Alarm Control System Proximity Interlock Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alarm systems lack a mechanism to ensure that the silencing of alarm signals is only permitted under defined circumstances, particularly to prevent remote deactivation from unauthorized or inappropriate sources, such as false alerts or unauthorized users, and to differentiate between detector and repeater alarm devices.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses sensors and input interfaces to determine the proximity of the user to the alarm device by analyzing alarm signal thresholds, including volume, frequency, and modulation, and includes interlock logic to prevent silencing instructions from being sent unless the user is sufficiently close and authorized, with the ability to distinguish between detector and repeater alarm devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote silencing capability is added to alarm devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of unauthorized or inappropriate silencing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary between the remote silencing function and the alarm device. The sensor detects the physical proximity of the user to the alarm device before allowing silencing to occur. This intermediary mechanism ensures that even though remote silencing is possible, it can only be activated when the user is physically close to the alarm, thus preventing unauthorized or inappropriate silencing while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If proximity detection is implemented to prevent unauthorized silencing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a proximity sensor that automatically detects the user's presence and proximity to the alarm device without requiring additional complex authentication mechanisms or user inputs. The system self-determines whether the user is close enough to activate silencing based on the sensor's automatic detection, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If signal threshold analysis is used to determine proximity, then measurement precision is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in signal parameters (such as sound intensity, frequency, or other detectable signal characteristics) as indicators of proximity. By analyzing these parameter changes, the system achieves precise proximity measurement. The control logic is designed to interpret these parameter variations, making the detection process manageable while maintaining high measurement precision for determining whether the user is close enough to silence the alarm.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures that alarm silencing is only performed when the user is physically proximate to the alarm device, preventing inappropriate silencing and allowing for the identification of the correct alarm source, thereby enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to receive an alarm signal from an alarm device
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for silencing an alarm signal of an alarm device comprises a sensor to receive the alarm signal, an input interface for an operator instruction to silence the alarm signal, and control logic to silence the alarm signal. The control logic determines if the alarm signal exceeds a signal threshold indicative of the proximity of the alarm device. If the signal threshold is not exceeded, the control logic prevents the silencing of the alarm device. The control system provides a silencing mechanism that allows remote actuation while requiring a user to be close enough to the alarm device.