Fire alarm system

Abstract

In a fire alarm system where each fire detector connected to the fire alarm receiver has a unique address, this reduces the burden of adding fire detectors. [Solution] The fire alarm system comprises a fire alarm receiver 10, a master detector 20A connected to the fire alarm receiver 10, and a sub-detector 30 wirelessly connected to the master detector 20A. The fire alarm receiver 10 has a memory unit that stores an address that identifies the master detector 20A. The sub-detector 30 wirelessly transmits a status signal corresponding to an event to the master detector 20A. When the master detector 20A receives a status signal from the sub-detector 30, it transmits a status signal including the address of the master detector 20A to the fire alarm receiver 10. When the fire alarm receiver 10 receives a status signal from the master detector 20A that includes the address of the master detector 20A stored in the memory unit, it outputs an alarm corresponding to the master detector 20A identified by this address.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire alarm system.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, when adding a fire detector, a radio repeater and a wireless detector are installed. When a message signal indicating a fire alarm is transmitted from the wireless detector at the time of fire detection, this message signal is transmitted to a P-type receiver by the radio repeater and an alarm is output.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In some fire alarm systems, each fire detector connected to a fire receiver has a unique address, and the fire receiver individually identifies and manages these fire detectors. When adding a fire detector in such a fire alarm system, the work of registering the address of the added fire detector with the fire receiver must be performed, which is troublesome for the addition work.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to reduce the burden of adding a fire detector in a fire alarm system in which each fire detector connected to a fire receiver has a unique address.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a fire alarm system comprising a fire receiver, a first fire detector connected to the fire receiver, and a second fire detector wirelessly connected to the first fire detector, wherein the fire receiver has a storage unit that stores an address that identifies the first fire detector, the second fire detector wirelessly transmits a signal corresponding to an event to the first fire detector, the first fire detector, upon receiving the signal from the second fire detector, transmits the signal corresponding to the event and the address of the first fire detector to the fire receiver, and the fire receiver, upon receiving the signal and the address of the first fire detector stored in the storage unit from the first fire detector, outputs an alarm corresponding to the first fire detector identified by the address. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in a fire alarm system where each fire detector connected to a fire alarm receiver has a unique address, the burden of adding fire detectors can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a fire alarm system. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a fire alarm receiver. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a master detector. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a sub-detector. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of abnormal alarm behavior in a fire alarm system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] 1. Structure (Configuration of the fire alarm system) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a fire alarm system 1 according to an embodiment. The fire alarm system 1 notifies people inside a building of the occurrence of a fire by detecting a fire inside the building and outputting an alarm. The fire alarm system 1 comprises a fire receiver 10, a plurality of existing fire detectors 20, and an additional fire detector 30. The plurality of existing fire detectors 20 are installed during installation work and are connected to the fire receiver 10 via a line L. These fire detectors 20 have unique addresses and are installed in various locations throughout the building. The additional fire detector 30 is installed in addition due to changes in building partitions, etc., and is not connected to line L. In the example shown in Figure 1, the fire receiver 10 and the plurality of existing fire detectors 20 are connected by wire, but they may be connected wirelessly. Also, although only one additional fire detector 30 is shown in Figure 1, there may be multiple additional fire detectors 30.

[0010] In the installation work, the worker replaces one of the multiple existing fire detectors 20 that is closest to the installation location of the additional fire detector 30 with a master detector 20A that functions as the master unit. The master detector 20A is assigned the same address as the fire detector 20 before replacement. The master detector 20A is an example of the "first fire detector" according to the present invention. The additional fire detector 30 functions as a slave unit under the master detector 20A. In the following description, the additional fire detector 30 will be referred to as the slave detector 30. The slave detector 30 is pre-paired with the master detector 20A and is connected to the master detector 20A so that it can communicate wirelessly. The slave detector 30 is an example of the "second fire detector" according to the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the fire alarm receiver 10. The fire alarm receiver 10 is installed in the building's disaster prevention center. The fire alarm receiver 10 outputs various alarms in response to signals received from the fire detectors 20. The fire alarm receiver 10 may be either a P-type or an R-type, but here we will explain using an example of an R-type. The fire alarm receiver 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, and an acoustic unit 16. The control unit 11 is connected to the storage unit 12, the communication unit 13, the operation unit 14, the display unit 15, and the acoustic unit 16 via a bus.

[0012] The control unit 11 controls each part of the fire alarm receiver 10 and performs various processes. The control unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU. The memory unit 12 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of the fire alarm receiver 10. The memory unit 12 includes memory such as RAM and EEPROM. The communication unit 13 is a communication interface connected to the line L. The communication unit 13 communicates with the fire detector 20 via the line L. The operation unit 14 receives operations for the fire alarm receiver 10. The operation unit 14 includes operation switches and a touch panel. The display unit 15 displays various information, including alarms. The display unit 15 includes LEDs, a 7-segment display, and a liquid crystal display. The sound unit 16 outputs various sounds, including alarm sounds. The sound unit 16 includes a speaker.

