Alarm system

Abstract

To allow an apparatus abnormality of a fire detector that has happened before the power source is input again to be recognized, even after a power source of a detector of an abnormality is input again.SOLUTION: An alarm system 1 has a master machine 10b and an alarm signal transmission device 20. The master machine 10b includes: a storage unit for storing state information of the master machine 10b; an initiation unit for initiating the state information so that the state information shows a normal state, when the power source of the master machine 10b is input again; a notification unit for notifying the alarm device 20 that the power source is input again when the power source is input again; and a transmission unit for sending state information to the alarm signal transmission device 20 at a predetermined timing. The alarm signal transmission device 20 includes: an alarm output unit for outputting an alarm signal to an external apparatus 30 according to the received state information; and a restriction unit for restricting processing in the alarm output unit according to the state information received within a predetermined length of time from when notifying that the power source is input again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for transmitting the state of a detector that detects an abnormality to an outside source. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for periodically transmitting a signal between a master unit and slave units of a fire alarm to check whether each device is operating normally (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5478316 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some detectors that detect abnormalities recognize the detector's status and transmit a signal indicating this status to a reporting device. However, when the power of the detector is turned back on, the equipment status recognized by the detector is initialized to a normal state. Therefore, when a signal indicating the equipment status is transmitted from the detector immediately after the power is turned back on, a signal indicating a normal state is transmitted regardless of whether or not there is an equipment abnormality in the detector. When this signal is received, the reporting device recognizes that the detector is normal and performs processing such as stopping the output of the reporting signal accordingly. When this processing is performed, the output destination of the reporting signal cannot recognize the equipment abnormality of the detector that occurred before the power was turned back on. As a result, there is a risk that the equipment abnormality of the detector cannot be dealt with appropriately.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to recognize an equipment abnormality in a detector that has occurred before the power to the detector is turned on again, even after the power to the detector that detects the abnormality is turned on again. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an alarm system comprising a detector for detecting abnormalities and a reporting device, wherein the detector has a memory unit for storing status information of the detector, an initialization unit for initializing the status information to one indicating a normal state when the detector is powered back on, a notification unit for notifying the reporting device of the power being powered back on when the power is powered back on, and a transmission unit for transmitting the status information to the reporting device at a predetermined timing, and the reporting device has a reporting output unit for outputting a reporting signal to an external device in accordance with the received status information, and a restriction unit for restricting processing of the reporting output unit in accordance with the status information received within a predetermined time from the time when the power is notified of being powered back on. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, even after the power of a detector that detects an abnormality is turned on again, it is possible to recognize an equipment abnormality in the detector that occurred before the power was turned on again. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an alarm system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an alarm device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a report transfer device. [Figure 4] 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation when a device abnormality occurs in the parent unit. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alarm system 1 according to this embodiment. The alarm system 1 is a system that issues an alarm of a fire in cooperation with other alarm devices within a group. The alarm system 1 comprises a number of alarm devices 10 that function as slave devices (hereinafter referred to as "slave device 10a"), an alarm device 10 that functions as a master device (hereinafter referred to as "master device 10b"), and a report transfer device 20. Note that in the following explanation, the slave devices 10a and master devices 10b are also collectively referred to as the alarm devices 10. The slave devices 10a, master device 10b, and report transfer device 20 belong to the same group, and are connected wirelessly. The report transfer device 20 is connected via a signal line 40 to an external device 30 that is not included in the alarm system 1. Note that the number of slave devices 10a shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and is not limited to this.

[0010] The alarm device 10 is installed on the ceiling or wall of a building under management, such as a home, commercial building, or office building, and detects fires and issues an alarm. The alarm device 10 may be any device that detects fires and issues an alarm, such as a residential fire alarm or a fire sensor. A fire is an example of an abnormality according to the present invention. The alarm device 10 is an example of a detector according to the present invention. The master unit 10b is installed in a position where it can wirelessly communicate with the multiple slave units 10a and the report transmission device 20, and transfers signals received from the slave units 10a to the report transmission device 20.

