3D Fire Device Location Mapping for Faster System Programming
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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 provide precise device location information, allowing for quicker and more accurate programming and installation, and enabling graphical user interfaces for system control and first responder direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If text-based programming is used to address devices, then programming capability is maintained, but installation time increases and visual feedback is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the physical device locations and addresses. Instead of programming text-based addresses, the system generates visual representations (such as graphical user interfaces showing device locations on a floor plan or 3D model) that allow installers to visually identify and select devices, eliminating the need to manually type or remember text addresses while providing immediate visual feedback about device status and location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/text-based addressing system with a visual/graphical system. Instead of using text strings to identify devices, the system uses visual elements (icons, graphical representations, spatial positioning on a map) that can be directly perceived and interacted with, substituting the manual text-entry process with visual selection and feedback mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If text-based programming is used, then device addressing is achieved, but device location accuracy and installer confidence decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates an accurate visual copy of device locations and addresses, allowing installers to see precisely where devices are positioned in the physical space. This visual representation maintains the precision of device addressing while making it more intuitive and easier to verify, as the graphical representation can be overlaid with actual physical layouts, floor plans, or 3D models of the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous visual feedback to the installer during the programming process, showing real-time confirmation of device location and address assignment. This feedback mechanism ensures accuracy by allowing the installer to verify that the programmed location matches the actual physical location, and to immediately correct any errors, thereby maintaining high measurement precision without increasing programming complexity.
3Reliability
If extensive planning is required for device installation, then system reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating and displaying visual representations of device locations and addresses before the actual installation or programming occurs. Installers can review the planned device placement and addressing scheme in advance using the visual interface, ensuring reliability is maintained while reducing on-site planning time. The system can also automatically generate programming data based on the visual selection, eliminating manual text-entry during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual planning and text-based programming with automated visual systems. The system automatically generates visual representations, location data, and programming information based on selected device positions, eliminating the need for extensive manual planning documentation and text-based configuration while maintaining system reliability through automated verification and feedback mechanisms.
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.