Method and device for supporting an inspection of a building facility

Abstract

A method for supporting an evaluation of a building facility 10, such as a fire / smoke detector asset. The facility 10 is automatically identified by detecting an identification feature 16 of the facil

Description

Title Method and device for supporting an evaluation of a building facility The prior art A system for determining a lead time for replacing a visual smoke detector is known from DE 10 2017 200 544 A1. Via augmented reality, i.e., what is referred to as “mixed reality”, an individual inspection of the smoke detectors on site can be performed by a service technician using data glasses, and the technician can evaluate the smoke detectors installed during their work in the building. The individual data of the smoke detectors are stored in a cloud infrastructure. Disclosure of the invention Advantages of the invention In contrast, the method according to the invention for supporting an evaluation of a building facility has the advantage that the identification of a building facility is performed in an automated manner by means of a device, and that all information relevant to the evaluation is provided in an automated manner to the person performing the evaluation of the device. By performing this identification, in particular visually, it can be easily ensured that the owner of the device is provided in their field of view with precisely that information also being provided to the person performing the identification. An incorrect association between information regarding an irrelevant device by a person evaluating it can be effectively prevented thereby. As a result, unnecessary measures are prevented from being performed on a building facility, e.g., replacement, and it is prevented that required measures in a building facility, e.g., performing a particular test or visual inspection, are omitted because the performed measure is incorrectly associated with another device. A high level of reliability in the evaluation of building facilities is achieved thereby. This is particularly advantageous if the building facility has safety-relevant equipment, e.g., fire detectors. By reliably identifying the building facility, it is also not necessary to perform a test in a specific order, but rather an order can also be freely selected. As an alternative to the visual identification, an identification can also be performed via a short-field radio signal, e.g., NFC or Bluetooth radio detection. It is furthermore advantageous to retrieve and display information being provided via a wireless data connection after successful identification. As a result, it is in one respect possible to provide current information. In another respect, it is ensured that the correct identification actually also provides the applicable data. Erroneous readings or erroneous associations can be avoided. By retaining the data in a central office, simple documentation of the collected data is also possible. The memory in the device used to display the information can also be minimized because the necessary information is retained at the centre. It is furthermore advantageous for the transmitted information about a condition of the building facility to query a sensor of the building facility. It is, e.g., possible for a test, e.g., a smoke detection test, to be performed before or during the query, and the result is provided directly to the person performing the test. An output device on the sensor or the building facility itself is not required here, because the information from the sensor via the wireless data transmission can be clearly associated with the device for the presentation of the information due to the unique identification of the building facility. It is furthermore advantageous for a successful evaluation of the building facility to be detected via an input unit and for the operation of the input unit that has been performed to be stored. As a result, the evaluation of the building facility can be documented. The input unit can in this case be affixed to the building facility or to the device for identifying the building facility. By means of the previously performed identification, it can be ensured that the operation regarding the identified building facility has been performed. It is furthermore advantageous that, when the input unit is operated, a capture of an image of the building facility is effected, and the captured image is stored in connection with information about the evaluation of the building facility. As a result of capturing the image, it can later be proven that the identified building facility has actually been evaluated. It is furthermore advantageous for the device to determine a location of the device so that the location where the device was located during the determination can always be established for documentation. As a result, it is particularly advantageous to compare a determined location of the device with a stored location of an identified building facility after the identification process to output an error message in case the determined location does not match the stored location of the identified building facility. It can thereby be avoided that the accidental or intentional false association of identification information regarding the building facility leads to an incorrect evaluation of the building facility. By means of location comparison, a high degree of safety can be created because the identification is compared by means of information independent of the arranged identification information, i.e., the stored location information of the building facility. It is furthermore advantageous to also use the determined location of the device to navigate the user of the device to a location of the next building facility being evaluated