[0013] The storage unit 12 stores the database 121. The database 121 stores addresses that identify multiple existing fire detectors 20 during installation work. Note that the database 121 does not store addresses of additional child detectors 30.

[0014] The control unit 11 functions as a status confirmation unit 111, a fire detection unit 112, an alarm control unit 113, and a transmission unit 114. These functions are realized by the processor executing a program stored in memory. At least some of the functions of the control unit 11 may be realized by hardware modules such as electronic circuits.

[0015] The status confirmation unit 111 performs a process to confirm the status of the fire detectors 20. Specifically, the status confirmation unit 111 uses the addresses of the multiple fire detectors 20 to sequentially send status confirmation signals from the communication unit 13 to the multiple fire detectors 20 using a polling / selection method, and receives status signals from the responding fire detectors 20 via the communication unit 13. The status signals include measured values ​​of physical quantities generated by the fire, test results from the automated test, and the addresses of the fire detectors 20. The status confirmation unit 111 continuously repeats this process.

[0016] The status confirmation unit 111 determines that the fire detector 20 is functioning normally if it receives a status signal from the fire detector 20 and the test results of the automatic test included in this status signal indicate that the automatic test is functioning normally. On the other hand, if no status signal is received from the fire detector 20, or if a status signal is received from the fire detector 20 but the test results of the automatic test included in this status information indicate that the automatic test is not functioning normally, the status confirmation unit 111 determines that a device malfunction has occurred in the fire detector 20. This device malfunction includes failure, communication failure, and power supply abnormality.

[0017] The status confirmation unit 111 can distinguish between fire detectors 20 that responded normally and those that failed to respond due to equipment malfunction by comparing the address included in the status signal received from the fire detector 20 with the address stored in the database 121. If the address included in the status signal is included in the database 121, the fire detector 20 that responded normally is identified by that address. On the other hand, among the addresses in the database 121, addresses other than those of fire detectors 20 that responded normally are used to identify fire detectors 20 that failed to respond due to equipment malfunction.

[0018] The fire determination unit 112 determines whether a fire has occurred based on the status signal received from the fire detector 20. Specifically, when the measured value included in this status signal satisfies the fire condition, the fire determination unit 112 determines that a fire has occurred; when the fire condition is not satisfied, it determines that no fire has occurred. This fire condition may be a condition where the measured value exceeds a threshold value, or may be a condition where the measured value exceeds the threshold value and the state continues for a predetermined time.

[0019] Also, the fire determination unit 112 identifies the fire detector 20 that detected the fire by comparing the address of the database 121 stored in the storage unit 12 with the address received from the fire detector 20. When the address included in the status signal received from the fire detector 20 and determined to have detected a fire is included in the database 121, the fire detector 20 that detected the fire based on that address is identified.

[0020] When the fire determination unit 112 determines that a fire has occurred, the alarm control unit 113 outputs a fire alarm from the display unit 15 and the sound unit 16 based on the fire detector 20 that detected the fire identified by the fire determination unit 112. The output of the fire alarm includes an alarm display by the display unit 15 and an output of an alarm sound by the sound unit 16. This fire alarm indicates that a fire has occurred in the warning area of the fire detector 20 identified by the fire determination unit 112. For example, the fire alarm includes information such as the warning area and unique number of this fire detector 20.

[0021] Also, when the status confirmation unit 111 determines that a device abnormality has occurred in the fire detector 20, the alarm control unit 113 outputs a device abnormality alarm from the display unit 15 and the sound unit 16 based on the fire detector 20 in which the device abnormality identified by the status confirmation unit 111 has occurred. The output of the device abnormality alarm includes an alarm display by the display unit 15 and an output of an alarm sound by the sound unit 16. This device abnormality alarm indicates that a device abnormality has occurred in the fire detector 20 identified by the status confirmation unit 111. For example, the device abnormality alarm includes information such as the warning area and unique number of this fire detector 20.

[0022] When the fire detection unit 112 determines that a fire has occurred, the transmission unit 114 transmits a fire alarm signal from the communication unit 13 to the fire detector 20 that has detected the fire identified by the fire detection unit 112. This fire alarm signal is a signal to notify the fire detector 20 that a fire has been detected based on the status signal transmitted from the fire detector 20.

[0023] (Configuration of the master detector) Figure 3 illustrates the configuration of the master detector 20A. The master detector 20A is used to detect fire. The master detector 20A may be either a P-type or R-type, but here we will explain using an analog R-type example. The master detector 20A also has an automatic test function. The master detector 20A transmits status signals to the fire receiver 10 indicating the measured values ​​of physical quantities generated by the fire and the test results of the automatic test. The master detector 20A comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a wired communication unit 23, a wireless communication unit 24, a sensing unit 25, an operation unit 26, and a display unit 27. The control unit 21 is connected to the storage unit 22, the wired communication unit 23, the wireless communication unit 24, the sensing unit 25, the operation unit 26, and the display unit 27 via a bus.

