DE102019111615A1 - Service device, fire protection system with a service device, system for operating a fire protection system and the associated process - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a service device for a fire protection system that is set up to communicate with the fire protection system and with at least one server component in order to receive status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system, to evaluate the status information and to assign an evaluation result based on the evaluation generate and transmit this evaluation result to a data memory of the server component, the evaluation result being associated with a time stamp indicating the point in time at which the status information was received. The invention further relates to a fire protection system which is set up for communication with such a service device, a system for operating a fire protection system with such a service device and a corresponding method for operating the fire protection system.

Description

The present invention relates to a service device for a fire protection system, a corresponding fire protection system, a system for operating such a fire protection system with a service device and a method for operating a fire protection system using the service device.

A fire protection system is understood here to mean any type of system that can be used for the purpose of (preventive) fire protection in buildings, halls, rooms or the like. Such fire protection systems can be, for example, but not exclusively, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishing systems, spark extinguishing systems, smoke extraction systems and / or a combination of these. Fire protection systems within the meaning of the invention are in particular systems which include a central device and one or more peripheral devices and / or components that are in communicative connection with the central device.

In a specific embodiment, the fire protection system is in particular a fire alarm system. Fire alarm systems usually include a fire alarm center (or a fire alarm and extinguishing control center) as a central device and, as an example for one or more peripheral devices, one or more fire alarms, which are used as fire gas or smoke gas alarms, as smoke alarms, as flame alarms, as spark alarms and / or as Heat detectors can be configured, as well as alarm means that can be configured as horns, sirens, round or flashing lights or the like.

In response to the detection of a (potential) fire event, the fire alarm center receives a corresponding signal from the one or more corresponding fire alarms. The fire alarm center then causes a hazard report to be output by the fire alarm system. In response to such a hazard report, an extinguishing system can then be triggered which is in communicative connection with the fire alarm system, in particular with its central device. Furthermore, further measures can be taken by the central device of the fire alarm system, such as triggering the alarm means, alerting a fire brigade, providing escape movement controls, closing fire barriers, or the like. In this way, fire events such as fires or ignition initiators in the protection area of the fire protection system can be detected at an early stage, even if no people are in the protection area at the time of the fire event. This can prevent the fire from spreading any further.

The extinguishing systems triggered by the fire alarm system can be, for example, but not exclusively, sprinkler systems, water spray systems, foam extinguishing systems, gas extinguishing systems, powder extinguishing systems or the like, which can be used in particular to extinguish a fire. However, the term extinguishing system can also be understood to mean fire prevention systems such as inerting systems or similar systems for active fire prevention.

Fire extinguishing systems are permanently operational systems that are used to distribute an extinguishing agent such as water, foam, gas or powder in order to contain or extinguish fires that have already occurred using the extinguishing agent. They consist of a pipe system with appropriate outlet openings, such as sprinklers or extinguishing nozzles, through which an extinguishing agent, for example water, gas or powder, can be applied to a fire in order to contain the fire until the fire brigade arrives to (finally ) to delete. In the best case scenario, the extinguishing system can extinguish the fire independently.

The triggering mechanism of the extinguishing system can be set up mechanically in that the outlet openings are closed, for example, with a glass ampoule or a fusible link, which are set up to be destroyed by high temperatures and thereby release the extinguishing agent. In some embodiments, the extinguishing system can also be triggered manually, for example by operating a switch or opening a stopcock. In the fire protection systems according to the invention, the extinguishing system is typically triggered by the fire alarm system when it detects a (potential) fire event automatically or manually. The combination of a fire alarm system and an extinguishing system is also referred to below as a fire protection system.

It is of great importance that fire protection systems work with great reliability and are also reliably able to detect (potential) fire incidents and initiate appropriate measures. It is therefore one of the operator's obligations with such fire protection systems to regularly check and / or maintain them in order to be able to quickly remedy or even prevent a malfunction and / or malfunction in the fire protection system. The intervals at which such a check and / or maintenance must be carried out are often specified here Guidelines given. It is also one of the operator's obligations to properly document every test and / or maintenance operation so that it can still be traced in retrospect which inspection and / or maintenance was carried out at what point in time.

The checking and / or maintenance is usually carried out by a user on site. However, it can happen that the fire protection system is in a remote and / or difficult to reach location. This increases the effort and the costs incurred each time testing and / or maintenance work is carried out. It can therefore happen that in some cases a test and / or maintenance is carried out only inadequately or, in the worst case, not at all and the corresponding documentation does not match the test and / or maintenance measures actually carried out. This can lead to possible problems and / or malfunctions not being recognized.

In order to reduce the effort associated with testing and / or maintenance, it is advantageous to carry out at least some of the specified tests and / or maintenance via remote testing and / or remote maintenance. This prevents a user from having to travel to the location of the fire protection system for every type of test and / or maintenance. Instead, these checking and / or maintenance processes can be carried out remotely - for example directly from the installer of the fire protection system and / or from a dispatcher. According to the state of the art, it is necessary to design the fire protection systems to be checked / serviced in this way from the outset for such a remote check and / or remote maintenance. This opens up further difficulties: On the one hand, remote monitoring can only be carried out for fire protection systems specially provided for this purpose and, on the other hand, individual components and / or peripheral devices can only be removed and / or added in such fire protection systems with great effort, since these are again in advance for the Remote monitoring must be designed.

In this context the WO 2011/076184 A1 a communication device which enables remote monitoring and / or remote maintenance of a security system on the one hand and a modular structure - and thus retrofitting - on the other hand. This communication device is, so to speak, “connected upstream” of the existing system, so that the communication device and the system work independently of one another, in which the communication device and the system thus work independently. The functionalities of the communication facility of the WO 2011/076184 A1 however, are limited to providing a communication link between a security system and a remote user. The communication facility of the WO 2011/076184 A1 thus only represents a kind of “communication tunnel” for the transmission of information from the security system to the user. This allows remote checking, but the documentation - or logging - of such remote checking and / or corresponding remote maintenance is still left to the user. As a result, there is on the one hand the risk that the documentation does not match the test and / or maintenance measures actually carried out, on the other hand, in this constellation, too, a high level of work remains for the user who not only carries out the remote test and / or remote maintenance, but also must also document this. Finally, the manual transmission of the documentation is prone to errors, since the user must on the one hand have the user terminal in view in order to carry out the remote checking and / or remote maintenance, and on the other hand must carry out detailed documentation. Therefore, no reliable documentation can be expected in this case either.

Since the correct implementation of the testing and / or maintenance work is of great importance to ensure the functionality of the fire protection system, it is therefore desirable on the one hand to enable reliable, regular testing and / or maintenance of a fire protection system and on the other hand to enable corresponding, reliable and correct documentation of these, to provide inspection and / or maintenance work, which makes it possible to understand when which operations were carried out.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide a system for operating a fire protection system in which the problems described above are overcome. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a system in which the remote testing and / or remote maintenance operations can be reproduced, in particular documented, reliably and with high accuracy with regard to the time period and evaluation result.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a service device for a fire protection system, comprising a communication device which is set up to communicate with the fire protection system via a first bidirectional communication link in order to receive status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system from the fire protection system, and via a third bidirectional communication link with at least one To communicate server component, and at least one computing device which is set up to evaluate the status information and to generate an evaluation result based on the evaluation, and wherein the communication device is furthermore set up to send the evaluation result, in particular together with the status information, via the third bidirectional communication connection to a To transmit data memory of the server component, the evaluation result being associated with a time stamp which indicates the point in time at which the status information was received.

According to the invention, a service device is thus provided which comprises a communication device which is set up to provide a first bidirectional communication link between itself and a fire protection system to be monitored, in particular a corresponding central communication device of the fire protection system. For this purpose, the service device is preferably provided at the location of the fire protection system. The communication between the communication device of the service device and the fire protection system can thus take place in a wired or wireless manner. The communication connection is preferably a wireless connection, with a wired communication connection being able to be provided in addition to the wireless connection, in particular by a connection provided specifically for this purpose to a component of the fire protection system, for example to a central device of the fire protection system. The communication link between the service device and the fire protection system can, however, also be exclusively wired.

According to the invention, the service device receives status information via this bidirectional communication link which is indicative of the status of the fire protection system. The term status information is understood here to mean all information that allows conclusions to be drawn about the status of the fire protection system, in particular the status of the components located therein, such as a central device and / or one or more peripheral devices. The term status information is understood to mean, in particular, the frame data that allow a statement to be made as to whether a certain peripheral device is still functioning properly. Alternatively or additionally, the status information can also relate to information about the status of the central device and the components located therein, such as the current power consumption of the central device or a component, for example a module, the battery charge status (determined via the battery resistance) and the like.

The status information can in particular be provided as part of system information of the fire protection system. The term system information is understood here to mean all types of data that describe the fire protection system and / or the components contained therein, such as the central device and / or the peripheral devices. In particular, the system information can include factory data, that is to say data that provide information about the hardware used, such as module designations, serial numbers and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the system information can also include operating data that is used for the operational configuration of the fire protection system, for example logic settings and configurable (changeable) parameters of the fire protection system, in particular its central device and the peripheral devices it contains. As an alternative or in addition, the system information can also include additional data that are generated during the operation of the fire protection system, for example runtime data. In some embodiments, the status information is in particular comprised by the runtime data. As an alternative or in addition, the status information can include further information that makes it possible to monitor the status of the fire protection system in order to be able to detect possible malfunctions as early as possible.

The service device is also set up to communicate with a server component by means of its communication device via a further bidirectional communication connection. For this purpose, the server component can in particular comprise a server communication device. The bidirectional communication connection between the service device and the server component is therefore preferably made via the communication device and the server communication device. In some embodiments, the server communication device of the server component is further configured to communicate with a user terminal in order to allow the user to interact with the server component.

The server component also includes a data store. The data memory is preferably set up here to store data transmitted by the service device, such as, for example, the status information and / or system information and / or other data processed by the service device.

According to the invention, the data memory is set up in particular to store an evaluation result generated by the service device. In order to generate this evaluation result, the service device further comprises a Computing device which is set up to evaluate the status data and, on the basis of the evaluation, to generate the evaluation result. This evaluation can in particular include a comparison of (actual) values determined for the different parameters of the status information with predetermined comparison values stored in a memory unit.

For this purpose, the computing device is preferably set up to retrieve one or more calibration values from the memory unit. This memory unit can be designed as an internal memory of the service device in which the calibration values have been stored. As an alternative or in addition, the service device can also be set up to call up the adjustment values from an external storage unit, for example via the communication device, which then forwards the adjustment values to the computing device. The external memory unit can in this case correspond in particular to the data memory of the server component, the communication device being set up to access the data memory via a network. In other embodiments, the external storage unit can also be implemented as an external database that is connected directly to the service device in a wireless or wired manner.

The term adjustment values is understood to mean in particular target values for the individual parameters that are contained in the status information. The comparison values therefore relate to the values that should be available for the respective status information in order to determine that the fire protection system is functioning as specified. If the calibration values deviate from the values determined, it can be concluded that a problem has occurred within the fire protection system.

