CA2041986A1 - Color graphics terminal for monitoring an alarm system - Google Patents
Color graphics terminal for monitoring an alarm systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2041986A1 CA2041986A1 CA 2041986 CA2041986A CA2041986A1 CA 2041986 A1 CA2041986 A1 CA 2041986A1 CA 2041986 CA2041986 CA 2041986 CA 2041986 A CA2041986 A CA 2041986A CA 2041986 A1 CA2041986 A1 CA 2041986A1
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- Prior art keywords
- graphics
- window
- terminal according
- color
- graphic displays
- Prior art date
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Abstract
A COLOR GRAPHICS TERMINAL FOR MONITORING AN ALARM
SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A color graphics terminal for monitoring system comprising: a computer means; a graphics monitor connected to the computer means, the graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simul-taneously two related graphic displays of the system; and a means for controlling the computer means to automatically display on the graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by the computer means.
The color graphics terminal typically includes a touch screen which is capable of moving the related graphic displays from one graphics window to another, calling up other graphic displays of the system to any of the graphics windows, and activat-ing switches on a common control panel.
SYSTEM
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A color graphics terminal for monitoring system comprising: a computer means; a graphics monitor connected to the computer means, the graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simul-taneously two related graphic displays of the system; and a means for controlling the computer means to automatically display on the graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by the computer means.
The color graphics terminal typically includes a touch screen which is capable of moving the related graphic displays from one graphics window to another, calling up other graphic displays of the system to any of the graphics windows, and activat-ing switches on a common control panel.
Description
ED~251 A COLOR GRAPHICS TERMINAL FO~ MONITORING A_ ALARM
SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a novel multi-graphic display and touch screen terminal capable of monitoring the events of a system, e.g., a fire alarm system. Alarm1 trouble, super-visory, and monitor inputs are instantly and simultaneously depicted on floor plans, building profiles, facility overview~, and zone plans to accurately identify their source and location.
This novel color graphics terminal also allows authorized operators to manipulate certain aspects of the fire alarm system directly from the touch screen, i.e., they can move the graphic displays from one window to another and call up othar graphic displays to specific windows; acknowledge status changes, such as alarm or supervi~ory inputs; print hard-copy report~; and acti.vate or deactivate individual systelll devices or circuits, such as smoke detectors, manual stations, doors, fans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
~3 ~-Z51 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recent advancements in alarm system technology involve the integration of remote alarm devices and computer systems. Th~ computers typically allow the operator to view a diagram of the specific floor plan from which the alarm source is derived, and control certain ~unctions of the system directly from a computer keyboard or mouse.
Although use o~ computers has greatly enhanced the control over the entire alarm system, there remains a desire to make these systems more user friendly. That is, firemen entering a burning building under an emergency situa-tion find it extremely difficult to sit down at a computer keyboard to issue commands to, or decipher in~or-mation provided from, the computer. This problem has prompted -the alarm system industr~ to undertake the development of systems which are easier to use and operate.
In one user friendly system that has been developed, a single graphics window and touch screen capability are provided, thereby overcomin~
the disadvantages of manual computer syste~s, ED~251 i.e., keyboard commands and cumbersome key stroke combinations.
Still, under emergency situations it is very difficult for a fireman or oth,er system operator to know exactly where the alarm source is coming when confronted with a single graphic displa~
system. That is, a ~ireman unfamiliar with the premises will be con~ronted with a graphic display that only shows the floor plan of the specific floor ~rom which the alarm source is emanating.
The fireman will have no other reference to aid in his or her understandi:ng of the location or relationship of this floor plan -to the building or facility. This is a particular problem in a building having multiple wings or facilities having multiple buildings, such as a university campus.
Another problem arises when there are multiple fires on di~ferent, floors or in a di~ferent build-ing. A single graphic display sys,tem only permitsviewing of the alarm'situation on one -~loor, and thus the operator has no idea that there are fires on other -floors or in other parts of the facility. Having such information would certainly aid in the strategy for extinguishing the fires.
The present invention overcomes the a~'ore-mentioned disadvantages relating to both keyboard systems and single graphic display, touch screen systems. It is an cbject of the present invention to provide easy-to-read multi-graphic displays, preferably with a touch screen that eliminates ke~board inputs, complex codes, and single graphic displays.
The multiple graphics windows of the present invention having at-a-glance portrayal of events and their relationship to the overall building or faci}ity, coupled with the 'graphic terminal's touch screen operation, makes it invaluable in emergency situations when seconds count. That is, a ~ireman simultaneously views the detail area o~ the fire, as well as bro~der peri.pheral.
views of where the fire,'s location is relative to ZO the building and/or campus. Also, the fireman receives visual information as to what other areas of the building or campus may be involved in the fire. All this information is pro~ided to the fireman as he or she approaches the graphies monitor without the need ~o interact with the computer or issue any commands.
A -~urther objec-t o~ the present invention is to keep tabs on a wide range o~ system events, whereby alarm, trouble, supervisory, and monitor inputs are instantly color-coded and depicted on floor plans that pinpoint their source. Addition-ally, authorized operators can manipulate certain aspects of the fire alarm system, i.e., they can acknowledge status changes, such as alarm or supervisory inputs, print hard copy reports, and activate or deactivate individual de~ices and circuit, such as smoke detectors, manual stations, doors, fans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
The present invention also provides many additional advantages which shall b0come apparent as described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A color graphics terminal ~or monitoring a system comprising: a computer means; a graphics monitor connected to th0 computer means, the graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simul-ED-~51 taneously -two or more related graphic displays o~
the system; and a means for controlling the computer means to automatically present on the graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by the computer means.
The inputs received by the computer means may, for example, relate to the occurrence of certain events taking place wi-thin the system; whereby at least a peripheral perception of the events is displayed in the graphics windows. Additional inputs may be received due to operator con-tact with the graphics moni-tor.
The color graphics terminal typically includes a touch screen which is capable of moving the related graphic displays from one graphics window to another, calling-up other graphic displays of the system to any of the graphics windows, and activating switches on a common control pan~l.
In a principal embodiment, the graphics monitor comprises at least a main graphics window and a secondary graphics window. More preferably, the graphics monitor comprises three graphics windows, e.g., a main graphics window and two secondary graphic~ windows. The related graphic ¢0-~51 displays shown in the three graphics windows may have the following hierarchical relationship: zone plans, floor plans, building profile1 Eacility overview, common control panel, and cover screen.
The graphics monitor also may include a command menu window, a-t least one message window, a system status window, a system title window and a time/date window.
The means for interacting with the graphic displays is preferably either a touch screen, a computer keyboard or a computer mouse.
The preferred color graphics terminal includes a touch screen disposed about the graphics monitor in such a manner that when a given area of the touch screen is -touched the related graphic displays will be affected. For example, touching icons in the main graphics window will ~nable or disable system devices or circuits corresponding to the respective icons or acknowledge input ~rom these system devices or circui-ts. Moreover; touching touch points of the secondary graphics window immediately moves -the graphic displayed in -the secondary graphics window into the main graphics window. The icons in the graphic displays are $
E~-251 inoperable while the graphic displays are in the secondary graphics window.
Also, touching touch-points in the nlain graphics window will select floor plans or activate swi-tches on a common control panel. Touching any part of a zone within a floor plan graphically displayed in khe main graphics window immediately moves the respective zone plan into the main graphics window and the floor plan to the secondary graphics window.
