Remote Alarm Compliance Testing via Standardized Network Packets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current alarm systems lack an efficient method for remotely testing and determining the compliance of electronic apparatuses with standards like ISO 7240, which is crucial for ensuring proper functionality during emergencies, especially in detecting hazards and alerting occupants.

Innovation Solution

A network communication system that enables a central control system to send packets to apparatuses in an alarm system, instructing them to perform tests for health, status, and compliance with standards, and receive results, using standardized payload formats to ensure interoperability and adherence to protocols like ISO 7240.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If remote monitoring and control systems are implemented to test alarm system apparatuses, then the ability to verify compliance with standards like ISO 7240 is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional network communication components and standardized payload formats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompliance verificationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal remote monitoring and control system that can test multiple types of alarm system apparatuses (fire detectors, smoke alarms, etc.) through a single standardized payload format and network communication protocol, eliminating the need for separate testing mechanisms for each device type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a standardized payload format as an intermediary layer between the remote control system and alarm apparatuses, allowing network communication to carry test instructions and results without requiring direct integration with each specific device type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated remote testing is implemented, then the productivity of compliance verification is improved, but the loss of time increases due to network communication delays and standardized protocol requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidcommunication delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining standardized payload formats and test protocols before actual testing occurs, allowing the system to quickly exchange test instructions and results through network communication without needing to negotiate protocols in real-time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where alarm apparatuses automatically respond to test instructions with compliance results, enabling automated verification loops that reduce manual intervention time while maintaining standardized communication protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2639779B1System for remote installed sound compliance testing
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP2639779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2639779B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2639779B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A network communication system includes a central control system that may transmit a request packet over a network to an apparatus that is configured to operate in an alarm system. The alarm system may be configured in accordance with a standard or protocol. The request packet may include instructions that instruct the apparatus to perform one or more tests that determine whether the apparatus is compliant with the standard or protocol. The apparatus may be configured to receive the packet from over the network and perform the tests in accordance with the instructions. The apparatus may report test results of the tests to the central control system by sending a reply packet that includes the test results over the network to the central control system.