Alarm system and transfer device

Abstract

To allow an external apparatus side to recognize the result of a test of confirming an operation of a detector for detecting an abnormality.SOLUTION: An alarm system includes an alarm unit and an alarm signal transmission device 20. The alarm unit runs a test of confirming an operation of the alarm unit and sends the result of the test. The alarm signal transmission unit 20 outputs an alarm signal to an external apparatus 30 not included in the alarm system according to the received result of the test.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for performing a test to confirm the operation of a detector that detects an abnormality.

Background Art

[0002] A technique for confirming, by a test, the interlocking operation between a plurality of groups each composed of a plurality of alarms is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing a test to confirm the operation of a detector that detects an abnormality, there is a desire on the user side of an external device to know the result of this test. However, in the prior art, the external device side cannot recognize the result of this test.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to enable the external device side to recognize the result of a test for confirming the operation of a detector that detects an abnormality.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an alarm system including a detector that detects an abnormality and a transfer device, wherein the detector has a test unit that performs a test for confirming the operation of the detector and a transmission unit that transmits the result of the test, and the transfer device outputs a transfer signal to an external device not included in the alarm system according to the received result of the test.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to recognize the result of a test for confirming the operation of a detector that detects an abnormality on the external device side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an alarm system 1 according to the present embodiment. The alarm system 1 is a system that alarms the occurrence of a fire in a coordinated manner within a group. The alarm system 1 includes a plurality of alarm devices 10 that function as slave units (hereinafter referred to as "slave unit 10a"), an alarm device 10 that functions as a master unit (hereinafter referred to as "master unit 10b"), and a transfer device 20. In the following description, the slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b are also collectively referred to as the alarm device 10. The slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the transfer device 20 belong to the same group and are wirelessly connected. The transfer device 20 is connected to an external device 30 not included in the alarm system 1 via a signal line 40. The number of slave units 10a shown in FIG. 1 is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0010] The alarm device 10 is installed on the ceiling or wall of a building to be managed, such as a house, commercial building, or office building, and detects a fire and gives an alarm. The alarm device 10 may be any device that detects a fire and gives 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 at a position where it can communicate wirelessly with a plurality of slave units 10a and the transfer device 20, and transfers the signal received from the slave unit 10a to the transfer device 20.

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

[0012] The external device 30 is a control device that is managed and operated, for example, in a management room and monitors the building to be managed. When a transfer output is performed from the transfer device 20, the external device 30 performs processing corresponding to this transfer output. This processing is, for example, processing of transmitting a signal to a control center of a management company that manages the building according to the transfer output from the transfer device 20. Note that the external device 30 may be connected and operated with an alarm device such as an additional buzzer or a flashlight, a smoke control device such as a shutter or a fire door, or a residential information panel of an intercom system. The processing corresponding to the transfer output is not limited to the processing of transmitting a signal, and may be any processing.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the alarm device 10. The alarm device 10 includes 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. Each part of the alarm device 10 is connected via a bus or a power line.

[0014] The control unit 101 controls each part of the own device and performs various processes. The control unit 101 includes, for example, one or more processors such as a CPU and a main memory such as a RAM, and the processor reads and executes the program stored in the storage unit 102 into the main memory. The storage unit 102 stores various data such as a program for realizing the functions of the own device, an address set for the own device, a group ID of the group to which the own device belongs, and status information of the own device. Further, the storage unit 102 of the master device 10b stores the status information of all the alarms 10 in the group. The address is a number that uniquely identifies the alarm 10 in the group. A plurality of alarms 10 belonging to the same group are preset with consecutive numbers as addresses. The storage unit 102 includes at least one of, for example, a ROM, an EEPROM, and a flash memory. The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for performing wireless communication with other devices according to 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 the operation of the operator. The operation unit 104 includes various operation buttons including, for example, a test button. The display unit 105 displays various information. The display unit 105 includes a plurality of LEDs with different emission colors, and various information is indicated by the lighting pattern of each LED. 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 the fire. The fire detection method is, for example, a photoelectric type or a fixed temperature type. In the case of the photoelectric type, the fire detection unit 107 measures and outputs the surrounding smoke density. In the case of the fixed temperature type, the fire detection unit 107 measures and outputs the surrounding temperature. Note that the fire detection method is not limited to the photoelectric type or the fixed temperature type, and any method that can detect a fire, such as an infrared type or a composite type, may be used. The power supply unit 108 supplies power to each part of the own device. The power supply unit 108 includes, for example, a battery and a power supply circuit.