The color graphics terminal of the present invention is preferably used with a fire alarm or security system for mo~itoring alarm and trouble events and the like. The system devices or circuits which may be enahled or disabled b~ ~ouching icons when the color graphics terminal is connected to a fire alarm system are, ~or example, smokc detectors, manual st,ations, doors, Eans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
Other and further objects, advanta~es and features of the present invention will be understood by re~erence to the following specification in conjunction with the annexed drawings, wherein iike parts have been gi~en like numbers.
~D-251 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN~
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the color graphics terminal according to the presenk invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic r0presentation of the complete set of windows on the screen of the graphics ~onitor according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a series of graphics windows which may appear on the graphics monitor screen during operation of the color graphics terminal of the present inven-tion;
Figo 4 is a schematic representation of the graphics windows of the graphics monikor wherein a common control panel is positioned within khe main graphics window;
Fig. 5 is a flowchart demonstrating khe levels of user authorizations;
Fig. 6 is a schemakic representation oP the graphics windows of the graphics monitor wherein a floor plan is positioned within the main graphics window, a building profile is positioned within one secondary graphics window9 and a facility s3 ~ ~
~D-Z51 overview is posi-tioned within another secondary graphics window;
Fig. 7 is an over~iew flowchart depicting the basic computer operations taking place in the color graphics terminal of the present invention when an input signal is received from either the touch screen or alarm interface; and Fig. 8 is a more detailed, e~emplary, intar-active flowchart depicting the decisions and actions that may be taken when an input signal is detected by the computer o the color graphics terminal according *o the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The color graphics terminal of the present invention represenks the combination o~ the latest computer technology with the besk in ~ire alarm system~. The result is an elegank and deceptivaly simple system monitoring and response tool. lt features easy-to-read graphic displays and a touch-sensitive screen that eliminates keyboard input and complex codes. This terminal simul-taneously provides, at the userts selection, peripheral related graphic displays, such as $ $
ED~25:L
building profile, floor plans, detailed instructions for responding to inputs, ~nd ~one plans of' khe building being moni-tored. Alarm, trouble, super-visory, and monitor inputs are instantl~ color-coded and depicted simultaneously on floor plans,building profiles, zone plans, and ~acility over views that pinpoint their source.
In addition to reviewing system events, authori~ed operators can manipulate certain aspects of the system. They can, for example, acknowledge status changes such as alarm or supervisory inputs, print hard-copy reports, and even activate or deactivate individual devices.
The color graphics terminal according to the present invention can best be described by re~erring to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is schematic representation of a color graphics terminal for monitoring a system comprising: a computer means 2; a graphics monitor 4 connected to compuker means 2; and touch screen 6. Touch screen 6 and the alarm system (not shown) are connected to computer means 2 via interf'aces 8 and 10, respec-tively.
Computer means 2 is preferably an IBM PC/386 compatible computer having at least a 12MHz system $ ~
clock and a 20 megAbyte hard dri~e, e.g., ~n Epson Equity 386sx with a clock speed of 16MHz and lMB RAM. The computer should have a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive with a capacity greater than or 5 equal to 750KB. Monitor 6 is typically a 14 inch VEA compatible graphics controller having greater than or equal to 640 W x 350 H pixels resolution and greater than or equal to sixteen simultaneous colors9 e.g., a NEC Multisync ZA. Interf~ce 8 should preferably be a 16 bit AT bus compatible interface. Touch screen 6 is preferably an Elo-graphics Accutouch touch screen. The software is typically MS-DOS version 3.2 from Microso~t Inc., HALO 88 Graphics Library from Media Cybernetics Inc., and, optionali.y, DR HALO III Graphics Editor from Internatiorlal Microcomputer Software Inc.
The color graphics terminal is typically connected to a fire alarm system, such as that disclosed in co pending U.S. Patent Application, 20 Serial No. 609,173 (Fergllson et al.), filed May 11, 1984, and entitled 'IFire Alarm Control and Emergency Communication System". This application is incor-porated herein by reference.
J ~
The basic functions or operations o~ the color graphics terminal of the present invention are outlined in the overview flowchart set ~orth in Fig. 7. The color graphics terminal receives an input signal from either the touch screen or alarm/trouble signal from their respective system interfaces. If the input is a signal from the touch screen, then the cover screen on the graphics monitor is replaced with a Working Screen depicting related graphic displays in three graphics window~.
If the input is a signal from the alarm/trouble devices or circuits, then the cover screen on the graphics monitor is replaced with a Working Screen wherein the lowest order graphics display capable of pinpointing the source i5 displayed in the main graphics window, related views are displayed in -the secondary ~r~phics windows, the status display flashes the event, and the evsnt i~ ~tor0d in the respective queue. Therea~ter, the operator may either (1) present a lowar order graphic display in the main graphics window by touching any part on the gr2phic display of the next higher order already appearing in the main graphics window, or t2) move a graphic di~play from a ~ ~3 L,~
f~-25 secondary window to the main graphics window by touching any part of the respective secondary graphics window. The devices anffl circuits of the alarm system may thereafter be controlled by touching either an icon or a touch-point activated on the graphics display in the main graphics window.
As depicted in Fig. 2, graphics monitor 4 has multiple fgraphics windows capable of presenting simultaneously two related graphic displays o~
the system. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a typical "Working Screen". This Working Screen is central to the color graphics terminal of the present invention. It is preferably divided into nine constant (i.e., immovable) fields. The nine fields are system title window 20, system status window 22, time/date windofw 24, mairl graphics window 26, secondary graphics window '2f~ff, secondar~
graphics window 30, command menu windofw 32., messffa,gfef window 34, and message window 36.
System title window 20 is simply a field provided to display the name c~ff tbe buildin~ or location. The contents of this windofw are programed when the system is installed and do not change.
- E~-25L
System status window 22 displays the current system status of highest priority. If the system is in standby mode, the message simply says "SYSTEM
IN STANDBY". If it then goes into trouble mode, "SYSTEM IN TROUBLE" is displayed. An alarm input at this point will result in "SYSTEM IN ALARM"
appearing in the system status window 22 and there it will remain until the alarms are cleared and the system is reset. Background colors of this field are also associated with each system status, i.e., red for alarm, yellow for trouble, and green for standby.
Timefdate window 24 displays the current system time and date, updated continually.
Main graphics window 26 is a~ in~eractive ~ield that holds a selected graphic display.
Bllilding profiles, floor plans, zone planst facility overviews, and common controls are typical contents o~ this field. ~ach of these graphic Aisplays contain one or more touch-points that can be used to manipulate system controls.
Secondary graphics windows 28 and 30 o~-fer limited interaction. They hold graphic displays in waiting -- reduced versions of floor plans, ~D~251 zone plans, building profiles, ~acility overviews, OI' control panels -- that are selected by touching them anywhere within their borders. The contents of secondary graphics windows 28 and 30 change depending on the graphic displayed in main graphics window 26. If, for example, a zone plan is in main graphics window 26, then a building pro~ile will be displayed in secondary graphics window 28, and a floor plan showing the whole floor from which the ~one plan is excerpted will be displayed in secondary window 30. Fvr secondary graphicæ
windows 28 and 30, the entire field is one active touch area. No -touch- points within them can be selected until the whole graphic display is enlarged and pulled into main graphics window 26 by selecting it.
Command menu window 32 is a screen area that contains all the control buttona that are active at any given time. Control button~, which are individllal touch-senaitive fielda, are used to operate the graphics terminal's optionsO These options include the displa~ of specifi.c graphic displays, activation or deactivation o~ individual fire alarm devices 7 printing of reports, etc.