The adjustment values can be determined theoretically or empirically. This means that the adjustment values can on the one hand be determined mathematically and written to the memory as target values, or they can include the actual values determined in the past for the system and / or the fire protection system, which are stored as adjustment values in the memory . This means that if it has been established in the past that the system and / or the fire protection system is functioning, it can be assumed that the values available at the time are suitable as calibration values that are indicative of a functioning system.

The computing device then uses the adjustment values to evaluate the status information based on the adjustment between the values of the parameters of the status information and the adjustment values determined at the time. This means that the computing device is set up to compare how far the current actual value deviates from the setpoint value and, based on this evaluation, generates an evaluation result.

An evaluation result is understood to mean, in particular, a summary of the evaluation of the status information at a given point in time, namely the point in time at which this status information was received and evaluated. That is to say, the evaluation result includes a result of the evaluation for each parameter in the status information that has been evaluated. In some embodiments, this can mean that the evaluation result for all parameters of the status information determines that their values are within the specifications. In some embodiments, however, the evaluation result can also include one or more parameters of the status information, the values of which deviate from the specifications. In this case, the evaluation result can thus state that the values for parameters a to c are in the specified range, but not for parameters d and e. As an alternative or in addition, the evaluation result can also include a status indicator that can be output to a user. The status indication is set up here to indicate whether the fire protection system is functioning without malfunctions or whether malfunctions and / or malfunctions can be detected in certain locations. If, as mentioned above, the values of the parameters d and e are not in the specified range, the evaluation result can include, for example, a status indication that points out this deviation to a user.

The evaluation result is preferably transmitted to the server component, the data memory of the server component being set up to store the evaluation result. In order to be able to understand the point in time at which an evaluation of the status information produced the corresponding evaluation result, the evaluation result is provided with a time stamp which identifies the corresponding point in time. The evaluation result is then written into the data memory, associated with the time stamp. This process is preferably repeated at regular intervals. This allows the development of the evaluation results over time to be traced. This allows trends and developments in the fire protection system to be identified over a longer period of time and, if necessary, faults and / or malfunctions that may develop can be predicted at an early stage.

In some embodiments, the communication device is further set up via a second bidirectional communication link to communicate with at least one user terminal.

In some embodiments, the service device is also set up to communicate with at least one user terminal by means of its communication device via a further bidirectional communication connection. This communication can take place directly: A direct communication link is therefore provided between the communication device of the service device and the user terminal. Alternatively or additionally, however, the communication can also take place indirectly, preferably via the server component. For this purpose, the communication device of the service device is set up to communicate with the server communication device and the server communication device is set up to communicate with the user terminal. In this case, communication between the service device and the user terminal takes place with the server communication device as a type of “communication tunnel”. Alternatively or additionally, the user terminal can communicate directly or indirectly with the server component, i.e. directly with the server communication device of the server component and / or by means of the service device, in that the user terminal communicates with the communication device of the service device and the communication device of the service device communicates with the server communication device of the server component.

In the following, a user terminal is understood to mean, in particular, a laptop, a cell phone, data glasses or some other type of terminal that allows a user to display relevant information such as system information, status information, the evaluation result, the status indication or the like. The user terminal is in particular set up to generate a graphic representation of the provided (and usually processed) system information, and in particular the status information, and / or the evaluation result and / or the status indication, in order to display this to the user.

In some embodiments, the user terminal can in particular be used to call up the evaluation results stored in the data memory of the server component and to provide them to the user. It is preferred here that the evaluation results associated with the time stamp are made available to the user. In some embodiments, the evaluation results can be provided as a function of time. This provision preferably includes generating a graphic representation of the evaluation results as a function of time. This allows the user to intuitively and efficiently get an overview of the development of the fire protection system over time.

In some embodiments, the status information is indicative of a status of at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system, the evaluation result also being associated with a device index that is indicative of the respective peripheral device.

In some embodiments, the status information particularly includes values for parameters that are indicative of the status of one or more peripheral devices. The term peripheral device is understood here to mean any type of sensor, detector, alarm (hazard alarm, fire alarm), alarm, emergency call device, or actuator, control and switching device for controlling or disconnecting devices such as extinguishing systems or air conditioning systems. Fire detectors can be automatic fire detectors, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame detectors, spark detectors, fire gas detectors or smoke aspiration systems. Fire alarms can also be designed as manual fire alarms.

• • Brandmelder, wie beispielsweise automatische Brandmelder oder Handfeuermelder sowie Gefahrenmelder zur Erfassung von Ereignismeldungen, Feuermeldungen und Störungen, und/oder
• • Endschalter, die der Positionserfassung von beispielsweise Kugelhähnen, Absperrschiebern, Absperrklappen, oder ähnlichem dienen, und/oder
• • Druckschalter, und/oder
• • Schwimmerschalter für Füllstandsmessungen in insbesondere Druckluftwasserbehältern, drucklosen Wasserbehältern und/oder weiteren Löschfluidvorratsgefäßen, und/oder
• • Temperaturschalter, beispielsweise für die Überwachung der Umgebungstemperatur innerhalb des Brandmeldesystems und/oder Brandschutzsystems; und/oder
• • Pumpendruckschalter, die beispielsweise zum Starten von Pumpenmotoren im Falle eines Druckabfalls des löschfluidführenden Rohrleitungsnetzwerks und/oder in einer Armatur;
• • Gassensoren; und/oder
• • Aktoren, wie beispielsweise Hupen, Blitzleuchten, Ventile oder ähnliches.

According to the invention, the following peripheral devices are provided in particular:

• • Fire alarms, such as automatic fire alarms or manual fire alarms and hazard alarms for recording event messages, fire alarms and faults, and / or
• • Limit switches that are used to detect the position of, for example, ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, or the like, and / or
• • Pressure switch, and / or
• • Float switch for level measurements in, in particular, compressed air water tanks, pressureless water tanks and / or other extinguishing fluid storage vessels, and / or
• • Temperature switch, for example for monitoring the ambient temperature within the fire alarm system and / or fire protection system; and or
• • Pump pressure switches, which are used, for example, to start pump motors in the event of a pressure drop in the pipe network carrying the extinguishing fluid and / or in a valve;
• • gas sensors; and or
• • Actuators such as horns, flashing lights, valves or the like.

The communication device of the service device is preferably set up with the Peripheral devices to communicate. This communication can take place directly, so that the communication device communicates with each peripheral device individually, or by means of a central communication device of the fire protection system that communicates on the one hand with the communication device of the service device and on the other hand with the peripheral devices. Such a central communication device can in particular be a central communication device of a central device, such as a fire alarm center, extinguishing control center and / or a combination of both. Alternatively or additionally, the central device can be set up to communicate with the peripheral devices by means of a central peripheral device set up specifically for communication with the peripheral devices. In the second case, the central peripheral device should then be set up to communicate with the central communication device in order to transmit the information received from the peripheral devices to the service device.

This communication link between central device and service device and central device and peripheral devices makes it possible to transmit status information indicative of the status of one or more peripheral devices to the service device. Alternatively or additionally, in the case in which the fire protection system comprises a central device, status information that is indicative of the status of the central device, which in turn allows in particular to draw conclusions about the status of the peripheral devices, can also be transmitted to the service device. In particular, it is this status information that is evaluated by the computing device, as described above, on the basis of which the evaluation result is then generated. The resulting evaluation result includes both the status of the peripheral devices and the status of any central device that may be present and thus allows a comprehensive overview of the status of the fire protection system.

The evaluation result generated in this way is then transmitted to the data memory of the server component. In addition to a time stamp, the evaluation result is also associated with at least one device index, the device index being indicative of the respective peripheral device for which the status information was received. Specifically, this means that if the evaluation result includes the status information of the peripheral devices A and B, this evaluation result is associated with the device indices of the peripheral devices A and B in such a way that the evaluation result allows the result of the evaluation for peripheral device A to be uniquely assigned to peripheral device A and the result to assign the evaluation for peripheral device B to peripheral device B one-to-one. In this way, the evaluation result enables a quick overview of the status of the individual peripheral devices. Furthermore, the additional use of the time stamp makes it possible to monitor the development of each peripheral device over time on the basis of the evaluation results.

In some embodiments, the user terminal can in particular be used to select a specific peripheral device and to provide the results for this specific peripheral device as a function of time from the time-stamped evaluation results. In this way, a peripheral device-specific provision of the state, in particular in the form of a graphic representation, can be achieved.

In some embodiments, the computing device is set up to generate a status log of the fire protection system on the basis of the status information and the time stamp. In one development, the status logging includes one or more of a status indication, a deviation indication and / or a maintenance indication.

The computing device of the service device is also set up to create a status log. Such status logging is understood below in particular as a summary of the evaluation results as a function of time. This means that the time stamp associated with an evaluation result is used to summarize the chronological progression of the evaluation results over a longer period of time.

In some embodiments, the device index associated with a corresponding peripheral device may also be included in the generation of the status log. For example, the device index can be used to generate a filter that makes it possible to provide the time course of the results with respect to the status for a specific peripheral device by filtering the further results. In other embodiments, the device index can also be used, for example, to select two peripheral devices of the same type and to create a status log in which the statuses of the two peripheral devices are compared with one another. Further indices, such as module identification numbers or the like, can also be included in the generation of the status log, which make it possible to establish a filter specifically for these components and to filter the corresponding status information. This enables a simplified and clearer overview of the status of the fire protection system.

It is preferred that the status log is provided to the user. On the one hand, this can be done by the user terminal. For this purpose, the user terminal comprises a display device which is set up, for example, to display a graphical user interface. The display device is also set up to generate a graphic representation of the status log and to output this to the user. This allows the user to view the status log from a distance.

Alternatively or additionally, the status log can also be made available to the user via a central display device of a central device. The central display device can also be set up to generate a graphical representation of the status log and then to display it. In this case, the user can view the status log on the central device.

In some embodiments, the status logging further comprises the status indication, a deviation indication and / or a maintenance indication.

The computing device of the service device can be set up, based on the evaluation of the status information, to generate a status indication and / or a deviation indication and / or a maintenance indication and to output these. The output is preferably made to a user of the fire protection system. The output can take place haptically, graphically and / or audibly.

Here, the status indication relates to an indication that indicates whether the fire protection system is functioning without malfunctions or whether malfunctions and / or malfunctions can be detected at certain locations. The status indication can therefore be output when there is no fault, and also when there is a fault. In some embodiments, the status indication is unspecific and only indicates with a “yes / no” note whether the fire protection system is functioning without malfunctions or not. In some embodiments, however, the status indication can also be more specific and, for example, indicate where a disorder is suspected.

The deviation indication relates in particular to the situation in which, when comparing the values for certain parameters of the status information, it is determined that these deviate from the calibration values to an extent that is no longer permissible. The calibration indication thus indicates that there is a deviation for a specific value and the value no longer moves within a predefined interval and / or deviates from a predefined specific calibration value. In some embodiments, the deviation indication is preferably output in the form of an alarm. In other embodiments, the output can include a graphic or auditory indication of which value - or which values - is affected by the deviation and, if the deviation relates to a deviation outside the limits of a predetermined interval, whether a limit value has been undershot or exceeded. In some embodiments, the deviation indication also already includes an indication of the cause of the deviation.