[0016] The control unit 101 functions as an abnormality detection unit 111, an update unit 112, a test unit 113, a notification control unit 114, a transmission unit 115, and a reception unit 116. These functions are realized by the processor of the control unit 101 executing a program stored in the storage unit 102 to perform calculations or control each part of the own device.

[0017] The abnormality detection unit 111 detects device abnormalities of the own device. This device abnormality includes, for example, battery depletion, sensor abnormality, and radio wave abnormality. Battery depletion indicates a state where the remaining battery level has decreased. For example, when the voltage value of the battery is less than the operating voltage value for a predetermined number of consecutive times, the abnormality detection unit 111 detects battery depletion. Sensor abnormality indicates a state where there is an abnormality in the output of the fire detection unit 107. For example, when the output of the fire detection unit 107 is outside the normal range for a predetermined number of consecutive times, the abnormality detection unit 111 detects sensor abnormality. In the case of a photoelectric fire detection unit 107, when a component failure or contamination of the fire detection unit 107 occurs, the output of the fire detection unit 107 goes outside the normal range. When the output of the fire detection unit 107 goes outside the normal range and this state is determined for a predetermined number of consecutive times, the abnormality detection unit 111 detects sensor abnormality. Radio wave abnormality indicates a state where there is an abnormality in the wireless communication between the own device and other devices. For example, when the abnormality detection unit 111 transmits a response request signal requesting a response from another device and no response signal is received from the other device or the intensity of the response signal received from the other device is lower than the reference value, the abnormality detection unit 111 detects radio wave abnormality.

[0018] When there is a change in the state of the own device, the update unit 112 updates the state information stored in the storage unit 102. For example, when the abnormality detection unit 111 detects a device abnormality, the update unit 112 updates the state information stored in the storage unit 102 to indicate the device abnormality. Also, when there is a change in the state of the alarm device 10 within the group, the update unit 112 of the master device 10b updates the state information stored in the storage unit 102. For example, the update unit 112 of the master device 10b updates the state information of the slave device 10a stored in the storage unit 102 according to the result of the test received from the slave device 10a.

[0019] The test unit 113 conducts a test to confirm the operation of the own device. The operation of the own device includes not only the internal operation of the own device but also the operations performed between the own device and other devices. This test includes an internal test to confirm the presence or absence of device abnormalities other than radio wave abnormalities and a communication test to confirm the presence or absence of radio wave abnormalities. In the internal test, the presence or absence of battery depletion or sensor abnormalities is determined using the state information stored in the storage unit 102. In the communication test, a response request signal for requesting a response is transmitted, and the presence or absence of radio wave abnormalities is determined based on the reception status of the response signal corresponding to this response request signal.

[0020] The notification control unit 114 notifies the result of the test conducted by the test unit 113. For example, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message indicating the test result and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to light up according to the lighting pattern indicating the test result. When a device abnormality is detected by the test, the notification control unit 114 performs different notifications depending on the type of device abnormality. For example, when battery depletion is detected, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message "Battery depletion" and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to blink once at a predetermined blinking cycle. When a sensor abnormality is detected, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message "Sensor abnormality" and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to blink three times at a predetermined blinking cycle. When a radio wave abnormality is detected, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message "Radio wave abnormality" and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to blink twice at a predetermined blinking cycle. Here, the difference is indicated by the number of blinks, but the display color or blinking cycle of the LED may be different.

[0021] The transmission unit 115 transmits the results of the tests conducted by the test unit 113. If a device abnormality is detected in the test, the type of this device abnormality is included in the test results. Also, when the test results are transmitted from the slave unit 10a to the master unit 10b, the master unit 10b's transmission unit 115 transfers the test results received from the slave unit 10a to the transfer device 20 so that the transfer device 20 can receive the test results transmitted from the slave unit 10a even when a transfer device 20 belonging to the same group is installed outside the wireless communication range of the slave unit 10a. Further, when the state information stored in the storage unit 102 is updated by the update unit 112, the transmission unit 115 of the master unit 10b transmits the state information stored in the storage unit 102 to the transfer device 20.

