Method and system for inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a fire protection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and to a system for in particular standarized and / or guidelines-compliant inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a fire protection system, preferably a fire protection system that uses extinguishing water, and to uses and / or applications thereof. The present invention also relates to a corresponding computer program product and to a computer-readable medium.

Description

[0001] Method and system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a fire protection system

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of, in particular, fire protection systems based on extinguishing water.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08).

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08).

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of a system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08).

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of a mobile, in particular remotely controlled, inspection device, preferably a ground-based inspection robot and / or an air-based inspection robot, in particular an inspection drone, in a preferably water-based fire protection system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a fire protection system.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising commands that cause at least one test condition to be provided and / or retrieved in an evaluation unit, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system. Finally, the present invention also relates to a computer-readable medium on which a program product and / or at least one test condition is / are stored, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system, and wherein the test condition comprises at least one predetermined test parameter of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement.

[0008] Fire hazards pose a significant and sometimes existential threat, especially to industrial and commercial businesses. While fire insurance can compensate for the immediate material damage caused by a fire, the irreplaceable losses are far more serious. These include losses to life, health, and natural resources, as well as the loss of market share or the departure of important customer bases and valued employees.

[0009] Numerous and severe fires and fire damage in the past prompted the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and the German Insurance Association (GDV) to improve fire protection in businesses using appropriate means. In this context, "fire protection" primarily encompasses all measures that counteract the outbreak and spread of a fire, i.e., fire and / or smoke. This includes both fire prevention through preventative and / or structural fire protection, with the aim of proactively protecting the health of people and facilities, and effective firefighting as reactive fire protection, with the aim of preventing or at least minimizing damage from a fire that has already broken out.

[0010] Against this backdrop, effective fire protection is multifaceted and involves challenges that must be considered individually for each case. Therefore, in Germany alone, there is a multitude of legal regulations, for example, in the form of fire service laws, building codes of each federal state, and numerous other laws, ordinances, and guidelines, which typically distinguish between preventive and reactive fire protection. Protection objectives related to fire protection, or fire protection concepts, also referred to as "fire protection measures," aim to prevent the outbreak of fires and limit the spread of fire and smoke. Furthermore, they aim to ensure that fires are detected and fought as early as possible, that dangers to people, the environment, and property are averted, and ultimately, that business operations are disrupted or prevented.

[0011] Effective fire protection, in turn, requires a comprehensive concept tailored to the specific operation – also known as a holistic fire protection concept – in which individual measures are optimally combined. This aims not only to guarantee personal safety and comply with environmental protection regulations, but also, and perhaps most importantly, to ensure the maintenance of production and delivery capabilities. Furthermore, it aims to safeguard the company's market position, prevent reputational damage, and protect its assets.

[0012] To ensure the necessary fire safety and to supplement structural fire protection measures, fire protection systems, also known as fire-fighting equipment, which are individually designed to suit the respective environment, therefore represent an essential component with regard to an efficient fire protection concept.

[0013] Fire protection systems of the type in question, which are mostly operated using water or extinguishing water, must be planned, constructed, operated and tested according to recognized rules of technology.

[0014] The activities of VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH (“VdS”) in the field of fire protection are focused on testing the effectiveness and reliability of installed fire protection systems. The aim is to confirm the effectiveness and reliability of these systems during acceptance testing and recurring inspections. The inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems is essential for the various safety-related, legal, and economic reasons described above. Fire protection systems also comprise a multitude of technical components, such as fire detectors, sprinkler systems, smoke extraction systems, fire extinguishing systems, and emergency power supplies, all of which play a central role in fire suppression and damage prevention. This necessitates regular inspections of these technical components within the fire protection systems.

[0015] The inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems is carried out in accordance with established standards, guidelines, and legal regulations. The specific requirements depend on the respective fire protection system or installation (e.g., fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, smoke extraction systems) and must be performed by qualified specialists, especially given the various safety-related, legal, and economic significance of fire protection systems and installations, as described above.

[0016] The inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems can include both visual inspections and functional and load tests. The inspection is carried out in several phases and is supplemented by regular maintenance measures.

[0017] Before an inspection of a fire protection system is carried out, it is essential that the responsible specialist has all relevant information, namely maintenance records or logs and test reports from the last inspections, as well as any repair and maintenance documentation. Furthermore, it must be ensured that the specialist has access to all relevant areas of the fire protection system.

[0018] A visual inspection, as a central component of the inspection and maintenance process, is one of the first and most important phases. Its purpose is to identify obvious defects and malfunctions that could impair the functionality of the fire protection system or indicate potential failures. This includes, for example, checking the correct positioning and visibility of the technical components and component arrangements of the fire protection system. Furthermore, the visual inspection includes checking for dust or dirt that could impair the sensor technology of the fire protection system, as well as checking for mechanical damage, signs of wear, or discoloration that could indicate overheating and / or leaks that could point to leaks.

[0019] Sprinkler systems, in particular, undergo a visual inspection to detect blockages caused by dust, rust, dirt, or deformation. Furthermore, the visual inspection ensures that pipes and piping are free of leaks, corrosion, and damage, and that sprinkler heads are installed in the correct position and at the correct height, and are free of deformation or mechanical damage.

[0020] In addition, the visual inspection includes checking for external damage or deformation of fire extinguishers, checking the pressure, and checking the shelf life of the extinguishing agents and the expiry date, for example in the case of powder and / or CO2 extinguishers.

[0021] With regard to smoke extraction systems, it is also necessary to check for blockages in the ventilation ducts and to verify the functionality of the motors and flaps, especially in combination with a visual inspection for rust or mechanical damage to the systems.

[0022] Furthermore, the visual inspection includes a visual check of the emergency lighting equipment and alarm devices, especially with regard to checking for visible damage, empty batteries or damaged cables.

[0023] In addition to visual inspection, fire protection systems must be regularly tested for functionality. These tests go beyond a simple visual check and include specific tests to ensure that the system actually works in an emergency.

[0024] The functional test includes, for example, alarm tests, verification of alarm transmission, and water flow testing, particularly for sprinkler systems. Fluid and water flow testing involves a corresponding functional or load test to verify that the system delivers sufficient water pressure and volume. This also includes checking the pressure in the pipelines to ensure that the required minimum pressure for effective fire suppression is present.

[0025] In addition to the inspection, a detailed test report must be prepared, documenting all tests and measures performed. This test report includes the functional test results, identified defects and deficiencies, as well as a repair and maintenance plan.

[0026] In conclusion, it can be stated that the inspection of fire protection systems is a complex and multifaceted process that consists not only of visual inspections but also includes functional tests and stress tests. Only through regular inspections and maintenance can it be ensured that fire protection systems function reliably in an emergency and fulfill their protective function. These inspections are carried out by qualified specialists who assess the technical condition of the system and initiate any necessary maintenance or repair measures.

[0027] Due to their high safety and economic importance, it is essential that the inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems be carried out by professionally trained personnel. However, the resulting need for on-site inspections of fire protection systems presents a number of challenges and potential disadvantages. For example, deploying qualified specialists on-site leads to significant maintenance and inspection costs. This applies particularly to the costs associated with on-site inspections, including travel, time, and potentially the use of specialized testing equipment. For large or distributed systems requiring regular inspections, this can result in considerable additional costs. For smaller companies or organizations without sufficient budgets, this can represent a significant financial burden.

[0028] Furthermore, a complete inspection of fire protection systems is time-consuming. Depending on the size and complexity of the system, the inspection process can take anywhere from several hours to several days. Especially in large facilities or with complex systems, inspections during operation can therefore lead to interruptions, which can negatively impact efficiency. Moreover, inspections must be repeated depending on the scope and condition of the system, resulting in the recurring challenges and disadvantages described above.

[0029] Furthermore, it is often necessary to temporarily deactivate parts of the fire protection system, such as smoke detectors or smoke extraction systems, during an inspection, which disrupts operations. This is particularly problematic in high-traffic areas like hospitals, industrial plants, or data centers, where constant safety is essential. In such cases, inspections must be carefully planned to minimize disruption to operations.

[0030] Furthermore, in some regions or for specialized systems, it is problematic to find a sufficient number of qualified personnel at all times. Particularly in rural or remote areas, the challenge often lies in the limited availability of skilled workers, which can lead to delays or less timely inspections.

[0031] Finally, carrying out inspections and maintenance of fire protection systems requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that qualified personnel are available on-site and that all relevant parts of the fire protection system can be inspected at the right time. This can be challenging for large, complex, or distributed systems and requires close collaboration between facility management and service providers.

[0032] In a fire extinguishing system described in the prior art, such as EP 3400078 B1, an alarm valve station is used in which, instead of a hydraulic alarm delay via an upstream delay reservoir, an alarm delay is implemented by an electrical alarm delay device. The electrical delay device is universally applicable because its characteristics, particularly the delay duration, do not depend on the structural design of the alarm delay device, as would be the case with a hydraulic delay reservoir. An alarm valve station with an electrical alarm delay device is therefore expected to involve lower manufacturing and maintenance costs.However, the approach described in EP 3400078 B1 allows at best a slight reduction in maintenance effort and is limited in particular to electrically based maintenance of a single component of the fire extinguishing system, namely the alarm valve station.

[0033] Against this background, there is an increased need in practice for procedures for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of fire protection systems, in particular in a standardized and / or guideline-compliant manner, which allow for efficient and effective conformity testing, especially in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08).

[0034] In particular, one object of the present invention is therefore to provide a technically efficient solution for a comprehensive inspection and maintenance concept, which is intended to largely avoid or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art and practical experience described above. Specifically, the present invention aims to provide an inspection and maintenance concept, particularly one that is implementable in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08), for the standardized and / or guideline-compliant inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems, especially water-based fire protection systems, which enables particularly efficient and resource-saving, preferably standardized and / or guideline-compliant, inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems.