[0011] When the report transfer device 20 receives a signal indicating the detection of a fire in the alarm device 10, it outputs the report to the external device 30. The report transfer device 20 also outputs the report to the external device 30 when it receives a signal indicating the detection of an abnormality other than a fire, such as a malfunction of the alarm device 10 itself. This report transfer output refers to the transmission of an alarm. Note that in this embodiment, the report transfer device 20 itself does not detect fires.

[0012] The external device 30 is a control device that is managed and operated, for example, in a manager's room, and monitors the building under management. When a report is output from the report transfer device 20, the external device 30 performs processing according to this report transfer output. This processing is, for example, processing to transmit a signal to a control center of a management company that manages the building in response to the report transfer output from the report transfer device 20. The external device 30 may be operated by connecting to an alarm device such as an additional buzzer or flashlight, smoke control devices such as shutters or fire doors, or a home information panel of an intercom system. The processing according to the report transfer output is not limited to processing to transmit a signal, and may be any processing.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the alarm device 10. The alarm device 10 comprises a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an operation unit 104, a display unit 105, a sound output unit 106, a fire detection unit 107, and a power supply unit 108. The various units of the alarm device 10 are connected via a bus or a power supply line.

[0014] The control unit 101 controls each part of the device and performs various processes. The control unit 101 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU, for example, which executes programs stored in the storage unit 102. The storage unit 102 includes volatile memory, such as RAM, and non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EEPROM, and flash memory. Status information of the device itself is stored in the volatile memory. The status information is information indicating the status of the device itself, and indicates either a normal state or an abnormal device state. Furthermore, status information of all alarm devices 10 in the group is stored in the volatile memory of the master unit 10b. Programs for implementing the functions of the device, the address of the device itself, and the group ID are stored in the non-volatile memory. This address is a number that uniquely identifies the alarm device 10 in the group. Consecutive addresses are set in advance for multiple alarm devices 10 belonging to the same group. The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for wireless communication with other devices in accordance with a wireless communication standard. The communication unit 103 includes, for example, an antenna and a transmission / reception circuit.

[0015] The operation unit 104 is used for operation by an operator. The operation unit 104 includes, for example, an operation button. The display unit 105 displays various information. The display unit 105 includes a plurality of LEDs with different luminous colors, and various information is indicated by the lighting patterns of the LEDs. The sound output unit 106 outputs various alarm sounds and voice messages. The sound output unit 106 includes, for example, a speaker. The fire detection unit 107 detects a fire by measuring a physical quantity that changes with a fire. The fire detection method is, for example, a photoelectric method or a constant temperature method. In the case of the photoelectric method, the fire detection unit 107 measures and outputs the surrounding smoke concentration. In the case of the constant temperature method, the fire detection unit 107 measures and outputs the surrounding temperature. Note that the fire detection method is not limited to the photoelectric method or the constant temperature method, and may be any method that can detect a fire, such as an infrared method or a combination method. The power supply unit 108 supplies power to each unit of the device. The power supply unit 108 includes, for example, a battery and a power supply circuit. In the following description, a state in which power is supplied from the power supply unit 108 is referred to as "power-on," and a state in which power is not supplied is referred to as "power-off."

[0016] The control unit 101 of the alarm device 10 functions as an abnormality detection unit 111, an alarm control unit 112, an update unit 113, a transmission unit 114, and a notification unit 115. These functions are realized by the processor of the control unit 101 executing a program stored in the storage unit 102, performing calculations, or controlling each unit of the device itself.

[0017] The abnormality detection unit 111 checks the state of the device at a predetermined time interval and detects an abnormality in the device. Types of device abnormalities include, for example, dead battery, sensor abnormality, and radio wave abnormality. Dead battery indicates a state in which the remaining battery power is low. Sensor abnormality indicates a state in which there is an abnormality in the output of the fire detection unit 107. Radio wave abnormality indicates a state in which there is an abnormality in wireless communication between the device and another device.

[0018] When an equipment abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit 111, the alarm control unit 112 causes the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 to output an alarm notifying the occurrence of the equipment abnormality. For example, the alarm control unit 112 causes the sound output unit 106 to output a voice message and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to light up according to a predetermined lighting pattern.