- 16 ~
E~-~51 Message windows 34 and 36 display single lines of text. Generally speakin~, message window 34 displays system responses to operator input, while message window 36 displays system prompts for operator input.
The color graphics terminal operates as follows. Each screen or page of graphics monitor 4 includes pre programed areas that, when touched, execute specific commands. These areas vary in size and shape according to the graphic composition o~ the current screen. For example, a row of buttons depicted in comm~nd menu window 32 will actually be ~ully functional as bu-ttons. Each time an active area is touched, an audible beep is generated by the color graphics terminal to confirm the selection.
The color graphics terminal uses touch-serlsi.-tive areas in three different ways, i.e~, to operate buttons; to select touch-points and icons;
and to chan~e the main graphics window. Buttons are used to execute specific commands. They acknowledge alarms, sign on operators, or call up on-line help. Purely ~unctional, buttons ar~
~-251 simply button-shaped, and always appear in co~mand menu window 32 near the bottom of the screen.
Touch-poin*s and icons, on the other hand, appear exclusively within the graphic displays disposed within main graphics window 26 and second-ary graphics windows 28 and 30. Touch-points are used to select floor or levels on a building profile, or to activate swi*ches on a common control panel. Icons are the same a touch-points, bu$ represent fire alarm devices or circuits, they are appearance- and position- signi~icant.
This means that an icon representing a manual station, for example, will have a distinct appear-ance and its position in the ~raphic display will represent the location of the actual device.
Icons are used to enable or disable smoke de-tec*ors, manual stations, doors, ~ans, sprinkle~s, and individual circuits, or to acknowledge i~put ~rom these devices or circui ts .
The graphics monitor 4 uses touch-sensitiv~
areas on touch screen 6 to change the graphic displayed in main graphics window 26. Touching any part of either of the two secondary graphics windows immedia*ely moves the graphic display '9 ~ J
ED-~51 from the selected secondary graphics window into the main graphics window. Once there, the icons and touch-points within the graphics display can be manipulated or operated.
There are two ways of interacting with the color graphics terminal through its graphics windows and its command menu window. Interaction through the graphics windows involves the msnipu-lation and selection of graphic displays, icons, and touch-points. Commands, on the other hand, involve only buttons. These buttons always appear in the cGmmand area just below the graphics windows.
Command buttons are arranged in groups call0d menus. One menu is displayed at a time. To execute a command simply touch -the designated button.
Only active buttons appear in command menu wi.ndow 32. This means that if the user is not authorized to execute the command, or i~ the command i3 llG't possible at that stage o~` interaction, the button simply will not appear. Command menus are arranged in a chain, i.e., a command in one menu will bring up another menu and so on.
As clearly shown in Fig. 5, the color graphics terminal authorizes three levels of user interac-tion. Level 1 is the default authorization, i.e., no sign-on is required. Within this level of authorization, the user can move among graphic displays and view system events (i.e., alarms, troubles, etc). From Levsl 1 the operator can also invoke help and sign-on to higher authorization levels. No ~ther activities are possible.
Authorization Levels 2 and 3 enjoy the same privileges offered to Level 1, but in addition, users at these higher levels can control and interact with the color graphics terminal. Specif-ically, Levels 2 and 3 users can acknowledg~
events, activate and deactivate devices and common controls, and print r~ports. The only function protected by Level ~ authorization is the main-tenance command, which allows the changing of pass codes and other maintenance operations. Except for this, Levels 2 and 3 are the ~ame.
The color graphics terminal can support dozens of graphic displays to show e~erything from the layout of a main lobby to the building arrangement of a university campus. Typically, however, five kinds o~ graphic displays will be configured. These depict a cover screen~ a building ~D-251 profile, a common control panel, a serie~ of' floor plans, and zone plans.
As shown in Fig. 3, a cover ~raphic display (cov~r screen~ will fill the entire screen of monitor 4 if there are no alarms on the color graphics terminal and if more than one minute has elapsed without any activity. The cover screen is designed to minimize the amount of wear to the monitor 4. The cover screen will $ypically identify the color graphics terminal and show the message "TOUCH SCREEN TO ACTIVATE SYSTEM". Touching any part of the cover screen brings up the Working Screen with the Level 1 main menu displayed, and above it, in the main ~raphics window 26 the building profile. (See the first display in Fi8 3 below the cover screen).
The f'acility overview is the highest o:rder o~ graphic disp].ay. Next is the building progile which shows the ~loor- by-floor ~rrangement o~
the site in proeile. A touch-poin:t is associated with each floor or level. Touching one of these touch-points when the building profile is in the main graphics window calls the plan for the sel~ct2d ~ 3 fi~i E~-251 floor to the main graphics window 26. ~See the next lower display in Fig. 3).
Each floor plan will have one or more æone associated with it. These zones are graphically presented on the ~loor plan with the use of dif-ferent colors. Touching the main graphics window within the borders of a zone plan when the floor plan is in the main graphics window will seleck it and move it into the main graphics window 26.
(See the lowermost display in Fig. 3).
Zone plans in the main graphics window have one or more icons associated with them. These icons (Fig. 6), which typically represent devices, can be controlled (i.e., acknowledged, activated, deactivated, etc.) by selecting them in conjunction wi-th the control menu.
The secondarg graphics windows 28 and 30 display the same contents as the main graphics window 26, described above, though never at the same time. In addition to this, the secondary ~raphics windows display -the in~ormation at about one quarker of the size, and the touch-points and icons, though visible are not active.
ED~~51 The con-tents of the two secondary graphics windows depends on what is displayed in the main graphics window. As a rule, plans showing wider views of what is in the main graphics window will be displayed in the secondary graphics windows.
For example, if a zone plan is displayed in the main graphics window, then the corresponding building profile and floor plan will appear in the secondary graphics windows. (See lowermost display in Fig. 3).
This is better exemplified in Fig. 6 wherein monitor 40 comprises: system status window 42, system title window 44, time/date window 46, command menu window 48~ first message window 50, second message window 52, main graphics window 54, secondary ~raphics window 56, and secondary graphics window 58. Main graphics window 54 contains a graphic display of a floor plan, whereas secondary graphics window 56 contains a graphic di3play Oe the building pro~ile and secondary graphics window 58 contains a graphic displ~y of the campus or facility overview. Icons 60 and 62 are clearly displayed within the floor plan shown in main graphics window 54. Upon the selection of a t '1, r,~
particular zone plan Erom the floor plan displayed in main ~raphics window 54, the selected æone plan will be displayed in main graphics window 54, the ~loor plan graphic di~play will appear in secondary graphics window 58, and the building profile will remain in secondary graphics window 56.
Each of the three maps (i.e., building profile, æone plan and floor plan) has an additional touch-point labeled CONTROL PANEL. Selecting thistouch-point displays the terminal's common controls in the main graphics window 26. (See graphics display: Common Control Panel in Fig. 4). Each of these controls, which include RESET, SIGNAL
SILENCE, TROUBLE SILENCE, AND TOTAL EVACUATION, is represented by a control button and an indicator (i.e., a corresponding area o contrasting color), which shows its currerlt status.
These controls can be operaked with the control ~eature, initiate~ by touching CONTROI,S
in the Level 2 and 3 main menus. While users at any authorization level may view the Common Control Panel, seen in Fig. 4, the CONTROLS button does not appear on the Level 1 main menu and consequently, ~3 i~
operation of -th~ common controls is restricted to -the higher authorization levels. (Se0 Fig. 5).