[0035] In this context, one object of the present invention is, in particular, to provide a method or system and corresponding uses that enable reliable, reproducible, and / or resource-saving, especially guideline-compliant and / or standardized, inspection, maintenance, and / or testing of fire protection systems, particularly in connection with conformity testing according to the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08). In particular, the disadvantages of the prior art and practical experience described above should be largely avoided or at least mitigated.In a completely unexpected manner, the applicant has now found that, based on the inventive concept underlying the present invention – and in particular on the basis of a method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a fire protection system in a standardized and / or guideline-compliant manner, as well as a system adapted to it and uses adapted to it – a reliable or reproducible, in particular resource-saving, inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of fire protection systems, in particular fire water-based fire protection systems, is made possible.

[0036] To solve the problem described above, the present invention proposes – according to a first aspect of the present invention – a method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08), in a manner that is in particular standardized and / or guideline-compliant, according to the independent method patent claim relating to this method (claim 1). Advantageous further developments and embodiments of this aspect of the invention are the subject of the corresponding method patent subclaims.

[0037] A further subject matter of the present invention – according to a second aspect of the present invention – is a system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system (1), in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08) according to the independent system patent claim relating to this system. Advantageous further developments and embodiments of this aspect of the invention are the subject of the corresponding system patent subclaims.

[0038] A further subject matter of the present invention – according to a third aspect of the present invention – is the use of a system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, according to the independent use patent claim relating to this use. A further subject matter of the present invention – according to a fourth aspect of the present invention – is the use of a mobile, in particular remotely controlled, inspection device, preferably a ground-based inspection robot and / or an air-based inspection robot, in particular an inspection drone, in a preferably water-based fire protection system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system, according to the independent use patent claim relating to this use.

[0039] A further subject matter of the present invention – according to a fifth aspect of the present invention – is a computer program product comprising commands that cause at least one test condition to be provided and / or retrieved in an evaluation device, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system, according to the independent product patent claim relating to this product.

[0040] Finally, the subject matter of the present invention – according to a sixth aspect of the present invention – is a computer-readable medium on which at least one test condition is stored, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system, wherein the test condition comprises at least one predetermined test parameter (“target parameter”) of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, according to the independent claim relating to this computer-readable medium.

[0041] It goes without saying that any embodiments, designs, advantages and the like, which are listed below for the purpose of avoiding repetition only with regard to one aspect of the invention, naturally also apply to the other aspects of the invention without the need for separate mention.

[0042] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the following specifications of values, numbers and ranges are not to be understood as limiting; it is self-evident to the person skilled in the art that deviations from the specified range or specifications are possible in individual cases or depending on the application, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, it should be noted that all values ​​or parameters mentioned below, or the like, can generally be determined using standardized or explicitly specified determination methods, or using determination methods that are generally familiar to those skilled in the field.

[0044] Furthermore, it must be noted that for all relative or percentage-based quantity specifications and / or dimension specifications mentioned below, especially those related to weight, these specifications must be selected or combined by a person skilled in the art in such a way that the total always results in 100% or 100% by weight, possibly including further components or parts, in particular as defined below. This is self-evident to a person skilled in the art.

[0045] Furthermore, for the purposes of describing the present invention, the features of the present invention cited in connection with specific embodiments, configurations, advantages, examples, or the like are also considered disclosed in combination. Thus, higher-order combinations of individual or multiple features cited for specific embodiments, configurations, application examples, or the like are also considered disclosed.

[0046] In particular, with regard to the features characterizing the invention, all possible combinations of these features shall be deemed disclosed, with embodiments of comparable or corresponding preference of the various features in their combination being preferred (e.g. quantities or quantity ranges of the relevant parameters of the same preference or the like).

[0047] It is particularly important to note that for the following information relating to the various parameters of the smoke detector test bench or the method according to the invention, or the like, the respective combinations relating to the various parameters with the corresponding preference or preference are also disclosed. Likewise, all other combinations (i.e., combinations based on different preferences or different preference levels) are also disclosed.

[0048] Having said that, the invention will now be described and explained in more detail, also with reference to drawings or figures illustrating preferred embodiments or exemplary embodiments.

[0049] The subject matter of the present invention – according to a first aspect of the present invention – is thus a method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08), in a manner that is in particular standardized and / or guideline-compliant.

[0050] wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably fully, geographically decoupled from the fire protection system,

[0051] wherein the following process steps are carried out, in particular in the (temporal) sequence of process steps A) to C) specified below: A) Providing at least one test condition, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system, wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement;

[0052] B) Carrying out a visual and / or sensor-based, in particular a visual and sensor-based, test, preferably a visual inspection and / or a visual check, of the at least one technical component and / or the at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system,

[0053] wherein the visual inspection is carried out at least partially, preferably fully, automated and / or using and / or supported by visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably using and / or supported by visual data transmission technology,

[0054] wherein visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition are acquired and / or determined, wherein the visual test data are acquired and / or determined at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology, wherein the visual test data comprise at least one determined test parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or associated with the specified test parameter ("target parameter"), and / or wherein a determined test parameter ("actual parameter") associated with the specified test parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the visual test data; and

[0055] C) Comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, provision and / or output of a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

[0056] A key idea of ​​the present invention is to carry out the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system as at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote inspection and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably fully, geographically decoupled from the fire protection system.

[0057] In contrast to the on-site inspection known from practice, the concept according to the invention thus provides for at least partially automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably completely, geographically decoupled testing of the fire protection system. The term "remote testing" or "remote monitoring," as used within the scope of the present invention, is to be understood in this context in particular as meaning that the maintenance or inspection of the fire protection system does not require the physical presence of qualified personnel to carry out the maintenance and / or inspection and / or testing. In other words, the "automated" remote testing and / or remote monitoring takes place without the need for the physical presence of qualified personnel on-site or at the location of the fire protection system itself, but is carried out by means of appropriate visual or...The relevant technical means are thus implemented in a way that is ultimately decoupled from the location of the fire protection system.

[0058] According to the invention, a method for inspection, maintenance, or testing is provided which enables efficient, resource-saving, and ultimately economically viable inspection or maintenance of a fire protection system, particularly since the time and costs otherwise required by the physical presence of skilled personnel on site are avoided or at least significantly reduced.

[0059] The applicant has found, in a completely unexpected manner, that carrying out a visual inspection, which is at least partially automated and / or supported by visual data acquisition and / or processing, as well as processing the visually automated inspection using data transmission technology, enables resource-reduced inspection and maintenance without any risk or concern regarding compliance with the standards for the maintenance and inspection of the fire protection system, in particular with regard to VdS guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08).

[0060] Specifically, the concept according to the invention at least partially replaces the previously regulated requirement of on-site testing with remote testing or monitoring, thus significantly reducing the associated increased maintenance and inspection costs. This applies in particular to the costs associated with on-site inspection, including travel, time, and potentially the use of specialized testing equipment. Furthermore, remote testing and monitoring significantly reduces the time required for maintenance and inspection, which is especially beneficial for large or complex fire protection systems.

[0061] Furthermore, the concept according to the invention also enables a reduction in intervention during maintenance, inspection or testing, such that the operational process is significantly less affected compared to "on-site inspection".

[0062] Ultimately, the concept according to the invention is independent of the local dependence of qualified specialists, since remote testing and monitoring do not require the presence of qualified specialists at the actual location of the fire protection system. Therefore, the challenge of providing appropriately qualified personnel in rural or remote areas is eliminated.

[0063] The term "inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing" used in the invention, particularly in accordance with standards and / or guidelines, is to be understood very broadly and includes, in particular, expert testing, especially by a certified testing expert (so-called expert testing), such as, for example, a conformity assessment in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08). As a result, the solution according to the invention provides a self-contained and efficient concept with which the disadvantages known from the prior art or from practice are specifically avoided and at least significantly mitigated.

[0064] In particular, based on this finding, the applicant was then able to implement a constructive or automatable technical implementation, namely based on the at least partially, preferably fully, automated visual inspection provided for in the invention, which is carried out as remote inspection or remote monitoring and in particular using and / or supporting visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably using and / or supporting visual data transmission technology. Within the scope of the present invention, the term "visual" refers in particular to "optical" or the inspection relating to optical perception or the optical (data) acquisition and / or (data) processing, in particular by means of visual or optical or phototechnical (data) acquisition devices (e.g. cameras, etc.).

[0065] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "sensor-based" refers in particular to the test carried out by means of a sensor or a sensor device, in particular the test data acquired and / or determined and / or generated by means of a sensor or a sensor device and their evaluation and / or processing.

[0066] According to the present invention, the inspection in process step (B) is carried out visually and / or sensor-based, in particular visually and sensor-based. A combination of sensor-based and visual inspection yields particularly good, and especially verifiable, results according to the invention.

[0067] The subject matter of the present invention – according to a first aspect of the present invention – is thus a method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08), in a manner that is in particular standardized and / or guideline-compliant.

[0068] wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably fully, geographically decoupled from the fire protection system,

[0069] wherein the following process steps are carried out, in particular in the (temporal) sequence of process steps A) to C) specified below: A) Providing at least one test condition, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system, wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; B) Performing a visual and / or sensor-based, in particular a visual and sensor-based, test, preferably a visual inspection and / or a visual check, of the at least one technical component and / or the at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system,

[0070] wherein the visual inspection is carried out at least partially, preferably fully, automated and / or using and / or supported by visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably using and / or supported by visual data transmission technology,

[0071] wherein visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition are acquired and / or determined, wherein the visual test data are acquired and / or determined at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology, wherein the visual test data comprise at least one determined test parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or associated with the specified test parameter ("target parameter"), and / or wherein a determined test parameter ("actual parameter") associated with the specified test parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the visual test data; and

[0072] C) Comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, provision and / or output of a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

[0073] Preferably, the test condition and / or the visual test data include at least one positional and / or dimensional and / or shape and / or functional parameter as a test parameter. It has also proven advantageous if the test condition and / or the visual test data include at least one leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameter as a test parameter, in particular wherein the leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters are recorded and / or determined from the visual test data.