[0022] The reception unit 116 receives various signals from other devices. This signal includes, for example, a response signal transmitted from another device in a communication test.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transfer device 20. The 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 transfer output unit 207, and a power supply unit 208. Each part of the 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. However, the storage unit 202 stores information such as a group ID necessary for receiving abnormality information such as a fire occurring within the group.

[0024] The transfer output unit 207 outputs a transfer signal to the external device 30 according to the results of the tests conducted in the alarm device 10. The transfer output unit 207 includes a contact connected to the external device 30. This contact is, for example, a break contact and is normally in a closed state. In this example, the transfer output unit 207 has a contact relay, but it may have a non-contact relay.

[0025] The control unit 201 functions as a receiving unit 211, a determination unit 212, a notification control unit 213, and a contact control unit 214. These functions are realized by the processor of the control unit 201 executing the program stored in the storage unit 202 to perform calculations or control each part of the own device.

[0026] The receiving unit 211 receives the test result from the alarm device 10. The receiving unit 211 may directly receive the test result from the slave device 10a or the master device 10b in which the test was performed, or may receive the test result transferred by the master device 10b.

[0027] The determination unit 212 determines the presence or absence of a device abnormality in the alarm device 10 based on the test result received by the receiving unit 211. For example, when it is shown by the test result that there is a device abnormality, it is determined that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10.

[0028] The notification control unit 213 notifies the test result received by the receiving unit 211. When the determination unit 212 determines that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10, the notification control unit 213 lights up the LED of the display unit 205 according to a lighting pattern different according to the type of device abnormality. For example, when the type of device abnormality is battery depletion, the notification control unit 213 lights up the LED of the display unit 205 once at a predetermined blinking cycle. When the type of device abnormality is sensor abnormality, the notification control unit 213 lights up the LED of the display unit 205 three times at a predetermined blinking cycle. When the type of device abnormality is radio wave abnormality, the notification control unit 213 lights up the LED of the display unit 205 twice at a predetermined blinking cycle. Here, the difference is shown by the number of blinks, but the display color or blinking cycle of the LED may be different.

[0029] The contact control unit 214 controls the contacts of the report output unit 207 according to the determination result of the determination unit 212. For example, the contact control unit 214 switches the connection state of the contacts by utilizing the electromagnetic force of a coil that pairs with the contacts. If the determination unit 212 determines that there is an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10, the contact control unit 214 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 there is an equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10 to the external device 30. On the other hand, if, while a report signal is being output from the report output unit 207, the determination unit 212 determines that there is no equipment abnormality in the alarm device 10, the contact control unit 214 switches the connection state of the contacts of the report output unit 207, and stops the output of this report signal.

[0030] 2. Operation 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams showing an example of an operation performed when a test is performed to check the operation of the slave unit 10a. This operation is started when an operation to start the test is performed on the slave unit 10a.

[0031] When the operator presses the test button of the child device 10a in step S11, the test unit 113 of the child device 10a first determines whether or not there is a dead battery or a sensor abnormality in order to perform an internal test in step S12. This internal test is an example of a first test according to the present invention. Prior to this process, the abnormality detection unit 111 checks the state of the child device at a predetermined time interval. When the abnormality detection unit 111 detects a dead battery or a sensor abnormality, the update unit 112 updates the state information stored in the storage unit 102 of the child device 10a to one indicating a dead battery or a sensor abnormality. When the test button is pressed, the test unit 113 determines whether or not there is a dead battery or a sensor abnormality based on the state information stored in the storage unit 102 of the child device 10a. Here, it is assumed that the child device 10a has run out of battery. In this case, since this state information indicates a dead battery, the test unit 113 determines in step S12 that the battery is dead (the determination in step S12 is YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0032] In step S13, the notification control unit 114 of the slave unit 10a notifies the result of the test performed in step S12 by using the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106. For example, when it is determined that the battery is dead, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message "The battery is dead" and causes the LED of the display unit 105 to blink once at a predetermined blinking cycle.