In some embodiments, the computing device is also set up to also output a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication, that is to say an indication that maintenance of the fire protection system is necessary. The computing device can in particular output the maintenance indication to the central device, that is to say can cause the communication device to transmit the maintenance indication to the central communication device. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device can also output the maintenance indication to a user terminal, that is to say can cause the communication device to transmit the maintenance indication to the user terminal. The user terminal preferably comprises a graphical user interface on which a graphical representation of the maintenance indication can be displayed.

It is preferred that the output indications, or a reference to the output of these indications, is stored in the data memory of the server component, so that it is still possible to retrace which indications were output by the service device. This storage is preferably also carried out with a corresponding time stamp. If a status log is now generated on the basis of the evaluation result and the time stamp, the references to the indicated indications, also associated with their corresponding time stamp, are inserted into the status log.

The references to the indications are preferably integrated into the graphical representation of the status log so that the user can see them.

In some embodiments, the first communication link and / or the second communication link and / or the third communication link an encrypted communication link.

In some embodiments, the bidirectional communication connection between the central communication device of the central device and the communication device of the service device and / or the bidirectional communication connection between the communication device of the service device and the user terminal and / or the bidirectional communication connection between the communication device of the service device and the server communication device of the server component can be encrypted. For this purpose, both the service device and the central device as well as the user terminal and the server component can each include a cryptography device by means of which the data and commands to be transmitted, in particular system information and user inputs, are encrypted using known methods and then transmitted. In some embodiments, only the central device and the service device or only the user terminal and the service device or only the server component and the service device can comprise a cryptography device if only one of the three bidirectional communication connections of the service device is to be encrypted.

The keys that are used to encrypt the bidirectional communication link between the central communication device and the communication device can also be used to authenticate the service device to the central device. In particular, the key can contain an authentication parameter that authenticates the service device to the central device and thus, for example, defines the access rights of the service device.

Alternatively or additionally, the keys that are used to encrypt the bidirectional communication link between the communication device of the service device and the user terminal can serve as user identification for authenticating the user. Furthermore, the keys can also be used to authenticate the service device to the user terminal. Here too, the authentication can take place again via a corresponding authentication parameter within the key for encryption.

Alternatively or additionally, the keys used to encrypt the bidirectional communication link between the communication device of the service device and the server communication device of the server component can be used to authenticate the service device to the server component and / or to authenticate the server component to the service device. Here, too, the key can contain an authentication parameter that authenticates the service device to the server component and thus, for example, defines the access rights of the service device.

Alternatively or additionally, an authentication parameter can be included which authenticates the server component to the service device and in particular specifies which data the service device can receive from the server component. This authentication of the server component can be particularly advantageous if part of the data provided by the server component is used for setting and / or configuration and / or maintenance and / or testing of the fire protection system in order to ensure that the data originate from a verified server component .

In some embodiments, the communication device is further set up to receive at least one user input from the user terminal via the second bidirectional communication connection, the processing unit being set up to further evaluate the status information based on the user input.

The user can preferably interact with the service device and, in particular, make user inputs. For this purpose, the user terminal preferably comprises a user input device for receiving these user inputs. The user terminal transmits this via the second bidirectional communication connection to the communication device of the service device, which in turn forwards the input to the computing device. The computing device is set up to process the user input and to adapt the evaluation of the status information and / or the generation of the evaluation result in accordance with the user input.

In some embodiments, the user input can include, in particular, user input of certain system parameters of the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices located therein, so that a user can configure the fire protection system remotely, for example because the user has recognized that such a configuration is necessary. The scope of the configuration can depend in particular on the respective user, or his access rights, and can be individually adapted by the service device. The computing device is then set up to include these user inputs, such as the new configuration, in the evaluation and to adapt the evaluation result accordingly.

The user input can also relate to information that is of interest when creating the status log. In some embodiments, the user input thus comprises, for example, an entry in the logbook by a service technician, the evaluation result being supplemented by this logbook entry in response to this input. In some embodiments, the user input can also specify, for example, certain materials that are required for maintenance and the computing device can be set up to determine on the basis of these materials which maintenance work is due and to include both the materials and the type of maintenance in the evaluation result. In some embodiments, the adaptation based on the user input can also comprise processing and / or providing further system information.

• - Informationen, die indikativ für die Funktionsfähigkeit zumindest einer Meldeeinheit der Brandschutzanlage sind; und/oder
• - Informationen, die indikativ für den Zustand von Verschlusselementen der Brandschutzanlage sind; und/oder
• - Informationen, die indikativ für den Zustand von Schaltelementen der Brandschutzanlage sind; und/oder
• - Informationen, die indikativ für den Zustand der Zentralvorrichtung der Brandschutzanlage sind.

In some embodiments, the state information includes at least one of the following:

• - Information that is indicative of the functionality of at least one reporting unit of the fire protection system; and or
• - Information indicative of the condition of locking elements of the fire protection system; and or
• - Information indicative of the condition of switching elements of the fire protection system; and or
• - Information indicative of the state of the central device of the fire protection system.

The status information can in particular include parameters - or information - which are indicative of whether a reporting unit is functional as a possible peripheral device of the fire protection system. Reporting units usually include sensors for detecting fire parameters. These sensors can become soiled and / or destroyed over long periods of time. In a specific embodiment, the status information includes one or more values that indicate whether the reporting units are still functioning reliably. This determination is preferably carried out on the basis of a comparison between the value of the status information as the actual value and a corresponding comparison value as the setpoint value. In some embodiments, the actual values, which are indicative of the contamination, can be stored over a longer period in order to observe their development. This allows early detection of a shift in the value, in particular in the direction of the limit value at which there is no longer any functionality.

The status information can also include parameters - or information - which indicate whether closure elements, such as flaps or the like, are functional as peripheral devices of the fire protection system and, if applicable, are in the specified position. For example, a value within the status information can indicate a degree of opening of a closure element. In a functioning fire protection system, each locking element must have a specific position that is linked to a specific degree of opening. If a closure element deviates from this predetermined degree of opening in terms of its value beyond certain tolerance limits, a malfunction can be assumed. Here, too, it is possible to record the values over a long period of time in order to predict a possible trend for the individual closure elements and, if necessary, to exchange them before the permissible tolerance limits are violated.

The status information can also include parameters which indicate the switching position in which the switching elements of the fire protection system are currently located and / or whether, for example, there is a shift in the switching position of the individual switching elements. In a fire protection system, each switching element has a predefined position for the non-triggered state. It must be checked whether this position is actually adhered to. This is the only way to ensure that the fire protection system works in the event of a fire. Here, too, the switching position of the individual switching elements can be traced over time in order to identify possible trends.

The status information can also include parameters which indicate the status of the central device of the fire protection system and, if applicable, of the components located therein, such as modules or the like. Such a parameter can be, for example, the power consumption of the central device and / or a module of the central device or the resistance of an accumulator in the central device and / or such a module. If the value for the power consumption and / or the resistance changes, this can be a sign that the connected loads are malfunctioning. This is because such consumers may have a higher or lower consumption and thus represent a changed load. For status monitoring, the quiescent current of the central power supply, that is to say of the power pack, of the central device is preferably determined and monitored over a longer period of time by means of the above parameters. If the quiescent current shows a shift, for example a Increase, this means either that the fire protection system has been expanded to include certain components, or that one or more components are malfunctioning. As a result, a possible malfunction can also be predicted here over a longer period of time by observing the value development for a specific parameter within the status information.

In some embodiments, the computing device is set up to receive a service route specification, which specifies an order in which the status information is to be evaluated, and to evaluate the status information in accordance with the service route specification.

It can be advantageous to check certain parameters in the status information before certain, further parameters are checked, in particular when there is a dependency between the individual parameters, for example so that a deviation of a value of a first parameter from the norm is a deviation of a Value of another parameter would result. In order to prevent an error from going undetected in this case - because a deviation has already been found elsewhere - and / or that incorrect conclusions are drawn about the functionality of the fire protection system (because a parameter under consideration is due to the deviation of another parameter from the norm deviates, whereby the observed parameter has no influence on the malfunction), it makes sense to specify a "service route" in such a case, i.e. to specify the order in which the parameters in the status information should be checked one after the other. This allows the important parameters to be identified at an early stage and thus increases the efficiency of the evaluation.

In a further embodiment, the computing device is set up to receive system information from the central device and to prepare it for transmission to the at least one user terminal, to receive at least one user input from the user terminal in response to the transmitted system information, and to adapt the system information of the fire protection system based on the perform at least one user input.

The processing of the system information can in particular be understood to mean processing depending on the user to which the processed system information is provided. If the user is the installer, the system information is processed in a different way than in the case in which the user is a dispatcher or a customer. The user can be identified here in particular via the user terminal. In some embodiments, the identification can include entering an access code and / or a password when the user terminal is connected to the service device. As an alternative or in addition, the identification can also comprise a determination of biometric data, for example a fingerprint or an iris pattern, and an identification based on the biometric data. Alternatively or additionally, however, the user can also be identified via a property of the user terminal and / or a subscriber identification module used therein. In some embodiments, the identification can take place independently of the user terminal.

As an alternative or in addition, the processing of the system information can include the creation of a log and / or a summary. In other embodiments, the processing of the system information can also include an evaluation of the system information in order to determine whether the fire protection system complies with parameters specified by guidelines, such as approval and / or safety standards, or is within the limit values specified by guidelines. In some embodiments, the processing can also include a comparison between the measured (actual) values and the corresponding comparison values (target values) of the status information determined during operation, which as part of the system information is indicative of the status of the fire protection system and / or that contained therein Peripherals and / or components are include. In any case, it is provided that the processing takes place in such a way that the system information for the respective user is compiled according to the role assigned to him.

If the user is, for example, the installer, logging can include, in particular, logging of those data in the system information that relate to specific testing activities prescribed by guidelines, that is to say a type of maintenance log. Alternatively or additionally, such a logging can compare the measured (actual) values and corresponding comparison values of the changeable parameters in the status information that are indicative of the status of the fire protection system and / or the components and / or peripheral devices located therein, i.e. a type Status logging. In some embodiments, the evaluation of the system information can in particular serve a real-time check of the fire protection system, the values of the parameters of the system information, in particular the parameters of the status information, being provided to the user in real time and in particular real-time messages, for example in the event of faults or similar, are displayed. The processing can also include processing the system information, in particular the status information, in such a way that the user is provided with documentation about the fire protection system, its development over time and possible predictions for the future.

If the user is the dispatcher, the logging and / or the summary can include, in particular, a summary of the status check and / or a summary of previous test and / or maintenance logs to give the dispatcher an overview of the next maintenance / repair To give workload. In some embodiments, based on the evaluation, the user can also be provided with a summary and / or a list of the proposed materials required for maintenance. A result of the evaluation, that is to say an evaluation result, can also be displayed here so that the user can compare himself whether the list is complete. In some embodiments, the processing can also include creating an overview of the current configuration of the fire protection system - or of the individual components and / or peripheral devices therein.

If the user is an end customer, the processing of the data can in particular include a summary of the current actual state of the fire protection system or the components and / or peripheral devices located therein. In some embodiments, the processing can also include filtering, so that only the system information that might be of interest to him is displayed to the user. In some embodiments, this relates in particular - in the case of a real-time display - to the system information that deviates from the standard, in particular to the status information that deviates from its calibration values. In some embodiments, the processing can also include the creation of test protocols, maintenance protocols and / or maintenance reports. It is preferred here that this logging includes less detailed information than, for example, in the case of the installer. The processing can furthermore comprise a combination of the past values of one or more parameters of the system information, in particular the status information. In some embodiments, the processing can also include an evaluation and an indication and / or prediction of an expected disruption and / or a tendency for certain disorders.