[0024] The control unit 21 controls each part of the master detector 20A and performs various processing. The control unit 21 includes a processor such as a CPU. The memory unit 22 stores various data, including the program for realizing the functions of the master detector 20A and the address of the master detector 20A. The memory unit 22 includes memory such as RAM and EEPROM. The wired communication unit 23 is a communication interface connected to the line L. The wired communication unit 23 communicates with the fire alarm receiver 10 via the line L. The wireless communication unit 24 is a communication interface that communicates wirelessly with the slave detector 30. The wireless communication unit 24 includes an antenna and a wireless module.

[0025] The sensing unit 25 is used to detect fire. The sensing unit 25 measures physical quantities generated by the fire and stores the measured values ​​in the storage unit 22. Examples of these measured values ​​include smoke concentration and temperature, but they may also be infrared radiation levels or carbon monoxide concentration, or at least two of these may be included. The operation unit 26 receives operation from the master detector 20A. The operation unit 26 includes operation switches. The display unit 27 displays various information, including alarms. The display unit 27 includes red and green indicator lights using LEDs or the like. Note that the indicator lights included in the display unit 27 are not limited to red and green indicator lights, but may also include indicator lights of other colors such as yellow.

[0026] The control unit 21 functions as a first receiving unit 211, a first transmitting unit 212, a second receiving unit 213, an anomaly determination unit 214, a second transmitting unit 215, a display control unit 216, and a test unit 217. These functions are realized by the processor executing a program stored in memory. At least some of the functions of the control unit 21 may be realized by hardware modules such as electronic circuits.

[0027] The first receiving unit 211 receives signals transmitted from the fire alarm receiver 10 via the wired communication unit 23. These signals include a status confirmation signal for checking the status of the master detector 20A, and a fire alarm transfer signal for notifying that a fire has been detected based on the status signal transmitted from the master detector 20A.

[0028] The first transmitting unit 212 wirelessly transmits a status confirmation signal from the wireless communication unit 24 to the sub-detector 30 to check the status of the sub-detector 30.

[0029] The second receiving unit 213 receives a signal transmitted wirelessly from the sub-detector 30 via the wireless communication unit 24. This signal includes a status signal indicating the state of the sub-detector 30. The status signal includes the measured value of the sub-detector 30 and the test result of the automatic test of the sub-detector 30. The second receiving unit 213 stores the measured value of the sub-detector 30 and the test result of the automatic test of the sub-detector 30, which are included in the status signal received from the sub-detector 30, in the storage unit 22.

[0030] The test unit 217 periodically performs automatic testing of the master detector 20A. Specifically, the test unit 217 determines at predetermined intervals whether the master detector 20A is operating normally and stores the determination result as a test result in the storage unit 22.

[0031] The abnormality determination unit 214 determines whether or not a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30, based on the test results stored in the memory unit 22 and whether or not it has received a status signal from the slave detector 30. Specifically, if the automatic test results of the master detector 20A stored in the memory unit 22 indicate that it is operating normally, the abnormality determination unit 214 determines that no device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A. On the other hand, if the automatic test results of the master detector 20A stored in the memory unit 22 indicate that it is not operating normally, the abnormality determination unit 214 determines that a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A.

[0032] Furthermore, the abnormality determination unit 214 determines that no equipment malfunction has occurred in the sub-detector 30 if the results of the automatic test of the sub-detector 30 stored in the memory unit 22 indicate that it is operating normally. On the other hand, the abnormality determination unit 214 determines that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the sub-detector 30 if the results of the automatic test of the sub-detector 30 stored in the memory unit 22 indicate that it is not operating normally. In addition, the abnormality determination unit 214 also determines that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the sub-detector 30 if a status signal is not received from the sub-detector 30 in response to the transmission of a status confirmation signal. Furthermore, if a status signal is transmitted from the sub-detector 30 at predetermined intervals, and no status signal is received from the sub-detector 30 even after the predetermined interval has elapsed, the abnormality determination unit 214 also determines that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the sub-detector 30.

[0033] The second transmitter 215 transmits a signal from the wired communication unit 23 to the fire alarm receiver 10 in response to the reception of a signal by the first receiver 211 or the second receiver 213. When the first receiver 211 receives a status confirmation signal from the fire alarm receiver 10, the second transmitter 215 transmits a status signal from the wired communication unit 23 to the fire alarm receiver 10 indicating the status of at least one of the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30. This status signal includes the address of the master detector 20A, the measured value of at least one of the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30, and the test result of the automatic test of at least one of the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30. The measured value of the master detector 20A is an analog value of the physical quantity generated by the fire measured by the sensing unit 25. The measured value of the slave detector 30 is an analog value of the physical quantity generated by the fire measured by the slave detector 30. The test results of the automatic test of the master detector 20A are the test results of the automatic test performed by the test unit 217, and indicate whether the master detector 20A is operating normally or not. The test results of the automatic test of the slave detector 30 are the test results of the automatic test performed by the slave detector 30, and indicate whether the slave detector 30 is operating normally or not. Furthermore, if no status signal is received from the slave detector 30 and the abnormality determination unit 214 determines that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30, then the test results of the automatic test of the slave detector 30 will use information indicating that an equipment malfunction has occurred. If a fire occurs within the protected area of ​​the master detector 20A or the slave detector 30, the status signal will indicate that a fire has occurred, and therefore the status signal is an example of an "event-responding signal" according to the present invention. Furthermore, if an equipment malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A or the slave detector 30, the status signal will indicate that an equipment malfunction has occurred, and therefore the status signal is an example of an "event-responding signal" according to the present invention.