[0033] In step S14, the transmission unit 115 of the slave unit 10a wirelessly transmits a test result signal indicating the result of the test performed in step S12. Note that either the process of step S13 or the process of step S14 may be performed first, or they may be performed in parallel. This test result signal includes the status information stored in the storage unit 102 of the slave unit 10a. Further, the slave unit 10a's address and group ID are added to the test result signal so that other devices belonging to the same group can know which device performed the test. Since the group ID included in the test result signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b, the receiving unit 116 of the master unit 10b receives the test result signal transmitted from the slave unit 10a.

[0034] In step S15, the update unit 112 of the master unit 10b updates the status information of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b according to the received test result signal. For example, when the test result signal includes status information indicating that the battery is dead, the update unit 112 updates the status information of the slave unit 10a identified by the address included in this test result signal among the status information stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b to indicate that the battery is dead.

[0035] In step S16, after confirming that the transmission of the test result signal from the slave unit 10a that performed the test has stopped, the transmission unit 115 of the master unit 10b wirelessly transfers this test result signal to the transfer device 20. Since the group ID included in the test result signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 202, the receiving unit 211 of the transfer device 20 receives the test result signal transferred from the master unit 10b.

[0036] In step S17, the determination unit 212 of the transfer device 20 determines that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10 because the received test result signal includes status information indicating a device abnormality. In step S18, the notification control unit 213 of the transfer device 20 notifies the result of the test indicated by the received test result signal using the display unit 205. For example, when the test result signal includes status information indicating a battery depletion, the notification control unit 213 causes the LED of the display unit 205 to blink once at a predetermined blinking cycle.

[0037] In step S19, the contact control unit 214 of the transfer device 20 controls the contacts of the transfer output unit 207 according to the determination in step S17, so as to output a transfer signal from the transfer output unit 207 to the external device 30 to notify the external device 30 that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10. Note that the process of step S18 and the process of step S19 may be performed in any order, or may be performed in parallel. For example, normally, the contacts are in a closed state and current is flowing through the external device 30. However, when receiving a test result signal including status information indicating a device abnormality, the contact control unit 214 switches the contacts to an open state. When the contacts are switched to the open state, the conduction at both ends of the contacts is lost and current no longer flows through the external device 30. Thereby, the external device 30 recognizes that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10. Then, the external device 30, for example, transmits a signal indicating the device abnormality of the alarm device 10 to the control center of the management company. Thereby, the management company can recognize that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10 installed in the building to be managed and can take measures against the device abnormality. Note that the output of this transfer signal continues until the device abnormality is recovered.

[0038] Here, assume that the operator moves to the installation location of the slave unit 10a with a dead battery and replaces the battery of the slave unit 10a. After replacing the battery, the operator presses the test button of the slave unit 10a to check whether it has recovered from the dead battery. When the test button is pressed, the processing after step S11 described above is performed again. However, since the battery of the slave unit 10a has been replaced this time, if there is no sensor abnormality, it is determined in step S12 that there is no dead battery or sensor abnormality (the determination in step S12 is NO). In this case, the process proceeds to step S21 shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] In step S21, the test unit 113 of the slave unit 10a wirelessly transmits a response request signal requesting a response from the master unit 10b in order to perform a communication test. Since this communication test is performed following the internal test, it is an example of the second test according to the present invention. This response request signal includes the address of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102 of the slave unit 10a and the group ID so that other devices belonging to the same group can know which device has performed the test. If there is no radio wave abnormality, this response request signal reaches the master unit 10b. The receiving unit 116 of the master unit 10b receives the response request signal transmitted from the slave unit 10a because the group ID included in the response request signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b.

[0040] In step S22, the test unit 113 of the master unit 10b wirelessly transmits a response signal to the slave unit 10a in response to the received response request signal. This wireless signal includes the address of the master unit 10b stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b and the group ID so that other devices belonging to the same group can know which device has responded. The receiving unit 116 of the slave unit 10a receives the response signal transmitted from the master unit 10b because the group ID included in the response signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 102 of the slave unit 10a.