by, e.g., outputting path indications in order to efficiently guide the user to the next building facility to be evaluated. Since building equipment is sometimes also mounted in hidden locations, e.g., behind a panel, advisories can also be issued which enable quick access to the building facility, e.g., “Remove ceiling panel!” or “Please open right cabinet door”. Instructions can also be provided regarding how covers for fire detectors, e.g. ceiling panels, should be accessed. Damage to the building by improperly opening such panels can be prevented as a result. It is furthermore advantageous to use a character string or a defined pattern, e.g., a QR code, as the identification feature. Existing characters or sample identification programmes can be used to identify the character string or pattern. Reliable identification is enabled thereby. It is furthermore advantageous to identify a fire detector as a building facility, because regular testing is a requirement for a device to function particularly in the case of fire detectors and for fire detectors as safety-relevant devices. Corresponding advantages arise for a device for performing a method for supporting an evaluation of a building facility and for capturing the identification features of the building facility via a camera. It is furthermore advantageous to design the device as data glasses, as it can be worn particularly easily by a user and aligned with a building facility being evaluated. It is furthermore advantageous that the technician is shown the properties of a fire detector stored in the parameter settings directly and can thus decide whether the use of space still corresponds to the parameter setting of the fire detector. Drawings Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and further explained in the following description. Shown are: Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for supporting an evaluation of a building facility, as well as a building facility in connection with a data centre, Fig. 2 an exemplary embodiment for a representation of a display in a device for supporting an evaluation of a building facility, Fig. 3 a device for supporting an evaluation of a building facility in an exemplary embodiment as data glasses, Fig. 4 an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for supporting an evaluation of a building facility. Embodiments of the invention The present method can be used for any building facilities that require maintenance or testing. This can be mechanical building equipment, e.g., flaps, doors, or windows. Furthermore, it is also possible for building facilities to be evaluated using electronic means, e.g., elevators, lighting devices, or monitoring devices. Testing of any other desired hazard alarm systems, e.g. burglary detection systems, is also possible. It is particularly advantageous for a monitoring device to be connected to a data centre via a data line or wireless connection. In the present exemplary embodiment, the present invention is explained using the example of an evaluation of a monitoring means in the form of a fire detector in an exemplary building facility. Fig. 1 shows a fire detector 10 arranged on a ceiling 11 of a building. The fire detector 10 comprises a sensor 12 that detects smoke and / or combustion gas and transmits its measurement results to a computing unit 13. The computing unit 13 evaluates the sensor data of the fire sensor 12 and transmits results, in particular a fire alarm, via an interface 14 and a data connection 15 connected to the interface 14 to a data centre 20, in the present example in the form of a fire detection centre. In the data centre 20, a computing unit 21 evaluates the transmitted information and can trigger an alarm via an interface 22. The functionality of the fire detector 10 is then intended to be evaluated. For the identification of the fire detector 10, the latter comprises a marking 16 which is arranged on an outer side of the housing of the fire detector 10 facing a person viewing the fire detector 10, e.g., in the form of an imprint, a printed sticker, or a structuring of the housing surface, e.g., a laser engraving. The marking 16 is used to identify the fire detector 10. A device 30 is thereby intended to support a user in the evaluation of the fire detector 10. The device 30 comprises a camera 31 for this purpose, the field of view 32 of which is directed towards the marking 16 on the fire detector 10. The camera 31 captures an image, using which the marker 16 in particular is detected. The image information captured by the camera 31 is transmitted from the camera 31 to a computing device 33 of the device 30. The computing device 33 determines information contained in the marking 16 that includes an identity of the fire detector 10. The marking 16 can, e.g., be text information, e.g., a serial number or the name of a location. For ease of reading, the marker 16 can also include a pattern representation, e.g., a bar code, a QR code, or similar coding. In a first embodiment, the computing device 33 causes the information derived from the mark 16 to be transmitted via a wireless interface 34, e.g., an interface to a data network, e.g., a Wi-Fi or cellular data network, to a corresponding interface 23 of the data centre 20. The computing unit 21 of the data centre 20 accesses a memory 24 and identifies the information associated with the fire detector 10 in the memory 24. Relevant stored information, e.g., about the condition of the fire detector 10, stored in the memory 24, information regarding maintenance performed on the fire detector 10, or instructions for replacing or repairing the fire detector 10 is read from the memory 24 of the computing unit 21 and transmitted via the interface 23, the data connection 35, and the interface 34 to the device 30 