[0074] Particularly preferred is the provision of an automated comparison and / or alignment of the test conditions with the visual leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters and, preferably, an identification and / or assignment and / or local allocation of a technical component and / or component arrangement affected by a leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture.

[0075] Furthermore, the test condition and / or the visual test data may include at least one temperature parameter of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement as a test parameter.

[0076] According to a preferred method, a comparison of a predetermined temperature parameter (temperature threshold and / or temperature range) with a temperature parameter determined, in particular visually, is carried out, and preferably, a test result is determined and / or output, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition and / or not exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition and / or exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, a determination and / or output of an exceedance or fall below parameter of the visual temperature parameter compared to the predetermined temperature parameter is carried out.

[0077] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if, in particular in process step B), in addition to the visual inspection, a sensor-based inspection is carried out, wherein the inspection condition includes at least one predetermined sensor-based inspection parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, and sensor-based inspection data corresponding and / or associated with at least one inspection condition are recorded and / or determined.

[0078] The sensor-based test data are at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on sensor-based data acquisition and / or data processing, wherein the sensor-based test data include at least one determined test parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or assigned to the specified test parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein a determined test parameter ("actual parameter") assigned to the specified test parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the sensor-based test data.

[0079] Furthermore, it has proven useful to select the sensor-based test parameters from the group of

[0080] i) Pressure parameters;

[0081] ii) Temperature parameters;

[0082] iii) Velocity parameters, in particular flow velocity parameters;

[0083] iv) electrical current parameters, in particular voltage and / or current parameters;

[0084] v) Functional and / or disturbance parameters;

[0085] vi) Level parameters;

[0086] and / or any combination thereof.

[0087] According to a particularly preferred method, a comparison and / or alignment of the specified test condition with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, a determination and / or output of a test result is provided, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, a determination and / or output of a deviation parameter of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter is carried out; preferably, in addition, a comparison and / or alignment of the visual test parameter with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, a determination and / or output of a test result, in particular in the form of a plausibility and / or supplementary check of the test results from the visual and sensor-based test parameters, is carried out.

[0088] It is also preferred that the test result be a preferably automated generation of an inspection report to support maintenance and testing requirements, in particular wherein the inspection report includes documentation of the inspection results and / or identified defects and / or instructions for remedying and / or limiting the identified defects, in particular to ensure traceability and compliance with safety standards.

[0089] As far as the fire protection system is concerned, it preferably has at least one fire warning and / or fire alarm device on the one hand and a fire extinguishing device, preferably a water-operated (water-based) fire extinguishing device, on the other hand.

[0090] Regarding the technical component and / or the arrangement of the technical components of the fire protection system, these are preferably selected from the group of:

[0091] a) Extinguishing agents, in particular water, foam, powder and / or CO2;

[0092] b) receiving devices, in particular containers, tanks and / or boilers;

[0093] c) Distribution systems, in particular pipe and / or conduit systems and / or pipe and / or conduit arrangements;

[0094] d) Fire extinguishing devices, in particular sprinkler devices and / or fire extinguishing nozzle devices;

[0095] e) Conveying devices, in particular pumps; f) Control and / or regulating devices, in particular electronic control and / or regulating devices, preferably automated or manual systems for triggering the fire protection system (1) and / or the extinguishing discharge devices and / or

[0096] Mechanical control and / or regulating devices, in particular for controlling and / or regulating fluids or liquids and / or gases, especially valves;

[0097] g) Alarm devices, in particular fire alarm devices;

[0098] h) Sensor devices, in particular for detecting and / or determining smoke, heat, humidity, temperature and / or flames;

[0099] i) Control elements, in particular switches, buttons and / or touchscreens; j) Display devices, in particular displays;

[0100] k) Alarm valve devices, in particular alarm valve stations.

[0101] In particular, the test condition is selected from the group of:

[0102] a) Accessibility and / or location of the components, in particular in comparison with a provided virtual model of the fire protection system, the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; b) Distance between technical components and / or technical component arrangements,

[0103] c) Damage and / or wear of the technical component and / or the technical component assembly, in particular with regard to surface condition and / or shape and / or freedom from corrosion and / or deformation and / or alignment and / or positioning and / or porosity,

[0104] d) Legibility and / or visibility of the markings,

[0105] e) Extinguishing agent levels and / or moisture limits of a technical component and / or a technical component arrangement, in particular the integrity of seals and / or valves, f) Cleanliness and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular visual inspection of the technical components, preferably taking into account dust or other deposits,

[0106] g) Proper arrangement and / or installation and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular the pipelines and / or valves, especially taking into account leaks, cracks and / or corrosion; h) Functionality and / or tightness of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, especially taking into account leaks and / or wear and / or proper connection to electrical connections.

[0107] Preferably, the test condition includes at least one functional test, in particular of a fire alarm, to ensure proper functioning. Alternatively or additionally, the test condition includes at least one control test to check the extinguishing agent levels and / or to ensure the validity and / or shelf life of the extinguishing agent.

[0108] Advantageously, the visual inspection and / or the visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably the visual data transmission technology, is carried out by means of a visual data acquisition device, preferably by means of an optical and / or phototechnical (data) acquisition device, wherein the visual data acquisition device is selected from the group of

[0109] a) 2D cameras (2D image cameras);

[0110] b) 3D cameras;

[0111] c) infrared cameras (IR cameras);

[0112] d) Color cameras;

[0113] e) High-speed cameras;

[0114] f) industrial cameras;

[0115] g) Stereo cameras;

[0116] h) Line scan cameras;

[0117] i) GigE Vision and / or USB3 Vision cameras. It has also proven particularly advantageous if the sensor-based test data is acquired and / or determined using sensors, the sensors being selected from the group of:

[0118] a) Temperature sensors;

[0119] b) Smoke sensors, in particular for checking and / or determining the smoke density and / or the number of (smoke) particles in the air;

[0120] c) Pressure sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the water or extinguishing agent pressure in the fire protection system, especially in the piping system;

[0121] d) Flow sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the flow rate of the extinguishing water and / or extinguishing agent;

[0122] e) Flame sensors, in particular for checking infrared radiation or other signals indicating the presence of flames;

[0123] f) Pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure in at least one technical component and / or technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1);

[0124] g) Alarm detectors, in particular for checking the functionality of alarm detectors in case of fire;

[0125] h) Humidity sensors, in particular for determining and / or checking humidity;

[0126] i) Condition monitoring sensors, in particular for monitoring and / or determining the general condition of the fire protection system (1);

[0127] j) Level sensors;

[0128] k) electrical current and / or voltage measuring devices, in particular ammeters and / or voltmeters;

[0129] l) Interference and / or fault sensors;

[0130] and / or any combination thereof.

[0131] Furthermore, it is advantageously provided that the visual and / or sensor-based test data are recorded over at least one inspection process of the fire protection system, preferably over a plurality of inspection processes of the fire protection system. In particular, at least one visual test parameter, preferably the position and / or dimensional and / or shape parameter, comprises

[0132] a) a diameter, in particular pipe diameter;

[0133] b) a spacing, in particular between adjacent pipe and / or conduit sections;

[0134] c) an angle and / or bending specification;

[0135] d) a dimension, in particular a length dimension; and / or

[0136] e) a thickness dimension.

[0137] According to a particularly preferred method, the technical components and / or the technical component arrangement are selected from the group of:

[0138] a) Sprinkler control centers;

[0139] b) Alarm valve stations;

[0140] c) Compressed air water tank;

[0141] d) Pumps;

[0142] e) Electric drive devices;

[0143] f) Diesel propulsion devices;

[0144] g) Water storage tank;

[0145] h) Power supply devices;

[0146] i) Emergency power generator devices;

[0147] j) Sprinkler arrangements;

[0148] k) Storage facilities;

[0149] l) Hydraulic devices;

[0150] and / or any combination thereof. In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous if the test condition and / or the specified test parameter a) is selected from the group of sprinkler control panels:

[0151] i) Temperature;

[0152] ii) Ventilation;

[0153] iii) structural separation; and / or

[0154] iv) Signage;

[0155] and / or

[0156] b) selected with regard to alarm valve stations from the group of:

[0157] i) Pressure, in particular with regard to identical pressure before and after a valve flap of the alarm valve station;

[0158] ii) Alarm, in particular alarm test and / or bell alarm;

[0159] iii) Position of a gate valve;

[0160] iv) Pipe dimensioning;

[0161] v) Confirmation of recognition;

[0162] and / or

[0163] c) in relation to compressed air water tanks is selected from the group of: i) pressure;

[0164] ii) Fill level;

[0165] iii) Boiler function;

[0166] iv) Function of a refill pump;

[0167] v) Position of a gate valve;

[0168] vi) Pipe dimensioning;

[0169] and / or d) in relation to pumps is selected from the group of:

[0170] i) automatic pump start;

[0171] ii) Flow rate;

[0172] iii) Pressure;

[0173] iv) Position of the shut-off valve;

[0174] v) Pipe dimensions;

[0175] vi) Data in accordance with recognition;

[0176] vii) Vibration;

[0177] viii) Control cabinet approval;

[0178] ix) Temperature;

[0179] x) Anti-vortex plate present / required;

[0180] and / or

[0181] e) is selected with regard to electric drive devices from the group of:

[0182] i) Voltage;

[0183] ii) Electricity;

[0184] iii) electrical flow, in particular of an emergency power line; and / or

[0185] f) is selected with regard to diesel propulsion devices from the group of:

[0186] i) Speed;

[0187] ii) Temperature, in particular of cooling water;

[0188] iii) Fill level, in particular of a fuel tank;

[0189] iv) Supply air, in particular supply air opening;

[0190] and / or

[0191] g) is selected from the group of water storage tanks.