[0019] When an equipment abnormality is detected by abnormality detection unit 111, update unit 113 updates the status information stored in storage unit 102 to one indicating an equipment abnormality. Furthermore, update unit 113 of master unit 10b updates the status information of slave unit 10a stored in storage unit 102 in response to an equipment abnormality signal or a periodic signal received from slave unit 10a. Furthermore, when the power is turned on again, update unit 113 initializes the status information stored in storage unit 102 to one indicating a normal state. Update unit 113 is an example of an initialization unit according to the present invention.

[0020] The transmitting unit 114 transmits the status information stored in the storage unit 102 at a predetermined timing. For example, the transmitting unit 114 transmits a periodic signal including the status information stored in the storage unit 102 at a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, when the abnormality detection unit 111 detects an equipment abnormality, the transmitting unit 114 transmits an equipment abnormality signal including the status information stored in the storage unit 102.

[0021] When the power is turned on again, the notification unit 115 notifies the report transfer device 20 of the power being turned on again. The power being turned on again means that the power is turned on again after being cut off once. For example, the notification unit 115 notifies the report transfer device 20 of the power being turned on again by transmitting a battery connection signal notifying that the power has been turned on again.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the report transfer device 20. The report transfer device 20 includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, an operation unit 204, a display unit 205, a sound output unit 206, a report transfer output unit 207, and a power supply unit 208. Each unit of the report transfer device 20 is connected via a bus or a power line. The control unit 201, the storage unit 202, the communication unit 203, the operation unit 204, the display unit 205, the sound output unit 206, and the power supply unit 208 are basically the same as the control unit 101, the storage unit 102, the communication unit 103, the operation unit 104, the display unit 105, the sound output unit 106, and the power supply unit 108 of the alarm device 10, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, the storage unit 202 stores information such as a group ID required for receiving abnormality information such as a fire that has occurred within a group.

[0023] When an equipment abnormality occurs in the alarm device 10, the report output unit 207 outputs a report signal to the external device 30, reporting the occurrence of the equipment abnormality. The report output unit 207 includes a contact that is connected to the external device 30. This contact is, for example, a break contact, and is normally closed. Note that in this example, the report output unit 207 includes a contact relay, but it may also include a contactless relay.

[0024] The control unit 201 functions as a receiving unit 211, an alarm control unit 212, a contact control unit 213, and a limiting unit 214. These functions are realized by the processor of the control unit 201 executing a program stored in the storage unit 202 to perform calculations or control each unit of the device itself.

[0025] The receiving unit 211 receives the device abnormality signal and the periodic signal. The receiving unit 211 may receive these signals directly from the slave unit 10a or the master unit 10b, or may receive signals transferred by the master unit 10b.

[0026] If the signal received by the receiving unit 211 indicates that an equipment abnormality has occurred in at least one alarm device 10 within the group, the alarm control unit 212 causes the display unit 205 to output an alarm related to the equipment abnormality. At this time, the alarm control unit 212 may cause different alarms to be displayed depending on the type of equipment abnormality. For example, the alarm control unit 212 lights up the LED included in the display unit 205 in accordance with different lighting patterns that are predetermined for each type of equipment abnormality.

[0027] The contact control unit 213 controls the contacts of the report output unit 207 in response to a signal received by the receiving unit 211. For example, the contact control unit 213 switches the connection state of the contacts by utilizing the electromagnetic force of a coil that pairs with the contacts. When the signal received by the receiving unit 211 indicates that an equipment abnormality has occurred in at least one alarm device 10 in the group, the contact control unit 213 switches the connection state of the contacts of the report output unit 207, and causes the report output unit 207 to output a report signal that communicates that an equipment abnormality has occurred in the alarm device 10, to the external device 30. Furthermore, when the signal received by the receiving unit 211 indicates that the status of all alarm devices 10 in the group has returned to normal, the contact control unit 213 switches the connection state of the contacts of the report output unit 207, and stops the output of this report signal.

[0028] The limiting unit 214 sets a prohibition time based on the time when the parent device 10b notifies the parent device 10b that the power is turned on again, and limits the processing of the report output unit 207 in response to a signal received within the prohibition time. For example, the limiting unit 214 invalidates a signal received within the prohibition time and prohibits processing in response to that signal. The prohibition time is set in advance to include, for example, the time when the initial periodic signal transmitted for the first time after the parent device 10b is turned on again is received. The prohibition time is an example of a predetermined time according to the present invention. Furthermore, for a signal received after the prohibition time has elapsed, the limiting unit 214 permits processing in response to that signal.