The color graphics terminal according to the present invention is particularly useful in the monitoring o~ system events, especially in alarm systems. Keeping tabs on system events such as troubles and alarms is the primary purpose of the color graphics terminal. The terminal organizes each event according to its type and the time it was logged. All events are sorted into one of four lists, called queues. They are called queues because events are stored within them in the order they were received. These queues are used to track alarms, troubles, supervisory clevices, and monitôrs -- one ~ueue per event type. The four queues are also designated priorities relative to one another, with alarms being the highest and monitors being the lowest.
When an event occurs, say an alarm condition, several things happen. (See Fig. 8). First, the main graphics window takes on the lowest order graphic display toperation designated 100~ that can be pinpointed as the source of the alarm condition. This means that if the system can narrow the alarm condition down to a particular device, a æone plan will be displayed with the device in question Plashing. Similarly, if th0 alarm condition can only be traced to a zone, then the corresponding floor plan will be displayed with the zone in question flashing.
At the same time, the syste~ status window at the top left corner o~ the graphics monitor displays the word ALARM on a red background (oper-ation 102) and the Queue Display Menu appearsbelow the graphics windows in the command menu window. This arrangement is displayed until an event of higher priority is received or until the operator interacts with the color graphics terminal.
The automatic time-out function, which causes the cover screen to appear after a specified duration of inactivity, is suspended when an event ha~
been logged.
The color graphics term:inal automatically displays only the first event in the queue of hi~hest priority~ This means that i~ a second alarm comes in, or if a supervisory device cr monitor is activated while the first alarm is being displayed, no outward change woul~ occur.
" ~ ,~e~ ~ ~
~D-251 These subsequent events would, however, be entered into their respective queues for later viewing.
However, if a trouble condition was being indicated and then an alarm was received while the trouble was displayed, the main graphics window would chan~e to show the source of that alarm and the status window would displa~ ALARM on a red background. All subsequent events at this stage would be added to their respective queues and the graphics windows would remain as they are until the operator initiated some other activity.
All three main menus include a QUEUE DISPLAY
bu*tosl. Touching this brings ~orward a menu from which a specific queue can be chosen. Choosing a queue allows the operator to scroll among events that are stored in it. This is done by touchin8 NEXT and PREVIOUS, as appropriate. Scrolling among events changes the con~ents o~ khe ~aisl graphic3 window to tha floor plan or zone plan where the event has taken place. Unackno~ledged events are indicated by ~lashing device icons.
The acknowledge ~unction is available to Level 2 and Level 3 authorized users only. The ACKNOWLEDGE control button appears on the main 2 ~
k/D~251 menus and on the QUEVE DISPLAY MENUS ~or -the authorized levels. This makes it convenient to acknowledge events as you scroll through the queues.
An unacknowledged event is distinguished by a flashing icon that represents its device or origin (i.e., a smoke detector or manual station).
To acknowledge the event, make sure the event in question is displayed in the main graphics window and touch the ACKNOWLEDGE button belo~. This will result in the message "Select point to be acknowledged" appearing in the message window.
Touching a flashing icon at this point stops the flashing and the message "Point acknowledged" is displayed in the message window. The touch-point is acknowledged and the system is ready foryou to acknowledge another one.
Acknowledging an event does not change its position in the queue. This means that the ~:isplay order will remain the same. To remove an event ~rom a queue, the color graphics terminal must be reset.
Individual devices or circuits can be enabled or disabled, allowing you to open dampers, start fans, charge sprinkler systems, etc~, by touching iconx that appear in the main graphics window.
Also common con-trols such as signal silence and fire department relays can be activated or deactivated through the common control panel. (See Fig. 4).
Icons and touch-points are operated by making sure that the main graphics window contains the graphic display (i.e., :Eloor plan or control panel) that carries the icon or touch- point you wish to control. The controls menu must then be called up.
With the icon or touch-point in the main graphics window and the controls menu below it, -touch SWITCH ON or SWITCH OFF, as appropriate.
This will cause all the switchable icons and touch-points in the main graphics window to be displayed encircled with a dotted box. In the message windows below the menu, the Eollowing will appear for a switch on command: "Switch on in progress-" "Select pOitlt or function ~icon in graphics window) to be activated.", Touching a highlighted icon or touch-point at this point will cause the following me~sages to appear: "Switch on point selected." "Touch PROCEED to confirm operation, or CANCEL to abort."
3 ~ ~
Finally J touch PROCEED. This will ac~ivate the icon or turn on the switch you selected and ready the color graphics terminal to control another one.
While we have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with our invention, it is to be clearly understood that the samz are susceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, we do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described, but intend to show all changes and modifications which come within the scope o~ the appended claims.
SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a novel multi-graphic display and touch screen terminal capable of monitoring the events of a system, e.g., a fire alarm system. Alarm1 trouble, super-visory, and monitor inputs are instantly and simultaneously depicted on floor plans, building profiles, facility overview~, and zone plans to accurately identify their source and location.
This novel color graphics terminal also allows authorized operators to manipulate certain aspects of the fire alarm system directly from the touch screen, i.e., they can move the graphic displays from one window to another and call up othar graphic displays to specific windows; acknowledge status changes, such as alarm or supervi~ory inputs; print hard-copy report~; and acti.vate or deactivate individual systelll devices or circuits, such as smoke detectors, manual stations, doors, fans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
~3 ~-Z51 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Recent advancements in alarm system technology involve the integration of remote alarm devices and computer systems. Th~ computers typically allow the operator to view a diagram of the specific floor plan from which the alarm source is derived, and control certain ~unctions of the system directly from a computer keyboard or mouse.
Although use o~ computers has greatly enhanced the control over the entire alarm system, there remains a desire to make these systems more user friendly. That is, firemen entering a burning building under an emergency situa-tion find it extremely difficult to sit down at a computer keyboard to issue commands to, or decipher in~or-mation provided from, the computer. This problem has prompted -the alarm system industr~ to undertake the development of systems which are easier to use and operate.
In one user friendly system that has been developed, a single graphics window and touch screen capability are provided, thereby overcomin~
the disadvantages of manual computer syste~s, ED~251 i.e., keyboard commands and cumbersome key stroke combinations.
Still, under emergency situations it is very difficult for a fireman or oth,er system operator to know exactly where the alarm source is coming when confronted with a single graphic displa~
system. That is, a ~ireman unfamiliar with the premises will be con~ronted with a graphic display that only shows the floor plan of the specific floor ~rom which the alarm source is emanating.
The fireman will have no other reference to aid in his or her understandi:ng of the location or relationship of this floor plan -to the building or facility. This is a particular problem in a building having multiple wings or facilities having multiple buildings, such as a university campus.
Another problem arises when there are multiple fires on di~ferent, floors or in a di~ferent build-ing. A single graphic display sys,tem only permitsviewing of the alarm'situation on one -~loor, and thus the operator has no idea that there are fires on other -floors or in other parts of the facility. Having such information would certainly aid in the strategy for extinguishing the fires.
The present invention overcomes the a~'ore-mentioned disadvantages relating to both keyboard systems and single graphic display, touch screen systems. It is an cbject of the present invention to provide easy-to-read multi-graphic displays, preferably with a touch screen that eliminates ke~board inputs, complex codes, and single graphic displays.
The multiple graphics windows of the present invention having at-a-glance portrayal of events and their relationship to the overall building or faci}ity, coupled with the 'graphic terminal's touch screen operation, makes it invaluable in emergency situations when seconds count. That is, a ~ireman simultaneously views the detail area o~ the fire, as well as bro~der peri.pheral.
views of where the fire,'s location is relative to ZO the building and/or campus. Also, the fireman receives visual information as to what other areas of the building or campus may be involved in the fire. All this information is pro~ided to the fireman as he or she approaches the graphies monitor without the need ~o interact with the computer or issue any commands.