by the computing device 33 and output to a display 36 of the device. As a result of the identification performed, it is ensured that the fire detector 10 located in the field of view of the camera 31 is exactly the fire detector to which the information read from the memory 24 matches. A user of the device 30 can then perform further maintenance and repair steps or also test steps on the fire detector 10 on the basis of the information shown on the display 36. Further, it can also, e.g., be indicated when the fire detector was last tested, whether it showed abnormalities in the past, or whether a test signal of the fire detector 10 was received from the data centre 20. Furthermore, additional information about the fire detection system, e.g., a coupler or signalling device, can be indicated. After the identification, a user can also be shown whether a test is required at all or whether and when the fire detector was last tested. Performance of the test can thereby be limited to those fire detectors that actually require a test. In a further embodiment, it is also possible for the computing unit 21 to retrieve further sensor information stored in the fire detector 10 or currently determined by the fire detector 10 via the data connection 15 and the interface 14 after the successful identification of the fire detector 10. In one embodiment, it is also possible that, in the event of identification, the fire detector 10 will enter a test mode which, e.g., includes testing the function of the fire detector 10 by providing smoke to the sensor 12. In this case, no alarm is triggered via the interface 22 for a period of time after identification. Instead, in the event that smoke is detected, a successful test mode is signalled via the data connection 35 to the device 30 and presented on the display 36. Here, for example, a light source 18, e.g., an LED on the fire detector 10. can be activated by the computing device 13 upon request by the computing unit 21 via the data connection 15 when the fire detector 10 is activated via the data connection 15 in order to indicate to a person viewing the fire detector 10 that the fire detector 10 functions In a further embodiment, it is also possible for a user of the device 30 to perform a further test, e.g., a visual inspection of the fire detector 10, in order to detect damage or contamination on the housing of the fire detector 10. After a successful test, an input unit 37 on the device 30 confirms that a test of the fire detector 10 has been performed. A detection of the input unit 37 is detected by the computing device 33. In another embodiment, an input unit (not shown in Fig. 1) can also be provided on the fire detector 10 and be operated, whereby operation of the input unit via the data connection 15 to the data centre 20 is performed and from there via the data connection 35 to the device 30. In one embodiment, after detecting a completion of the test, the computing device 33 causes the camera 31 to capture an image of the fire detector 10 and (in one embodiment) to transmit it to the data centre 20 via the data connection 35. In a memory 25, this image is preferably filed together with information about the time of the test performed with the information about the test performed, and optionally a test report. In a further embodiment, it is also possible to store the performance of the test and / or a test result in a data storage means 38 in the device 30, e.g., on a data card such as an SD card. This data map or the built-in memory 38 can be read at a later date, preferably via a wired data connection to the device 30. In a further embodiment, it is also possible, in addition to visually detecting the marking 16, that an identification is additionally performed via a data connection 39 between a radio unit 17 in the fire detector 10 and a radio unit 40 on the device 30. The data connection 39 can e.g., be embodied as a Bluetooth data connection, in particular as a Bluetooth low power data connection. In a further embodiment, the device 30 can also have a geolocation unit 41, such as a GPS unit and / or a geolocation unit, by way of an inertia sensor that senses movement of the device 30. A location determination or also a location determination in rooms is thus possible. The currently detected location is transmitted to the computing device 33. If, via the camera 31, the marking 16 on the fire detector 10 is detected, then (in addition to the information related to the identification of the fire detector 10) a location of the device 30 via the data connection 35 is also transmitted to the data centre 20 via the geolocation unit 41. The computing unit 21 in the data centre 20 then compares whether the transmitted location matches the location information of the fire detector 10 stored in the memory 24, which is associated with the identification information of the fire detector 10 derived from the marking 16. If the locations match, then the identification of the fire detector 10 is confirmed. If the locations do not match within a tolerance range, then the marking 16 may have been manipulated, or be contaminated or damaged. In this case, an error will be output. A high level of reliability for the proper identification of the corresponding fire detector 10 is achieved as a result. In a further embodiment, upon request by the user, a technician associated with the data centre 20 can also switch on the camera 31 and additionally support fire detector maintenance by taking into consideration the information and the camera image provided in the data centre. In a further embodiment, the device 30 comprises a memory 42 in which information about fire detectors being evaluated is stored along with their location. If the test of a fire detector has been completed, then the computing device 33 calculates a route to a next fire detector to be evaluated by taking into account the current location determined via the geolocation unit 41, and provides route instructions and route recommendations through the building, as well as indications for finding the fire detector via the display 36 to a user of the device 30. