Relay-Based Sensor Registration Limit Control for Alarm Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alarm systems require workers to manually check and register sensors with a relay, ensuring the number of registered sensors does not exceed the maximum allowable or registerable number, which can be inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

An alarm system with a relay that includes a registration processing unit to determine if the registered number of sensors has reached a predetermined maximum, automatically canceling registration if necessary, and providing alerts to inform workers of registration limits, allowing efficient sensor registration without manual counting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual registration of sensors with relay is performed, then registration control can be implemented, but registration efficiency is low and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The relay automatically determines whether the registered number has reached the predetermined number and cancels registration processing without worker intervention. The system self-manages the registration limit checking, eliminating the need for workers to manually count and verify sensor registration numbers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The relay provides alerts to inform workers when the registered number reaches the predetermined number. This feedback mechanism allows workers to understand the registration status without manual counting, improving registration efficiency while maintaining proper control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If worker checks maximum allowable number and registerable number in advance, then registration limits can be controlled, but registration process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration limit controlVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system sets a predetermined number in advance that represents the maximum allowable registration limit. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for workers to check maximum allowable numbers and registerable numbers during the registration process, reducing registration time while maintaining reliable limit control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The relay automatically tracks the registered number and compares it against the predetermined number, eliminating the need for workers to perform manual checks. The system self-manages the limit verification process, ensuring reliable control without time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic registration management is implemented, then registration efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay performs automatic determination of whether the registered number has reached the predetermined number and automatically cancels registration processing when necessary. This self-service approach improves registration efficiency while keeping the additional complexity confined to the relay's internal logic rather than requiring complex external management systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4421770B1Alarm system, relay, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4421770B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4421770B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4421770B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an alarm system that allows the worker to have sensor registration work done more efficiently. An alarm system (1) includes: a plurality of sensors (2), each of which detects an event; and a relay (3). The relay (3) relays a communication between the plurality of sensors (2) and a receiver (4) that communicates with the plurality of sensors (2) to receive a result of detection from each of the plurality of sensors (2). The relay (3) includes a registration processing unit (362) that determines, in response to a registration request from at least one sensor (2) belonging to the plurality of sensors (2), whether a registered number of a first group of sensors (2) belonging to the plurality of sensors (2) which have already been registered with the relay (3) has reached a predetermined number. The registration processing unit (362) cancels, when making a decision that the registered number have reached the predetermined number, registration processing of registering the at least one sensor (2) with the relay (3).