[0192] i) Fill level;

[0193] ii) Temperature;

[0194] iii) Useful content, in particular sufficient useful content;

[0195] and / orh) in relation to energy supply devices is selected from the group of:

[0196] i) Requirements for the audit basis;

[0197] ii) Safeguarding, in particular with regard to the marking of a sprinkler outlet;

[0198] iii) Line quality, especially with regard to E90 / F90;

[0199] iv) Exit, in particular before the main switch;

[0200] v) Selectivity;

[0201] and / or

[0202] i) is selected with regard to emergency power generator devices from the group of:

[0203] i) Performance, in particular sufficient performance;

[0204] ii) Switching, in particular the switching process;

[0205] and / or

[0206] j) is selected with regard to sprinkler arrangements from the group of:

[0207] i) Protected areas;

[0208] ii) Distances between sprinklers;

[0209] iii) Spray obstructions to built-in components;

[0210] iv) Distance, in particular between stored goods and sprinklers; and / or

[0211] k) is selected with regard to storage devices from the group of:

[0212] i) Sub-storage areas;

[0213] ii) Bearing heights;

[0214] and / or

[0215]

[0216]

[0217]

[0218] Furthermore, according to a preferred method, a plan model corresponding to and / or associated with the fire protection system is provided, in particular wherein at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement is stored in the plan model and, particularly preferably, a locally resolved and / or locally controlled execution of the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system, in particular the execution of the visual inspection, is carried out on the basis of the technical component and / or technical component arrangement stored in the plan model.

[0219] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the acquisition and / or recording of the visual inspection data includes, in particular, an automated recording of at least one dimensional parameter, especially using image processing technology, and preferably wherein at least one dimension is acquired by acquiring at least one reference point and / or a reference line. It has proven particularly advantageous if the visual inspection data are acquired at least partially using three-dimensional data acquisition technology, in particular a 3D scanner, especially preferably for generating a three-dimensional model of a pipe and / or conduit network of the fire protection system, and especially preferably wherein a pipe and / or conduit network stored in the plan model is compared with the three-dimensionally generated model of the pipe and / or conduit network.

[0220] Furthermore, it may be provided that the visual inspection is carried out at least partially automated and / or robot-assisted, particularly preferably with a ground-based inspection robot and / or an air-based inspection robot, preferably an inspection drone, being operated remotely and / or navigation-based.

[0221] Furthermore, the acquisition and / or determination of visual inspection data and / or sensor-based inspection data can be performed in real time.

[0222] A further object of the present invention – according to a second aspect of the present invention – is also a system according to the invention for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08), in a manner that is in particular standardized and / or guideline-compliant.

[0223] wherein the system is designed for at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least for at least partially, preferably fully, locally decoupled inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system,

[0224] in particular a system for carrying out the procedure according to one of the preceding claims,

[0225] with:

[0226] A) an electronic database in which at least one test condition is provided, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system, wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement;

[0227] B) a visual data acquisition device for carrying out at least partially, preferably fully, automated visual inspection of at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system;

[0228] wherein the data acquisition device is designed for visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably for implementing a visual data transmission technology; and

[0229] C) an evaluation device for capturing and / or determining visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition,

[0230] wherein the visual inspection data are at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology, wherein the visual inspection data comprise at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or associated with the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein the evaluation device is configured to determine from the visual inspection data a determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") associated with the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter"); and

[0231] wherein the evaluation device is designed to compare and / or align the predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, to provide and / or output a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the predetermined test parameter ("target parameter"). In particular, the test condition and / or the visual test data includes, as test parameters, at least one positional and / or dimensional and / or form and / or functional parameter.

[0232] It has proven useful if the test condition and / or the visual test data include at least one leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameter as a test parameter.

[0233] Preferably, the evaluation device is designed to detect and / or determine the leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters from the visual inspection data.

[0234] According to a preferred embodiment, the evaluation device is also designed for the particularly automated comparison and / or alignment of the test conditions with the visual leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters and, preferably, for the identification and / or assignment and / or local allocation of a technical component and / or component arrangement affected by a leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture.

[0235] An advantageous implementation also provides that the test condition and / or the visual test data include at least one temperature parameter of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement as test parameters.

[0236] As regards the evaluation device, it is preferably designed to compare and / or align a predetermined temperature parameter (temperature threshold and / or temperature range) with a temperature parameter determined, in particular, visually, and preferably to determine and / or output a test result, especially in the form of fulfillment of the test condition and / or not exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition and / or exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, the evaluation device is designed to determine and / or output an exceedance or fall below parameter of the visual temperature parameter compared to the predetermined temperature parameter.

[0237] The system according to the invention comprises, in particular in addition to the visual data acquisition device, preferably at least one sensor device for acquiring and / or determining sensor-based test data corresponding to and / or associated with at least one test condition.

[0238] In this context, it is also preferably provided that the evaluation device is designed to compare and / or align the specified test condition with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, to determine and / or output a test result, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, the evaluation device is designed to determine and / or output a deviation parameter of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter; preferably

[0239] wherein the evaluation device is designed to additionally align and / or compare the visual test parameter with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, to determine and / or output a test result, in particular in the form of a plausibility and / or supplementary check of the test results from the visual test parameter and the sensor-based test parameter.

[0240] Advantageously, the fire protection system comprises at least one fire warning and / or fire detection device on the one hand, and a fire extinguishing device, preferably a water-operated (water-based) fire extinguishing device, on the other. The technical component and / or the arrangement of technical components of the fire protection system is selected from the group of:

[0241] a) Extinguishing agents, in particular water, foam, powder and / or CO2;

[0242] b) receiving devices, in particular containers, tanks and / or boilers;

[0243] c) Distribution systems, in particular pipe and / or conduit systems and / or pipe and / or conduit arrangements;

[0244] d) Fire extinguishing devices, in particular sprinkler devices and / or fire extinguishing nozzle devices;

[0245] e) Conveying devices, in particular pumps;

[0246] f) Control and / or regulating devices, in particular electronic control and / or regulating devices, preferably automated or manual systems for triggering the fire protection system (1) and / or the extinguishing discharge devices and / or

[0247] Mechanical control and / or regulating devices, in particular for controlling and / or regulating fluids or liquids and / or gases, especially valves;

[0248] g) Alarm devices, in particular fire alarm devices;

[0249] h) Sensor device, in particular for detecting and / or determining smoke, heat, humidity, temperature and / or flames;

[0250] i) Control elements, in particular switches, buttons and / or touchscreens; j) Display devices, in particular displays;

[0251] k) Alarm valve devices, in particular alarm valve stations. Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the test condition is selected from the group of:

[0252] a) Accessibility and / or location of the components, in particular in comparison with a provided virtual model of the fire protection system, the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; b) Distance between technical components and / or technical component arrangements,

[0253] c) Damage and / or wear of the technical component and / or the technical component assembly, in particular with regard to surface condition and / or shape and / or freedom from corrosion and / or deformation and / or alignment and / or positioning and / or porosity,

[0254] d) Legibility and / or visibility of the markings,

[0255] e) Extinguishing agent levels and / or moisture limits of a technical component and / or a technical component assembly, in particular the integrity of seals and / or valves,

[0256] f) Cleanliness and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular visual inspection of the technical components, preferably taking into account dust or other deposits,

[0257] g) Proper arrangement and / or installation and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular the pipelines and / or valves, especially taking into account leaks, cracks and / or corrosion; h) Functionality and / or tightness of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular taking into account leaks and / or wear and / or proper connection to electrical connections. Advantageously, the test condition includes at least one functional test, in particular of a fire alarm, to ensure proper functioning, in particular wherein the test condition includes at least one control test to check the extinguishing agent levels and / or to ensure the validity and / or shelf life of the extinguishing agent.

[0258] Preferably, the visual data acquisition device is designed as an optical and / or phototechnical (data) acquisition device and / or the visual data acquisition device is selected from the group of

[0259] a) 2D cameras (2D image cameras);

[0260] b) 3D cameras;

[0261] c) infrared cameras (IR cameras);

[0262] d) Color cameras;

[0263] e) High-speed cameras;

[0264] f) industrial cameras;

[0265] g) Stereo cameras;

[0266] h) Line scan cameras;

[0267] i) GigE Vision and / or USB3 Vision cameras.

[0268] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sensor-based test data are acquired and / or determined using sensor devices, wherein the sensor devices are selected from the group of:

[0269] a) Temperature sensors;

[0270] b) Smoke sensors, in particular for checking and / or determining the smoke density and / or the number of (smoke) particles in the air;

[0271] c) Pressure sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the water or extinguishing agent pressure in the fire protection system, especially in the piping system;

[0272] d) Flow sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the flow rate of the extinguishing water and / or extinguishing agent;

[0273] e) Flame sensors, in particular for checking infrared radiation or other signals indicating the presence of flames; f) Pressure gauges for monitoring the pressure in at least one technical component and / or technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1);

[0274] g) Alarm detectors, in particular for checking the functionality of alarm detectors in case of fire;

[0275] h) Humidity sensors, in particular for determining and / or checking humidity;

[0276] i) Condition monitoring sensors, in particular for monitoring and / or determining the general condition of the fire protection system (1);

[0277] j) Level sensors;

[0278] k) electrical current and / or voltage measuring devices, in particular ammeters and / or voltmeters;

[0279] l) Interference and / or fault sensors;

[0280] m) Acoustic and / or light sensors;

[0281] n) Switching sensors, in particular limit switch sensors;

[0282] o) Vibration sensors;

[0283] p) Speed ​​sensors;

[0284] and / or any combination thereof.