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary indicator 50 showing a view of a fire detector 51 on a panel 52, with an imprint 53 applied for an identification of the fire detector on a surface of a housing of the fire detector 51. The imprint can, e.g., represent, a location designation in text form 54 or a pattern 55, e.g., a QR code, which are shown schematically herein. In one embodiment, the display 50 reproduces the image of the fire detector 51 captured by the camera 31. In a first embodiment, additional information can be displayed in a text window 56. In another embodiment, the display can also be in the form of a display in data glasses, whereby the fire detector 51 is then visible to a viewer directly through the transparent display surface of the data glasses, while additional information is displayed in an output window in the image visible to the viewer. A representation of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 3, whereby the fire detector 51 is in this case arranged on a ceiling 52. Located in front of the fire detector 51 are the data glasses 57, which comprise a first lens 58 and a second lens 59. Located adjacent to the first lens 58 on the data glasses 57 is the device 60 for supporting identification of the fire detector 51, said device comprising a projection unit 61 which transmits projected light 62 onto the first lens 58 (indicated in dashes) in order to represent a virtual image using the first lens 58. A camera 65 is also arranged in that location. Control of the device 60 is performed by a computing unit 63, whereby an input unit 64 is also arranged on the device 60, e.g., to enter a successful test. The display of information can be superimposed on the visible or displayed fire alarm. In a further embodiment, the information can also be displayed in a window adjacent but spatially associated, e.g., to the right of the fire detector, and thereby provide the impression of a sign that is virtually arranged adjacent to the fire detector. In this case, an image area is preferably enclosed by a window, so that the displayed information is more visible in this area. The location of the fire detector, a map and / or status information (e.g., detector active) can be displayed thereby. Fig. 4 shows an example of a procedure for a method according to the invention. The method according to the invention for supporting an evaluation of a building facility is initiated using an initialisation step 70. In an image detection step 71, the camera 31 detects an image. In a subsequent first test step 72, it is evaluated whether information is included in the detected image data that enables an identification of a fire detector. If this is not the case, then the image capturing step 71 is repeated. If a fire detector was able to be identified, then the method branches to a location detection step 73, in which a current location of the device 30 is determined via the geolocation unit 41. Ina second test step 74, it evaluated whether the detected location matches that location of the fire detector identified during the first test step 72. If this is not the case, then an error message is output in a first output step 75, and the method is redirected to the image capturing step 71. If the locations match, then the method branches to a transmission step 76 in which the identification data of the fire detector is transmitted to the data centre 20 and presented in the display 36. In a subsequent fire detector test step 77, testing steps are completed on the fire detector manually, in an automated manner, or in a mixed manner (manual and automated). This can include a density test, an electronic test by the data centre 20, an evaluation of the triggering of the fire sensor 12 by providing gas smoke, and / or an electronic test, e.g., a triggering of a light source arranged on the fire detector 10. In a subsequent third test step 78, it is evaluated whether either the automatic test has been completed and / or whether an input unit has been manually operated to confirm completion of a manual fire alarm test. If this has not yet been performed, then the method is redirected back to the fire detector test step 77. When the test is complete, the method branches to a second image capturing step 79 in which image information regarding the fire detector is again detected, or the image information of the fire detector detected during the first image capturing step 71 is used and transmitted to the data centre 20. In a storage step 80, the transmitted image information is stored in a suitable location together with a test report comprising at least one timepoint of the test and optionally one test result with measured values. In a subsequent fourth test step 81, it is evaluated whether further fire detectors should be tested. If this is not the case, then the method ends in an end step 82, preferably after all fire detectors located in a building have been tested. If there are still other fire detectors to be evaluated, then the method branches back to an image capturing step 71. In a preferred embodiment, a route to a next fire detector being evaluated is first determined during the calculation step 83 and indicated to a user on the device 30. In a fifth test step 84, it is verified whether the location of the next fire detector being evaluated has been reached. If yes, then the method 5 branches to the image capturing step 71. If this is not the case, then the method branches back to the calculation step 83.

