3D Building Device Localization for Visual Fire System Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire, security, and building control systems are complex and time-consuming to program and install, requiring extensive planning and text-based programming that lacks visual feedback, making it difficult for installers to accurately place and address devices, especially in emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A 3-D visual representation system using satellite imagery and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to identify device locations, allowing for accurate programming and installation, and providing a graphical interface for system control and first responder direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text-based programming methods are used, then detailed device information can be programmed, but the programming process becomes complex and time-consuming without visual feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy representation of the physical environment and devices. The system generates graphical representations (2D floor plans, 3D models) that replicate the physical layout, allowing programmers to visually identify and program devices without complex text-based addressing. This visual copy enables intuitive device selection and programming while maintaining accurate device information through automated data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual interface as an intermediary between the programmer and the complex device addressing system. The graphical user interface serves as a mediator that translates visual selections into accurate device identification and programming parameters, eliminating the need for direct manual text-based configuration while preserving complete device information accuracy.
2Loss of information
If text-based programming is used, then comprehensive device data can be entered, but installers unfamiliar with site layout struggle to interpret and configure the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies of the physical environment including floor plans, aerial views, and 3D renderings that replicate the actual site layout. These visual representations display device locations, types, and statuses in an intuitive format that is immediately understandable by installers without requiring knowledge of complex addressing schemes or site-specific conventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional text-based device identification to multi-dimensional visual representations. By presenting device information across multiple visual dimensions (2D floor plans, 3D spatial models, aerial perspectives), the system provides comprehensive location information that is intuitively interpretable by installers, making the system easier to operate while maintaining complete location data accuracy.
3Reliability
If precise device placement is required, then system operation reliability is ensured, but installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-visualizing the complete installed system configuration before physical installation occurs. Installers can review planned device placements on accurate visual representations of the site, verify positioning accuracy, and make corrections beforehand. This preliminary visual verification ensures precise device placement while reducing on-site installation time by eliminating the need for extensive manual measurement and verification during installation.
4Ease of operation
If visual representation tools are provided, then installation and programming become easier, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual representation tools that create graphical copies of the physical environment and device configurations. These visual tools (floor plans, 3D models, aerial views) serve as user-friendly interfaces that simplify device selection, placement verification, and programming tasks. While the underlying system remains complex, the visual representation layer provides an intuitive interface that reduces operational complexity for installers and programmers.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphically based tool and method for generating programming for a fire monitoring system. The locations of existing devices, such as detectors, in a building being monitored, can be visually presented in the context of the building. New devices can be installed, or the location of existing devices changed since all devices report their locations in the building to the tool. Device location information can be combined with building information to create a multi-dimensional representation of parts of the building being monitored.