[0285] Advantageously, it includes at least one visual inspection parameter, preferably the position and / or dimension and / or shape parameter,

[0286] a) a diameter, in particular pipe diameter;

[0287] b) a complaint, in particular concerning adjacent pipe and / or conduit sections;

[0288] c) an angle and / or bending specification;

[0289] d) a dimension, in particular a length dimension; and / or

[0290] e) a thickness dimension. As regards the system according to the invention, a plan model corresponding to and / or associated with the fire protection system is provided in the electronic database, in particular wherein at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement is stored in the plan model and, particularly preferably, wherein the system is designed for a locally resolved and / or locally controlled execution of the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system (1), in particular the execution of the visual inspection, on the basis of the technical component and / or technical component arrangement stored in the plan model.

[0291] Preferably, the evaluation device is designed to capture and / or record the visual test data and, in particular, to automatically record at least one dimensional parameter, especially using image processing technology, and is particularly preferably designed to capture at least one reference point and / or a reference line for at least one dimension.

[0292] In particular, the data acquisition device is designed for three-dimensional visual data acquisition and / or as a 3D scanner, especially preferably for generating a three-dimensional model of a pipe and / or conduit network of the fire protection system, especially preferably wherein a pipe and / or conduit network is stored in the database and the evaluation device is designed for comparison with the three-dimensional and / or data acquisition device generated model of the pipe and / or conduit network.

[0293] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises:

[0294] at least one mobile, in particular remotely controlled, inspection device, preferably a ground-based inspection robot and / or an air-based inspection robot, in particular an inspection drone,

[0295] wherein the visual data acquisition device is arranged and / or configured on the mobile inspection device. Regarding further details, embodiments, configurations, advantages and special features of the subject matter of the present invention according to the second aspect of the present invention, reference may also be made to the above and subsequent explanations concerning the first aspect of the invention, which apply accordingly to the second aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0296] A further subject matter of the present invention – according to a third aspect of the present invention – is also an inventive use of a system according to one of the preceding claims for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system,

[0297] where the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially geographically decoupled from the fire protection system,

[0298] where visual and sensor-based test data are recorded and

[0299] wherein the acquisition and / or transmission of the visual inspection data is at least partially robot- and / or drone-assisted by means of a visual data acquisition and / or data transmission technology, in particular wherein technical components and / or technical component arrangements of the fire protection system are controlled by means of robot and / or drone devices for the purposes of visual data acquisition and subjected to a visual inspection; and / or

[0300] in particular wherein at least one sensor-based acquisition and / or transmission of sensor-based test data to at least one technical component and / or technical component arrangement takes place, in particular in comparison and / or in real time with the acquisition and / or transmission of the visual test data.

[0301] Regarding further details, embodiments, configurations, advantages, and special features of the subject matter of the present invention according to the third aspect of the present invention, reference may be made to the above and subsequent explanations concerning the first and second aspects of the invention, which apply accordingly to the third aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition. A further subject matter of the present invention—according to a fourth aspect of the present invention—is the use, according to the invention, of a mobile, in particular remotely controlled, inspection device, preferably a ground-based inspection robot and / or an air-based inspection robot, in particular an inspection drone, in a preferably water-based fire protection system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system.

[0302] in particular wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially geographically decoupled from the fire protection system; in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0303] Regarding further details, embodiments, configurations, advantages and special features of the subject matter of the present invention according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, reference may also be made to the above and subsequent explanations concerning the first, second and third aspects of the invention, which apply accordingly to the third aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0304] Regarding further details, embodiments, configurations, advantages and special features of the subject matter of the present invention according to the third aspect of the present invention, reference may also be made to the above and subsequent explanations concerning the first and second aspects of the invention, which apply accordingly to the third aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0305] Furthermore, a further object of the present invention – according to a fifth aspect of the present invention – is also a computer program product according to the invention, comprising commands that cause,

[0306] that at least one test condition is provided and / or retrieved in an evaluation device, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system,

[0307] wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; wherein visual test data corresponding to and / or assigned to the test condition are recorded and / or determined in the evaluation device,

[0308] wherein the visual inspection data includes at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein a determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the visual inspection data;and that, in particular by means of the evaluation device, a comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") is carried out and, preferably, a test result is provided and / or output, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

[0309] Regarding further details, embodiments and configurations, advantages and special features of the subject matter of the present invention according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, reference may also be made to the above and subsequent explanations concerning the first, second, third and fourth aspects, which apply accordingly to the fourth aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0310] Furthermore, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium on which at least one test condition is / are stored is / are stored, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system, and wherein the test condition comprises at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement. Regarding further details, embodiments and configurations, advantages and special features of the subject matter of the present invention according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, reference may be made to the above and subsequent explanations concerning the first, second, third, fourth and fifth aspects, which apply accordingly to the fourth aspect of the invention, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0311] The present invention is described below with reference to preferred embodiments and illustrative drawings and figures, the descriptions of which apply to all aspects of the invention and in which the corresponding preferred embodiments and configurations of the present invention are in no way limiting; further advantages, properties, aspects and features of the present invention are also shown in the description of the figures.

[0312] The depictions of figures show:

[0313] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the implementation of a method according to the invention in a fire protection system for the particularly standardized and / or guideline-compliant inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system, wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out at least partially, preferably completely, as automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring, wherein visual test data are acquired and / or determined at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing by means of an inspection robot;

[0314] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an alternatively implemented method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08); Fig. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a system for implementing the method according to the invention for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001: 2024-01 (08).

[0315] Fig. 1 illustrates a method according to the invention for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system 1, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08),

[0316] wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably fully, geographically decoupled from the fire protection system 1,

[0317] wherein the following process steps are carried out, in particular in the (temporal) sequence of process steps A) to C) specified below: A) Providing at least one test condition, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system 1, wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement;

[0318] B) Carrying out a visual and / or sensor-based, in particular a visual and sensor-based, test, preferably a visual inspection and / or a visual check, of the at least one technical component and / or the at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system 1,

[0319] wherein the visual inspection is carried out at least partially, preferably fully, automated and / or using and / or supported by visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably using and / or supported by visual data transmission technology,

[0320] wherein visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition are acquired and / or determined, wherein the visual test data are acquired and / or determined at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology, wherein the visual test data comprise at least one determined test parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or associated with the specified test parameter ("target parameter"), and / or wherein a determined test parameter ("actual parameter") associated with the specified test parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the visual test data; and

[0321] C) Comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, provision and / or output of a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

[0322] The technical component and / or the technical component arrangement of the fire protection system 1 is selected from the group of:

[0323] a) Extinguishing agents, in particular water, foam, powder and / or CO2;

[0324] b) receiving devices, in particular containers, tanks and / or boilers;

[0325] c) Distribution systems, in particular pipe and / or conduit systems and / or pipe and / or conduit arrangements;

[0326] d) Fire extinguishing devices, in particular sprinkler devices and / or fire extinguishing nozzle devices;

[0327] e) Conveying devices, in particular pumps; f) Control and / or regulating devices, in particular electronic control and / or regulating devices, preferably automated or manual systems for triggering the fire protection system and / or the extinguishing discharge devices and / or

[0328] Mechanical control and / or regulating devices, in particular for controlling and / or regulating fluids or liquids and / or gases, especially valves;

[0329] g) Alarm devices, in particular fire alarm devices;

[0330] h) Sensor devices, in particular for detecting and / or determining smoke, heat, humidity, temperature and / or flames;

[0331] i) Control elements, in particular switches, buttons and / or touchscreens; j) Display devices, in particular displays;

[0332] k) Alarm valve devices, in particular alarm valve stations.

[0333] The visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably the visual data transmission technology, is carried out by means of a visual data acquisition device 8, wherein the visual data acquisition device is selected from the group of

[0334] a) 2D cameras (2D image cameras);

[0335] b) 3D cameras;

[0336] c) infrared cameras (IR cameras);

[0337] d) Color cameras;

[0338] e) High-speed cameras;

[0339] f) industrial cameras;

[0340] g) Stereo cameras;

[0341] h) Line scan cameras;

[0342] i) GigE Vision and / or USB3 Vision cameras.

[0343] In the process shown in Fig. 1, the visual inspection is carried out at least partially automatically and / or robot-assisted, in the illustrated and preferred embodiment by means of an air-based inspection robot 10, preferably by means of an inspection drone that is remotely controlled and / or navigation-based. Fig. 2 shows an alternative implementation of the method according to the invention.

[0344] Regarding further details, features and advantages of the second embodiment, reference can be made to the above statements on the first embodiment to avoid unnecessary repetition, which apply accordingly to the second embodiment and / or method.

[0345] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the visual inspection is carried out at least partially automatically and / or robot-assisted, specifically in the form of a ground-based inspection robot 9, which is remotely controlled and navigation-based.

[0346] It is understood that a combination of the procedures according to Figs. 1 and 2, i.e. a combined use of a ground-based inspection robot 9 and an air-based inspection robot 10, is also possible.

[0347] Figure 3 shows a purely schematic representation of a system 11 for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system 1, in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08),

[0348] wherein the system is designed for at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least for at least partially, preferably fully, locally decoupled inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system 1,

[0349] with:

[0350] A) an electronic database 12 in which at least one test condition is provided, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system 1,

[0351] wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter (“target parameter”) of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; B) a visual data acquisition device 8 for carrying out an at least partially, preferably fully, automated visual inspection of at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system 1;

[0352] wherein the data acquisition device is designed for visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably for implementing a visual data transmission technology; and

[0353] C) an evaluation device 13 for capturing and / or determining visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition,

[0354] wherein the visual inspection data are at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology, wherein the visual inspection data comprise at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or associated with the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein the evaluation device is configured to determine from the visual inspection data a determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") associated with the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter"); and

[0355] wherein the evaluation device 13 is designed for comparing and / or aligning the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, for providing and / or outputting a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

[0356] In particular, the system 11 comprises at least one sensor device 14 for acquiring and / or determining sensor-based test data corresponding to and / or associated with at least one test condition. The implementation of the method according to the invention using the system 11 according to the invention is preferably carried out such that the electronic database provides at least one test condition, designated as step A in Fig. 3.

