Emergency Voice Communication System Outstation Testing Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emergency voice communication systems require two technicians for testing outstations, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially in sites with over 100 outstations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a single technician to test emergency voice communication systems by using software and digital audio storage to simulate the second technician, enabling full functionality testing of outstations and audio/data paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two technicians are used for testing outstations, then testing completeness is improved, but testing time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a recording device to capture and replay audio signals, creating a digital copy of the communication path. This allows the first technician to simulate the presence of a second technician by recording their voice at the master panel and playing it back at the outstation, thereby maintaining testing completeness while eliminating the need for a second person
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-testing capability where the outstation can automatically play back the recorded audio signal without requiring a second technician. The recording device stores the audio signal and automatically replays it when triggered, allowing the single technician to complete the bidirectional communication test independently
2Reliability
If two technicians are deployed for testing, then audio path verification is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recording device acts as an intermediary between the two communication paths. It captures the audio signal from the first technician at the master panel, stores it, and automatically plays it back at the outstation. This intermediary device simplifies the operation by automating the interaction that would otherwise require coordination between two technicians
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coordination required between two technicians with an automated electronic system. The recording device uses electronic signal capture, storage, and playback to substitute for the human coordination mechanism, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining verification quality
3Reliability
If extensive testing is performed on multiple outstations, then system reliability is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using audio recording and playback to create digital copies of communication signals, the system eliminates the need for additional human resources at each outstation. The recording device can serve multiple outstations sequentially, with the same device being transported or relocated as needed, thereby maintaining extensive testing capability while using minimal human resources
Solution Approach 2:
The recording device serves multiple functions: it records audio signals, stores them temporarily, plays them back automatically, and can be used at multiple different outstations. This multi-functional device replaces the need for dedicated technicians at each location, allowing comprehensive testing across numerous outstations with a single technician and one portable recording device
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for testing an emergency voice communication system (50) having a master panel (10) and at least one outstation (20a, 20b) as well as a computing unit (100) and a computer program for carrying out the method and an emergency voice communication system (50). The method includes the steps of communicating an audio signal produced by a microphone (20-1) of an outstation (20a, 20b) of the emergency voice communication system (50) to the master panel (10) thereof; recording the audio signal by the master panel (10) and communicating the recorded audio signal back to the outstation (20a, 20b); and playing back the recorded audio signal by a loudspeaker (20-1) of the outstation (20a, 20b).