[0029] 2. Operation 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation when an abnormality occurs in the master unit 10b. This operation is started when the master unit 10b detects an abnormality in its own device.

[0030] In step S11, when an equipment abnormality occurs in the parent device 10b, the abnormality detection unit 111 of the parent device 10b detects this equipment abnormality. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 111 checks the state of the parent device at a predetermined time interval. Here, an example in which the battery runs out in the parent device 10b will be described. The abnormality detection unit 111 determines, at a predetermined time interval, whether or not the battery voltage value is equal to or greater than a predetermined operating voltage value of the parent device 10b. When it is determined that the battery voltage value is less than the operating voltage value a predetermined number of times in succession, the abnormality detection unit 111 detects the battery running out.

[0031] In step S12, the alarm control unit 112 of the parent unit 10b causes the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 to output an alarm notifying the occurrence of an equipment abnormality. At this time, the alarm control unit 112 causes different alarms to be output depending on the type of equipment abnormality. In this example, since a dead battery is detected, the alarm control unit 112 causes the sound output unit 106 to output a voice message saying "The battery is dead" and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to flash once at a predetermined flashing cycle.

[0032] In step S13, the update unit 113 of the parent device 10b updates the status information of the parent device 10b stored in the storage unit 102 to one indicating an equipment abnormality. In this example, the status information of the parent device 10b stored in the storage unit 102 is updated to one indicating a dead battery. Note that in addition to the status information of the parent device 10b, the storage unit 102 also stores status information of the child device 10a included in the group, but in this example, the status information of the child device 10a indicates a normal state.

[0033] In step S14, the transmitting unit 114 of the parent device 10b wirelessly transmits an equipment abnormality signal including the status information of the parent device 10b stored in the storage unit 102. Note that the processes of steps S12 to S14 may be performed in any order, or may be performed in parallel. This equipment abnormality signal includes information indicating the type of abnormality. In addition, the address of the parent device 10b and the group ID are added to this equipment abnormality signal so that other devices belonging to the same group can know which equipment has an abnormality. The status information included in this equipment abnormality signal is an example of the first status information according to the present invention. The receiving unit 211 of the report transfer device 20 receives the equipment abnormality signal transferred from the parent device 10b because the group ID included in the equipment abnormality signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 202.

[0034] In step S15, the alarm control section 212 of the report transfer device 20 causes the display section 205 to output an alarm notifying the occurrence of a device abnormality in the alarm device 10. In this example, as the type of abnormality is a dead battery, the alarm control section 212 causes the LED of the display section 205 to flash once in a specified flashing cycle.

[0035] In step S16, the contact control section 213 of the report transfer device 20 controls the contacts of the report transfer output section 207, thereby causing the report transfer signal to be output from the report transfer output section 207 to the external device 30, reporting the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10. The output of this report transfer signal continues until the equipment abnormality is resolved. For example, under normal circumstances, the contacts are closed and current flows through the external device 30. However, upon receiving an equipment abnormality signal, the contact control section 213 switches the contacts to an open state. When the contacts are switched to an open state, continuity is lost across the contacts and no current flows through the external device 30. This allows the external device 30 to recognize that an equipment abnormality has occurred in the alarm device 10. The external device 30 then transmits a signal indicating the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10, for example, to a control center of the management company. This allows the management company to recognize that an equipment abnormality has occurred in the alarm device 10 installed in a building under its management, and allows an operator to move to the building under its management to deal with the equipment abnormality.

[0036] Here, it is assumed that a general user in the managed building removes and inserts the battery in the parent unit 10b before the worker arrives, causing the parent unit 10b to temporarily recover from its dead battery state. The parent unit 10b holds status information for the alarm devices 10, but as this status information is stored in the volatile memory of the storage unit 102, it is erased when the power is turned off due to the battery being removed and inserted. When the power to the parent unit 10b is turned back on in step S17, the update unit 113 of the parent unit 10b initializes the status information stored in the storage unit 102 in step S18. As a result of this initialization, status information indicating a normal state for all of the alarm devices 10 included in the group is stored in the volatile memory of the storage unit 102.

