Public Address Event Log Auditing for Message Delivery Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current public address systems lack a mechanism to verify that predefined actions are properly executed during events, such as emergencies, leading to potential faults in message delivery and evacuation instructions.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for public address system action auditing that includes a computing device to compare an event log with a predefined configuration file, generating a report to verify that the system's actions align with predefined settings, identify faults, and provide troubleshooting suggestions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a public address system is used to emit noises for announcements and emergencies, then the system can provide audible warnings and information to occupants, but there is no mechanism to verify that the system actually executed the predefined actions during events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the event log (actual system actions) with the predefined configuration file (expected actions). This closed-loop verification ensures that the public address system executed its predefined actions correctly during events, providing reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining configuration files that specify expected actions for various events. These configuration files are prepared in advance, allowing the auditing mechanism to verify whether the system executed the correct predefined actions when events occur, thereby ensuring message delivery reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Illumination intensity

If the public address system emits noises over large areas at high volume, then emergency warnings can be heard clearly, but faults in message delivery may go undetected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudible intensityVSAvoidaction verification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The auditing system provides feedback by systematically comparing what the system was supposed to do (predefined configuration) with what it actually did (event log). This verification mechanism ensures precise detection of any deviations in message delivery, regardless of the audible intensity of the emergency warnings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary auditing mechanism that acts as a mediator between the public address system's operations and the verification process. The event log serves as an intermediary record that captures actual system actions, allowing for accurate measurement and verification without affecting the system's audible output capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system is designed to perform multiple functions (announcements, music, emergencies), then the public address system is versatile, but it becomes difficult to audit and verify specific actions during different event types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem versatilityVSAvoidaction auditing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the auditing process into distinct components: event logs that record actual actions, predefined configuration files that specify expected actions for different event types, and a comparison mechanism. This segmented approach allows the system to handle multiple functions (announcements, music, emergencies) while making each action type auditable and verifiable through structured comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auditing mechanism itself is designed with universality, using a single comparison framework that can verify actions across all event types and system functions. The predefined configuration files and event log structure accommodate multiple functions (announcements, music, emergencies) within a unified auditing system, making verification straightforward regardless of the specific event type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4274262B1Public address system action auditing
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4274262B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4274262B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Devices, systems, and methods for public address system action auditing are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a computing device comprising a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory to access an event log associated with an event in a facility, compare the event log with a predefined configuration file associated with a public address system of the facility, and generate a report about the event based on the comparison.