In some embodiments, the user input includes, in particular, a log entry by a service technician, and the adaptation of the system information includes, in particular, adding this log entry to the test and / or maintenance logs and / or maintenance reports and / or created by the computing device on the basis of the system information, in particular the status information different types of logging.

In some embodiments, the user input can also specify further materials that are required for maintenance and the computing device can be set up to determine which maintenance work is due on the basis of these materials. In some embodiments, the adaptation based on the user input can also comprise processing and / or providing further system information. In some embodiments, adapting the system information can also include adapting the configuration of one or more system parameters of the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices and / or components located therein, so that a user can configure the fire protection system via a remote connection, for example because the user has recognized it that such a configuration is necessary. The scope of the configuration and / or adaptation of the system information and / or system parameters can in particular depend on the respective user, or his access rights, and can be individually adapted by the service device.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication device is set up to communicate with the at least one user terminal by means of the server component.

According to one embodiment, the communication device of the service device is set up to communicate with a server component, which in turn is set up to communicate with the user terminal. This means that the bidirectional communication between the service device and the user terminal (or the user terminals) takes place via the server component.

In some embodiments, the server component can in particular comprise the data memory in which the system information can be stored. In this case, it is not necessary to finally store the system information in the service device. Finally, at least part of the processing of the system information can also be taken over by a computing device of the server component from the service device, in particular when the server component includes a data memory for storing the past system information. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the Service device, in particular an internal memory device of the same, are reduced requirements. On the other hand, storage of the system information on a server component enables the service device to be exchanged, in particular in the event of a failure and / or malfunction of the service device, without first having to transfer the data stored on it. Instead, a new service device can directly access the system information and other data stored on the server component and thus continue to work on the basis of the status at which the previously used service device was.

It is further preferred that the service device further comprises an identification device which is set up to transmit identification data of the service device to the central device and / or the at least one user terminal.

In some embodiments, the identification of the service device is also accomplished by a dedicated identification device. For this purpose, the service device thus comprises a means by which the service device can identify itself, preferably by transmitting a corresponding identification number. This identification takes place preferably in relation to the central device of the fire protection system. As an alternative or in addition, the service device can also identify itself to one or more user terminals via the ID number.

In some embodiments, the identification device can also be set up to receive an identification number from the user terminal and / or the central device, so that the identification is bidirectional. In some embodiments, the identification number can also only be transmitted by the user terminal and / or the central device and the service device is not identified.

In some embodiments, the service device further comprises a storage device for storing the system information.

In some embodiments, the service device is provided with a storage device, such as volatile and non-volatile memory. This storage device is preferably used to store the system information. In some embodiments, the system information can only be stored on the service device. Alternatively or in addition, the system information can also be stored in a data memory of the server component. In some embodiments, certain system information can only be stored in the storage device of the service device and certain system information can only be stored in the data memory of the server component. In some embodiments, redundant storage takes place in the storage device of the service device and in the data memory of the server component. This increases the flexibility of the system, since in particular the service device can thus be exchanged without great effort, as well as the security of the storage, since if a memory is destroyed, the information is still present in another memory.

In a further development, the computing device is also set up to recognize a difference between the system information that is stored in the memory device and the system information that is provided by the central device, and to adapt the system information in the memory device in response to this difference.

Not all system information is subject to variation over time. There is also system information that (should) have constant values over a longer period of time or permanently. In this case, a renewed transmission of a value for such system information, a deletion of the previous value and a renewed storage of the new (same) value represents an unnecessary use of the system capacity. To avoid such a waste of resources and the amount of those to be transmitted To reduce data, the computing device of the service device is preferably set up to determine a difference between the system information stored in the memory device and the system information provided by the central device, that is to say to determine which values of which system information have changed. The computing device is also set up, in response to this determination, to only retrieve and rewrite that system information whose values have changed in the memory device. All other system information is not saved again, optionally with a note that it has remained constant.

According to a further development, the computing device is set up to recognize the difference when the first communication connection is set up between the central device and the service device.

In some embodiments, this comparison of the system information and the associated determination of possible differences are preferably carried out each time the first communication connection is (re) established between the Central communication device of the central device and the communication device of the service device. This ensures that the service device stores the current status of the system information each time it is connected to the central device.

In some embodiments, the storage device is further set up to store a first software identification of software data, wherein the computing device is further set up to read a second software identification from the central device via the first communication connection, which is indicative of the software data on the central device, the first software identification and the to compare the second software identification, and in response to a determination that the first software identification and the second software identification differ, to transmit the software data to the central device via the first communication link.

The service device can also be set up to check a firmware version of the central device or a module located therein and, if necessary, to bring it up to date.

For this purpose, the storage device of the service device is set up to store a first software identification. In the present case, a first software identification is understood in particular to be an identification number which is indicative of a software version of software data. In this context, software data is understood to mean the data and codes forming the firmware. The first software identification preferably indicates a current version of the software data.

A second software identification is also understood in particular to be an identification number which is indicative of a software version of software data. The software version indicated by the second software identification is the version of the software data as it is currently loaded and active on the central device or the corresponding module.

When the first bidirectional communication link is set up between the central device and the service device, the first and second software identifications are preferably compared with one another by the computing device of the service device. In the event that the software version, which is indicated by the second software identification, that is active on the central device or a module thereof, differs from the software version, which is indicated by the first software identification, the computing device of the service device is preferably set up to to transmit the current software data by means of the communication device via the bidirectional communication link to the central device, where the software data can then be used to update the software version.

It is preferred here that the software data are stored in the current version in the data memory of the server component. This means that the service device retrieves this current software data from the data memory of the server component and then transmits it to the central device. This ensures that the firmware is updated when the service device is started. The update can be triggered manually or automatically.

In some embodiments, this transmission includes the prior sending of a request as to whether the update of the software version is desired. In some embodiments, the service device transmits this request to the user terminal and the user terminal generates an indication, which can be haptic and / or acoustic and / or visual and / or the like, that an update is recommended. The user can then confirm this request, which leads to the transmission of the software data, or reject it. In this case, the update is not carried out. Alternatively or additionally, the service device can be set up to transmit this request to the central device. The central device can be set up to either automatically check the request and, if an update is possible, to confirm it in order to initiate the update. Alternatively or additionally, the central device can be set up to output an indication, which can be haptic and / or acoustic and / or visual and / or the like, and thus to move a user of the central device to react to the request. Here, too, the updating is carried out in response to a confirmation from the user.

The first and second software identification can also be provided in other ways than by corresponding identification numbers. It is only important at this point that the format of the first and second software identifications allows a comparison between the two software identifications. The first and the second software identification are therefore preferably provided in the same format.

In some embodiments, the service device further comprises an indication device which is set up to output an indication when the reception of the system information is complete.

An indication device can be understood here to be any type of device which outputs a notice that the user can perceive to a user in order to indicate that the system information to be provided has now been received in full. This information can be given haptically, acoustically and / or visually in particular. In some specific embodiments, the indication device is a device that is set up to output both a visual and an acoustic indication. As an alternative or in addition, the indication device can be set up to transmit the indication to the user terminal, the user terminal being set up to output a corresponding message.

• - Daten, die Informationen über zumindest eine Komponente der Brandschutzanlage umfassen, und/oder
• - Daten, die Informationen über eine Einstellung der Brandschutzanlage umfassen, und/oder
• - Daten, die Informationen über einen Betriebszustand der Brandschutzanlage umfassen.

In some embodiments, the system information includes at least one of the following:

• - Data that include information about at least one component of the fire protection system, and / or
• - Data that contain information about a setting of the fire protection system, and / or
• - Data that contain information about an operating state of the fire protection system.

As already mentioned above, all information about the fire protection system can be understood under system information. In particular, the system information can include data that includes information about at least one hardware component of the fire protection system. The term component is to be understood broadly and includes both the individual peripheral devices of the fire alarm system, such as the various fire detectors, pumps, temperature meters, circuit arrangements and the like, which can be identified as part of the system information by means of their serial numbers, as well as the components of the central device such as the individual modules that can be used in the central device to carry out certain activities.

As an alternative or in addition, the system information can also include data that includes information about a setting of the fire protection system. These include in particular the changeable parameters of the fire protection system and / or the peripheral devices in it, which can be set and, if necessary, adjusted when configuring the fire protection system. Furthermore, this data can also include logic settings of the logic elements of the fire protection system.

As an alternative or in addition, the system information can also include data that includes information about an operating state of the fire protection system. This data, also referred to as status information, relates to additional data that is generated during operation and allows conclusions to be drawn about the operating status of the fire protection system. Parameters of the status information are, for example, the pressure of a pump or the pressure in the pipe system, the power consumption of the central device, values that are indicative of the contamination of sensors, and / or temperature data and / or the like.

According to some embodiments, the computing device is further set up to check the at least one user input and, in response to the checking, to generate a check indication for transmission to the user terminal.

In some embodiments, the computing device of the service device is set up to check and validate the user input made in response to the displayed system information. In particular, the computing device is set up to check during the validation whether the user input is permissible. A check as to whether the user input is permissible is understood in some embodiments to be the check as to whether the user input relates to an aspect on which the user operating it has access and is allowed to influence. The installer of the fire protection system usually has more aspects to which he can make user entries than the end customer.

A check of the admissibility of the user input can also be understood as checking whether the input is admissible in terms of content. In some embodiments, the user can, for example, change the changeable parameters by means of the user input, the changes not being compatible with any predetermined limit values. In this case, the computing device can prevent the parameters from being adjusted on the basis of a user input that is not permitted for the fire protection system.

In the case of a permissible user input, the service device can output a positive indication to the user by means of the user terminal, which in particular includes a confirmation that the system information has been adapted. In the event of an inadmissible user input, the service device can output an indication that the user input is not allowed and / or an indication that the changes have not been made. Further indications are conceivable.

In some embodiments, receiving the at least one user input includes an authentication of the user terminal. In some In embodiments, the computing device is also set up to determine an access authorization of the user terminal and / or to filter the system information that is transmitted to the user terminal based on the access authorization.

It can be advantageous that the service device receives information about the access rights of the user terminal to the central device and / or the server component. For this purpose, the service device preferably comprises an authentication device as part of the computing device, which is set up to authenticate the central device and / or the server component when the system information is received. This allows the user to check whether the system information has been correctly and completely transmitted from the correct central device and / or server component.

Alternatively or additionally, the authentication device can be set up to check the validity of a license and, on the basis of this check, to decide on the access of the user terminal to the service device and / or the server component. Access can be denied if the license has expired and can be permitted if the license has not expired or has been extended. In this case, the central device can in particular be set up to automatically recognize the service device when the communication connection is established and to provide it with all system information. The authentication device is also set up to query a license key from the user terminal when the communication device is established with the user terminal. In response to this request, the user terminal transmits its license key via this communication connection. The license key is then checked by the authentication facility. If this is valid, the user terminal is allowed access to the service device. If it is not valid, access will be denied. This refusal can include a notice that the license key is no longer valid and may need to be renewed.