[0041] In step S23, the test unit 113 of the slave unit 10a determines the presence or absence of radio wave anomalies. For example, if the intensity of the response signal received from the master unit 10b is less than the reference value, or if no response signal is received from the master unit 10b, the test unit 113 determines that there is a radio wave anomaly. On the other hand, if a response signal is received from the master unit 10b and the intensity of this response signal is equal to or greater than the reference value, the test unit 113 determines that there is no radio wave anomaly.

[0042] In step S24, the notification control unit 114 of the slave unit 10a notifies the result of the test for confirming the operation using the display unit 105 and the sound output unit 106. For example, if there are no device anomalies, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message saying "It is normal." From this notification, it can be understood that the slave unit 10a has started operating normally. Then, the test for confirming the operation of the slave unit 10a ends.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that there is a radio wave anomaly, in step S24, an audio message saying "There is a radio wave anomaly" is output from the sound output unit 106, and the LED of the display unit 105 may blink twice at a predetermined blinking cycle. From this notification, it can be understood that there is a radio wave anomaly in the slave unit 10a.

[0044] In step S25, when the update unit 112 of the master unit 10b receives a response request signal from the slave unit 10a, the update unit 112 updates the status information of the slave unit 10a stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b. Receiving a response request signal from the slave unit 10a indicates that the slave unit 10a is in a normal state. Therefore, the update unit 112 updates the status information stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b to indicate a normal state. If the response request signal transmitted from the slave unit 10a due to a radio wave anomaly does not reach the master unit 10b, the processing after step S25 is not performed.

[0045] In step S26, when the state information stored in the storage unit 102 of the master device 10b is updated, the transmission unit 115 of the master device 10b wirelessly transmits a test result signal including the test result of the slave device 10a. This test result signal includes the state information of all the alarms 10 within the group stored in the storage unit 102 of the master device 10b. Also, the master device 10b's address and group ID are added to the test result signal. Here, it is assumed that the state information of all the alarms 10 within the group indicates a normal state. Since the group ID included in the test result signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 202, the receiving unit 211 of the transfer device 20 receives the test result signal transferred from the master device 10b.

[0046] In step S27, when the determination unit 212 of the transfer device 20 determines that the received test result signal does not include state information indicating a device abnormality, that is, when all the state information included in the test result signal indicates a normal state, it determines that there is no device abnormality in any of the alarms 10 within the group. In step S28, the contact control unit 214 of the transfer device 20 controls the contacts of the transfer output unit 207 according to the determination in step S27, thereby stopping the output of the transfer signal from the transfer output unit 207. For example, the contact control unit 214 switches the contacts of the transfer output unit 207 to the normal closed state. When the contacts are switched to the closed state, both ends of the contacts are electrically connected, and current flows to the external device 30. As a result, on the external device 30 side, it is recognized that the device abnormality of the alarm 10 has been recovered.

[0047] In the above operation example, the communication test is started only when it is determined in the internal test that there is no dead battery or sensor abnormality. However, regardless of the test result of the internal test, the communication test may be performed following the internal test. In this case, the process of step S14 is not performed, and the test result of the internal test may be included in the response request signal and transmitted in the process of step S21. For example, when a response request signal is received from the slave 10a and the test result of the internal test included in the response request signal indicates a normal state, it indicates that the slave 10a is in a normal state. In this case, the master 10b may update the state information stored in the storage unit 102 to one indicating a normal state and transmit a test result signal to the report transfer device 20.

[0048] Also, the process of step S21 and the process of step S22 may be repeated a predetermined number of times. In this case, when the slave 10a receives a response signal from the master 10b, it transmits a response request signal to the master 10b again. The second or subsequent transmission of a response request signal from the slave 10a means that the response signal transmitted from the master 10b has reached the slave 10a. Therefore, when the master 10b receives a response request signal from the slave 10a at least once after transmitting a response signal to the slave 10a, it may recognize that no radio wave abnormality has occurred and that the slave 10a is in a normal state, update the state information stored in the storage unit 102 to one indicating a normal state, and transmit a test result signal to the report transfer device 20.

[0049] 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation performed when a test is performed to check the operation of the parent device 10b. This operation is started, for example, when an operation to start this test is performed in the parent device 10b.

[0050] When the operator presses the test button of the parent device 10b in step S31, the test unit 113 of the parent device 10b determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the device in order to perform a test to check the operation of the parent device in step S32. For example, the test unit 113 determines whether or not there is a dead battery or an abnormality in the sensor based on the status information stored in the memory unit 102 of the parent device 10b, similar to the above-mentioned step S11.