[0034] When the first receiving unit 211 receives a fire alarm signal, the display control unit 216 causes the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that the master detector 20A has detected a fire if the master detector 20A has detected a fire, and causes the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire if the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire. In this way, different alarm displays are shown depending on whether the master detector 20A or the sub-detector 30 detects a fire. For example, if these alarm displays are shown using the indicator lights on the display unit 27, at least one of the following may differ depending on whether the master detector 20A or the sub-detector 30 detects a fire: the color, lighting pattern, and brightness of the indicator lights. Methods for differentiating the lighting patterns include lighting one light and flashing the other, and differentiating the flashing cycles.

[0035] Furthermore, if the display unit 27 is capable of displaying an alarm when a device malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A, the display control unit 216 may cause the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A. In addition, if the malfunction determination unit 214 determines that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30, the display control unit 216 will cause the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30. Thus, different alarms are displayed depending on whether a device malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A or the slave detector 30. For example, if these alarms are displayed using the indicator light of the display unit 27, at least one of the colors, lighting patterns, and brightness of the indicator light may differ depending on whether a device malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A or the slave detector 30.

[0036] Other fire detectors 20, besides the master detector 20A, basically have the same configuration as the master detector 20A. However, other fire detectors 20 do not need to have a wireless communication unit 24 and related functional configurations.

[0037] (Configuration of sub-sensors) Figure 4 illustrates the configuration of the sub-detector 30. The sub-detector 30 is a wireless detector that detects fire. The sub-detector 30 may be for either the P-type or R-type, but here we will explain using an analog example for the R-type. The sub-detector 30 also has an automatic test function. The sub-detector 30 comprises a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a wireless communication unit 33, a sensing unit 34, an operation unit 35, and a display unit 36. The control unit 31 is connected to the storage unit 32, the wireless communication unit 33, the sensing unit 34, the operation unit 35, and the display unit 36 ​​via a bus.

[0038] The control unit 31 controls each part of the sub-detector 30 and performs various processing. The control unit 31 includes a processor such as a CPU. The storage unit 32 stores programs and various data for realizing the functions of the sub-detector 30. The storage unit 32 includes memory such as RAM and EEPROM. The wireless communication unit 33 is a communication interface that communicates wirelessly with the master detector 20A. The wireless communication unit 33 includes an antenna and a wireless module.

[0039] The sensing unit 34 is used to detect fire. The sensing unit 34 measures physical quantities generated by the fire and stores the measured values ​​in the storage unit 32. Examples of these measured values ​​include smoke concentration and temperature, but they may also be infrared radiation levels or carbon monoxide concentration, or at least two of these may be included. The operation unit 35 receives operation requests from the sub-detectors 30. The operation unit 35 includes operation switches. The display unit 36 ​​displays various information, including alarms. The display unit 36 ​​includes indicator lights using LEDs.

[0040] The control unit 31 functions as a receiving unit 311, a transmitting unit 312, and a testing unit 313. These functions are realized by the processor executing a program stored in memory. At least some of the functions of the control unit 31 may be realized by hardware modules such as electronic circuits.

[0041] The receiving unit 311 receives a status confirmation signal transmitted wirelessly from the master sensor 20A via the wireless communication unit 33.

[0042] When the receiving unit 311 receives a status confirmation signal, the transmitting unit 312 wirelessly transmits a status signal indicating the status of the sub-detector 30 from the wireless communication unit 33 to the master detector 20A. This status signal includes the measured value of the sub-detector 30 and the test result of the automatic test of the sub-detector 30. The measured value is the analog value of the physical quantity generated by the fire, as measured by the sensing unit 34. The test result is the result of the automatic test performed periodically by the test unit 313, and indicates whether the sub-detector 30 is functioning normally or not.

[0043] The test unit 313 performs automatic tests periodically. Specifically, the test unit 313 determines at predetermined intervals whether the sub-detector 30 is functioning correctly and stores the determination result as a test result in the storage unit 32.

[0044] 2. Operation (Abnormal notification action) Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the abnormal alarm operation of the fire alarm system 1. The status confirmation unit 111 of the fire receiver 10 uses the addresses of the multiple fire detectors 20 to sequentially check the status of the multiple fire detectors 20, and this is constantly repeated. Here, we will explain the operation of checking the status of the master detector 20A.