In some embodiments, the license key is provided to the user terminal by an external server. To do this, the user must connect to the external server and query the license key. The license key can then be made available permanently or for a limited period. In the second case, the license key must be extended and / or renewed after a certain period of time. In some embodiments, this period is between one year and one day, in particular between 100 days and one day, in particular 30 days. The external server can in particular be provided by the installer of the fire protection system and / or the server component. In some embodiments, the external server can also be provided as part of the server component, in which case the user terminal has only limited access to the server component without a valid license key.

In some embodiments, the communication device is also set up to communicate with the central device of the fire protection system via the bidirectional communication connection, the central device being in communicative connection with at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system.

The central device can also be set up to communicate with at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system. To this end, the central device can either communicate with the peripheral devices by means of the central communication device, which is also used for communication with the service device, and / or by means of a central peripheral device in the central device that is dedicated to communication with the peripheral devices. In the second case, the central peripheral device should then be set up to communicate with the central communication device in order to transmit the information received from the peripheral devices to the service device.

In some embodiments, the evaluation of the status information includes determining a limit value for a deviation of a value of a parameter in the status information from the adjustment value, wherein the computing device is further set up to generate the deviation indication when the limit value is exceeded or not reached To integrate deviation indication into the condition indication. In a modification, the computing device is set up to output a maintenance indication in response to the deviation indication.

The target values of the fire protection system are usually not limited to exactly one value, but rather move within a range that is limited upwards and downwards by corresponding upper and lower limit values. These limit values can be determined using guidelines. Alternatively or additionally, they can be determined mathematically or empirically.

In some embodiments, these upper and lower limit values are stored in the memory unit. The computing device of the service device is set up to read out these limit values and to determine which parameters within the status information are for which Limit values are to be used. The computing device is then set up to determine the value of the respective parameter within the status information and to compare it with the upper and lower limit values. If the value of the parameter moves within the limits, the computing device determines that everything at this point corresponds to the specifications. If the value exceeds the upper limit value or if the value falls below the lower limit value, the computing device, on the other hand, determines that there is a deviation from the norm. In this case, the computing device is set up to generate a deviation indication. The deviation indication thus indicates that there is a deviation for a specific value, i.e. that the value is no longer within the specified range. This deviation indication can then be output, specifically haptically, graphically and / or audibly. In some embodiments, the deviation indication is designed in particular as an alarm.

This allows permanent monitoring of the fire protection system without the need for user interaction. The user is only informed when a potential malfunction or malfunction is automatically detected by the system.

In some embodiments, the communication device is set up to allow the user terminal to access at least part of the system information of the fire protection system, the computing device being set up to receive at least one user identification from the at least one user terminal and the at least one user terminal based on the at least one To authenticate user identification.

Access to at least part of the system information is understood in particular to mean that the user terminal's access to the system information can be restricted. In some embodiments, this restriction is such that access is completely prohibited. In some embodiments, the restriction is implemented in such a way that the access of the user terminal depends on the authorization level of the user assigned to the user terminal. In order to determine this authorization level, the user is first identified. According to the invention, this identification takes place by authenticating the user terminal. For this purpose, the service device further comprises a computing device which is set up to receive at least one user identification from the user terminal and to authenticate the user terminal on the basis of this user identification.

A user identification is to be understood here as any type of identification with which the user terminal that is assigned to a specific user can be identified. A user identification can include, for example, a device identification number of the user terminal. In other embodiments, the user identification can also include a MAC identification or a unique identifier that has been generated, for example, on the basis of the device identification and a user ID. In other embodiments, a subscriber identity module (SIM) or an electronic subscriber identity module (eSIM) can be used to authenticate the user terminal - or the corresponding user.

The term authentication is to be understood here in such a way that the user is first identified and then it is determined which authorization level the user has, i.e. which system information is to be provided to the user. This means that the authentication determines whether system information should be transmitted and, if so, which system information the user is allowed to receive.

This type of user identification and user authentication makes it possible on the one hand to ensure that only authorized users have access to the relevant system information, on the other hand it also allows the authorization levels known from the prior art to be further subdivided, i.e. to define more specific access authorizations. This allows the implementation of individual and role-specific access rights for the fire protection system.

In some embodiments, the service device further comprises an access restriction device which is set up to enable access by the at least one user terminal to the central device if the at least one user terminal can be authenticated and to prevent it if the at least one user terminal cannot be authenticated.

The service device preferably comprises an access restriction device which is set up not only to restrict or enable access to the system information based on the authentication accordingly - i.e. to provide certain users only with certain system information - but also to access the central device of the fire protection system itself, in particular for configuration the same, to activate / deactivate certain functions and the like, to enable, restrict and / or completely prevent on the basis of authentication. For example, the authentication by the computing device of the service device can show that the user is a The installer of the fire protection system acts. In this case, the user has unrestricted access to the central device and its configuration. If the authentication reveals that the user is a dispatcher, access can be restricted to the settings of the central device that have to be changed for the maintenance work carried out by the dispatcher. If, on the other hand, the authentication reveals that the user is a customer, access to the central device can be completely prevented if there is no provision for the customer to make changes to the fire protection system.

In some embodiments, the service device further comprises a verification device, wherein the verification device is configured to receive an access verification from the at least one user terminal and, in response to the access verification, to cause the communication device to establish the bidirectional communication connection with the server component.

In some embodiments, the communication device of the service device is preferably set up to set up a further bidirectional communication connection with a server communication device of the server component. Providing such a server component has the advantage that part of the functionalities of the service device, for example the storage of the system information in a memory, can be outsourced to the server component in order to reduce the requirements for the capacity of the service device. In some embodiments, the system information can also be stored both in a storage device of the service component and in a data memory of the server component in order to be able to carry out redundant storage of the relevant system information.

In any case, it is necessary to ensure that a user is authorized to use the server component. For this purpose, the service device comprises a verification device which is set up to verify that a user - identified by the user terminal - is allowed to use the server component. For this purpose, the verification device is set up to receive an access verification from the user terminal. For this purpose, the user terminal is set up to transmit the access verification to the communication device of the service device. The communication device then transmits the access verification to the verification device for verification of the user. In some embodiments, the user identification comprises or corresponds to the access verification. In some embodiments, the access verification can also be a dedicated signal.

The verification device is set up to determine on the basis of the access verification whether the user is authorized to access the server component. If this is the case, the verification device enables the bidirectional communication link between the communication device of the service device and the server communication device of the server component so that the user can use the functionalities of the server component. If, on the other hand, the user has no authorization, there is no release by the verification device and the unauthorized user cannot access the server component.

The verification device is thus set up to restrict the access of the service device with which the user is communicating to the server component, in particular to prevent it if the user is not authorized to use the server component. In some embodiments, for authorization, the user can in particular obtain a server license that allows the user to use the server component. In some embodiments, the server license is time limited. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be a permanently granted server license.

In some embodiments, the service device and the user terminal can also be set up, after the verification of the user and the corresponding release of the communication connection between the service device and the server component, no longer exclusively to communicate directly, but alternatively or additionally via the server component. In this case, the server communication device of the server component is set up in particular to set up a further bidirectional communication connection to the user terminal. The communication between the service device and the user terminal can then take place directly and / or via the server component. Communication via the server component has the advantage that the server component can take over some of the functionalities of the service device without the data volume to be transmitted being significantly increased.

In some embodiments, the at least one user identification comprises an identity module of the user terminal.

The user terminal is preferably a cell phone or a tablet. Such cell phones or tablets are usually equipped with an identity module, in particular one Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) equipped for a cellular network. The subscriber identity module allows the user terminal to be identified in the cellular network. This functionality can also be used to identify the user by the service device. That is, the computing device of the service device is set up to identify the user by means of the (subscriber) identity module.

In some embodiments, the identity module, in particular the subscriber identity module, is set up as a programmable module. This allows software-based programming of the user identification.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a fire protection system comprising a central device, the central device being set up to be communicatively connected to a service device according to one of the embodiments described above.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a system for operating a fire protection system, comprising at least one service device according to one of the embodiments described above, the fire protection system including a central device and at least one peripheral device; and at least one server component with a data memory, the data memory being set up to store an evaluation result transmitted by the service device, associated with a time stamp, which indicates the point in time at which status information indicative of the status of the fire protection system was obtained.

According to the invention, a system for operating a fire protection system is also provided. The system comprises the fire protection system, a service device and a server component. The server component comprises a data memory which is set up to store the evaluation result generated by the service device. This storage is preferably carried out with a time stamp. This time stamp allows all evaluation results to be viewed as a function of time and thus an insight into the status history of the fire protection system. This allows, for example, to predict when the next maintenance is due and which components have to be brought along for this.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one user terminal, the at least one user terminal being set up to communicate with the service device via a second communication connection in order to receive the status information and / or the evaluation result. In one development, the at least one user terminal comprises a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface being set up to generate a graphical representation of the status information and / or the evaluation result and to display the graphical representation to a user. In one development, the at least one user terminal further comprises a user input device, the user input device being set up to receive at least one user input, and the user terminal being set up to transmit the at least one user input to the service device and / or the server component.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one user terminal which is set up to communicate with the communication device of the service device. The user terminal comprises a graphical user interface which is set up to graphically represent the status information and / or the evaluation result. Such a graphical user interface can be implemented in particular in the form of a web interface that allows access to the individual aspects of the fire protection system and enables, for example, to switch between these aspects. This allows the display to be made particularly clear for the user. The user terminal further comprises a user input device for receiving a user input. The user terminal transmits this via the second bidirectional communication connection to the communication device of the service device, which in turn forwards the input to the computing device. The computing device is set up to process the user input and to adapt the system information of the fire protection system according to the user input.

In some embodiments of the system, the service device is set up as an internal service module of the central device of the fire protection system.

The service device can be implemented in different ways: In some embodiments, the service device is implemented as a type of box that can be connected externally to a central device, for example via the central card. In other embodiments, however, the service device can also be designed in the form of a module that is installed internally in the central device. The advantage of an embodiment as an internal module of the central device is in particular that the first bidirectional communication connection between the central device and the service device runs internally and is thus better protected against unauthorized access.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a fire protection system by means of a service device, comprising receiving, by the service device, status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system from the fire protection system, evaluation, by the service device, of the status information , a generation, based on the evaluation, of an evaluation result, wherein the evaluation result is associated with a time stamp which indicates the point in time at which the status information was received and a transmission of the evaluation result, in particular together with the status information. to a data store of a server component.

In some embodiments, the status information is indicative of a status of at least one peripheral device of the fire protection system, the evaluation result also being associated with a device index that is indicative of the respective peripheral device, the method further including generating a status log of the fire protection system on the basis of the status information, the device index and the time stamp.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a use of a service device according to one of the embodiments described above for operating a fire protection system.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Modifikation der ersten Ausführungsform, und
• 3 ein Ablaufdiagram eines Verfahrens zum Warten und/oder Überprüfen einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform,
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Modifikation der zweiten Ausführungsform,
• 6 ein Ablaufdiagram eines Verfahrens zur Zustandsüberwachung einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform,
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform,
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Modifikation der dritten Ausführungsform,
• 9 ein Ablaufdiagram eines Verfahrens zur Authentifizierung eines Nutzers in einem System zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform,
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform,
• 11 eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zum Betreiben einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Modifikation der vierten Ausführungsform, und
• 12 ein Ablaufdiagram eines Verfahrens zur Zustandsüberwachung einer Brandschutzanlage gemäß einer Ausführungsform.