[0051] In step S33, the notification control unit 114 of the master unit 10b uses the sound output unit 106 to notify the result of the test performed in step S32. For example, if it is determined that the operation is normal, the notification control unit 114 causes the sound output unit 106 to output an audio message "It is normal".

[0052] In step S34, the transmission unit 115 of the master unit 10b wirelessly transmits a test result signal including the result of the test performed in step S32. This test result signal includes the status information of all the alarms 10 in the group stored in the storage unit 102 of the master unit 10b. Also, the address and group ID of the master unit 10b are added to the test result signal so that it can be known which device has performed the test for other devices belonging to the same group. This test result signal is an example of the wireless signal according to the present invention. Since the group ID included in the test result signal matches the group ID stored in the storage unit 202, the receiving unit 211 of the transfer device 20 receives the test result signal transmitted from the master unit 10b.

[0053] In step S35, the determination unit 212 of the transfer device 20 determines the presence or absence of a device abnormality in the alarm 10 based on the received test result signal. If the test result signal includes status information indicating a device abnormality, it is determined that there is a device abnormality in the alarm 10 (the determination in step S35 is YES), and the process proceeds to step S18 described above. On the other hand, if the test result signal does not include status information indicating a device abnormality, it is determined that there is no device abnormality in any of the alarms 10 in the group (the determination in step S35 is NO), and the process proceeds to step S36.

[0054] In step S36, the notification control unit 213 of the transfer notification device 20 causes the display unit 205 to display the intensity of the received test result signal. Specifically, the notification control unit 213 performs different displays according to the intensity of the received test result signal. The intensity of the test result signal is divided into a "strong" level and a "weak" level by comparison with a threshold value. For example, when the intensity of the test result signal is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined as "strong", and when it is less than the threshold value, it is determined as "weak". When the intensity of the test result signal is "strong", the notification control unit 213 causes the LED of the first emission color of the display unit 205 to blink at a predetermined period. On the other hand, when the intensity of the test result signal is "weak", the notification control unit 213 causes the LED of the second emission color of the display unit 205 to blink at a predetermined period. This display of the signal intensity is continuously performed for a predetermined time after the test result signal is received. By this display, the reception intensity of the signal in the transfer notification device 20 can be known. Here, the difference in reception intensity is displayed by the display color of the LED, but the blink period and the number of blinks of the LED may be made different.

[0055] According to the above-described embodiment, since the transfer notification signal corresponding to the result of the test of the alarm 10 is output to the external device 30, the external device 30 can recognize the result of this test. Further, in the test of the master unit 10b, since the intensity of the signal received from the master unit 10b is displayed on the display unit 205 of the transfer notification device 20, the reception intensity of the signal in the transfer notification device 20 can be recognized by viewing this display. Furthermore, when the master unit 10b receives the response request signal from the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b updates the state information to indicate the normal state, and transmits a test result signal including this state information to the transfer notification device 20. Therefore, while the transfer notification signal indicating that there is a device abnormality in the slave unit 10a is being output from the transfer notification device 20, if the slave unit 10a recovers from the device abnormality and the test of the slave unit 10a is performed, the output of the transfer notification signal can be quickly stopped.

[0056] 3. Modification The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments may be modified and implemented as follows. The embodiments and the modifications may be used in combination or may be switched and used during execution. Similarly, the following modifications may be used in combination or may be switched and used during execution.

[0057] Modification Example 1 In the above-described embodiments, the display of the signal strength is not limited to the examples described in the embodiments. For example, the strength of the test result signal may be divided into three or more levels by comparison with a plurality of threshold values, and displays corresponding to the respective levels may be performed. For example, the strength of the test result signal may be divided into five levels of "very strong", "strong", "normal", "weak", and "very weak", and different displays may be performed according to the respective levels. Further, when the display unit 205 includes a display, a numerical value indicating the signal strength may be displayed on the display unit 205. According to this configuration, the reception strength of the signal in the transfer device 20 can be recognized in more detail.