[0045] In step S11, the status confirmation unit 111 of the fire alarm receiver 10 transmits a status confirmation signal to the master detector 20A. This status confirmation signal includes the address of the master detector 20A. The first receiving unit 211 of the master detector 20A receives this status confirmation signal via the wired communication unit 23.

[0046] In step S12, when the first transmitting unit 212 of the master detector 20A receives a status confirmation signal including the address of the master detector 20A, it wirelessly transmits the status confirmation signal to the slave detector 30 from the wireless communication unit 24. The receiving unit 311 of the slave detector 30 receives this status confirmation signal via the wireless communication unit 33.

[0047] In step S13, when the transmitter 312 of the child detector 30 receives a status confirmation signal, it wirelessly transmits a status signal to the master detector 20A from the wireless communication unit 33. The test unit 313 of the child detector 30 periodically performs an automatic test to determine whether the child detector 30 is operating normally, and stores the test results in the storage unit 32. This status signal includes the latest measurement values ​​of the sensing unit 34 and the latest automatic test results of the test unit 313 stored in the storage unit 32. The second receiver 213 of the master detector 20A receives this status signal via the wireless communication unit 24 and stores the measurement values ​​of the child detector 30 and the automatic test results included in the status signal in the storage unit 22.

[0048] In step S14, when the second transmitter 215 of the master detector 20A receives a status signal from the slave detector 30, it transmits a status signal from the wired communication unit 23 to the fire alarm receiver 10 indicating the status of at least one of the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30. The test unit 217 of the master detector 20A periodically performs an automated test to determine whether the master detector 20A is operating normally and stores the test results in the storage unit 22. This status signal may include the address of the master detector 20A, the latest measured values ​​of the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30 stored in the storage unit 22, and the latest test results of the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30 stored in the storage unit 22. As another example, this status signal may include, in addition to the address of the master detector 20A, the larger of the latest measurement values ​​of the master detector 20A and the latest measurement values ​​of the slave detector 30 stored in the memory unit 22, and the worse of the latest test results of the master detector 20A and the latest test results of the slave detector 30 stored in the memory unit 22. The worse test result is, for example, a test result indicating that it is not operating properly.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 5, the master detector 20A acquires a status signal from the sub-detector 30 when it receives a status confirmation signal from the fire alarm receiver 10. However, it may also acquire a status signal from the sub-detector 30 periodically, regardless of the reception of a status confirmation signal from the fire alarm receiver 10. In this case, the transmitter 312 of the sub-detector 30 transmits a status signal wirelessly to the master detector 20A from the wireless communication unit 33 at predetermined intervals. When the second receiver 213 of the master detector 20A receives this status signal via the wireless communication unit 24, it stores the measured values ​​of the sub-detector 30 and the test results of the automatic test included in this status signal in the storage unit 22. Then, when the second transmitter 215 of the master detector 20A receives a status confirmation signal from the fire alarm receiver 10, it transmits a status signal indicating the status of at least one of the master detector 20A and the sub-detector 30 to the fire alarm receiver 10 from the wired communication unit 23. This status signal may include the address of the master detector 20A, the latest measurement values ​​of the master detector 20A, and the latest automated test results of the master detector 20A, as well as the latest measurement values ​​and the latest automated test results of the slave detector 30 stored in the memory unit 22.

[0050] In step S15, the fire alarm receiver 10 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in response to the reception of a status signal from the master detector 20A. This abnormality includes fire and equipment malfunction. Specifically, the fire determination unit 112 first identifies the master detector 20A by comparing the address included in the status signal with an address stored in the database 121. Next, the fire determination unit 112 determines whether a fire has occurred in the master detector 20A's protected area based on whether the measured values ​​included in the status signal received from the master detector 20A, such as smoke concentration or temperature, meet the fire conditions. Similarly, the status confirmation unit 111 also identifies the master detector 20A by comparing the address included in the status signal received from the master detector 20A with an address stored in the database 121. Next, the status confirmation unit 111 determines whether an equipment malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A based on whether the test results included in the status signal indicate that it is operating normally. For example, if the measured values ​​included in the status signal do not meet the fire conditions, and the test results included in the status signal indicate that the equipment is operating normally, it is determined that neither a fire nor an equipment malfunction has occurred (the determination in step S15 is NO), and this process ends.

[0051] On the other hand, if, for example, the measured value included in the status signal satisfies the fire conditions, it is determined that a fire has occurred in the protected area of ​​the master detector 20A (if the determination in step S15 is YES and it is determined that a fire has occurred), the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the alarm control unit 113 of the fire receiver 10 outputs a fire alarm from the display unit 15 and the sound unit 16 indicating that a fire has occurred in the protected area of ​​the master detector 20A. For example, the alarm control unit 113 displays a message indicating that a fire has occurred, along with information such as the protected area and unique number of the master detector 20A, on the display unit 15. The alarm control unit 113 also outputs an alarm sound from the sound unit 16 indicating that a fire has occurred.