A -~urther objec-t o~ the present invention is to keep tabs on a wide range o~ system events, whereby alarm, trouble, supervisory, and monitor inputs are instantly color-coded and depicted on floor plans that pinpoint their source. Addition-ally, authorized operators can manipulate certain aspects of the fire alarm system, i.e., they can acknowledge status changes, such as alarm or supervisory inputs, print hard copy reports, and activate or deactivate individual de~ices and circuit, such as smoke detectors, manual stations, doors, fans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
The present invention also provides many additional advantages which shall b0come apparent as described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A color graphics terminal ~or monitoring a system comprising: a computer means; a graphics monitor connected to th0 computer means, the graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simul-ED-~51 taneously -two or more related graphic displays o~
the system; and a means for controlling the computer means to automatically present on the graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by the computer means.
The inputs received by the computer means may, for example, relate to the occurrence of certain events taking place wi-thin the system; whereby at least a peripheral perception of the events is displayed in the graphics windows. Additional inputs may be received due to operator con-tact with the graphics moni-tor.
The color graphics terminal typically includes a touch screen which is capable of moving the related graphic displays from one graphics window to another, calling-up other graphic displays of the system to any of the graphics windows, and activating switches on a common control pan~l.
In a principal embodiment, the graphics monitor comprises at least a main graphics window and a secondary graphics window. More preferably, the graphics monitor comprises three graphics windows, e.g., a main graphics window and two secondary graphic~ windows. The related graphic ¢0-~51 displays shown in the three graphics windows may have the following hierarchical relationship: zone plans, floor plans, building profile1 Eacility overview, common control panel, and cover screen.
The graphics monitor also may include a command menu window, a-t least one message window, a system status window, a system title window and a time/date window.
The means for interacting with the graphic displays is preferably either a touch screen, a computer keyboard or a computer mouse.
The preferred color graphics terminal includes a touch screen disposed about the graphics monitor in such a manner that when a given area of the touch screen is -touched the related graphic displays will be affected. For example, touching icons in the main graphics window will ~nable or disable system devices or circuits corresponding to the respective icons or acknowledge input ~rom these system devices or circui-ts. Moreover; touching touch points of the secondary graphics window immediately moves -the graphic displayed in -the secondary graphics window into the main graphics window. The icons in the graphic displays are $
E~-251 inoperable while the graphic displays are in the secondary graphics window.
Also, touching touch-points in the nlain graphics window will select floor plans or activate swi-tches on a common control panel. Touching any part of a zone within a floor plan graphically displayed in khe main graphics window immediately moves the respective zone plan into the main graphics window and the floor plan to the secondary graphics window.
The color graphics terminal of the present invention is preferably used with a fire alarm or security system for mo~itoring alarm and trouble events and the like. The system devices or circuits which may be enahled or disabled b~ ~ouching icons when the color graphics terminal is connected to a fire alarm system are, ~or example, smokc detectors, manual st,ations, doors, Eans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
Other and further objects, advanta~es and features of the present invention will be understood by re~erence to the following specification in conjunction with the annexed drawings, wherein iike parts have been gi~en like numbers.
~D-251 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWIN~
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the color graphics terminal according to the presenk invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic r0presentation of the complete set of windows on the screen of the graphics ~onitor according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a series of graphics windows which may appear on the graphics monitor screen during operation of the color graphics terminal of the present inven-tion;
Figo 4 is a schematic representation of the graphics windows of the graphics monikor wherein a common control panel is positioned within khe main graphics window;
Fig. 5 is a flowchart demonstrating khe levels of user authorizations;
Fig. 6 is a schemakic representation oP the graphics windows of the graphics monitor wherein a floor plan is positioned within the main graphics window, a building profile is positioned within one secondary graphics window9 and a facility s3 ~ ~
~D-Z51 overview is posi-tioned within another secondary graphics window;
Fig. 7 is an over~iew flowchart depicting the basic computer operations taking place in the color graphics terminal of the present invention when an input signal is received from either the touch screen or alarm interface; and Fig. 8 is a more detailed, e~emplary, intar-active flowchart depicting the decisions and actions that may be taken when an input signal is detected by the computer o the color graphics terminal according *o the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The color graphics terminal of the present invention represenks the combination o~ the latest computer technology with the besk in ~ire alarm system~. The result is an elegank and deceptivaly simple system monitoring and response tool. lt features easy-to-read graphic displays and a touch-sensitive screen that eliminates keyboard input and complex codes. This terminal simul-taneously provides, at the userts selection, peripheral related graphic displays, such as $ $
ED~25:L
building profile, floor plans, detailed instructions for responding to inputs, ~nd ~one plans of' khe building being moni-tored. Alarm, trouble, super-visory, and monitor inputs are instantl~ color-coded and depicted simultaneously on floor plans,building profiles, zone plans, and ~acility over views that pinpoint their source.
In addition to reviewing system events, authori~ed operators can manipulate certain aspects of the system. They can, for example, acknowledge status changes such as alarm or supervisory inputs, print hard-copy reports, and even activate or deactivate individual devices.
The color graphics terminal according to the present invention can best be described by re~erring to the drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is schematic representation of a color graphics terminal for monitoring a system comprising: a computer means 2; a graphics monitor 4 connected to compuker means 2; and touch screen 6. Touch screen 6 and the alarm system (not shown) are connected to computer means 2 via interf'aces 8 and 10, respec-tively.
Computer means 2 is preferably an IBM PC/386 compatible computer having at least a 12MHz system $ ~
clock and a 20 megAbyte hard dri~e, e.g., ~n Epson Equity 386sx with a clock speed of 16MHz and lMB RAM. The computer should have a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive with a capacity greater than or 5 equal to 750KB. Monitor 6 is typically a 14 inch VEA compatible graphics controller having greater than or equal to 640 W x 350 H pixels resolution and greater than or equal to sixteen simultaneous colors9 e.g., a NEC Multisync ZA. Interf~ce 8 should preferably be a 16 bit AT bus compatible interface. Touch screen 6 is preferably an Elo-graphics Accutouch touch screen. The software is typically MS-DOS version 3.2 from Microso~t Inc., HALO 88 Graphics Library from Media Cybernetics Inc., and, optionali.y, DR HALO III Graphics Editor from Internatiorlal Microcomputer Software Inc.
The color graphics terminal is typically connected to a fire alarm system, such as that disclosed in co pending U.S. Patent Application, 20 Serial No. 609,173 (Fergllson et al.), filed May 11, 1984, and entitled 'IFire Alarm Control and Emergency Communication System". This application is incor-porated herein by reference.
J ~
The basic functions or operations o~ the color graphics terminal of the present invention are outlined in the overview flowchart set ~orth in Fig. 7. The color graphics terminal receives an input signal from either the touch screen or alarm/trouble signal from their respective system interfaces. If the input is a signal from the touch screen, then the cover screen on the graphics monitor is replaced with a Working Screen depicting related graphic displays in three graphics window~.
