Automated Alarm Sound Level Calibration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alarm systems require time-consuming, costly, and hazardous manual adjustments to ensure sound pressure levels meet industry standards, with non-uniform sound pressure distribution leading to hot and cold spots in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that use a processor to measure ambient noise levels, determine target sound levels, and adjust alert device outputs dynamically to achieve uniform sound pressure across a building, using a microphone and communication links for real-time adjustments within minimum and maximum thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual spot checks and adjustments are conducted to ensure sound pressure levels meet industry standards, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm system automatically measures sound pressure levels at multiple locations and adjusts alerting device outputs without human intervention. The processor receives ambient noise levels, determines target alert sound levels, activates alerts, receives actual sound output values, and automatically adjusts sound outputs, making the system self-configuring and eliminating manual spot checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and adjustment processes with an automated electronic system. Sound measuring devices with processors automatically measure and evaluate sound pressure levels, and alerting devices with adjustable sound outputs are automatically configured based on processor determinations, substituting human operators with automated electronic control.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are performed to achieve uniform sound pressure distribution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: receiving ambient noise level data, determining target alert sound levels based on industry standards, activating alerts for testing, receiving actual sound output values, evaluating whether targets are met, and adjusting alerting device outputs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each task, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the processor receives actual sound output values from sound measuring devices, evaluates whether target alert sound levels are met, and automatically adjusts alerting device outputs accordingly. This continuous feedback and adjustment process ensures uniform sound pressure distribution without requiring complex manual calibration procedures.
3Measurement precision
If manual measurement procedures are used to calibrate alarm systems, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to hearing hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration and self-testing without requiring human presence in the environment. The processor automatically activates alerts and measures sound outputs, eliminating the need for personnel to physically walk through the building and expose themselves to high decibel levels during calibration and testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Sound measuring devices with processors act as intermediaries between the alerting devices and human operators. These devices automatically measure sound pressure levels and communicate results to the processor, which then makes adjustment decisions, eliminating the need for human ears to directly exposed to high sound levels while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
This approach reduces labor and hardware costs, prevents hearing hazards, and ensures consistent sound levels, allowing for automated and dynamic volume adjustments in response to changes in building configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone as the sound measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device for configuring an alarm system comprises at least one sound measuring device and a processor configured to receive from the sound measuring device an ambient noise level at a plurality of measuring locations in a building, determine for each of the plurality of the measuring locations, a target alert sound level of an alert generated by at least one of a plurality of alerting devices based at least in part on the ambient noise level at the respective measuring location, receive an actual sound output value of the alert at each of the plurality of measuring locations from one or more of the plurality of alerting devices, and adjust a sound output of each of the plurality of alerting devices by an adjustment value based on the actual sound output values and the target alert sound levels.