[0357] Based on this, an at least partially, preferably completely, automated visual inspection of at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system 1, referred to as step B in Fig. 3, is then carried out using the visual data acquisition device 8.

[0358] Based on this, the evaluation unit 13 then performs a comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter with the determined test parameter to provide and / or output a test result, referred to as step C in Fig. 3.

[0359] Particularly preferably, the sensor device 14 is used to additionally detect and / or determine sensor-based test data corresponding to and / or associated with at least one test condition, referred to as step D in Fig. 3.

[0360] On this basis, the evaluation device 13 is then also designed in particular for aligning and / or comparing the specified test conditions with the sensor-based test parameter and for determining and / or outputting a test result, in particular wherein the evaluation device 13 is additionally designed for aligning and / or comparing the visual test parameter with the sensor-based test parameter and in particular for determining and / or outputting a test result, in particular in the form of a plausibility and / or supplementary check of the test results from the visual test parameter and the sensor-based test parameter.

[0361] Overall, the present invention provides an efficient concept for a particularly standardized and / or guideline-compliant inspection, maintenance, and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system 1, wherein the inspection, maintenance, and / or testing is carried out as at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably fully, geographically decoupled from the fire protection system 1. In this way, a resource- and / or cost-saving inspection, maintenance, and / or testing is implemented, particularly in relation to or compared with an "on-site inspection".

[0362] Further embodiments, modifications, variations, special features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent and achievable for the person skilled in the art when reading the description, without the person skilled in the art having to leave the scope of the present invention.

[0363] The present invention is further illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments, which, however, are in no way intended to limit the present invention. EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT:

[0364] 1. Preparation for maintenance or inspection

[0365] To prepare for the maintenance or inspection of the fire protection system:

[0366] First, a test condition is provided, whereby the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system.

[0367] For example, the test condition could be the distance or spacing between sprinklers. Accordingly, the technical component or arrangement of components is the sprinkler or a plurality of sprinklers (sprinkler arrangement), whose distances or spacings to each other are provided as a test condition.

[0368] Specifically, the test condition includes at least one predefined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in this case concrete or, for example, in the form of the distance between sprinklers (e.g., in centimeters).

[0369] 2. Performing an automated visual inspection

[0370] To carry out the visual inspection, remote inspection and / or remote monitoring is implemented, such that at least partially automated data acquisition and / or data processing takes place, whereby visual inspection data corresponding to and / or assigned to the inspection condition are recorded and / or determined.

[0371] The visual inspection is carried out at least partially automatically and / or robot-assisted, in particular using a ground-based inspection robot or an air-based inspection robot, specifically in the form of an inspection drone.

[0372] According to a particularly preferred method, the visual inspection is carried out using a visual data acquisition device, specifically in the form of a high-performance industrial camera, in particular with a suitability or function for visual distance detection.

[0373] The visual data acquisition device is connected to or within the mobile or remotely controlled inspection device, so that selective visual data acquisition can be carried out remotely or navigation-based in the form of a remote inspection using the remotely controlled inspection device and the data processing device.

[0374] As a result of the visual inspection, visual inspection data are recorded and / or determined, whereby the visual inspection data include at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") that corresponds to and / or is assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter").

[0375] 3. Comparison of test parameters

[0376] As a result of the method carried out according to the invention, a comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter"), in this case the target distance between adjacent sprinklers, with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter"), in this case the determined distance between adjacent sprinklers, is preferably carried out.

[0377] As a result, a test result can preferably be provided and / or issued, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the test condition.

[0378] According to the present embodiment, the test result can therefore consist of providing and / or outputting a deviation of the specified target distance between adjacent sprinklers from the determined actual distance of the adjacent sprinkler heads.

[0379] Provided there is no deviation or an acceptable minor deviation between the target distance and the actual distance, the test result can therefore include a fulfillment of the test condition in question.

[0380] Alternatively, if the deviation of the target distance from the actual distance exceeds a specified tolerance value, the test result may, in the event of this non-fulfillment of the test condition, include a determination and / or specification of the deviation of the determined test parameter or "actual parameter", i.e., actual distance from the specified test parameter, in particular "target parameter", i.e., target distance.

[0381] In summary, the following table can be used to proceed with regard to the technical components or component arrangements and the associated test conditions or test parameters:

[0382]

[0383]

[0384]

[0385] 4. Combined visual and sensor-based inspection

[0386] According to a particularly preferred method, in addition to visual inspection, a sensor-based inspection is also carried out.

[0387] The test condition includes, in addition to the specified visual test parameter, a specified sensor-based test parameter for the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement. Based on this, it is then possible to acquire and / or determine sensor-based test data corresponding to or associated with the test condition. Sensor-based test data can, for example, be functional and / or fault parameters.

[0388] For example, the sensor-based test parameter could be one related to the lines of the visually inspected sprinklers or the spacing of the sprinklers.

[0389] Therefore, in accordance with the spacing of the sprinklers, a sensor-based test can also be carried out, in that, in addition to the spacing of the sprinklers, a sensor-based pressure parameter relating to the pipe of the sprinklers in question is also carried out.

[0390] The sensor-based test data can also be automatically recorded and / or determined, at least partially, preferably completely.

[0391] According to the invention, a target-actual comparison of the predetermined sensor-based test parameter with the determined sensor-based test parameter can also be carried out, preferably wherein a comparison and / or alignment of the visual test parameter with the sensor-based test parameter is additionally carried out and, preferably, a determination and / or output of a test result, in particular in the form of a plausibility and / or supplementary check of the test results from the visual and sensor-based test parameters. REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST:

[0392] 1 Fire protection system

[0393] 2 containers

[0394] 3 Distribution system

[0395] 4 Extinguishing discharge device

[0396] 5 pump

[0397] 6 Control device

[0398] 7 Alarm device

[0399] 8 visual data acquisition devices 9 ground-based inspection robots 10 air-based inspection robots

[0400] 11 System

[0401] 12 electronic databases

[0402] 13 Evaluation device

[0403] 14 Sensor device

Claims

1. Patent claims:

1. Method for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system (1), in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08), wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially, preferably fully, geographically decoupled from the fire protection system (1), the following procedural steps are carried out, in particular in the (temporal) sequence of procedural steps A) to C) specified below): A) Providing at least one test condition, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1), wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; B) Carrying out a visual and / or sensor-based, in particular visual and sensor-based, test, preferably a visual inspection and / or a visual check, of the at least one technical component and / or the at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1), wherein the visual inspection is carried out at least partially, preferably fully, automated and / or using and / or supported by visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably using and / or supported by visual data transmission technology, wherein visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition are acquired and / or determined, wherein the visual test data are acquired and / or determined at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology. wherein the visual inspection data includes at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein a determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the visual inspection data; and C) Comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, provision and / or output of a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the test condition and / or the visual test data includes at least one position and / or dimension and / or shape and / or function parameter as a test parameter.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the test condition and / or the visual test data comprise(s) as test parameters at least one leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameter, in particular wherein the leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters are detected and / or determined from the visual test data.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein a particularly automated comparison and / or alignment of the test condition with the visual leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters and, preferably, an identification and / or assignment and / or local allocation of a technical component and / or component arrangement affected by a leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture is carried out.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the test condition and / or the visual test data includes, as test parameters, at least one temperature parameter of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein a comparison and / or alignment of a predetermined temperature parameter (temperature threshold and / or temperature range) with a temperature parameter determined, in particular visually, is carried out and, preferably, a determination and / or output of a test result is carried out, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition and / or not exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition and / or exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, a determination and / or output of an exceedance or fall below parameter of the visual temperature parameter compared to the predetermined temperature parameter is carried out.7.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular in method step B), a sensor-based test is carried out in addition to the visual test. wherein the test condition includes at least one predefined sensor-based test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, wherein sensor-based test data corresponding to and / or associated with at least one test condition are acquired and / or determined, wherein the sensor-based test data are acquired and / or determined at least partially, preferably completely, automatically and / or based on sensor-based data acquisition and / or data processing and wherein the sensor-based test data include at least one determined test parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or assigned to the specified test parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein a determined test parameter ("actual parameter") assigned to the specified test parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the sensor-based test data.

8. Method according to claim 7, where the sensor-based test parameters are selected from the group of i) pressure parameters; ii) Temperature parameters; iii) Velocity parameters, in particular flow velocity parameters; iv) electrical current parameters, in particular voltage and / or current parameters; v) Functional and / or disturbance parameters; vi) Level parameters; and / or any combination thereof.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a comparison and / or alignment of the specified test condition with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, a determination and / or output of a test result is carried out, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, a determination and / or output of a deviation parameter of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter is carried out; preferably wherein, in addition, a comparison and / or alignment of the visual test parameter with the sensor-based test parameter is carried out and, preferably, a determination and / or output of a test result, in particular in the form of a plausibility and / or supplementary check of the test results from the visual and sensor-based test parameters.

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular, the test result is a preferably automated generation of an inspection report to support maintenance and testing requirements, in particular wherein the inspection report includes documentation of the inspection results and / or identified defects and / or instructions for remedying and / or limiting the identified defects, in particular to ensure traceability and compliance with safety standards.