If the input is a signal from the alarm/trouble devices or circuits, then the cover screen on the graphics monitor is replaced with a Working Screen wherein the lowest order graphics display capable of pinpointing the source i5 displayed in the main graphics window, related views are displayed in -the secondary ~r~phics windows, the status display flashes the event, and the evsnt i~ ~tor0d in the respective queue. Therea~ter, the operator may either (1) present a lowar order graphic display in the main graphics window by touching any part on the gr2phic display of the next higher order already appearing in the main graphics window, or t2) move a graphic di~play from a ~ ~3 L,~
f~-25 secondary window to the main graphics window by touching any part of the respective secondary graphics window. The devices anffl circuits of the alarm system may thereafter be controlled by touching either an icon or a touch-point activated on the graphics display in the main graphics window.
As depicted in Fig. 2, graphics monitor 4 has multiple fgraphics windows capable of presenting simultaneously two related graphic displays o~
the system. Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a typical "Working Screen". This Working Screen is central to the color graphics terminal of the present invention. It is preferably divided into nine constant (i.e., immovable) fields. The nine fields are system title window 20, system status window 22, time/date windofw 24, mairl graphics window 26, secondary graphics window '2f~ff, secondar~
graphics window 30, command menu windofw 32., messffa,gfef window 34, and message window 36.
System title window 20 is simply a field provided to display the name c~ff tbe buildin~ or location. The contents of this windofw are programed when the system is installed and do not change.
- E~-25L
System status window 22 displays the current system status of highest priority. If the system is in standby mode, the message simply says "SYSTEM
IN STANDBY". If it then goes into trouble mode, "SYSTEM IN TROUBLE" is displayed. An alarm input at this point will result in "SYSTEM IN ALARM"
appearing in the system status window 22 and there it will remain until the alarms are cleared and the system is reset. Background colors of this field are also associated with each system status, i.e., red for alarm, yellow for trouble, and green for standby.
Timefdate window 24 displays the current system time and date, updated continually.
Main graphics window 26 is a~ in~eractive ~ield that holds a selected graphic display.
Bllilding profiles, floor plans, zone planst facility overviews, and common controls are typical contents o~ this field. ~ach of these graphic Aisplays contain one or more touch-points that can be used to manipulate system controls.
Secondary graphics windows 28 and 30 o~-fer limited interaction. They hold graphic displays in waiting -- reduced versions of floor plans, ~D~251 zone plans, building profiles, ~acility overviews, OI' control panels -- that are selected by touching them anywhere within their borders. The contents of secondary graphics windows 28 and 30 change depending on the graphic displayed in main graphics window 26. If, for example, a zone plan is in main graphics window 26, then a building pro~ile will be displayed in secondary graphics window 28, and a floor plan showing the whole floor from which the ~one plan is excerpted will be displayed in secondary window 30. Fvr secondary graphicæ
windows 28 and 30, the entire field is one active touch area. No -touch- points within them can be selected until the whole graphic display is enlarged and pulled into main graphics window 26 by selecting it.
Command menu window 32 is a screen area that contains all the control buttona that are active at any given time. Control button~, which are individllal touch-senaitive fielda, are used to operate the graphics terminal's optionsO These options include the displa~ of specifi.c graphic displays, activation or deactivation o~ individual fire alarm devices 7 printing of reports, etc.
- 16 ~
E~-~51 Message windows 34 and 36 display single lines of text. Generally speakin~, message window 34 displays system responses to operator input, while message window 36 displays system prompts for operator input.
The color graphics terminal operates as follows. Each screen or page of graphics monitor 4 includes pre programed areas that, when touched, execute specific commands. These areas vary in size and shape according to the graphic composition o~ the current screen. For example, a row of buttons depicted in comm~nd menu window 32 will actually be ~ully functional as bu-ttons. Each time an active area is touched, an audible beep is generated by the color graphics terminal to confirm the selection.
The color graphics terminal uses touch-serlsi.-tive areas in three different ways, i.e~, to operate buttons; to select touch-points and icons;
and to chan~e the main graphics window. Buttons are used to execute specific commands. They acknowledge alarms, sign on operators, or call up on-line help. Purely ~unctional, buttons ar~
~-251 simply button-shaped, and always appear in co~mand menu window 32 near the bottom of the screen.
Touch-poin*s and icons, on the other hand, appear exclusively within the graphic displays disposed within main graphics window 26 and second-ary graphics windows 28 and 30. Touch-points are used to select floor or levels on a building profile, or to activate swi*ches on a common control panel. Icons are the same a touch-points, bu$ represent fire alarm devices or circuits, they are appearance- and position- signi~icant.
This means that an icon representing a manual station, for example, will have a distinct appear-ance and its position in the ~raphic display will represent the location of the actual device.
Icons are used to enable or disable smoke de-tec*ors, manual stations, doors, ~ans, sprinkle~s, and individual circuits, or to acknowledge i~put ~rom these devices or circui ts .
The graphics monitor 4 uses touch-sensitiv~
areas on touch screen 6 to change the graphic displayed in main graphics window 26. Touching any part of either of the two secondary graphics windows immedia*ely moves the graphic display '9 ~ J
ED-~51 from the selected secondary graphics window into the main graphics window. Once there, the icons and touch-points within the graphics display can be manipulated or operated.
There are two ways of interacting with the color graphics terminal through its graphics windows and its command menu window. Interaction through the graphics windows involves the msnipu-lation and selection of graphic displays, icons, and touch-points. Commands, on the other hand, involve only buttons. These buttons always appear in the cGmmand area just below the graphics windows.
Command buttons are arranged in groups call0d menus. One menu is displayed at a time. To execute a command simply touch -the designated button.
Only active buttons appear in command menu wi.ndow 32. This means that if the user is not authorized to execute the command, or i~ the command i3 llG't possible at that stage o~` interaction, the button simply will not appear. Command menus are arranged in a chain, i.e., a command in one menu will bring up another menu and so on.
As clearly shown in Fig. 5, the color graphics terminal authorizes three levels of user interac-tion. Level 1 is the default authorization, i.e., no sign-on is required. Within this level of authorization, the user can move among graphic displays and view system events (i.e., alarms, troubles, etc). From Levsl 1 the operator can also invoke help and sign-on to higher authorization levels. No ~ther activities are possible.
Authorization Levels 2 and 3 enjoy the same privileges offered to Level 1, but in addition, users at these higher levels can control and interact with the color graphics terminal. Specif-ically, Levels 2 and 3 users can acknowledg~
events, activate and deactivate devices and common controls, and print r~ports. The only function protected by Level ~ authorization is the main-tenance command, which allows the changing of pass codes and other maintenance operations. Except for this, Levels 2 and 3 are the ~ame.
The color graphics terminal can support dozens of graphic displays to show e~erything from the layout of a main lobby to the building arrangement of a university campus. Typically, however, five kinds o~ graphic displays will be configured. These depict a cover screen~ a building ~D-251 profile, a common control panel, a serie~ of' floor plans, and zone plans.
As shown in Fig. 3, a cover ~raphic display (cov~r screen~ will fill the entire screen of monitor 4 if there are no alarms on the color graphics terminal and if more than one minute has elapsed without any activity. The cover screen is designed to minimize the amount of wear to the monitor 4. The cover screen will $ypically identify the color graphics terminal and show the message "TOUCH SCREEN TO ACTIVATE SYSTEM". Touching any part of the cover screen brings up the Working Screen with the Level 1 main menu displayed, and above it, in the main ~raphics window 26 the building profile. (See the first display in Fi8 3 below the cover screen).
The f'acility overview is the highest o:rder o~ graphic disp].ay. Next is the building progile which shows the ~loor- by-floor ~rrangement o~
the site in proeile. A touch-poin:t is associated with each floor or level. Touching one of these touch-points when the building profile is in the main graphics window calls the plan for the sel~ct2d ~ 3 fi~i E~-251 floor to the main graphics window 26. ~See the next lower display in Fig. 3).
