Fire Network Interoperability Protocol for Cross-Brand Function Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency systems, such as fire alarm systems, operate independently and lack the ability to interoperate with different brands or products, limiting their functionality and expansion capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system interoperability protocol that enables interoperability between independent networks by discovering and performing compatibility checks between interoperability nodes, allowing them to share common functions without prior cross-configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If emergency systems are configured to operate independently with traditional product-specific protocols, then system reliability and brand-specific functionality are maintained, but interoperability between different brands and products is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intermediary translation layer that converts between different emergency system protocols. When a message is received from one brand's system, the translation layer automatically converts it to the target brand's protocol format, enabling interoperability without requiring each system to support all protocols directly. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by adding translation functionality rather than requiring complex multi-protocol support in each endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal message format that can carry emergency information regardless of the source or destination brand. This universal layer handles common emergency message types (fire alarms, panic buttons, etc.) in a standardized way, while brand-specific extensions can be added when needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve both interoperability needs and brand-specific requirements simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If emergency systems support multiple protocols and brands, then interoperability and system expansion capabilities improve, but configuration complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic protocol detection and configuration capabilities. When a new device is added to the network, it automatically announces its protocol type and capabilities, and the translation layer automatically configures the appropriate translation rules without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while supporting multiple protocols and brands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures a library of translation rules for multiple emergency system protocols. These translation mappings are established in advance and stored in the system, allowing rapid automatic configuration when new devices are added. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time configuration decisions during system setup and expansion.
3Productivity
If fire networks use brand-specific independent protocols, then product functionality and brand identity are preserved, but rapid interoperation and shared functionality between different brands are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The message structure is segmented into universal and brand-specific portions. The universal portion contains critical emergency information that needs to be shared across all brands (event type, location, timestamp), while brand-specific portions contain extended functionality details. This segmentation enables rapid processing of critical information while preserving brand-specific functionality, resolving the contradiction between interoperation speed and functionality sharing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and emergency system for performing a system interoperability protocol. A method may include discovering, at a first interoperability node of a first network including a first plurality of network nodes, and a second interoperability node of a second network including a second plurality of network nodes, the first network is different from the second network; and performing a protocol version compatibility check between the first interoperability node and the second interoperability node responsive to discovering the second interoperability node. The method can also include performing a function availability check of the second interoperability node responsive to the protocol version compatibility check; and providing interoperability functions to the second interoperability node.