[0037] In step S19, the notification unit 115 of the parent device 10b wirelessly transmits a battery connection signal notifying that the power has been turned back on. The address and group ID of the parent device 10b are added to this battery connection signal so that other devices belonging to the same group can know which device has been turned back on. The receiving unit 211 of the report transfer device 20 receives the battery connection signal transmitted from the parent device 10b because the group ID included in the battery connection signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 202.

[0038] In step S20, the limiting unit 214 of the report transfer device 20 sets a prohibition time for limiting processing in response to the periodic signal received from the master unit 10b, based on the time when the battery connection signal is received. The prohibition time is, for example, a first time from the time when the battery connection signal is received.

[0039] In step S21, when a second time has elapsed since the battery connection signal was transmitted, the transmission unit 114 of the parent unit 10b wirelessly transmits an initial periodic signal. Here, the above-mentioned first time is set in advance to a time that is longer than the second time and shorter than the time from when the battery connection signal is transmitted to when the second periodic signal is transmitted. As described above, when the parent unit 10b is powered back on, the status information is initialized, and status information indicating a normal state for all alarm devices 10 is stored in the memory unit 102. Therefore, the initial periodic signal contains status information indicating a normal state for all alarm devices 10. The status information contained in this periodic signal is an example of second status information according to the present invention. Furthermore, the address and group ID of the parent unit 10b are added to the periodic signal so that other devices belonging to the same group can determine which device is the source of the periodic signal. The receiving unit 211 of the report transfer device 20 receives the periodic signal transmitted from the parent unit 10b, as the group ID contained in the battery connection signal matches the group ID stored in the memory unit 202.

[0040] In step S22, the limiting unit 214 of the report transfer device 20 limits the processing of the report transfer output unit 207 in response to the initial periodic signal, since the initial periodic signal is received within the prohibited time. For example, when a report transfer signal is being output from the report transfer output unit 207, the limiting unit 214 discards the periodic signal received by the receiving unit 211 and prohibits the stop of output of the report transfer signal in response to the status information contained in the periodic signal. When the periodic signal is discarded, the contact control unit 213 does not control the contact in response to the periodic signal. When the contact control unit 213 does not control the contact, the connection state of the contact of the report transfer output unit 207 does not change, and the output of the report transfer signal continues.

[0041] When the third time has elapsed since the first periodic signal was transmitted, the parent unit 10b transmits the next periodic signal to the report transfer device 20 (step S23). Here, it is assumed that an operator arrives, replaces the battery in the parent unit 10b, and all of the alarm devices 10 return to a normal state between the first periodic transmission and the transmission of the next periodic signal. In this case, the next periodic signal contains status information indicating a normal state for all of the alarm devices 10. Because the next periodic signal is received after the prohibition time has elapsed, the restriction unit 214 of the report transfer device 20 permits processing by the report transfer output unit 207 in response to this periodic signal. This allows processing in response to this periodic signal to be carried out (step S24). For example, the restriction unit 214 causes this periodic signal to be supplied to the contact control unit 213 without being discarded. If a report transfer signal is being output from the report transfer output unit 207, the contact control unit 213 stops the output of the report transfer signal from the report transfer output unit 207. For example, the contact control unit 213 switches the contact of the report transfer output unit 207 to the normal closed state. When the contacts switch to a closed state, both ends of the contacts become conductive, and current flows to the external device 30. As a result, the external device 30 recognizes that the device abnormality in the alarm device 10 has been resolved.

[0042] Generally, when an equipment abnormality occurs in the alarm device 10, the management company must have an worker move to the installation location of the alarm device 10 to deal with the equipment abnormality and confirm that the alarm device 10 has returned to a normal state. For this reason, it is preferable for the output of a report transfer signal from the report transfer device 20 to continue until the worker confirms that the alarm device 10 has returned to a normal state. According to the embodiment described above, even if the power of the master unit 10b is turned back on while a report transfer signal is being output from the report transfer device 20 in response to an equipment abnormality that has occurred in the master unit 10b, the output of the report transfer signal continues regardless of a regular signal received from the master unit 10b within the prohibited time. For this reason, even after the power of the master unit 10b is turned back on, the management company can recognize and appropriately deal with an equipment abnormality in the master unit 10b that occurred before the power of the master unit 10b was turned on.

