Alarm Zone Configuration via Device Self-Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alarm system commissioning processes are inefficient and error-prone, particularly in large facilities, due to reliance on outdated or incomplete floor plans and manual configuration of cause and effect matrices, which can lead to missed devices and delayed notifications during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing zone configuration software that uses executable instructions to initiate short-range communication among alarm system event detection devices, allowing them to self-organize into zones based on communication strength, thereby automating the creation of cause and effect matrices and reducing the risk of human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration of cause and effect matrices is used during system commissioning, then system setup can be performed with basic tools, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone in large facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The detection devices automatically perform self-identification and self-registration with the control panel using their communication components. Devices transmit their identification information autonomously when within communication range, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing both time and errors in the commissioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel receives feedback from detection devices through their communication components, automatically updating the cause and effect matrices based on the transmitted identification information. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate tracking of all system devices without manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If outdated or incomplete floor plans are used for tracking system devices, then existing documentation can be utilized, but the configuration becomes incomplete and incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/documentation-based tracking system (floor plans and manual records) with an electronic communication system. Detection devices use their built-in communication components to automatically transmit their identity and location information to the control panel, which maintains an updated digital inventory of all devices without relying on physical floor plans.
3Reliability
If detection devices have communication components for automatic identification, then device tracking becomes accurate and automated, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection devices utilize their existing communication components, which are already part of the alarm system architecture for other purposes. These multi-functional components serve both their primary alarm detection function and the additional function of automatic identification and registration, avoiding the need for separate tracking systems and minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and processes of configuring cause and effect matrices using alarm system event detection devices in an area within a facility are described herein. One method, includes initiating a zone configuration software by sending computing device executable instructions to a control panel of an alarm system, sending, via the control panel, instructions, to each event detection device of the alarm system, to initiate short range communication to detection devices within each device's communication range, receiving detection device identification information that identifies each detection device within a particular device's communication range, and determining and creating a zone by clustering detection devices with a communication signal strength above a threshold strength value.