The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures using preferred exemplary embodiments. Here show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system of a first embodiment,
• 2 a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the first embodiment, and
• 3 a flowchart of a method for maintaining and / or checking a fire protection system according to an embodiment,
• 4th a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a second embodiment,
• 5 a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the second embodiment,
• 6th a flowchart of a method for monitoring the condition of a fire protection system according to one embodiment,
• 7th a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a third embodiment,
• 8th a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the third embodiment,
• 9 a flowchart of a method for authenticating a user in a system for operating a fire protection system according to one embodiment,
• 10 a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a fourth embodiment,
• 11 a schematic representation of a system for operating a fire protection system according to a modification of the fourth embodiment, and
• 12 a flowchart of a method for monitoring the condition of a fire protection system according to an embodiment.

The 1 shows a system according to the invention 1 for operating a fire protection system 10 comprising a service device 100 , a central device 200 the fire protection system 10 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 .

The service device 100 comprises a communication device 101 , a computing device 102 , an identification device 103 , a storage device 104 and an indication device 105 . The computing device 102 further comprises an authentication device 110 .

The fire protection system 10 comprises a central device 200 and a variety of peripherals 601 that are communicative with the central device 200 connected (not shown). Even if in the schematic representation of the 1 only three peripherals 601 are shown, the fire protection system 10 more or less peripherals 601 include.

The central device 200 comprises a central communication device 201 , a central computing device 202 , a central display device 203 and a central storage facility 204 . The central communication facility 201 is via a bidirectional communication link 501 with the communication facility 101 the service device 100 communicatively connected. The central communication facility 201 is also via one in the central device 200 located communicative connection with the central computing device 202 and the central storage facility 204 connected. This allows in the central storage device 204 stored system information to the service device 100 be transmitted. In some embodiments, the host is 202 here set up to process the system information for its part and only then to the service device 100 to submit. Alternatively or additionally, the central computing device 202 also be set up, the system information on the one hand without processing directly to the service device 100 to be transmitted, but on the other hand for display on the central display device 203 to prepare and to this for display on the central display device 203 to be transmitted to them.

The service device 100 is set up, the system information via the bidirectional communication link 501 to obtain. For this purpose, the communication device 101 first the bidirectional communication link 501 to the central communication device 201 here. The direction of communication is retained 101 an identification number for identifying the service device 100 from the identification device 103 and transmits this to the central communication device 201 which they in turn to the central computing device 202 forwards. The central computing device 202 uses the identification number to identify the service device and, in response to the identification, provides the system information that is (temporarily) stored in the central storage device. These are then sent via the central communication device 201 to the communication facility 101 transfer. When the transfer is complete, the communication device will 101 registered. This initiates the indication facility 105 to output a corresponding indication of the complete transmission of the system information. In the specific example of the 1 the indication is a visual as well as an acoustic indication.

The communication facility 101 then gives the received system information to the computing device 102 continue. In the specific embodiment of the 1 This system information includes in particular status information, that is to say data indicative of the (operational) status of the fire protection system 10 and the components and / or peripheral devices located therein 601 are. This status information is particularly useful during the operation of the fire protection system 10 generated.

The computing device 102 is set up, this system information including the status information for transmission to the user terminal 400 to prepare. The communication device is for this purpose 101 set up via a bidirectional communication link 503 with a server communication facility 301 the server component 300 to communicate to the data store 302 the server component 300 to access. In the specific embodiment of the 1 includes the data store 302 a series of target values as comparison values for the values of the corresponding parameters in the status information. The computing device 102 is set up to take these target values from the data memory 302 read out, especially via the bidirectional communication link 503 and evaluate the runtime data based on the target values. The computing device 102 is also set up, the appropriately processed system information, optionally together with an evaluation result and / or a status indication, via a bidirectional communication connection 502 to the user terminal 400 to submit.

In some embodiments, this is done when setting up the bidirectional communication link 502 between service device 100 and user terminal 400 the user terminal 400 first authenticated. For this purpose, the computing device includes 101 an authentication facility 110 . In the exemplary embodiment according to 1 includes authenticating the user terminal 400 in particular a verification that the user of the user terminal 400 has a valid license key. After establishing the communication link 502 the authentication facility transmits 110 a request for a license key. The user terminal transmits in response to the request 400 , preferably via the communication link 502 , a corresponding license key, which is then issued by the authentication facility 110 is checked. If the license key is checked positively, i.e. in the case of a valid license key, the authentication device gives 110 a positive authentication indication and communication is enabled. If the license key is checked negatively, i.e. if it is no longer valid, the authentication facility issues 110 a negative authentication indication and the user does not have access to the service device and thus to the system information provided by it. The negative authentication indication can be displayed to the user on the user terminal, whereby the user is encouraged to request a new license key and / or to extend the license key. This ensures that the user only has access to the system information with a valid license.

The user terminal 400 includes a graphical user interface 401 that allows a user to view the processed system information and to respond to at least one user input. In the specific embodiment of the 1 the user is informed, for example based on the evaluation of the status information in the system information, that a pump is within the fire protection system 10 no longer works with sufficient pressure. This information can preferably be transmitted to the user in the form of a status indication, including a deviation indication that is provided to the user. Optionally, the user also receives a maintenance indication that indicates that the pump needs to be repaired or replaced.

Furthermore, the user who has the maintenance indication on his user terminal 400 has received, optionally make a user input that confirms that the maintenance indication has been received and, if necessary, indicates that the possible problem with the pump will now be resolved by appropriate maintenance or checking.

The transmitted system information is then adapted on the basis of this user input. In particular, it is stored that the user was informed about the possible malfunction of the pump and, if necessary, which measures should be taken. These additional comments are then saved as part of the adjusted system information. In the embodiment of 1 this storage is preferably carried out in the data memory 302 the server component 300 . In other embodiments, however, the storage can also be in one on the service device 100 located storage device 104 he follows. A storage in the data store 302 the server component 300 is advantageous, however, because on the one hand the one in the service device 100 located storage device 104 can be relieved and, on the other hand, the storage of using a service device other than the service device 100 allowed. Even if the service device malfunctions 100 on all data relating to the fire protection system 10 can be accessed immediately. Finally, there is a storage in the data memory 302 the server component 300 also advantageous in that, for example, the operator of the server component 300 who, among other things, was the installer of the fire protection system 10 can be, immediately, i.e. without a service device 100 , can access the server component in order to feed the data for further analysis.

In the embodiment according to 1 includes the system 1 to operate the fire protection system 10 a service device 100 which is set up, each directly with the central device 200 , the server component 300 and the user terminal 400 to communicate via the communication device 101 . Even if not shown, comprise the central communication device 201 , the communication facility 101 and the server communication facility 301 one cryptography device each for encrypting the data exchanged between the communication devices. This enables the data transfer to be better secured.

The 2 shows a system 1' for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a modification of the first embodiment of FIG 1 . Here, too, the system includes 1' again a service device 100 , a central device 200 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 all of which are related to 1 and like reference numbers refer to like components. Since these functionalities correspond to those of the execution 1 a further detailed explanation is not given here.

The following therefore only addresses the differences between System 1 according to 1 and system 1' according to the modification in 2 received. In the specific embodiment of the 2 communicates the direction of communication 101 the service device 100 via the server component with the user terminal 400 . That means, instead of direct communication via the bidirectional communication link 502 between service device 100 and user terminal 400 communication via the server component 300 furnished. The service device 100 communicates with the server component via the bidirectional communication link 503 and the server component communicates with the user terminal via the bidirectional communication link 504 . That is, the communication link between service devices 100 and user terminal 400 is through the communication link 503 and the communication link 504 educated. This enables the provision of some, partially optional, functionalities, such as, for example, the storage of the system information and / or the identification of the user from the service device 100 on the server component 300 and thus leads to a reduction in the system requirements for the service device 100 .

Even if the service device 100 in the system 1 and 1' according to the embodiments of 1 and the 2 is drawn as an external component, it should be mentioned at this point that the service device 100 also as an internal module of the central device 200 can be set up without having to adapt the functions described. The Service device 100 According to the invention, either as an internal (pluggable) module of the central device 200 or as a connectable, external element.

The 3 shows schematically a flow chart of a method according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 , especially for maintaining and / or checking a fire protection system 10 . In step 1000 becomes the bidirectional communication link 501 between communication device 101 the service device 100 and central communication device 201 the central device 200 built up. This structure optionally includes an identification and / or an authentication of the service device.

In step 2000 receives the communication device 101 the service device the system information from the central communication device 201 the central device 200 and directs this in step 3000 to the computing device 102 continue. In step 3001 prepares the computing device 102 the system information for transmission to the user terminal 400 on. In the specific embodiment of the 3 If the user of the user terminal is an installer, the processing accordingly includes an evaluation of the system information as to whether all tests of the system have been carried out properly and confirm that the system is operational.

In step 4000 the processed system information is sent to the user terminal 400 transmitted. In the specific embodiment of the 3 the transmission initially comprises setting up the bidirectional communication link between the service device 100 and user terminal 400 and a corresponding authentication, as in connection with the 1 described.

Following the receipt of the processed system information, the user terminal generates 400 in step 4001 a graphical representation of the system information and shows it to the user of the user terminal 400 at. In step 4002 the user makes at least one user input in response to the displayed system information. The user terminal 400 receives this user input and transmits it, optionally together with an association with the corresponding system information, to the communication device 101 the service device 100 .

In step 5000 receives the communication device 101 the user input and transmits it to the computing device 102 that is the system information in step 600 adjusts based on user input and optionally writes the adjusted system information to a memory. This memory can in particular be the memory device 104 the service device and / or the data memory 302 be the server component.

The 4th shows a system according to the invention 1 for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a second embodiment. The system 1 comprises a service device 100 , a central device 200 the fire protection system 10 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 .

The general system architecture of the system 1 according to the second embodiment corresponds to that of the system 1 according to the first embodiment as in connection with 1 described. The service device also includes here 100 a communication device 101 , a computing device 102 , an identification device 103 , a storage device 104 and an indication device 105 .

The fire protection system 10 comprises a central device 200 and a variety of peripherals 601 over a bidirectional communication link 505 communicative with the central device 200 are connected. Even if in the schematic representation of the 4th only a single peripheral 601 is shown, the fire protection system 10 more or less peripherals 601 include.

The central device 200 comprises a central communication device 201 , a central computing device 202 , a central display device 203 , a central storage facility 204 and, in addition, a central power supply 205 .

The central communication facility 201 is via a bidirectional communication link 501 with the communication facility 101 the service device 100 communicatively connected. Inside the central device 200 is the central communication facility 201 via a first communicative connection with the central computing device 202 connected, in turn with the central storage device 204 is connected and via a second communicative connection to the central power supply 205 connected. This internal communication allows the central communication device 201 , Status information about the status of the central device 200 to collect this as part of the system information over the bi-directional communication link 501 to the communication facility 101 to be transmitted to the service device. This status information can, for example, come from the central power supply 205 to the central communication facility 201 are transmitted and, for example, the current power consumption of the central device 200 and / or a component thereof, such as a module, and / or the internal resistance of the accumulators within the central device 200 and / or the modules. Based on the current power consumption and / or the internal resistance, defects within the fire protection system can be identified 10 be inferred.