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fire protection system comprises at least one fire warning and / or fire detection device on the one hand and a fire extinguishing device, preferably a water-operated (water-based) fire extinguishing device, on the other hand.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1) is selected from the group of: a) extinguishing agents, in particular water, foam, powder and / or CO2; b) receiving devices, in particular containers (2), tanks and / or boilers; c) distribution systems (2), in particular pipe and / or conduit systems and / or pipe and / or conduit arrangements; d) extinguishing discharge devices (4), in particular sprinkler devices and / or extinguishing nozzle devices; e) Conveying devices, in particular pumps (5); f) Control and / or regulating devices (6), in particular electronic control and / or regulating devices, preferably automated or manual systems for triggering the fire protection system (1) and / or the extinguishing discharge devices and / or Mechanical control and / or regulating devices, in particular for controlling and / or regulating fluids or liquids and / or gases, especially valves; (g) Alarm devices (7), in particular fire alarm devices; h) Sensor devices, in particular for detecting and / or determining smoke, heat, humidity, temperature and / or flames; i) Control elements, in particular switches, buttons and / or touchscreens; j) Display devices, in particular displays; k) Alarm valve devices, in particular alarm valve stations.

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, where the test condition is selected from the group of: a) Accessibility and / or location of the components, in particular in comparison with a provided virtual model of the fire protection system, the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; b) Distance between technical components and / or technical component arrangements, c) Damage and / or wear of the technical component and / or the technical component assembly, in particular with regard to surface condition and / or shape and / or freedom from corrosion and / or deformation and / or alignment and / or positioning and / or porosity, d) Legibility and / or visibility of the markings, e) Extinguishing agent levels and / or moisture limits of a technical component and / or a technical component arrangement, in particular the integrity of seals and / or valves, f) Cleanliness and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular visual inspection of the technical components, preferably taking into account dust or other deposits, g) Proper arrangement and / or installation and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular the pipelines and / or valves, especially taking into account leaks, cracks and / or corrosion, h) Functionality and / or tightness of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular taking into account leaks and / or wear and / or proper connection to electrical connections.

14. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the test condition includes at least one functional test, in particular of a fire alarm, to ensure proper functioning; and / or wherein the test condition includes at least one control test to check the extinguishing agent levels and / or to ensure the validity and / or shelf life of the extinguishing agent.

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual inspection and / or the visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably the visual data transmission technology, is carried out by means of a visual data acquisition device (8), preferably by means of an optical and / or phototechnical (data) acquisition device, wherein the visual data acquisition device (8) is selected from the group of a) 2D cameras (2D image cameras); b) 3D cameras; c) infrared cameras (IR cameras); d) Color cameras; e) High-speed cameras; f) industrial cameras; g) Stereo cameras; h) Line scan cameras; i) GigE Vision and / or USB3 Vision cameras.

16. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor-based test data are acquired and / or determined by means of sensors, wherein the sensors are selected from the group of: a) temperature sensors; b) Smoke sensors, in particular for checking and / or determining the smoke density and / or the number of (smoke) particles in the air; c) Pressure sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the water or extinguishing agent pressure in the fire protection system, especially in the piping system; d) Flow sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the flow rate of the extinguishing water and / or extinguishing agent; e) Flame sensors, in particular for checking infrared radiation or other signals indicating the presence of flames; f) Pressure gauges for monitoring the pressure in at least one technical component and / or technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1); g) Alarm detectors, in particular for checking the functionality of alarm detectors in case of fire; h) Humidity sensors, in particular for determining and / or checking humidity; i) Condition monitoring sensors, in particular for monitoring and / or determining the general condition of the fire protection system (1); j) Level sensors; k) electrical current and / or voltage measuring devices, in particular ammeters and / or voltmeters; l) Interference and / or fault sensors; m) Acoustic and / or light sensors; n) Switching sensors, in particular limit switch sensors; o) Vibration sensors; p) Speed ​​sensors; and / or any combination thereof.

17. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual and / or sensor-based test data are recorded over at least one inspection process of the fire protection system (1), preferably over a plurality of inspection processes of the fire protection system (1).

18. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one visual inspection parameter, preferably the position and / or dimensional and / or shape parameter, a) a diameter, in particular pipe diameter; b) a spacing, in particular between adjacent pipe and / or conduit sections; c) an angle and / or bending specification; d) a dimension, in particular a length dimension; and / or e) a thickness dimension, includes.

19. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the technical components and / or the technical component arrangement are selected from the group of: a) Sprinkler control centers; b) Alarm valve stations; c) Compressed air water tank; d) Pumps; e) Electric drive devices; f) Diesel propulsion devices; g) Water storage tank; h) Power supply devices; i) Emergency power generator devices; j) Sprinkler arrangements; k) Storage facilities; l) Hydraulic devices; and / or any combination thereof.

20. Method according to claim 19, where the test condition and / or the specified test parameter a) is selected with regard to sprinkler control panels from the group of: i) temperature; ii) Ventilation; iii) structural separation; and / or iv) Signage; and / or b) selected with regard to alarm valve stations from the group of: i) Pressure, in particular with regard to identical pressure before and after a valve flap of the alarm valve station; ii) Alarm, in particular alarm test and / or bell alarm; iii) Position of a shut-off valve; iv) Pipe dimensioning; v) Confirmation of recognition; and / or c) selected with regard to compressed air water tanks from the group of: i) Pressure; ii) Fill level; iii) Boiler function; iv) Function of a refill pump; v) Position of a gate valve; vi) Pipe dimensioning; and / or d) with regard to pumps is selected from the group of: i) automatic pump start; ii) Flow rate; iii) Pressure; iv) Position of the shut-off valve; v) Pipe dimensions; vi) Data in accordance with recognition; vii) Vibration; viii) Control cabinet approval; ix) Temperature; x) Anti-vortex plate present / required; and / or e) is selected with regard to electric drive devices from the group of: i) Voltage; ii) Electricity; iii) electrical flow, in particular of an emergency power line; and / or f) is selected with regard to diesel propulsion devices from the group of: i) Speed; ii) Temperature, in particular of cooling water; iii) Fill level, in particular of a fuel tank; iv) Supply air, in particular supply air opening; and / or g) is selected from the group of water storage tanks. i) Fill level; ii) Temperature; iii) Useful content, in particular sufficient useful content; and / orh) in relation to energy supply devices is selected from the group of: i) Requirements for the audit basis; ii) Safeguarding, in particular with regard to the marking of a sprinkler outlet; iii) Line quality, especially with regard to E90 / F90; iv) Exit, in particular before the main switch; v) Selectivity; and / or i) is selected with regard to emergency power generator devices from the group of: i) Performance, in particular sufficient performance; ii) Switching, in particular the switching process; and / or j) is selected with regard to sprinkler arrangements from the group of: i) Protected areas; ii) Distances between sprinklers; iii) Spray obstructions to built-in components; iv) Distance, in particular between stored goods and sprinklers; and / or k) is selected with regard to storage devices from the group of: i) partial storage areas; ii) Bearing heights; and / or I) is selected with regard to hydraulic devices from the group of: i) a match between calculated and existing pipe dimensions; ii) k-factor; iii) Location of an effective surface; iv) Number of calculated sprinklers; v) C-factors.

21. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plan model corresponding to and / or associated with the fire protection system is provided, in particular wherein at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement is stored in the plan model and, particularly preferably, a locally resolved and / or locally controlled execution of the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system (1), in particular the execution of the visual inspection, is carried out on the basis of the technical component and / or technical component arrangement stored in the plan model.

22. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the acquisition and / or recording of the visual inspection data includes, in particular, automated recording of at least one dimensional parameter, especially using image processing technology; Particularly preferably wherein at least one dimension is taken by recording at least one reference point and / or a reference line.

23. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual test data are at least partially acquired using a three-dimensional data acquisition technology, in particular a 3D scanner, particularly preferably for generating a three-dimensional model of a pipe and / or conduit network of the fire protection system (1), particularly preferably wherein a pipe and / or conduit network stored in the plan model is compared with the three-dimensionally generated model of the pipe and / or conduit network.

24. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual inspection is carried out at least partially automated and / or robot-assisted, particularly preferably wherein a ground-based inspection robot (9) and / or an air-based inspection robot (10), preferably an inspection drone, is operated remotely and / or navigation-based.

25. Method according to any of the preceding claims, where the acquisition and / or determination of the visual inspection data and / or sensor-based inspection data takes place in real time.

26. System (11) for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system (1), in particular for conformity testing in accordance with the requirements of and / or in accordance with VdS ​​guideline VdS CEA 4001 : 2024-01 (08), wherein the system is designed for at least partially, preferably fully, automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system (1) that is at least partially, preferably fully, physically decoupled from the fire protection system (1). in particular system (11) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, with: A) an electronic database (12) in which at least one test condition is provided, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1), wherein the test condition includes at least one predetermined test parameter (“target parameter”) of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; B) a visual data acquisition device (8) for carrying out at least partially, preferably fully, automated visual inspection of at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1); wherein the data acquisition device (8) is configured for visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably for implementing a visual data transmission technology; and C) an evaluation device (13) for recording and / or determining visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition, wherein the visual inspection data are at least partially, preferably fully, automatically and / or based on visual data acquisition and / or data processing, preferably based on visual data transmission technology, wherein the visual inspection data includes at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein the evaluation device is designed to determine from the visual inspection data a determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter"); and wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed for comparing and / or aligning the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") and, preferably, for providing and / or outputting a test result, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").

27. System according to claim 26, wherein the test condition and / or the visual test data includes at least one position and / or dimension and / or shape and / or function parameter as a test parameter.

28. System according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the test condition and / or the visual test data includes at least one leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameter as a test parameter.

29. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed to detect and / or determine the leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters from the visual inspection data.

30. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed for the particularly automated comparison and / or comparison of the test condition with the visual leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture parameters and, preferably, for the identification and / or assignment and / or local allocation of a technical component and / or component arrangement affected by a leakage and / or corrosion and / or moisture.

31. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the test condition and / or the visual test data comprise(s) as test parameters at least one temperature parameter of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement.

32. System according to claim 31, wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed for comparing and / or aligning a predetermined temperature parameter (temperature threshold and / or temperature range) with a temperature parameter determined, in particular, visually, and, preferably, for determining and / or outputting a test result, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition and / or not exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition and / or exceeding or falling below the predetermined temperature parameter by the visual temperature parameter, particularly preferably wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, to determine and / or output an exceedance or fall below parameter of the visual temperature parameter compared to the predetermined temperature parameter.

33. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular in addition to the visual data acquisition device (8), at least one sensor device (14) is provided for acquiring and / or determining sensor-based test data corresponding to and / or associated with at least one test condition.

34. System according to claim 33, wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed, in particular equally, for comparing and / or aligning the specified test condition with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, for determining and / or outputting a test result, in particular in the form of fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter or in the form of non-fulfillment of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the test condition, the evaluation device is designed to determine and / or output a deviation parameter of the test condition with respect to the sensor-based test parameter;preferably wherein the evaluation device (13) is additionally designed to align and / or compare the visual test parameter with the sensor-based test parameter and, preferably, to determine and / or output a test result, in particular in the form of a plausibility and / or supplementary check of the test results from the visual test parameter and the sensor-based test parameter.

35. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fire protection system comprises at least one fire warning and / or fire detection device on the one hand and a fire extinguishing device, preferably a water-based fire extinguishing device, on the other hand.

36. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1) is selected from the group of: a) extinguishing agents, in particular water, foam, powder and / or CO2; b) receiving devices, in particular containers, tanks and / or boilers; c) distribution systems, in particular pipe and / or conduit systems and / or pipe and / or conduit arrangements; d) Fire extinguishing devices, in particular sprinkler devices and / or fire extinguishing nozzle devices; e) Conveying devices, in particular pumps; f) Control and / or regulating devices, in particular electronic control and / or regulating devices, preferably automated or manual systems for triggering the fire protection system (1) and / or the extinguishing discharge devices and / or Mechanical control and / or regulating devices, in particular for controlling and / or regulating fluids or liquids and / or gases, especially valves; g) Alarm devices, in particular fire alarm devices; h) Sensor device, in particular for detecting and / or determining smoke, heat, humidity, temperature and / or flames; i) Control elements, in particular switches, buttons and / or touchscreens; j) Display devices, in particular displays; k) Alarm valve devices, in particular alarm valve stations.

37. System according to any of the preceding claims, where the test condition is selected from the group of: a) Accessibility and / or location of the components, in particular in comparison with a provided virtual model of the fire protection system, the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; b) Distance between technical components and / or technical component arrangements, c) Damage and / or wear of the technical component and / or the technical component assembly, in particular with regard to surface condition and / or shape and / or freedom from corrosion and / or deformation and / or alignment and / or positioning and / or porosity, d) Legibility and / or visibility of the markings, e) Extinguishing agent levels and / or moisture limits of a technical component and / or a technical component assembly, in particular the integrity of seals and / or valves, f) Cleanliness and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular visual inspection of the technical components, preferably taking into account dust or other deposits; g) Proper arrangement and / or installation and / or functionality of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular the pipelines and / or valves, in particular taking into account leaks, cracks and / or corrosion. h) Functionality and / or tightness of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement, in particular taking into account leaks and / or wear and tear and / or proper connection to electrical connections.

38. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the test condition includes at least one functional test, in particular of a fire alarm, to ensure proper functioning; and / or wherein the test condition includes at least one control test to check the extinguishing agent levels and / or to ensure the validity and / or shelf life of the extinguishing agent.

39. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual data acquisition device (8) is designed as an optical and / or phototechnical (data) acquisition device and / or wherein the visual data acquisition device (8) is selected from the group of a) 2D cameras (2D image cameras); b) 3D cameras; c) infrared cameras (IR cameras); d) Color cameras; e) High-speed cameras; f) industrial cameras; g) Stereo cameras; h) Line scan cameras; i) GigE Vision and / or USB3 Vision cameras.

40. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor-based test data are acquired and / or determined by means of sensor devices selected from the group of: a) Temperature sensors; b) Smoke sensors, in particular for checking and / or determining the smoke density and / or the number of (smoke) particles in the air; c) Pressure sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the water or extinguishing agent pressure in the fire protection system, especially in the piping system; d) Flow sensors, in particular for determining and / or controlling the flow rate of the extinguishing water and / or extinguishing agent; e) Flame sensors, in particular for checking infrared radiation or other signals indicating the presence of flames; f) Pressure gauges for monitoring the pressure in at least one technical component and / or technical component arrangement of the fire protection system (1); g) Alarm detectors, in particular for checking the functionality of alarm detectors in case of fire; h) Humidity sensors, in particular for determining and / or checking humidity; i) Condition monitoring sensors, in particular for monitoring and / or determining the general condition of the fire protection system (1); j) Level sensors; k) electrical current and / or voltage measuring devices, in particular ammeters and / or voltmeters; l) Interference and / or fault sensors; m) Acoustic and / or light sensors; n) Switching sensors, in particular limit switch sensors; o) Vibration sensors; p) Speed ​​sensors; and / or any combination thereof.

41. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one visual inspection parameter, preferably the position and / or dimensional and / or shape parameter, a) a diameter, in particular pipe diameter; b) a complaint, in particular concerning adjacent pipe and / or conduit sections; c) an angle and / or bending specification; d) a dimension, in particular a length dimension; and / or e) a thickness dimension, includes.

42. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in particular a plan model corresponding to and / or assigned to the fire protection system is provided in the electronic database (12), in particular wherein at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement is stored in the plan model and, particularly preferably, wherein the system is designed for a locally resolved and / or locally controlled execution of the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system (1), in particular the execution of the visual inspection, on the basis of the technical component and / or technical component arrangement stored in the plan model.

43. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the evaluation device (13) is designed to capture and / or record the visual inspection data and, in particular, to automatically record at least one dimensional parameter, especially using an image processing technology; Particularly preferably, the evaluation device (13) is configured to detect at least one reference point and / or a reference line for at least one dimension.

44. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data acquisition device (13) is designed for three-dimensional visual data acquisition and / or as a 3D scanner, particularly preferably for generating a three-dimensional model of a pipe and / or conduit network of the fire protection system, Particularly preferred, wherein a pipeline and / or pipe network is stored in the database and the evaluation device is designed to compare it with the three-dimensional and / or data acquisition device generated model of the pipeline and / or pipe network.

45. System according to any of the preceding claims, further showing: at least one mobile, in particular remotely controlled inspection device, preferably a ground-based inspection robot (9) and / or an air-based inspection robot (10), in particular an inspection drone, wherein the visual data acquisition device (8) is arranged and / or designed on the mobile inspection device.

46. ​​Use of a system according to one of the preceding claims for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of a preferably water-based fire protection system (1), wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially geographically decoupled from the fire protection system (1), and / or in particular for carrying out the procedure according to one of the preceding claims.

47. Use of a system according to any of the preceding claims for carrying out the method according to any of the preceding claims.

48. Use of a system according to any of the preceding claims for inspecting and / or maintaining and / or testing a preferably water-based fire protection system (1). wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially geographically decoupled from the fire protection system (1), whereby visual and sensor-based test data are recorded and wherein the acquisition and / or transmission of the visual test data is at least partially robot- and / or drone-assisted by means of a visual data acquisition and / or transmission technology, in particular wherein technical components and / or technical component arrangements of the fire protection system (1) are controlled by means of robot and / or drone devices for the purposes of visual data acquisition and are subjected to a visual inspection; and / or in particular wherein at least one sensor-based acquisition and / or transmission of sensor-based test data to at least one technical component and / or technical component arrangement is carried out, in particular in comparison and / or in real time with the acquisition and / or transmission of the visual test data.

49. Use according to claim 48, wherein the system is configured to carry out the method according to any of the preceding claims.

50. Use of a mobile, in particular remotely controlled, inspection device, preferably a ground-based inspection robot (9) and / or an air-based inspection robot (10), in particular an inspection drone, in a preferably water-based fire protection system for the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system (1), in particular wherein the inspection and / or maintenance and / or testing is carried out as at least partially automated remote testing and / or remote monitoring and / or at least partially geographically decoupled from the fire protection system (1). in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

51. Computer program product comprising instructions that cause, that in an evaluation device, in particular in the evaluation device (13) of claim 26, at least one test condition is provided and / or retrieved, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system (1), wherein the test condition comprises at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement; that visual test data corresponding to and / or associated with the test condition are recorded and / or determined in the evaluation device (13), wherein the visual inspection data includes at least one determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") corresponding to and / or assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") and / or wherein a determined inspection parameter ("actual parameter") assigned to the specified inspection parameter ("target parameter") is determined from the visual inspection data; and that, in particular by means of the evaluation device (13), a comparison and / or alignment of the specified test parameter ("target parameter") with the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") is carried out and, preferably, a test result is provided and / or output, in particular wherein the test result includes a validation with regard to the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, particularly preferably wherein, in the case of non-fulfillment of the at least one test condition, the test result includes a determination and / or specification of a deviation of the determined test parameter ("actual parameter") from the specified test parameter ("target parameter").52.Computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to claim 49 and / or at least one test condition is / are stored, wherein the test condition is assigned to at least one technical component and / or at least one technical component arrangement of a fire protection system (1), wherein the test condition comprises at least one predetermined test parameter ("target parameter") of the technical component and / or the technical component arrangement.

53. System according to any of the preceding claims, uses according to any of the preceding claims, computer program product according to the preceding claim or computer-readable medium according to the preceding claim, each characterized by one of the features of claims 1 to 25.

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