[0052] Furthermore, if the status signal received from the master detector 20A includes the measurement value of the sub-detector 30, and the measurement value of the sub-detector 30 does not meet the fire conditions, then the fire is actually occurring in the sub-detector 30's detection zone, not the master detector 20A's detection zone. However, since the sub-detector 30's detection zone is near the master detector 20A's detection zone, users can confirm the fire by moving closer to the master detector 20A's detection zone.

[0053] In step S17, the transmitting unit 114 of the fire alarm receiver 10 transmits a fire alarm signal to the master detector 20A. This fire alarm signal includes the address of the master detector 20A. The first receiving unit 211 of the master detector 20A receives this fire alarm signal via the wired communication unit 23.

[0054] In step S18, when the display control unit 216 of the master detector 20A receives a fire alarm transfer signal that includes the address of the master detector 20A, it lights up the indicator light on the display unit 27 to display an alarm. For example, in step S14 described above, if a status signal including the measured value of the master detector 20A is transmitted, and this measured value of the master detector 20A is greater than the measured value of the slave detector 30, and a fire alarm transfer signal is received in response to the transmission of this status signal, it means that the master detector 20A has detected a fire. Therefore, the display control unit 216 displays an alarm indicating that the master detector 20A has detected a fire. For example, the display control unit 216 lights up a red indicator light to indicate that the master detector 20A has detected a fire. Users who see this alarm display will know that the master detector 20A has detected a fire.

[0055] On the other hand, for example, in step S14 described above, if a status signal including the measurement value of the sub-detector 30 is transmitted, and the measurement value of the sub-detector 30 is greater than the measurement value of the parent detector 20A, and a fire alarm transfer signal is received in response to the transmission of this status signal, it means that the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire. Therefore, the display control unit 216 displays an alarm indicating that the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire. This alarm indicating that the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire is a different display from the alarm indicating that the parent detector 20A has detected a fire. For example, if the alarm indicating that the parent detector 20A has detected a fire is the illumination of a red indicator light, the alarm indicating that the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire may be the illumination of a green indicator light. In this way, when the sub-detector 30 detects a fire, the parent detector 20A displays a different alarm than when the parent detector 20A detects a fire. As a result, users who see this alarm display will know that the sub-detector 30, not the parent detector 20A, has detected the fire.

[0056] On the other hand, in step S15 described above, if, for example, the test result included in the status signal received from the master detector 20A indicates that it is not functioning correctly, the status confirmation unit 111 of the fire alarm receiver 10 determines that a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A. Also, if a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A, the master detector 20A cannot receive a status confirmation signal or cannot transmit a status signal. Therefore, even if no status signal is received from the master detector 20A, the status confirmation unit 111 of the fire alarm receiver 10 determines that a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A. If it is determined that a device malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A in this way (if the determination in step S15 is YES and a device malfunction has occurred), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0057] In step S19, the alarm control unit 113 of the fire alarm receiver 10 outputs an equipment malfunction alarm from the display unit 15 and the sound unit 16, indicating that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A. For example, the alarm control unit 113 displays a message indicating that an equipment malfunction has occurred, along with information such as the protected area and unique number of the master detector 20A, on the display unit 15. The alarm control unit 113 also outputs an alarm sound from the sound unit 16 indicating that an equipment malfunction has occurred.

[0058] Furthermore, if the status signal received from the master detector 20A includes the test results of the automatic test of the sub-detector 30, and the test results of the sub-detector 30 indicate that it is not functioning correctly, then in reality, the equipment malfunction is in the sub-detector 30, not the master detector 20A. However, this malfunction alarm causes the user to perceive that the equipment malfunction is in the master detector 20A and to first move to the location where the master detector 20A is installed.

[0059] In step S20, if the display control unit 216 of the master detector 20A determines that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A or the slave detector 30 based on the test results etc. stored in the memory unit 22, it lights up the indicator light on the display unit 27 to display an alarm. For example, even if an equipment malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A, if the master detector 20A is capable of displaying an alarm, the display control unit 216 of the master detector 20A may light up the indicator light on the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A. For example, the display control unit 216 may flash a red indicator light to indicate that an equipment malfunction has occurred in the master detector 20A.

[0060] On the other hand, when the abnormality determination unit 214 of the master detector 20A determines that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30, the display control unit 216 of the master detector 20A illuminates the indicator light on the display unit 27 and displays an alarm indicating that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30. The alarm indication indicating that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30 is different from the alarm indication when a device malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A. For example, if the alarm indication when a device malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A is a flashing red indicator light, the alarm indication indicating that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30 may be a flashing green indicator light. In this way, the master detector 20A displays a different alarm indication when a device malfunction occurs in the slave detector 30 than when a device malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A. As a result, users who see this alarm indication will know that a device malfunction has occurred in the slave detector 30 and not the master detector 20A.

