Fire Panel QR Code Proximity Validation for Remote Control Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fire alarm systems require devices to be UL listed and within visible sight of a Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU) to perform control operations, limiting remote access and control capabilities for Building System Information Units (BSIUs) like smartphones and tablets.

Innovation Solution

Implementing QR proximity testing by displaying a QR code on the fire panel that, when scanned and validated by a BSIU, grants temporary control access, ensuring the user is within line of sight and allowing control operations for a limited time, thereby enabling remote control functions without compromising safety standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UL listed devices within visible sight of FACU are required for control operations, then system safety is ensured, but remote access capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem safetyVSAvoidremote access capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A QR code intermediary is introduced between the FACU and BSIU. The QR code contains encoded proximity validation data that mediates the authentication process, allowing the system to verify line-of-sight proximity without requiring continuous visible sight or UL listing of the accessing device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical requirement of visible sight with an optical-digital substitution. Instead of requiring the device to physically be within visible sight, a QR code image captures the proximity validation information, substituting the mechanical line-of-sight requirement with an optical scanning mechanism that can verify proximity through code validation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If continuous line-of-sight is required for control operations, then proximity verification is maintained, but operational flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity verification accuracyVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary proximity verification by having the BSIU scan and validate the QR code before control access is granted. This preliminary action establishes proximity confirmation in advance, allowing the technician to then operate controls without maintaining continuous line-of-sight, thus providing operational flexibility while preserving verification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control access windows with configurable time periods. The system transitions from a static continuous line-of-sight requirement to a dynamic model where proximity is verified at the start of a control session, then access is granted for a predetermined time period, allowing movement and flexibility during the control window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11347985B2Method and system of granting control access via QR code

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

AI summary

A method of granting control access comprises displaying a QR code on a fire panel annunciator. A user device captures the QR code, extracts information from it, and forwards the extracted information to the fire panel. If the fire panel verifies that the extracted information is valid, the panel grants temporary control access to the user device.