[0043] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as in the following modified examples. The embodiment and the modified examples may be used in combination, or may be switched depending on the implementation. Similarly, the following modified examples may be used in combination, or may be switched depending on the implementation.

[0044] Variation 1 In the embodiment described above, the report transfer device 20 may detect an equipment abnormality in the parent unit 10b. As described above, the parent unit 10b transmits a regular signal to the report transfer device 20 at a specified time interval. If this regular signal is no longer transmitted at the specified time interval, it can be said that an equipment abnormality has occurred in the parent unit 10b. Therefore, if the report transfer device 20 does not receive a regular signal from the parent unit 10b for a predetermined continuous time period that is longer than the specified time interval, it detects an equipment abnormality in the parent unit 10b. When an equipment abnormality in the parent unit 10b is detected, the report transfer device 20 performs the processing from step S15 onwards described above. In step S16, a report transfer signal reporting the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10 is output to the external device 30. Even in this modified example, it is possible to recognize an equipment abnormality that occurred in the parent unit 10b before the power was turned back on after the parent unit 10b is turned back on.

[0045] Variation 2 In the above-described embodiment, the report transfer device 20 may output a report transfer signal in response to an equipment abnormality of the slave 10a. When the abnormality detection unit 111 of the slave 10a detects an equipment abnormality, the alarm control unit 112 of the slave 10a outputs an alarm notifying the occurrence of the equipment abnormality. The update unit 113 of the slave 10a updates the status information stored in the storage unit 102 to one indicating the equipment abnormality. The transmission unit 114 of the slave 10a wirelessly transmits an equipment abnormality signal including the status information stored in the storage unit 102. When this equipment abnormality signal is received, the update unit 113 of the master 10b updates the status information of the slave 10a stored in the storage unit 102 to one indicating the equipment abnormality. In addition, the transmission unit 114 of the master 10b wirelessly transfers the equipment abnormality signal to the report transfer device 20. When this equipment abnormality signal is received, the report transfer device 20 performs the process from step S15 onward. In step S16, a report signal reporting the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10 is output to the external device 30. In step S18, the status information stored in the memory unit 102 is initialized, and therefore in step S21 a periodic signal containing status information indicating a normal status is transmitted for the slave unit 10a in which the equipment abnormality occurred. However, as in the embodiment described above, in step S22, processing in response to this periodic signal is restricted, and so output of the report signal continues.

[0046] Moreover, the transmitting unit 114 of the slave unit 10a wirelessly transmits a periodic signal at a predetermined time interval. This predetermined time interval is shorter than the transmission interval of the periodic signal between the master unit 10b and the report transfer device 20. This periodic signal includes the status information of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102. If the periodic signal received from the slave unit 10a includes status information indicating an equipment abnormality, the alarm control unit 112 of the master unit 10b may output an alarm from the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106 to notify the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the slave unit 10a. Furthermore, the updating unit 113 of the master unit 10b updates the status information of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102 in response to the periodic signal. For example, if the periodic signal includes status information indicating an equipment abnormality, the updating unit 113 updates the status information of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102 to one indicating an equipment abnormality. The transmitting unit 114 of the parent unit 10b wirelessly transfers the periodic signal to the report transfer device 20 when a specified time interval has elapsed since the previous transmission of the periodic signal. This periodic signal contains status information of the alarm devices 10 in the group that is stored in the memory unit 102. When the report transfer device 20 receives this periodic signal, if the status information included in the periodic signal indicates that an equipment abnormality has occurred in at least one alarm device 10, it carries out processing from step S15 onwards. In step S16, a report transfer signal notifying the external device 30 that an equipment abnormality has occurred in the alarm device 10. In step S18, the status information stored in the memory unit 102 is initialized, and therefore in step S21, a periodic signal containing status information indicating a normal state is transmitted for the child unit 10a in which the equipment abnormality occurred. However, as in the embodiment described above, in step S22, processing in response to this periodic signal is restricted, and so output of the report transfer signal continues.