[0061] According to the embodiment described above, the newly added sub-detector 30 is wirelessly connected to the master detector 20A connected to the fire alarm receiver 10, and the master detector 20A transmits a status signal to the fire alarm receiver 10 on behalf of the sub-detector 30. Upon receiving this status signal, the fire alarm receiver 10 considers the master detector 20A to be the source of events such as fire or equipment malfunction and outputs an alarm. Therefore, it is sufficient to identify the master detector 20A, and there is no need to identify the sub-detector 30. Consequently, when adding the sub-detector 30, it is not necessary to register the address of this sub-detector 30 in the database 121 of the fire alarm receiver 10. This reduces the burden of the work required to add the sub-detector 30, and as a result, the cost of the addition work can be reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, when the sub-detector 30 detects a fire, the master detector 20A displays a different alarm than when the master detector 20A detects a fire. Therefore, users who see this alarm will understand that the sub-detector 30, not the master detector 20A, has detected the fire. In addition, when a malfunction occurs in the sub-detector 30, the master detector 20A displays a different alarm than when the master detector 20A detects a malfunction. Therefore, users who see this alarm will understand that the malfunction occurred in the sub-detector 30, not the master detector 20A.

[0063] 3. Variant The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as follows. The following modifications may be used individually or in combination.

[0064] (Variation 1) In the embodiment described above, the master detector 20A may be configured by later incorporating a wireless repeater into an existing fire detector 20. The wireless repeater is provided, for example, in the head portion of the fire detector 20, or between the base portion and the head portion of the fire detector 20. When the fire detector 20 is installed on the ceiling and the wireless repeater is installed on the primary side of the base portion, the wireless repeater may be installed in the space above the ceiling. The wireless repeater comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a wireless communication unit 24 as shown in Figure 3, and is wirelessly connected to the slave detector 30 for communication. Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the wireless repeater functions as a first transmitting unit 212 and a second receiving unit 213 as shown in Figure 3. In addition, the control unit 21 of the wireless repeater has the function of combining information indicating the status of the master detector 20A and information indicating the status of the slave detector 30.

[0065] Furthermore, in the case of a Type P system with an automatic testing function, the master detector 20A may activate if the measured value included in the status signal received by the wireless repeater from the slave detector 30 meets the fire conditions. Methods for activating this alarm include physically activating it by pressing a switch using a magnet or the like, or electrically activating it using an external signal.

[0066] Furthermore, the wireless repeater may be provided with a display unit separate from the display unit 27. In this case, if the master detector 20A detects a fire, an alarm may be displayed using the display unit 27, and if the slave detector 30 detects a fire, an alarm may be displayed using the display unit of the wireless repeater. Similarly, if an equipment malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A, an alarm may be displayed using the display unit 27, and if an equipment malfunction occurs in the slave detector 30, an alarm may be displayed using the display unit of the wireless repeater.

[0067] (Modification 2) In the embodiment described above, the tests performed on the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30 are not limited to automated tests, but may also be tests that simulate an actual fire. Furthermore, the tests on the master detector 20A and the slave detector 30 may be started by remote control.

[0068] (Variation 3) In the embodiments described above, the fire alarm system 1 is not limited to an R-type system, but may also be a P-type system with an automatic test function (hereinafter referred to as "Advanced P-type"). In the case of an Advanced P-type system, each fire detector 20 is assigned a unique address, and the fire alarm receiver 10 identifies the fire detector 20 by this address. However, when the sensing unit 25 detects a fire, the master detector 20A transmits a fire signal and the address of the master detector 20A to the fire alarm receiver 10. This transmission of the fire signal is achieved, for example, by short-circuiting the line L. As a method for transmitting the fire signal and the address of the master detector 20A, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-285502 may be used. When the fire alarm receiver 10 receives the fire signal and the address of the master detector 20A, it identifies the master detector 20A based on this address, determines that a fire has occurred in the protected area of ​​the master detector 20A, and outputs a fire alarm. Furthermore, when the sensing unit 25 detects a fire, the master detector 20A uses the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that the master detector 20A has detected a fire.

[0069] When the detection unit 34 of the sub-detector 30 detects a fire, it wirelessly transmits a fire signal to the master detector 20A. The fire signal is an example of an "event-responding signal" according to the present invention, as it indicates that a fire has occurred. When the master detector 20A receives the fire signal from the sub-detector 30, it transmits the fire signal and the address of the master detector 20A to the fire alarm receiver 10 using the method described above. When the fire alarm receiver 10 receives the fire signal and the address of the master detector 20A, it identifies the master detector 20A based on this address, determines that a fire has occurred in the area protected by the master detector 20A, and outputs a fire alarm. The master detector 20A also uses the display unit 27 to display an alarm indicating that the sub-detector 30 has detected a fire.

[0070] Even when adopting the configuration described in this modified example, it is not necessary to register the addresses of the additional child detectors 30 in the fire alarm receiver 10. Therefore, the burden of adding child detectors 30, such as registering the addresses of the child detectors 30 in the database 121 of the fire alarm receiver 10, can be reduced.

