Self-Monitoring Notification Appliance Using Infrared Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing notification appliances, such as manual walk-through tests and automated visible light tests, are time-consuming and can be disturbing to occupants, highlighting a need for an improved system and method to verify the operation of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A self-monitoring system and method for notification appliances that utilize various monitoring sensors like current, voltage, thermal, RF, acoustic, and magnetic sensing devices to determine the operation of both visible and audible notification elements, with the ability to transmit test results to a control panel or central monitoring station, and include threshold detection circuitry to differentiate between normal and faulty operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated visible light tests are used to verify notification appliance operation, then testing efficiency is improved, but occupants are disturbed by the visible light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful visible light component from the testing process by using infrared sensors to detect the notification appliance's operation. The system monitors the infrared radiation emitted by the strobe light during alarm operation, allowing automated testing without exposing occupants to disturbing visible light while maintaining testing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection method using infrared sensors that indirectly measure the notification appliance's operation. Instead of directly observing visible light, the system uses infrared radiation as an intermediary signal that correlates with alarm operation but does not disturb occupants
2Measurement precision
If manual walk through tests are used to verify notification appliance operation, then testing accuracy is maintained, but testing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The notification appliance performs self-testing through integrated sensors that automatically monitor its own operation. The acoustic sensor detects sounds from the alarm, the infrared sensor detects strobe light operation, and the system automatically verifies functionality without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing testing time
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor notification appliance operation and provide real-time status information. The control panel receives signals from acoustic and infrared sensors, automatically determining whether the appliance is functioning correctly, which eliminates the time-consuming manual verification process while preserving testing accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and non-disruptive operational testing of notification appliances, reducing testing time and ensuring accurate verification of their functionality without disturbing occupants, while allowing for automated reporting of successful or failed tests.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensing device
Implementation Method 2
a voltage sensing device
Implementation Method 3
a thermal sensing device
Implementation Method 4
an RF detector
Implementation Method 5
an acoustic sensing device
Implementation Method 6
a magnetic sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of self-monitoring notification appliances are provided. A self-monitoring notification appliance can include a notification device and a monitoring sensing device. The notification device can produce one or more signals, and the monitoring device can sense a visual and/or acoustic characteristic of the one or more signals to determine successful operation thereof.