS) contains information (sig) about the success of the respective visual inspection; wherein a respective fire detector (Ml - M3) is configured to forward the content (sig) of the received signal (COS) to the fire alarm control panel (BMZ); wherein the respective fire detector (Ml - M3) is configured to output a defined optical signal (DOS2) as a feedback signal in a wavelength range visible to humans after it has received the coded or modulated optical signal (COS).

Images