[0047] According to this modified example, even if a periodic signal indicating that the slave unit 10a is normal is sent from the master unit 10b after the master unit 10b has been powered back on after an equipment abnormality occurs in the slave unit 10a, the output of the report transfer signal from the report transfer device 20 continues, thereby preventing the slave unit 10a from being mistakenly recognized as being in a normal state despite the fact that there is an equipment abnormality in the slave unit 10a.

[0048] Variation 3 In the above-described embodiment, even if the periodic signal is received within the prohibited time, processing may be performed according to the periodic signal depending on the content of the signal. For example, assume that an equipment abnormality signal is transmitted from the slave unit 10a to the master unit 10b during the period from when the master unit 10b is powered back on until the master unit 10b transmits a battery connection signal. In this case, the equipment abnormality signal causes the status information of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b to be updated to one indicating an equipment abnormality, and therefore the initial periodic signal contains status information indicating an equipment abnormality. Even if the initial periodic signal is received within the prohibited time, the restriction unit 214 of the report transfer device 20 may permit output of a report transfer signal corresponding to the periodic signal if the status information contained in this periodic signal indicates an equipment abnormality. When the restriction unit 214 permits output of a report transfer signal, a report transfer signal notifying the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10 is output from the report transfer output unit 207 to the external device 30.

[0049] Also, assume that an equipment abnormality in the parent unit 10b is detected between the time the parent unit 10b is powered back on and the time a battery connection signal is transmitted from the parent unit 10b. In this case, due to the detection of this equipment abnormality, the status information of the parent unit 10b stored in the memory unit 102 of the parent unit 10b is updated to indicate an equipment abnormality, and therefore the initial periodic signal contains status information indicating the equipment abnormality. Even if the initial periodic signal is received within the prohibited time, the restriction unit 214 of the report transmission device 20 may permit the output of a report transmission signal corresponding to the periodic signal if the status information contained in this periodic signal indicates an equipment abnormality. When the restriction unit 214 permits the output of a report transmission signal, a report transmission signal reporting the occurrence of an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10 is output from the report transmission output unit 207 to the external device 30.

[0050] In this way, if the status information included in a periodic signal received within the prohibited time indicates a normal state, then no processing according to that periodic signal is carried out, and if it indicates an equipment abnormality, processing according to that status information is carried out. According to this modified example, if an equipment abnormality occurs in the alarm device 10 between the time when the power to the parent unit 10b is restored and the time when a battery connection signal is sent from the parent unit 10b, the occurrence of this equipment abnormality can be communicated to the external device 30.

[0051] Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, when the report transfer device 20 is installed within the wireless communication range of the slave device 10a, the signal transmitted from the slave device 10a reaches the report transfer device 20 as is. In this case, the report transfer device 20 may receive the signal directly from the slave device 10a and perform processing according to the received signal.

[0052] Variation 5 The fire detector according to the present invention is not limited to the alarm device 10 and does not necessarily have to issue an alarm. For example, the fire detector may be a sensor or a fire sensor that does not have an alarm function.

[0053] Variation 6 In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration of the alarm system 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. The alarm system 1 may be configured to include one or more of the above-mentioned devices, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices. For example, the alarm system 1 does not necessarily have to include the slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b, and may include multiple alarm devices 10 without the distinction between them. The alarm device 10 and the report transfer device 20 may also be configured to include one or more of the above-mentioned components, or may be configured to exclude some of the components. The report transfer output unit 207 may have any circuit configuration as long as it is a circuit configuration that can realize the function of the report transfer output unit 207. The report transfer output unit 207 may be configured to include one or more of the above-mentioned circuit elements, or may be configured to exclude some of the circuit elements. For example, the contact of the report transfer output unit 207 may be a make contact or a transfer contact, or the report transfer output unit 207 may have multiple contacts. When the contact of the report transfer output unit 207 is a make contact, the contact is normally in an open state, and no current flows through the external device 30. However, when an equipment abnormality signal is received, the contact control unit 213 switches the contact to a closed state. When the contact is switched to a closed state, both ends of the contact are conductive, and current flows to the external device 30. As a result, the external device 30 recognizes that an equipment abnormality has occurred in the alarm device 10. Furthermore, when halting the output of the report signal, the contact control unit 213 switches the contact of the report output unit 207 to the normal open state. When the contact is switched to an open state, continuity is lost between both ends of the contact, and current no longer flows to the external device 30. As a result, the external device 30 recognizes that the equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10 has been resolved. If the contact of the report output unit 207 is a break contact as in the embodiment described above, a report signal is outputted notifying that an equipment abnormality has occurred as a result of no current flowing to the external device 30. On the other hand, if the contact of the report output unit 207 is a make contact as in this modified example, a report signal is outputted notifying that an equipment abnormality has occurred as a result of current flowing to the external device 30. Furthermore, the destination in the master unit 10b where the status information of the alarm devices 10 in the group is stored does not necessarily have to be a volatile memory, but may also be a non-volatile memory.Even with this configuration, if the status information stored in the non-volatile memory is initialized to indicate a normal state when the power of the parent unit 10b is turned back on, a problem similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment may arise, and therefore processing similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment may be performed.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 101 of the alarm device 10 includes circuits such as a DSP, ASIC, PLD, FPGA, and at least some of the functions of the alarm device 10 may be realized by this circuit. Similarly, the control unit 201 of the report transfer device 20 also includes this circuit, and at least some of the functions of the report transfer device 20 may be realized by this circuit.