[0058] Further, the display of the signal strength may be performed not only when the test of the master unit 10b is performed but also when the test of the slave unit 10a is performed. For example, when the transfer device 20 receives a test result signal according to the test of the slave unit 10a, the strength of this test result signal may be displayed. Furthermore, the display of the signal strength may be performed not only when it is determined that there is no device abnormality in the alarm 10 within the group but also when it is determined that there is a device abnormality in the alarm 10 within the group. For example, when the transfer device 20 receives a test result signal, the strength of the test result signal may be displayed regardless of whether there is a device abnormality in the alarm 10 within the group.

[0059] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the display of the signal strength, an audio message corresponding to the level may be output from the audio output unit 206. For example, when the strength of the test result signal is "strong", an audio such as "The signal strength is strong" may be output from the audio output unit 206. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to recognize the reception strength of the signal in the transfer device 20.

[0060] Modification Example 2 In the above-described embodiment, the device abnormality of the alarm device 10 is not limited to battery depletion, sensor abnormality, and radio wave abnormality. Any abnormality related to the device of the alarm device 10 may be the device abnormality. Further, the test for confirming the operation of the alarm device 10 is not limited to the internal test and the communication test described above. Any test for confirming the operation of the alarm device 10 may be the test.

[0061] Modification Example 3 In the above-described embodiment, when the transfer device 20 is installed within the wireless communication range of the slave unit 10a, the signal transmitted from the slave unit 10a directly reaches the transfer device 20. In this case, the transfer device 20 may directly receive the signal from the slave unit 10a and perform processing according to the received signal.

[0062] Modification Example 4 In the above-described embodiment, when the transfer device 20 is installed within the wireless communication range of the slave unit 10a, the signal transmitted from the slave unit 10a directly reaches the transfer device 20. In this case, the transfer device 20 may directly receive the signal from the slave unit 10a and perform processing according to the received signal.

[0063] Modification Example 5 In the above-described embodiment, the alarm contents of the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the transfer device 20 are merely examples and are not limited thereto. For example, also in the transfer device 20, a voice message may be output from the sound output unit 206, similarly to the slave unit 10a and the master unit 10b.

[0064] Modification Example 6 The fire detector according to the present invention is not limited to the alarm device 10 and does not necessarily need to give an alarm. For example, the fire detector may be a sensor or a fire sensor that does not have an alarm function.

[0065] Modification Example 7 In the above-described embodiments, the configuration of the alarm system 1 is not limited to the above-described examples. The alarm system 1 may be configured to include one or more of the above-described devices, or may be configured without including 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 a plurality of alarm devices 10 without such distinction. The configurations of the alarm device 10 and the transfer reporting device 20 may also be configured to include one or more of the above-described configurations, or may be configured without including some of the configurations. The transfer reporting output unit 207 may have any circuit configuration as long as it can realize the function of the transfer reporting output unit 207. The transfer reporting output unit 207 may be configured to include one or more of the above-described circuit elements, or may be configured without including some of the circuit elements. For example, the contact of the transfer reporting output unit 207 may be a make contact or a transfer contact, and the transfer reporting output unit 207 may have a plurality of contacts. When the contact of the transfer reporting output unit 207 is a make contact, normally, the contact is in an open state and no current flows to the external device 30. However, when receiving a test result signal including state information indicating device abnormality, the contact control unit 214 switches the contact to a closed state. When the contact is switched to the closed state, both ends of the contact are conductive and current flows to the external device 30. Thereby, the external device 30 recognizes that there is a device abnormality in the alarm device 10. Also, when stopping the output of the transfer reporting signal, the contact control unit 214 switches the contact of the transfer reporting output unit 207 to the normal open state. When the contact is switched to the open state, the conduction between both ends of the contact is lost and no current flows to the external device 30. Thereby, on the external device 30 side, it is recognized that the device abnormality of the alarm device 10 has been recovered. When the contact of the transfer reporting output unit 207 is a break contact as in the above-described embodiment, a transfer reporting signal for informing that a device abnormality has occurred is output due to no current flowing to the external device 30. On the other hand, when the contact of the transfer reporting output unit 207 is a make contact as in this modification example, a transfer reporting signal for informing that a device abnormality has occurred is output due to current flowing to the external device 30.

