Patent Application
20130076506
The application pertains to glass break detectors and installation of such detectors. More particularly, it pertains to systems and methods to test installed glass break detectors.
Audio detection devices, such as glassbreak detectors, should be properly tested for range and sensitivity in the application environment; otherwise the detector may not be optimized, resulting in the likelihood of problems with false alarms and/or detection. These devices typically include specific installation recommendations and/or requirements that define what steps the installer should perform to validate that the installation will result in optimal performance. (i.e. range and sensitivity). Previously, the installation range and sensitivity verification procedure required the use of a specific audio test device.
For example, in the case of glassbreak detectors a glassbreak simulator would be used. Such simulators generate a calibrated audio signal. This requires the installer to have such test device on hand at the time of installation. Although some installers may have the recommended range test device in their work vehicle, it is not often used since it is not very convenient. This results in many installations of audio detection devices not being properly verified or optimized.
While disclosed embodiments can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles thereof as well as the best mode of practicing same, and is not intended to limit the application or claims to the specific embodiment illustrated.
Audio detection devices, such as glassbreak detectors, should be properly tested and calibrated for range and sensitivity in the application environment; otherwise the detector may not be optimized, resulting in the likelihood, of problems with false alarms and/or detection. These devices typically include specific installation recommendations and/or requirements that define what steps the installer should perform to validate that the installation will result in optimal performance. (i.e. range and sensitivity).
In embodiments hereof, the installer of an audio detector would be provided an option to download an application A1 to a portable communications device P, and then perform the recommended test procedure, which would be included within the application A1, eliminating the need to read a procedure to perform the test. This also prevents the installer from needing to purchase/carry/bring the detector manufacturer's recommended range test tool. The device P could be implemented as a smart phone, a cell-type phone, a wireless pad-type communications device, or other equivalent communications device, all without limitation.
The application A1 when executed on the device P “talks” the installer I through the installation steps, making the installation test as simple as practical. The following process is applicable to a glassbreak detector, but is not limited to such detectors. Device P includes a speaker, for audio output Pa, a keyboard, or the like, Pb for data or information input to the phone P, and, a display Pc. It will be understood that the details of any particular smart phone-type product are not limitations of the present disclosure. A variety of smart phones, or other communications devices will come within the spirit and scope hereof.
A representative-type detector 10 can include a housing 10a which carries a plurality of major components. These included, without limitation, at least one audio input transducer 10b, control circuits 10c, various output devices 10d, and user inputs 10e.
The control circuits could include a programmable processor 10-1 and associated, pre-stored, executable, control software 10-2. Input/output circuits 10f, coupled to control circuits 10c communicate via medium 12 with the system S.
While the exemplary detector 10 is illustrated and described as a glass break detector, the present interactive process is not limited to such detectors. The present process could alternately be used to test operation and/or installation of other types of detectors without limitation. For example, door position detectors, PIR-type detectors, ambient condition detectors including gas detectors, and smoke detectors could all be installed and evaluated in accordance with an interactive process of the type described herein.
The downloaded application A1 will instruct the installer I to point the device's speaker Pa at the detector 10, and within a specified distance. The installer I will confirm that he/she is within the specified distance, via the keyboard Pb, for example. The device's application A1 will then output an audio signal A2 which the detector 10 is designed recognize as an “enter test mode” signal.
The application A1 will ask the installer Ito confirm that the device 10 is in test mode, and then will instruct the installer I to move near the window farthest from the detector, such as window W1, for a glassbreak detector. The installer I is then asked to confirm the step and then strike the window W1 with a soft cushioned tool or soft side of a fisted hand. The application A1 is programmed to recognize the flexing of the glass using a microphone Pd., in this case within the device P.
Upon proper confirmation the application A1 will then output an audio test signal which the detector 10 responds to. The application A1 will ask the installer I via speaker Pa, if the detector 10 confirmed that detected signal was of the proper level. If not, the installer I would be instructed to adjust the detector's sensitivity accordingly in the case of a manually adjustable detector. Alternately, the detector could self adjust.
The detector 10 would provide confirmation of the step by indicating the results on its local indicators (i.e. LEDs) 10d. Following the manual adjustment step, if needed, the installer I could repeat the verification steps from the beginning. In the case of the self adjusting detector the steps would not have to be repeated, if the detector confirmed that it properly detected the range test signal.
Events can be categorized, as at 112. Where a setup event is recognized, installation results can be evaluated as at 114. Outputs indicative of the installation evaluation process can be indicated locally as at 116. Installation setup data can be stored as at 118. Events can be logged as at 120. Where the event corresponds to an alarm, an alarm communication can be issued as at 122.
From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims. Further, logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from the described embodiments.