Each floor plan will have one or more æone associated with it. These zones are graphically presented on the ~loor plan with the use of dif-ferent colors. Touching the main graphics window within the borders of a zone plan when the floor plan is in the main graphics window will seleck it and move it into the main graphics window 26.
(See the lowermost display in Fig. 3).
Zone plans in the main graphics window have one or more icons associated with them. These icons (Fig. 6), which typically represent devices, can be controlled (i.e., acknowledged, activated, deactivated, etc.) by selecting them in conjunction wi-th the control menu.
The secondarg graphics windows 28 and 30 display the same contents as the main graphics window 26, described above, though never at the same time. In addition to this, the secondary ~raphics windows display -the in~ormation at about one quarker of the size, and the touch-points and icons, though visible are not active.
ED~~51 The con-tents of the two secondary graphics windows depends on what is displayed in the main graphics window. As a rule, plans showing wider views of what is in the main graphics window will be displayed in the secondary graphics windows.
For example, if a zone plan is displayed in the main graphics window, then the corresponding building profile and floor plan will appear in the secondary graphics windows. (See lowermost display in Fig. 3).
This is better exemplified in Fig. 6 wherein monitor 40 comprises: system status window 42, system title window 44, time/date window 46, command menu window 48~ first message window 50, second message window 52, main graphics window 54, secondary ~raphics window 56, and secondary graphics window 58. Main graphics window 54 contains a graphic display of a floor plan, whereas secondary graphics window 56 contains a graphic di3play Oe the building pro~ile and secondary graphics window 58 contains a graphic displ~y of the campus or facility overview. Icons 60 and 62 are clearly displayed within the floor plan shown in main graphics window 54. Upon the selection of a t '1, r,~
particular zone plan Erom the floor plan displayed in main ~raphics window 54, the selected æone plan will be displayed in main graphics window 54, the ~loor plan graphic di~play will appear in secondary graphics window 58, and the building profile will remain in secondary graphics window 56.
Each of the three maps (i.e., building profile, æone plan and floor plan) has an additional touch-point labeled CONTROL PANEL. Selecting thistouch-point displays the terminal's common controls in the main graphics window 26. (See graphics display: Common Control Panel in Fig. 4). Each of these controls, which include RESET, SIGNAL
SILENCE, TROUBLE SILENCE, AND TOTAL EVACUATION, is represented by a control button and an indicator (i.e., a corresponding area o contrasting color), which shows its currerlt status.
These controls can be operaked with the control ~eature, initiate~ by touching CONTROI,S
in the Level 2 and 3 main menus. While users at any authorization level may view the Common Control Panel, seen in Fig. 4, the CONTROLS button does not appear on the Level 1 main menu and consequently, ~3 i~
operation of -th~ common controls is restricted to -the higher authorization levels. (Se0 Fig. 5).
The color graphics terminal according to the present invention is particularly useful in the monitoring o~ system events, especially in alarm systems. Keeping tabs on system events such as troubles and alarms is the primary purpose of the color graphics terminal. The terminal organizes each event according to its type and the time it was logged. All events are sorted into one of four lists, called queues. They are called queues because events are stored within them in the order they were received. These queues are used to track alarms, troubles, supervisory clevices, and monitôrs -- one ~ueue per event type. The four queues are also designated priorities relative to one another, with alarms being the highest and monitors being the lowest.
When an event occurs, say an alarm condition, several things happen. (See Fig. 8). First, the main graphics window takes on the lowest order graphic display toperation designated 100~ that can be pinpointed as the source of the alarm condition. This means that if the system can narrow the alarm condition down to a particular device, a æone plan will be displayed with the device in question Plashing. Similarly, if th0 alarm condition can only be traced to a zone, then the corresponding floor plan will be displayed with the zone in question flashing.
At the same time, the syste~ status window at the top left corner o~ the graphics monitor displays the word ALARM on a red background (oper-ation 102) and the Queue Display Menu appearsbelow the graphics windows in the command menu window. This arrangement is displayed until an event of higher priority is received or until the operator interacts with the color graphics terminal.
The automatic time-out function, which causes the cover screen to appear after a specified duration of inactivity, is suspended when an event ha~
been logged.
The color graphics term:inal automatically displays only the first event in the queue of hi~hest priority~ This means that i~ a second alarm comes in, or if a supervisory device cr monitor is activated while the first alarm is being displayed, no outward change woul~ occur.
" ~ ,~e~ ~ ~
~D-251 These subsequent events would, however, be entered into their respective queues for later viewing.
However, if a trouble condition was being indicated and then an alarm was received while the trouble was displayed, the main graphics window would chan~e to show the source of that alarm and the status window would displa~ ALARM on a red background. All subsequent events at this stage would be added to their respective queues and the graphics windows would remain as they are until the operator initiated some other activity.
All three main menus include a QUEUE DISPLAY
bu*tosl. Touching this brings ~orward a menu from which a specific queue can be chosen. Choosing a queue allows the operator to scroll among events that are stored in it. This is done by touchin8 NEXT and PREVIOUS, as appropriate. Scrolling among events changes the con~ents o~ khe ~aisl graphic3 window to tha floor plan or zone plan where the event has taken place. Unackno~ledged events are indicated by ~lashing device icons.
The acknowledge ~unction is available to Level 2 and Level 3 authorized users only. The ACKNOWLEDGE control button appears on the main 2 ~
k/D~251 menus and on the QUEVE DISPLAY MENUS ~or -the authorized levels. This makes it convenient to acknowledge events as you scroll through the queues.
An unacknowledged event is distinguished by a flashing icon that represents its device or origin (i.e., a smoke detector or manual station).
To acknowledge the event, make sure the event in question is displayed in the main graphics window and touch the ACKNOWLEDGE button belo~. This will result in the message "Select point to be acknowledged" appearing in the message window.
Touching a flashing icon at this point stops the flashing and the message "Point acknowledged" is displayed in the message window. The touch-point is acknowledged and the system is ready foryou to acknowledge another one.
Acknowledging an event does not change its position in the queue. This means that the ~:isplay order will remain the same. To remove an event ~rom a queue, the color graphics terminal must be reset.
Individual devices or circuits can be enabled or disabled, allowing you to open dampers, start fans, charge sprinkler systems, etc~, by touching iconx that appear in the main graphics window.
Also common con-trols such as signal silence and fire department relays can be activated or deactivated through the common control panel. (See Fig. 4).
Icons and touch-points are operated by making sure that the main graphics window contains the graphic display (i.e., :Eloor plan or control panel) that carries the icon or touch- point you wish to control. The controls menu must then be called up.
With the icon or touch-point in the main graphics window and the controls menu below it, -touch SWITCH ON or SWITCH OFF, as appropriate.
This will cause all the switchable icons and touch-points in the main graphics window to be displayed encircled with a dotted box. In the message windows below the menu, the Eollowing will appear for a switch on command: "Switch on in progress-" "Select pOitlt or function ~icon in graphics window) to be activated.", Touching a highlighted icon or touch-point at this point will cause the following me~sages to appear: "Switch on point selected." "Touch PROCEED to confirm operation, or CANCEL to abort."
3 ~ ~
Finally J touch PROCEED. This will ac~ivate the icon or turn on the switch you selected and ready the color graphics terminal to control another one.
While we have shown and described several embodiments in accordance with our invention, it is to be clearly understood that the samz are susceptible to numerous changes apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, we do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described, but intend to show all changes and modifications which come within the scope o~ the appended claims.