[0066] In the above-described embodiments, the control unit 101 of the alarm device 10 includes circuits such as DSP, ASIC, PLD, and FPGA, and at least a part of the functions of the alarm device 10 may be realized by these circuits. Similarly, the control unit 201 of the transfer device 20 also includes these circuits, and at least a part of the functions of the transfer device 20 may be realized by these circuits.

[0067] Modification Example 8 In the above-described embodiments, the operation of the alarm system 1 is not limited to the above-described examples. The processing procedures of the alarm system 1 may be rearranged as long as there is no contradiction. Also, some of the processing procedures of the alarm system 1 may be omitted.

[0068] Modification Example 9 Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having steps of processing performed in at least any one of the alarm system 1, the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the transfer device 20. Further, still another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the slave unit 10a, the master unit 10b, and the transfer device 20. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium or may be provided by being downloaded via the Internet or the like.

[0069] Modification Example 10 The present invention may be applied to a system for warning of the occurrence of phenomena other than a fire. In this modification example, the alarm device 10 may be one that detects and gives an alarm for phenomena other than a fire, such as a gas alarm or a human presence sensor. One that detects and gives an alarm for phenomena other than a fire, such as a gas alarm or a human presence sensor, is also an example of the detector according to the present invention. In short, the detector according to the present invention may be any device as long as it detects an abnormality. This abnormality is not limited to a fire and may be any abnormality such as a gas leak or an intrusion of a suspicious person.

[0070] Modification Example 11 In the above-described embodiment, the alarm device 10 does not necessarily have to detect battery depletion or sensor abnormality prior to pressing the test button. For example, the test unit 113 of the alarm device 10 may operate the fire detection unit 107 in response to pressing the test button, and determine whether there is a sensor abnormality based on the result. Further, the test unit 113 of the alarm device 10 may measure the voltage value of the battery in response to pressing the test button, and determine whether the battery is depleted based on the result.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1: Alarm system, 10: Alarm device, 20: Transfer device, 111: Abnormality detection unit, 112: Update unit, 113: Test unit, 114: Notification control unit, 115: Transmission unit, 116: Reception unit, 207: Transfer output unit, 211: Reception unit, 212: Determination unit, 213: Notification control unit, 214: Contact control unit

Claims

1. An alarm system comprising a detector for detecting an abnormality and a reporting device, The detector includes: A test section that performs tests to confirm the operation of the detector; A transmission unit that transmits a result of the test, The notification device is configured to notify an external party not included in the alarm system according to the received test result. Output a transfer signal to the device, The test includes a first test and a second test performed subsequent to the first test, The report transfer device outputs the report transfer signal when the result of the first test indicates an equipment abnormality. If the result of the second test indicates a normal state, the output of the signal transfer is stopped. Alarm system.

2. An alarm system comprising a detector for detecting an abnormality and a reporting device, The detector includes: A test section that performs tests to confirm the operation of the detector; A transmission unit that transmits a result of the test, The notification device is configured to notify an external party not included in the alarm system according to the received test result. Output a transfer signal to the device, the reporting device outputs the reporting signal when the result of the test indicates that the detector has an equipment abnormality; The output of the signal transmission will continue until the equipment is restored. Alarm system.

3. The transmitter transmits a wireless signal indicating a result of the test, The communication device has a display unit that displays the strength of the received wireless signal.

3. An alarm system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A reporting device included in an alarm system, A receiving unit that receives a result of a test to confirm the operation of a detector that detects an abnormality, the detector being included in the alarm system; a notification output unit that outputs a notification signal to an external device not included in the alarm system according to a result of the test; Equipped with The test includes a first test and a second test performed subsequent to the first test, The report device outputs the report signal when the result of the first test indicates an equipment abnormality, and stops outputting the report signal when the result of the second test indicates a normal state. Transfer device.

5. A reporting device included in an alarm system, A receiving unit that receives a result of a test to confirm the operation of a detector that detects an abnormality, the detector being included in the alarm system; a notification output unit that outputs a notification signal to an external device not included in the alarm system according to a result of the test; Equipped with the report output unit outputs the report signal when a result of the test indicates that there is an equipment abnormality in the detector; The output of the signal transmission will continue until the equipment is restored. Transfer device.

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