Furthermore, the central communication device 201 be set up status information that is indicative of the status of the peripheral devices 601 are received. The peripheral devices 601 be set up directly with the central communication facility 201 to communicate. Alternatively or additionally, the peripheral devices 601 also via the central computer 202 or a specially set up communication link with the central device 200 communicate to convey the status information. This status information can, for example, indicate a degree of contamination of a sensor in a peripheral device 601 , for example a detector.

The central communication facility 201 is set up to provide the status information as part of the system information via the bidirectional communication link 501 to the communication facility 101 the service device 100 transferred to. For this purpose, the communication device builds 101 first the bidirectional communication link 501 on, the service device 100 optionally opposite the central device 200 can identify how related to 1 described. In some embodiments, the bidirectional communication link remains 501 after a one-off set-up is permanently maintained to receive the system information, including the status information, from the central communication device 201 to the communication facility 101 transferred to. This allows the status of the fire protection system to be continuously monitored by monitoring and, optionally, evaluating the status information on the part of the service device 100 and / or the associated user terminal 400 .

The communication facility 101 gives the status information to the computing device 102 continue. In the specific embodiment of the 4th the status information is in particular the current power consumption within the central device. The computing device 102 is set up, the communication device 101 to cause a calibration value (target value) for the power consumption via a bidirectional communication link 503 with a server communication facility 301 the server component 300 from the data store 302 the server component 300 retrieve. Alternatively, the computing device 102 also be set up the adjustment value from the storage device 104 the service device 100 if such a value is stored there.

The computing device 102 thus receives one or more adjustment values that are indicative of the power consumption of the central device 200 are in the past and can use these comparison values to evaluate the value transmitted with the current status information. So can the computing device 102 For example, determine an increase in power consumption and generate a corresponding status indicator that indicates that the power consumption of the central device 200 has increased. The user can then check whether the increase in power consumption is due to the addition of peripheral devices, for example 601 to the fire protection system 10 is due or whether no peripheral devices 601 and therefore the increase was caused by other factors such as an emerging defect.

In the specific embodiment of the 4th is the service device 100 also set up the status indication to the user terminal 400 via the bidirectional communication link 502 to submit.

The user terminal 400 includes a graphical user interface 401 . The user terminal 400 is set up to generate a graphical representation of the status indication based on the status indication and this to the user on the graphical user interface 401 to display. In this way, the user can also remotely recognize a malfunction that has occurred or is still occurring and initiate appropriate countermeasures such as repair or maintenance, replacement of components or the like.

Here, the user actions for initiating countermeasures can be defined in particular as a function of the user or role. So can a customer who has the fire protection system 10 has been established, for example initiate a countermeasure that includes calling certified maintenance personnel. If the user is a dispatcher commissioned with maintenance, he or she can compile the materials for maintenance and / or repair in response to the status indication and plan them accordingly and then initiate them. If the user is the installer, he can, for example, also plan and initiate maintenance and / or repair himself or send corresponding certified maintenance personnel to carry out the maintenance and / or repair. In any case, the status indication allows the user to act accordingly.

The 5 shows a system 1' for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a modification of the second embodiment of FIG 4th . Here, too, the system includes 1' again a service device 100 , a central device 200 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 all of which are related to 4th and like reference numbers refer to like components. In the following, therefore, only the differences between System 1 according to 4th and system 1' according to the modification in 5 received.

In the specific embodiment of the 5 is the communication facility 101 the service device 100 set up, directly via the bidirectional communication link 506 communicate with one or more peripheral devices. That means the communication facility 101 the service device 100 receives status information about the status of the central device via the bidirectional communication link 501 and status information about the status of the peripheral devices 601 via the bidirectional communication link 506 . This enables the status information to be transmitted separately in time and thus allows the transmission to be timed more efficiently. Thus, the status information that is indicative of the status of the central device 200 are, for example, are permanently transmitted and the status information that is indicative of the status of the peripheral devices 601 are, only at regular time intervals, the time intervals depending, for example, on the requirements of the respective peripheral device 601 and / or the guidelines given for this can be selected.

Also in the 4th and 5 is the service device 100 shown as an external component, but can also be used here as an internal module of the central device 200 can be set up without having to adapt the functions described.

The 6th shows schematically a flow chart of a method according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 , especially for monitoring the condition of a fire protection system 10 according to the 4th . In step 1000 ' becomes the bidirectional communication link 501 between communication device 101 the service device 100 and central communication device 201 the central device 200 built up. In step 2000 ' receives the communication device 101 the service device 100 the status information that is indicative of the status of the fire protection system 10 are from the central communication facility 201 the central device 200 and directs this in step 3000 ' to the computing device 102 continue. In step 3001 ' initiates the computing device 102 a retrieval of the adjustment values for the status information from a memory. To this end, the computing device 102 especially the communication facility 101 cause these values to be taken from the data store 302 of the server component.

In step 3002 ' receives the computing device 102 the calibration values and uses them to evaluate the status information. The computing device generates on the basis of this evaluation, which can in particular include a comparison of a value of status information with the corresponding comparison value 102 in step 3003 ' then a status indication and initiates the communication device 101 , this status indication, optionally together with the status information and / or the system information, via the bidirectional communication link 502 to the user terminal 400 to submit.

After receiving the status indication, the user terminal generates in step 4000 ' a graphical representation of the status indication, optionally together with a graphical representation of the status information and / or the system information, and shows this to the user of the user terminal. In step 4001 ' the user initiates a corresponding measure in response to the status indication if the status indication makes such a measure appear necessary to prevent a malfunction. This allows early detection of faults and preventive maintenance and / or repair of the fire protection system.

The 7th shows a system according to the invention 1 for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a third embodiment. Here, too, the system includes 1 again a service device 100 , a central device 200 the fire protection system 10 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 and thus is similar in its system architecture to the system according to the first and second embodiment.

The service device 100 comprises a communication device 101 , a computing device 102 , an identification device 103 , a storage device 104 and an indication device 105 . In comparison to the embodiments according to FIG 1 , 2 , 4th and 5 includes the service device 100 furthermore, an access restriction device 106 and a verification device 107 .

The user terminal 400 includes a graphical user interface and an identity module 402 , which is preferably designed as a subscriber identity module.

The fire protection system 10 and the server component 300 essentially correspond to the embodiments according to FIG 4th . That means the fire protection system 10 comprises a central device 200 and a variety of peripherals 601 , of those in the 7th however, again only one is shown, the peripheral devices 601 via a bidirectional communication link 505 communicative with the central device 200 are connected.

The communication facility 101 the service device 100 is set up via a bidirectional communication link 501 with the central communication device 201 to communicate with the central device. Furthermore, the communication device 101 the service device 100 set up via a bidirectional communication link 502 with the user terminal 400 to communicate.

Unlike the first and the second embodiment, the service device comprises 100 in the third embodiment, an access restriction device 106 , which is set up, the access of the user to the information from the central communication device 201 via the bidirectional communication link 502 to restrict, and in particular the transmission of system information via the bidirectional communication link 502 to the user terminal 400 to prevent as long as the user has not first been authenticated.

This means in particular that the user terminal 400 only then the system information from the fire protection system 10 via the service device 100 when the user has been successfully authenticated. In the specific embodiment of the 7th an identity module is used for this authentication 402 used that outputs a user identification and via the bidirectional communication link 502 to the computing device 101 the service device 100 transmitted. This is done using the bidirectional communication link 502 released for the transmission of user identification.

The computing device 102 is set up, the user identification, in particular from the identity module 402 to receive and to determine whether the user identification is an authenticated user of the service device 100 and / or the fire protection system 10 can be assigned. If this is the case, the computing device initiates it 102 the access restriction device by outputting an enable signal 106 , the bidirectional communication link 502 between the communication device 101 and the user terminal 400 also to enable the transmission of system information and / or status information. In this case, the system information is then provided by the service device as described above 100 , or from their communication device 101 , to the user terminal 400 transmitted.

However, if the user cannot be authenticated, the computing device initiates this 102 the access restriction device 106 - either actively by transmitting an explicit signal or passively by omitting the release signal - to maintain the access restriction. In this case, no system information from the service device 100 to the user terminal 400 be transmitted.

In the 7th includes the service device 100 also a verification device 107 that is set up to access the service device 100 on the server component 300 to restrict and especially to prevent if the user cannot be verified. This allows prior access to the server component 300 to check whether a user has authorization to access the server component 300 to access. Such an authorization can in particular be understood to mean a server license that the user has to use the server component 300 must first acquire. Only after purchasing the server license can the user use the additional capacity of the server component 300 use.

The verification facility 107 is also set up by the user terminal 400 , in particular via the communication device 101 to get access verification. In some embodiments, access verification is part of the identity module 402 furnished. Alternatively or additionally, the access verification can also be configured as a separate signal.

The verification facility 107 determines on the basis of this access verification whether the user has authorization via the bidirectional communication connection 503 on the server component 300 to access. If this is the case, the verification device gives 107 the bidirectional communication link 503 free so that it can be built up. The user can then use the functionalities of the server component 300 exploit. If this is not the case, the verification facility prevents 107 the release - and thus the establishment - of the bidirectional communication link 503 . This allows an unauthorized user to access the server component 300 to prevent.

The 8th shows a system 1' for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a modification of the third embodiment of FIG 7th . Here, too, the system includes 1' again a service device 100 , a central device 200 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 all of which are related to 7th and like reference numbers refer to like components. In the following, therefore, only the differences between System 1 according to 7th and system 1' according to the modification in 8th received.

In the specific embodiment of the 8th is the communication facility 101 the service device 100 set up with the user terminal on the one hand directly via the bidirectional communication connection 502 , as well as indirectly, via the server component 300 , i.e. the bidirectional communication links 503 and 504 , to communicate. In the specific embodiment of the 8th this means in particular that the bidirectional communication link 502 is used for this purpose, the user identification from the user terminal 400 , especially its identity module 402 , to the communication facility 101 to transmit this user identification to the computing device 102 transmitted. The computing device 102 authenticates the user terminal 400 as in connection with the 7th described.

If the user is identified as an authenticated user based on the user identification, the computing device is 102 set up, the access restriction device 106 to cause the access of the user terminal 400 to release the system information, as also in connection with the 7th described. In this case, a release of the access means in particular a release of the access of the user terminal to the via the bidirectional communication connection 503 and the bidirectional communication link 504 . That means, in the embodiment according to FIG 8th the system information is not available through the bidirectional communication link 502 , but via the bidirectional communication links 503 and 504 , i.e. transmitted via the server component. On the one hand, this allows the user terminal 400 even without access to the server component 300 to verify, on the other hand it is made possible that part of the preparation and / or evaluation of the system information on the server component 300 can be outsourced.

Even if at this point again the service device 100 is shown as an external component, however, the third embodiment according to FIG 7th and 8th as an internal module of the central device 200 can be set up without having to adapt the functions described.

