Mobile Paging via Fire Control Panel Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in fire safety systems often face delays in broadcasting emergency messages due to lack of immediate access to the fire alarm control panel's microphone, leading to a gap in notifying affected individuals.
Innovation Solution
A live paging system that enables operators to broadcast audio messages via mobile devices connected to the fire control panel, allowing them to transmit and receive audio files and authenticate paging capabilities, ensuring timely notification during emergency events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If operators use the FACP's microphone for broadcasting emergency messages, then the notification can be made through the control panel, but the operator experiences delay when not physically at the FACP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the operator and the FACP microphone. The mobile device receives emergency event data from the FACP, allows the operator to record a message, and then transmits the audio file back to the FACP for broadcasting through notification appliances. This mediator enables operators to page remotely without being physically present at the FACP.
2Ease of operation
If operators can page remotely via mobile devices, then access to broadcasting is improved, but system security and authorization control become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization checks before enabling remote paging functionality. The FACP determines whether the mobile device is authorized to assume paging capabilities before allowing the operator to record and transmit messages. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained while enabling remote access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile device receives acknowledgments from the FACP confirming authorization status. The FACP sends messages to the mobile device to determine if it is authorized, and the mobile device receives feedback about whether paging capabilities have been successfully assumed. This feedback loop ensures proper authorization control.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices for live paging from a mobile device in operable communication with a fire control panel are provided. Upon an occurrence of a stimulus activity at a fire control panel, e.g., an emergency event, an operator, remote from the fire control panel, may launch a control application from the mobile device. Upon launching the control application, a connection between the mobile device and the fire control panel may be established, and a microphone coupled to the mobile device may be activated for the operator to begin paging. The page may then be broadcasted in real-time via one or more annunciators operably connected to the fire control panel, or, as a recorded message.