[0055] Variation 7 In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the alarm system 1 is not limited to the above-described example. The order of the processing steps of the alarm system 1 may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. In addition, some of the processing steps of the alarm system 1 may be omitted.

[0056] Variation 8 Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a method having processing steps performed in at least one of the alarm system 1, the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the report transfer device 20. Furthermore, yet another embodiment of the present invention may provide a program executed in the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the report transfer device 20. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided by downloading via the Internet or the like.

[0057] Variation 9 The present invention may be applied to a system that issues an alarm for the occurrence of phenomena other than fires. In this modification, the alarm device 10 may be a gas alarm, a human presence sensor, or the like that detects phenomena other than fires and issues an alarm. Gas alarms, human presence sensors, and the like that detect phenomena other than fires and issue an alarm are also examples of detectors according to the present invention. In short, the detector according to the present invention may be any device that detects an abnormality. This abnormality is not limited to fires, and may be any abnormality, such as a gas leak or the intrusion of a suspicious person. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1: alarm system, 10: alarm device, 20: report transfer device, 30: external device, 111: abnormality detection unit, 112: alarm control unit, 113: update unit, 114: transmission unit, 115: notification unit, 207: report transfer output unit, 211: reception unit, 212: alarm control unit, 213: contact control unit, 214: restriction unit

Claims

1. An alarm system comprising a detector for detecting an abnormality, a device capable of communicating with the detector, and a reporting device, The device comprises: A storage unit that stores state information of the detector; an initialization unit that initializes the state information to indicate a normal state when the power supply of the device is turned on again; and a notification unit that notifies the report transfer device of the power being turned on again when the power is turned on again. Alarm system.

2. The detector includes: a first transmission unit that transmits state information of the detector to the device at a predetermined first timing; The storage unit stores the status information received from the detector; The device comprises: A second transmission unit is further provided for transmitting the status information stored in the storage unit to the report transfer device at a second predetermined timing, The reporting device includes: a notification output unit that outputs a notification signal to an external device in response to the received status information; a limiting unit that limits processing of the information transfer output unit according to the status information received within a predetermined time from the time when the power is turned on again; 2. The alarm system of claim 1.

3. The storage unit further stores status information of the device, When the power supply is turned on again, the initialization unit initializes the status information of the detector and the status information of the device stored in the storage unit to information indicating the normal state, The second transmission unit transmits the status information of the detector and the status information of the device stored in the storage unit at the predetermined second timing to the report transfer device, The report output unit outputs the report signal to the external device in response to the received status information of the detector and the received status information of the device, The limiting unit limits processing of the signal transfer output unit according to the status information of the detector and the status information of the device received within the predetermined time from the time when the power is turned on again.

3. The alarm system of claim 2.

4. The first transmission unit transmits the status information of the detector to the device at a first time interval; The second transmission unit transmits the status information stored in the storage unit to the report transfer device at a second time interval; The first time interval is shorter than the second time interval.

4. An alarm system according to claim 2 or 3.

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