Hazard Alarm Synchronization via IO Bus Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hazard detection and alarm signaling devices using input-output (IO) buses lack dynamic synchronization capabilities, leading to unsynchronized temporal horn patterns in spatially diverse systems.
Innovation Solution
A hazard detection and alarm device with a digital processor that determines its operational state (master, follower, or slave) based on hazard detection signals and IO bus states, enabling synchronization of temporal horn patterns across interconnected devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hazard detection devices use IO buses for interconnection, then device interconnection is achieved, but temporal horn pattern synchronization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each detector monitors the IO bus for master assertion signals and uses this feedback to synchronize its temporal horn pattern to the master detector's pattern. The feedback loop ensures that all detectors adjust their output timing based on the master's timing signals, resolving the synchronization issue while maintaining IO bus interconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces timing signals as an intermediary mechanism on the IO bus that mediates between the master detector and follower detectors. These timing signals act as a communication medium that carries synchronization information, allowing coordinated temporal horn pattern output across all detectors without requiring complex centralized control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If central panel monitoring is used for synchronization, then temporal horn pattern synchronization is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each detector to autonomously determine its role (master or follower) and self-configure its synchronization behavior based on detecting master assertion signals on the IO bus. This distributed self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized panel monitoring while achieving the same synchronization goal through simple local decision-making logic.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a central panel to impose synchronization on all detectors, the patent inverts the approach by having detectors autonomously synchronize to a master detector's timing signals. The control flow is reversed from centralized-down to distributed-up, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining synchronization.
3Device complexity
If multiple detectors operate independently without synchronization, then device simplicity is maintained, but alarm signal clarity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temporal horn patterns with specific timing (e.g., 0.5 seconds on, 0.5 seconds off for three pulses) that are synchronized across all detectors. This periodic structure creates a clear, recognizable alarm signal that maintains information clarity while keeping individual detector circuits simple and regular in their operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A plurality of hazard alarm devices are in spatially diverse locations and coupled together with an input-output bus. An interconnect protocol enables non-originating alarm devices to synchronize their audible alert tone pulses with audible alert tone pulses from an originating alarm device in a local hazard alarm condition. Hence, all audible alert tone pulses start sounding substantially together with allowances for signal contention and arbitration between the spatially diverse alarm devices.