Claims

1. A method for supporting an evaluation of a building facility (10), wherein information regarding the building facility (10) for the evaluation is provided in an automated manner, characterised in that the information is provided on a device (30) on the basis of an automated identification of the building facility (10), that the automated identification is performed by comparing an identification feature (16) of the building facility (10) detected, in particular visually, by means of the device and comparing said feature with stored identification features, and by information regarding the relevant building facility (10), the stored identification feature of which matches the detected identification feature, being provided.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterised in that the identity of the building facility (10) or the identification feature detected by the device (30) is transmitted via a wireless data connection (35) to a data centre (20), and that the information being provided is retrieved via the wireless data connection (35) from a memory (24) of a data centre (20) after successful identification and presented on the device (30).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterised in that the wirelessly transmitted information comprises information about a condition of the building facility (10), wherein the data centre (20) queries at least one sensor (12) of the building facility in order to detect the information about the condition of the building facility (10).

4. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a successful evaluation of the building facility (10) is detected via an input unit (37) in order to confirm a successful evaluation of the building facility (10), and that the confirmation by the input unit (37) is stored.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterised in that, given operation of the input unit (37), a capture of an image of the building facility (10) is effected, and that the captured image is stored in connection with information about the evaluation of the building facility (10).

6. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device (30) determines a location of the device (30).

7. The method according to claim 6, characterised in that the determined location of the device (30) is compared to a stored location of the identified building facility (10), and an error message is output in the event that the determined location does not match the stored location of the identified building facility (10).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the determined location is compared to a stored location of a building facility (10) being identified and that, in the event that the determined location does not match the stored location of the building facility (10) being identified, the navigational information for reaching the building facility being identified is output on the device.

9. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a character string or pattern, in particular a QR code, is detected as an identification feature (16).

10. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a fire detector is identified as the building facility (10).

11. A device (30), in particular for performing a method according to one of the preceding claims in order to support an evaluation of a building facility (10), said device comprising an output unit (36) for providinginformation about the building facility in an automated manner, a camera (31) for detecting at least one identification feature (16) of the building facility (10), and comprising an evaluation unit (33), wherein the evaluation means (33) is designed to automatically identify the building 5 facility (10) in an automated manner by comparing the identification feature (16) of the building facility (10) detected by the camera (31) with stored identification features of the building facility (10), and by the information regarding said building facility, the stored identification feature of which matches the detected identification feature, being io provided by the output means (36).

12. The device (60) according to claim 11 characterised in that the output unit is a display unit (61, 58) of data glasses (57), and that the camera (65) is integrated into the data glasses (57).15

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