The 9 shows schematically a flow chart of a method according to the invention for operating a fire protection system 10 , especially for checking access to a fire protection system 10 . In step 1000 " becomes the bidirectional communication link 501 between communication device 101 the service device 100 and central communication device 201 the central device 200 the fire protection system 10 built up. In step 2000 " becomes the bidirectional communication link 502 between the communication device 101 and the user terminal 400 built up. To this end, the communication device receives 101 in step 2001 " at least one user identification from the user terminal 400 and transmits this in step 2002 " to the computing device 102 , which identifies the user based on the user identification and in step 2003 " determines whether it is an authenticated user.

If this is the case ("Y"), the computing device gives 102 in step 2004 " an enable signal to the access restriction device 106 from that the access restriction facility 106 initiates the communication of system information to the user terminal 400 to release. In this case, the user terminal receives 400 in step 3000 " the system information and / or status information that it is allowed to receive according to its access authorization - for example determined on the basis of authentication.

If this is not the case ("N"), the computing device omits 102 , in step 2005 " , an output of the release signal and no system information is sent to the user terminal 400 issued.

The 10 shows schematically a system according to the invention 1 for operating a fire protection system 10 according to a fourth embodiment, again comprising a service device 100 , a central device 200 the fire protection system 10 , a server component 300 and a user terminal 400 .

The service device 100 comprises a communication device 101 , a computing device 102 , an identification device 103 , a storage device 104 and an indication device 105 .

The fire protection system 10 comprises the central device 200 and a variety of peripherals 601 that have a bidirectional Communication link 505 communicative with the central device 200 are connected.

The communication facility 101 the service device 100 is set up via a bidirectional communication link 501 with the central communication device 201 the central device 200 to communicate so as to provide system information, including status information that is indicative of the status of the fire protection system 10 and / or peripheral devices located therein 601 are to get. Furthermore, the communication device 101 the service device 100 set up via a bidirectional communication link 503 with the server component 300 to communicate.

In the embodiment according to 10 receives the communication device 101 the service device 100 thus at least one value for a parameter of the status information that is indicative of the status of the fire protection system 10 and / or one or more of the peripheral devices 601 is. The communication facility 101 is set up to send the status information to the computing device 102 which is set up to evaluate the status information and to generate an evaluation result based on the evaluation. In some embodiments, this evaluation result includes the further system information in addition to the evaluated status information.

The evaluation result is then transmitted via the bidirectional communication link 503 to the server component 300 transmitted where it is from the server communication facility 301 received and then for insertion into the data store 302 is processed. This processing can in particular include providing the evaluation result with a device index that contains the component that has been checked for its state, for example a module of the central device 200 , a peripheral device 601 the fire protection system 10 or the like, as well as a time stamp for better chronological traceability and increased protection against misuse.

That means in the system 1 the 10 the evaluation result, i.e. the evaluated status information, optionally including the system information, is stored in the data memory 302 written. A user, in particular the installer and / or certified maintenance personnel, can regularly check the system and understand whether all maintenance work has been carried out completely and on time. This allows the automated creation of maintenance protocols. In an alternative embodiment - for example in a case without access to the server component 300 , the evaluation result and / or the system information can also be stored in the memory device 104 the service device 100 can be saved. This can eliminate the need for a server component 300 be avoided.

In any case, the evaluation result can - possibly after prior authentication - by means of the user terminal 400 can be viewed by a user. In particular, the user terminal 400 be set up to create a graphic representation of the evaluation result and / or the maintenance log and to display this to the user. The user has an immediate overview of the current maintenance status of the system 1' .

11 concerns a modification of the system 1 according to the 10 . Here, too, the same reference symbols denote the same components, the functionalities of which will not be discussed in more detail below. The difference between the system 1 the 10 and the system 1'der 11 is present in the way the communication between the user terminal 400 and service device 100 of equipping. According to the 10 communicates the user terminal 400 directly via the bidirectional communication link 502 with the service device 100 , or the communication device 101 . Therefore, the user terminal must 400 by means of the service device 100 on that within the data store 302 access saved evaluation result.

In contrast, the user terminal communicates 400 in the system 1' the 11 via the bidirectional communication link 504 with the server component to call up the evaluation result. In this embodiment, the communication - both for calling up the evaluation result and for viewing the system information, as described above - is always via the server component 300 guided. This makes it possible for the service device to perform certain evaluation and calculation processes 100 on the server component 300 to be transferred to such a service device 100 to create with little computing capacity.

The 12 shows schematically the flow chart for a method for operating, in particular for monitoring and maintenance, a fire protection system 10 in a system such as the 10 shown.

In step 1000 '''becomes the bidirectional communication link 501 between communication device 101 the service device 100 and central communication device 201 the central device 200 the fire protection system 10 built up. In step 1001 '''the peripheral devices transmit 601 corresponding status information that is indicative of their status via the bidirectional communication link 505 to the central device 200 . In step 1002 '''the central communication device transmits 201 all system information, including the status information indicative of the status of the peripheral devices 601 and / or the central device 200 to the communication device 101 the service device 100 for further evaluation.

In step 2000 '''the communication device transmits 101 the system information thus obtained to the computing device 102 for evaluating and creating an evaluation result and, optionally, a status indication, deviation indication and / or maintenance indication. In step 2001 '''the computing device evaluates 102 the system information, in particular the status information, and generates an evaluation result based on the evaluation. The computing device 102 is set up to then add a device index to this evaluation result, which indicates the corresponding component, for example the corresponding peripheral device 601 , indicates for which corresponding status information was available and for which it was therefore possible to determine the status on the basis of an evaluation of this status information. Furthermore, the computing device 102 set up to add a time stamp to the evaluation result, which indicates the point in time at which the status information was received. The evaluation result prepared in this way is then transmitted in step 2002 '''by means of the communication device 101 via the bidirectional communication link 503 to the server component 300 transmitted.

In step 3000 '''the server component receives 300 the evaluation result and transmits this, together with the additional information such as the device index and the time stamp, to the data memory 302 in the server component 300 . The evaluation result is stored there and can then be used for renewed evaluation - as a kind of actual value or historical value. In step 3001 '''the server component creates 300 a status log before the evaluation result is saved. This status log can in particular be generated on the basis of the status information as well as the device index and the time stamp.

In step 4000 ''', the evaluation result created in this way and / or the status log is then sent to the user terminal via a bidirectional communication connection 400 transmitted. In step 4001 '''the user terminal creates 400 a graphical representation of the evaluation result and / or the status log and outputs this to the user by displaying the graphical representation on the graphical user interface. The user can then visually check whether the maintenance has been carried out properly and what changes have occurred compared to the last cycle.

List of reference symbols

1, 1 '

System for operating a fire protection system

10

Fire protection system

100

Service device

101

Communication facility

102

Computing device

103

Identification device

104

Storage facility

105

Indication device

106

Access restriction device

107

Verification facility

110

Authentication facility

200

Central device

201

Central communication facility

202

Central computing device

203

Central display device

204

Central storage facility

205

Central power supply

300

Server component

301

Server communication facility

302

Data storage

400

User terminal

401

Graphical user interface

402

Identity module

501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506

Communication link

601

Peripherals

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• WO 2011/076184 A1 [0011]

Claims (18)

Service device (100) for a fire protection system (10), comprising: a communication device (101) which is set up to communicate with the fire protection system (10) via a first bidirectional communication link (501) in order to receive status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system (10) from the fire protection system (10) and to communicate with at least one server component (300) via a third bidirectional communication link (503), and at least one computing device (102) which is set up to evaluate the status information and to generate an evaluation result based on the evaluation, and wherein the communication device (101) is also set up to transmit the evaluation result, in particular together with the status information, via the third bidirectional communication connection (503) to a data memory (302) of the server component (300), the evaluation result being provided with a time stamp indicating at what time the status information was received is associated. Service device (100) Claim 1 wherein the communication device (101) is further set up to communicate with at least one user terminal (400) via a second bidirectional communication connection (502). Service device (100) according to at least one of the Claims 1 or 2 wherein the status information is indicative of a status of at least one peripheral device (601) of the fire protection system (10), the evaluation result also being associated with a device index which is indicative of the respective peripheral device (601). Service device (100) Claim 3 , wherein the computing device (102) is set up to generate a status log of the fire protection system on the basis of the status information and the time stamp. Service device (100) Claim 4 , wherein the status log includes one or more of a status indication, a deviation indication and / or a maintenance indication. Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the first communication connection (501) and / or the second communication connection (502) and / or the third communication connection (503) comprises an encrypted communication connection. Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device (101) is further set up to receive at least one user input from the at least one user terminal (400) via the second bidirectional communication connection (502), wherein the computing unit (102) is set up to carry out the evaluation of the status information further based on the at least one user input. Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the status information comprises at least one of the following: - Information that is indicative of the functionality of at least one reporting unit of the fire protection system (10); and or - Information that is indicative of the state of locking elements of the fire protection system (10); and or - Information that is indicative of the state of switching elements of the fire protection system (10); and or - Information that is indicative of the state of the central device (200) of the fire protection system (10). Service device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing device (102) is set up to receive a service route specification which specifies a sequence in which the status information is to be evaluated and to evaluate the status information in accordance with the service route specification. Fire protection system (10) comprising a central device (200), wherein the central device is set up with a service device (100) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 9 to be connected communicatively. System (1, 1 ') for operating a fire protection system (10), comprising: at least one service device (100) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 9 ; at least one fire protection system (10) comprising a central device (200) and at least one peripheral device (601); and at least one server component (300) with a data memory (302), wherein the data memory (302) is set up, an evaluation result transmitted by the service device (100) associated with a time stamp, which indicates at what point in time status information indicative of the status of the fire protection system have been received. System (1, 1 ') according to Claim 11 , further comprising: at least one user terminal (400), wherein the at least one user terminal (400) is set up to communicate with the service device (100) via a second communication connection (502) in order to receive the status information and / or the evaluation result. System (1, 1 ') according to Claim 12 wherein the at least one user terminal (400) comprises a graphical user interface (401), the graphical user interface (401) being set up to generate a graphical representation of the status information and / or the evaluation result and to display the graphical representation to a user. System (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the Claims 12 or 13 , wherein the at least one user terminal (400) further comprises a user input device, wherein the user input device is set up to receive at least one user input, and wherein the user terminal is set up to send the at least one user input to the service device (100) and / or the server component (300 ) to transmit. System (1, 1 ') according to at least one of the Claims 11 to 14th , wherein the service device (100) is set up as an internal service module of the central device (200) of the fire protection system (10). A method for operating a fire protection system (10) by means of a service device (100), comprising: Receiving, by the service device (100), status information indicative of a status of the fire protection system (10) from the fire protection system (10); Evaluation, by the service device (100), of the status information, The service device (100) generates, based on the evaluation, an evaluation result, the evaluation result being associated with a time stamp indicating the point in time at which the status information was received; Transmission of the evaluation result by the service device (100), in particular together with the status information. to a data memory (302) of a server component (300). Procedure according to Claim 16 , wherein the status information is indicative of a state of at least one peripheral device (601) of the fire protection system (10), the evaluation result being further associated with a device index that is indicative of the respective peripheral device (601) and the method further comprises: generating a Status logging of the fire protection system (10) based on the status information, the device index and the time stamp. Use of a service device (100) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 9 for operating a fire protection system (10).

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