Remote Walk Test for Alarm Systems Using Communication Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing walk testing process for alarm systems is inefficient, requiring either two engineers or significant resource allocation due to the need for a physical presence at the control panel, making it time-consuming, especially for large installations.

Innovation Solution

A remote walk testing system that allows a single installer to perform walk tests by establishing a communication channel with the alarm panel, enabling remote control and observation of sensor triggers, and preparing the system for subsequent tests without returning to the control panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a single engineer performs walk testing by physically returning to the control panel after each zone test, then the engineer can observe alarm indications and prepare the system for subsequent tests, but the time required for walk testing increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime required for walk testingVSAvoidoperational convenience of the engineer

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical movement (engineer walking to control panel and back) with an electronic communication system. The control panel establishes a communication channel with the engineer's portable device, allowing remote observation of alarm indications and system state changes without physical presence at the control panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication channel as an intermediary between the control panel and the engineer's portable device. This intermediary transmits alarm system status information and enables two-way communication, allowing the engineer to remotely monitor tests and receive system state notifications without direct physical interaction with the control panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If two engineers are used for walk testing, then one can trigger alarms while the other monitors the control panel display, but the resource requirement and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of walk testingVSAvoidnumber of engineers required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single engineer multi-functional by enabling them to both trigger alarms (using the portable device as a remote control) and monitor alarm indications (through the communication channel). This consolidates the roles previously requiring two separate engineers into one person performing multiple functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control panel automatically provides status information and alarm indications to the engineer's portable device through the communication channel. The system serves itself by transmitting relevant data without requiring a second engineer to manually observe and report back, allowing the single engineer to efficiently perform both triggering and monitoring functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If the engineer remains at the control panel during walk testing, then all alarm indications can be observed in real-time, but the engineer cannot simultaneously test multiple zones efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealarm status information availabilityVSAvoidtesting speed across multiple zones

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the observation function from the physical dimension (engineer's eyes at the control panel display) to a different dimension via electronic communication. The portable device receives and displays alarm status information remotely, allowing the engineer to maintain spatial separation from the control panel while still accessing all alarm information in real-time during zone testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7786854B2Alarm system walk test

Publication Date: 2010.08.31 RESIDEO USA LLC

AI summary

A system and method for performing a walk test for an alarm system having an alarm panel and at least one zone, each zone having at least one sensor, having steps of placing the alarm panel in an engineering mode, establishing a communications channel between the alarm panel and a communication device and remotely placing the alarm panel in an appropriate state for each walk test, selecting a zone, triggering an alarm for each sensor in the selected zone, and using the communications channel to report the triggered alarm to the communication device, and remotely placing the alarm panel in an appropriate state for the next walk test after triggering all of the sensors in the zone. The system and method can also include user input to the alarm panel to indicate the desired communications channel.