[0071] (Modification 4) In the embodiment described above, the display unit 27 of the master detector 20A is not limited to an indicator light, but may be a 7-segment display or a liquid crystal display. In this case, the display control unit 216 may make the information displayed on the display unit 27 different depending on whether the master detector 20A detects a fire or the child detector 30 detects a fire. For example, if the master detector 20A detects a fire, the display control unit 216 may display information on the display unit 27 indicating that the master detector 20A has detected a fire, and if the child detector 30 detects a fire, the display control unit 216 may display information on the display unit 27 indicating that the child detector 30 has detected a fire. Similarly, the display control unit 216 may make the information displayed on the display unit 27 different depending on whether an equipment malfunction occurs in the master detector 20A or the child detector 30.

[0072] (Variation 5) In the embodiment described above, the address of the master detector 20A may be included in the status signal or transmitted separately from the status signal. Furthermore, the signal transmitted by the second transmitting unit 215 of the master detector 20A to the fire receiver 10 is not limited to the status signal described in the embodiment, but may also be a fire signal, a signal converted from smoke concentration or measured temperature, a fault signal, or a test result signal.

[0073] (Experimental variation 6) In the embodiments described above, the configuration, functions, and operation of the fire alarm system 1, fire receiver 10, fire detector 20, master detector 20A, and sub-detector 30 are not limited to the examples described above. The fire alarm system 1, fire receiver 10, fire detector 20, master detector 20A, and sub-detector 30 may have configurations different from those described in the embodiments described above, or they may be configured without some of the configurations. The fire alarm system 1, fire receiver 10, fire detector 20, master detector 20A, and sub-detector 30 may have functions different from those described in the embodiments described above, or they may be configured without some of the functions. Furthermore, in the fire alarm system 1, the functions of one device may be distributed among multiple devices, or the functions of multiple devices may be combined into one device. The processing procedures of the fire alarm system 1, fire receiver 10, fire detector 20, master detector 20A, and sub-detector 30 may be rearranged or some processing procedures may be omitted, as long as they are not contradictory.

[0074] (Example 7) Another embodiment of the present invention may provide a method having steps of processing performed in at least one of the following: a fire alarm system 1, a fire receiver 10, a fire detector 20, a master detector 20A, and a sub-detector 30. Yet another embodiment of the present invention may provide a program to be executed in the fire receiver 10, the fire detector 20, the master detector 20A, and the sub-detector 30. This program may be provided stored on a computer-readable recording medium or provided by download via the Internet or the like.

[0075] (Variation 8) In the embodiment described above, the parent detector 20A and the child detector 30 may be of different types. For example, the parent detector 20A may be a smoke detector and the child detector 30 may be a heat detector. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1: Fire alarm system, 10: Fire alarm receiver, 11: Control unit, 12: Memory unit, 13: Communication unit, 14: Operation unit, 15: Display unit, 16: Acoustic unit, 20: Fire detector, 20A: Master detector, 21: Control unit, 22: Memory unit, 23: Wired communication unit, 24: Wireless communication unit, 25: Detection unit, 26: Operation unit, 27: Display unit, 30: Sub-detector, 31: Control unit, 32: Memory unit, 33: Wireless communication unit 34: Sensing Unit, 35: Operation Unit, 36: Display Unit, 111: Status Confirmation Unit, 112: Fire Detection Unit, 113: Alarm Control Unit, 114: Transmission Unit, 121: Database, 211: First Receiving Unit, 212: First Transmitting Unit, 213: Second Receiving Unit, 214: Anomaly Detection Unit, 215: Second Transmitting Unit, 216: Display Control Unit, 217: Testing Unit, 311: Receiving Unit, 312: Transmitting Unit, 313: Testing Unit

Claims

1. Fire alarm receiver and A first fire detector connected to the fire receiver, The system comprises a second fire detector wirelessly connected to the first fire detector, The fire alarm receiver has a storage unit that stores an address for identifying the first fire detector, The second fire detector wirelessly transmits a signal corresponding to the event to the first fire detector. When the first fire detector receives the signal from the second fire detector, it transmits a signal corresponding to the event and the address of the first fire detector to the fire receiver. When the fire alarm receiver receives the signal from the first fire detector and the address of the first fire detector stored in the storage unit, it outputs an alarm corresponding to the first fire detector identified by the address. A fire alarm system characterized by the following:

2. The first fire detector is equipped with a display unit, and when it receives the signal from the second fire detector, it displays a different alarm than when the first fire detector detects the event. The fire alarm system according to feature 1.

3. The first fire detector is equipped with a display unit, and when it determines that a malfunction has occurred in the second fire detector, it transmits the signal corresponding to the malfunction and the address of the first fire detector to the fire receiver, and displays a different alarm than when the first fire detector malfunctions. The fire alarm system according to feature 1.

4. The first fire detector has a wireless repeater that is wirelessly connected to the second fire detector. The second fire detector wirelessly transmits a signal corresponding to the event to the wireless repeater. When the wireless repeater receives the signal from the second fire detector, the first fire detector transmits a signal corresponding to the event and the address of the first fire detector to the fire receiver. The fire alarm system according to feature 1.

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