Claims (37)
1. A color graphics terminal for monitoring a system comprising:
computer means;
a graphics monitor connected to said computer means, said graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simultaneously two related graphic displays of said system, and means for controlling said computer means to automatically present on said graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by said computer means.
computer means;
a graphics monitor connected to said computer means, said graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simultaneously two related graphic displays of said system, and means for controlling said computer means to automatically present on said graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by said computer means.
2. The color graphics terminal according to claim 1, wherein said inputs received by said computer means relate to the occurrence of certain events taking place within said system; whereby at least a peripheral perception of said events is displayed in said graphics windows.
3. The color graphics terminal according to claim 1, wherein said graphics monitor comprises at least a main graphics window and a secondary graphics window.
4. The color graphics terminal according to claim 3, wherein said graphics monitor comprises three graphics windows.
5. The color graphics terminal according to claim 4, wherein said graphics monitor comprises a main graphics window and two secondary graphics windows.
6. The color graphics terminal according to claim 1, wherein said graphics monitor includes a command menu window.
7. The color graphics terminal according to claim 1, wherein said graphics monitor includes at least one message window.
8. The color graphics terminal according to claim 1, wherein said graphics monitor includes a system status window, a system title window and a time/date window.
9. The color graphics terminal according to claim 3, further comprising means for interacting with the graphic displays of said graphics monitor.
10. The color graphics terminal according to claim 9, wherein said means for interacting with the graphic displays is capable of moving the related graphic displays from one graphics window to another, calling up other graphic displays of said system to any of said graphics windows, and activating switches on a common control panel.
11. The color graphics terminal according to claim 10, wherein said means for interacting with the graphic displays is either a touch screen, a computer keyboard or a computer mouse.
12. The color graphics terminal according to claim 11, wherein said means for interacting with the graphic displays is a touch screen disposed about said graphics monitor in such a manner that when a given area of said touch screen is touched the related graphic displays will be affected.
13. The color graphics terminal according to claim 12, wherein touching icons in said main graphics window will enable or disable system devices or circuits corresponding to the respective icons or acknowledge input from these system devices or circuits.
14. The color graphics terminal according to claim 12, wherein touching touch-points in said main graphics window will select floor plans or activate switches on a common control panel.
15. The color graphics terminal according to claim 12, wherein touching any part of said secondary graphics window immediately moves the graphic displayed in said secondary graphics window into said main graphics window.
16. The color graphics terminal according to claim 12, wherein touching any part of a zone within a floor plan graphically displayed in said main graphics window immediately moves the respec-tive zone plan into said main graphics window and the floor plan to said secondary graphics window.
17. The color graphics terminal according to claim 15, wherein the icons in the graphic displays are inoperable while the graphic displays are in said secondary graphics window.
18. The color graphics terminal according to claim 4, wherein the related graphic displays shown in the three graphics windows have the following ascending hierarchical relationship:
zone details, zone plans, floor plans, building profile, facility overview.
zone details, zone plans, floor plans, building profile, facility overview.
19. A color graphics terminal used in a fire alarm system for monitoring alarm and trouble events which comprises:
a computer means;
a graphics monitor connected to said computer means, said graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simultaneously two related graphic displays of said system; and a means for controlling said computer means to automatically display on said graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by said computer means
a computer means;
a graphics monitor connected to said computer means, said graphics monitor having at least two separate graphics windows and capable of presenting simultaneously two related graphic displays of said system; and a means for controlling said computer means to automatically display on said graphics monitor related graphic displays in response to certain inputs received by said computer means
20. The color graphics terminal according to claim 19, wherein said inputs received by said computer means relate to the occurrence of certain events taking place within said system; whereby at least a peripheral perception of said events is displayed in said graphics windows.
21. The color graphics terminal according to claim 19, wherein said graphics monitor comprises at least a main graphics window and a secondary graphics window.
22. The color graphics terminal according to claim 21, wherein said graphics monitor comprises three graphics windows.
23. The color graphics terminal according to claim 22, wherein said graphics monitor comprises a main graphics window and two secondary graphics windows.
24. The color graphics terminal according to claim 19, wherein said graphics monitor includes a command menu window.
25. The color graphics terminal according to claim 19, wherein said graphics monitor includes at least one message window.
26. The color graphics terminal according to claim 19, wherein said graphics monitor includes a system status window, a system title window and a time/date window.
27. The color graphics terminal according to claim 21, further comprising a means for inter-acting with the graphic displays of said graphics monitor.
28. The color graphics terminal according to claim 27, wherein said means for interacting with the graphic displays is capable of moving the related graphic displays from one graphics window to another, calling-up other graphic displays of said system to any of said graphics windows, and activating switches on a common control panel.
29. The color graphics terminal according to claim 28, wherein said means for interacting with the graphic displays is either a touch screen, a computer keyboard or a computer mouse.
30. The color graphics terminal according to claim 29, wherein said means for interacting with the graphic displays is a touch screen disposed about said graphics monitor in such a manner that when a given area of said touch screen is touched the related graphic displays will be affected,
31. The color graphics terminal according to claim 30, wherein touching icons in said main graphics window will enable or disable system devices or circuits corresponding to the respective icons or acknowledge input from these system devices or circuits.
32. The color graphics terminal according to claim 31, wherein the system devices or circuits which may be enabled or disabled by icons are smoke detectors, manual stations, doors, fans, sprinklers, and individual circuits.
33. The color graphics terminal according to claim 30, wherein touching touch-points in said main graphics window will select floor plans or activate switches on a common control panel.
34. The color graphics terminal according to claim 30, wherein touching any part of said secondary graphics window immediately moves the graphic displayed in said secondary graphics window into said main graphics window.
35. The color graphics terminal according to claim 30, wherein touching any part of a zone within a floor plan graphically displayed in said main graphics window immediately moves the respec-tive zone plan into said main graphics window and the floor plan to said secondary graphics window.
36. The color graphics terminal according to claim 34, wherein the icons in the graphic displays are inoperable while the graphic displays are in said secondary graphics window.
37. The color graphics terminal according to claim 22, wherein the related graphic displays shown in the three graphics windows have the following ascending hierarchical relationship:
zone plans, floor plans, building profile, facility overview.
zone plans, floor plans, building profile, facility overview.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2041986 CA2041986A1 (en) | 1991-05-07 | 1991-05-07 | Color graphics terminal for monitoring an alarm system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2041986 CA2041986A1 (en) | 1991-05-07 | 1991-05-07 | Color graphics terminal for monitoring an alarm system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2041986A1 true CA2041986A1 (en) | 1992-11-08 |
Family
ID=4147558
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2041986 Abandoned CA2041986A1 (en) | 1991-05-07 | 1991-05-07 | Color graphics terminal for monitoring an alarm system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2041986A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU659972B2 (en) * | 1993-03-25 | 1995-06-01 | Nohmi Bosai Ltd | Fire receiver |
| GB2520335B (en) * | 2013-11-18 | 2017-02-22 | Thorn Security | Alarm panel |
-
1991
- 1991-05-07 CA CA 2041986 patent/CA2041986A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU659972B2 (en) * | 1993-03-25 | 1995-06-01 | Nohmi Bosai Ltd | Fire receiver |
| GB2520335B (en) * | 2013-11-18 | 2017-02-22 | Thorn Security | Alarm panel |
| US10163310B2 (en) | 2013-11-18 | 2018-12-25 | Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh | Alarm panel |
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