IP Mediation Device for Alarm Signal Multiplexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing burglar and fire alarm systems face challenges in efficiently delivering alarm event messages to central stations due to the need for multiple agency terminal units at each central station and the reliance on PSTN lines, which can lead to slow alarm delivery and the inability to monitor the alarm delivery path.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that uses a panel simulator and mediation device to convert and multiplex upstream messages from remote terminals into a format compatible with IP networks, allowing for direct delivery to IP-enabled dialer receivers without the need for individual format conversion devices at each central station, thereby eliminating the requirement for PSTN lines and enabling prompt alarm delivery and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple agency terminal units are installed at each central station to convert alarm signals from different manufacturers, then compatibility with various burglar alarm systems is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various burglar alarm systemsVSAvoidnumber of agency terminal units at central station

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The IP mediation device is designed with multi-functionality to handle alarm signals from multiple burglar alarm system manufacturers through a single unit. It incorporates multiple input interfaces (serial, parallel, proprietary) and can process different signal formats, eliminating the need for separate agency terminal units for each manufacturer at the central station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The IP mediation device acts as an intermediary between the burglar alarm system and the IP network. It converts various alarm signal formats into IP-compatible formats for transmission over the network, serving as a universal mediator that eliminates the need for multiple dedicated conversion devices at the central station.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If PSTN lines are used for alarm signal transmission, then existing burglar alarm systems can be connected, but alarm delivery speed decreases and monitoring capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliability for existing systemsVSAvoidalarm delivery speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the traditional PSTN mechanical telephone network with an electronic IP-based network for alarm signal transmission. This substitution enables faster digital communication while maintaining connection reliability through protocol conversion and error handling mechanisms built into the IP mediation device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual format conversion devices are deployed at each central station, then signal compatibility is ensured, but installation and maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal format compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the format conversion functionality into a single IP mediation device that handles multiple signal formats. Instead of deploying separate conversion devices at each central station, the system consolidates conversion capabilities in one unit that can process serial, parallel, and proprietary formats, significantly reducing installation and maintenance costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If PSTN infrastructure is used for alarm communication, then widespread compatibility is achieved, but the system cannot monitor the alarm delivery path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork compatibilityVSAvoidalarm delivery path monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The IP-based system incorporates feedback mechanisms that enable monitoring of the alarm delivery path. The IP mediation device and network infrastructure provide status information and tracking capabilities that allow the system to monitor whether alarm signals are successfully transmitted and delivered, something that cannot be done with traditional PSTN lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3028410B1Improvements in central station connectivity

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 UHS SYST

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AI summary

Data switching means (6.070, 6.072) for directing messages from a plurality of sources (6.040, 6.042, 6.044, 6,045) and having a common destination (6.108) to a link (6.078) to the common destination, including a first multiplexer (6.070) having a data link (6.074) adapted to receive upstream messages from a plurality of sources, and one or more upstream ports (12.410.1, 12.410.2) each upstream port having a specific port identity, wherein each upstream message includes address information (16.602) identifying the multiplexer and a selected one of the upstream port identities, the transmission means being adapted to link upstream message to the selected upstream port, the selected upstream port being linked to message delivery means (6.072) adapted to address the upstream message to a destination address associated with the message delivery means. Format conversion means can be included to convert the messages from a first format to a second format.