EP0485878B1 - Method for determining the detectors' configuration of an alarm system - Google Patents

Abstract

In an alarm system, the detectors of which contain, among other things, a microprocessor for exchanging data with a central station, relay-less detectors can be used with few exceptions if the following procedure is adopted for determining the configuration of the detectors: - each detector is given a binary serial number by the manufacturer, - in an initialisation mode, all serial numbers existing in the relevant system are determined, - in an individual addressing and response mode, an addressed detector responds with a current pulse, but stores the occurrence or lack of current pulses from other addressed detectors in the form of a binary pattern in the un-addressed state, - the central station interrogates the stored binary pattern from every detector and forms a first matrix from the pattern and the binary serial number of the relevant detector and a second matrix from the column sums and row sums of the first matrix, - the central station determines the system configuration by evaluating the first and the second matrix in accordance with a given algorithm. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method in the preamble of claim 1 specified type, and one for this suitable hazard alarm system.

EP-A1-0 191 239 is already a hazard detection system known with detectors that have certain design features which enable the head office to Installation order of the on a two-wire detection line Detect detectors connected in parallel, independently of whether the reporting line as a branch line, as Ring line or a combination of both is. For this purpose, each detector contains at least one relay, over whose contacts the reporting line is led. Farther each detector contains an address memory and one Microprocessor that is able to exchange data with the head office. When switching on for the first time the system, the so-called initialization, are the relay contacts open in all detectors. The head office now points the first one, that is, the detector next to it an address and sends the command to this detector, save this address and activate its relay, so that its contacts close. With that of the Control center made up of addressable, second detectors and all The control center follows the same procedure. After graduation During the initialization, the control center has all detectors individually recognized and can address them via their address, provided the detection line is a simple stub or ring line is. However, it is an installation with several, possibly branched branch and / or sub-ring lines, then the branch or unification points installed special detectors, which contain a second relay, which together with the first relay works as a so-called T switch. In this In this case, the initialization is initially in the direction the branch ends (branch or sub-ring line) up to the associated last detector. The head office then drives from the branch point in the other branch direction continues after giving the command to the relevant detector to switch his T switch. Out the knowledge of the order of the detectors thus obtained and the location of the special one containing a T switch The topology of the system, i.e. the determine the exact configuration of their detectors.

A disadvantage of the known system is that every detector with an expensive one, namely because of the desired low power consumption bistable Relay must be equipped at the branch or union points even installed special detectors with two such relays. A replacement of the Relays through semiconductor circuits fail at the in Considering the series connection accumulating voltage drops and would have hardly any cost advantages.

Since in the known system that assigned to a detector Address at the same time the installation location of the detector marks, would have one that was not recognized by the head office Exchanging two or more detectors means that alarm signals emitted by these detectors than by the based on the respective original installation location would be interpreted so that e.g. Intervention forces would be misdirected. To prevent this, the known system the detector address in a volatile Memory saved, so it goes when the detector is removed lost. It also removes more indicated as a detector in the control center as a fault, which requires a new initialization after rectification makes. The problem described could be with one Avoid plant where the address memory is each Detector in its usually permanently installed base located. The need for a second circuit board in each the detector base and corresponding transfer contacts speak to the detector both under cost and under Reliability aspects against such a solution.

The invention has for its object a method to create the genre specified in the introduction, with comparatively simple, namely at least the majority of relays without detectors and Configuration changes (changes to the existing Installation) a reinitialization normally only in scope of the changes made or required.

The invention is further based on the object a suitable alarm device for carrying out such a method create.

The first-mentioned task is characterized by that in Part of claim 1 specified method solved. The sub-claims 2 to 6 contain advantageous refinements this procedure.

The task mentioned in the second place is solved by a hazard alarm system with the features specified in claim 7.
Advantageous further developments of this detector are specified in the further subclaims.

Fig. 1

ein Blockschaltbild eines Melders geeignet fur den vorliegenden Vorschlag

Fig. 2

ein vereinfachtes Beispiel einer für die Konfigurationserkennung nach dem vorgeschlagenen Verfahren benötigten Matrix und

Fig. 3

eine stark vereinfachte, beispielhafte Anlagenkonfiguration.

The method and the detector according to the invention are explained below with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a block diagram of a detector suitable for the present proposal

Fig. 2

a simplified example of a matrix required for configuration recognition according to the proposed method and

Fig. 3

a highly simplified, exemplary system configuration.

That shown in solid lines in Fig. 1 Block diagram represents a detector, which is a microprocessor 4 with connected sensor 7, one non-volatile memory 15, e.g. B. in the form of a PROM, a current measuring device 1, 2 and a current sink 13a or 13b before and after the current measuring device 1, 2 comprises. The current measuring device consists of a series resistor 1 in the routed via the detector connections 10, 12, one core of the detection line, the other core the reference potential, usually mass, leads and with the Detector connections 9, 11 is connected. The voltage drop over the series resistor 1 is from a voltage detector 2 measured, which is connected to the microprocessor 4 is. These are also the sensor 7 and the non-volatile memory 15 connected. Furthermore the microprocessor 4 controls the first current sink 13a and the second current sink 13b. Maintains its supply voltage the microprocessor 4 from which via the connections 10, 12 lead wire of the detection line via a line 4a. The microprocessor 4 also includes one that is not specifically shown Shift register known per se, whose Task will be explained later.

• Mit Hilfe der Strommeßeinrichtung 1, 2 kann der Mikroprozessor 4 die Speisungsrichtung erkennen.
• Der Mikroprozessor kann unabhängig von der Speisungsrichtung sowohl die Funktion der Strommeßeinrichtung 1, 2 als auch seine eigene Funktion überprüfen.
• Die zweite Stromsenke erzeugt die an die Zentrale zu übermittelnde Strompulsfolge, wenn der Strompfad der ersten Stromsenke 13a zur Anzeige eines Alarms über eine z.B. rotleuchtende Leuchtdiode geführt ist und deren Aufleuchten bei normaler Kommunikation des Melders mit der Zentrale verhindert werden soll.
• Umgekehrt kann der Strompfad der zweiten Stromsenke über eine zweite, ggf. andersfarbige Leuchtdiode geführt werden, die z.B. zu Diagnosezwecken benutzt wird.
• Mittels der zwei Stromsenken 13a und 13b können unterschiedlich Stromwerte, z.B. für den Kommunikationsfall bzw. den Alarmfall, erzeugt werden.

In principle, it would be sufficient to provide a single current sink, eg 13a, in the detector. The microprocessor 4 uses the current sink 13a to generate a current pulse sequence which, in coded form, contains the message to be transmitted to the control center. The second current sink 13b enables the following advantageous additional functions:

• With the help of the current measuring device 1, 2, the microprocessor 4 can recognize the feeding direction.
• The microprocessor can check both the function of the current measuring device 1, 2 and its own function regardless of the direction of supply.
• The second current sink generates the current pulse sequence to be transmitted to the control center if the current path of the first current sink 13a is used to display an alarm via, for example, a red light-emitting diode and its lighting is to be prevented when the detector communicates normally with the control center.
• Conversely, the current path of the second current sink can be routed via a second, possibly differently colored, light-emitting diode, which is used, for example, for diagnostic purposes.
• Different current values can be generated by means of the two current sinks 13a and 13b, for example for the communication case or the alarm case.

Due to existing regulations, within one Danger alarm system after a maximum of 32 detectors one isolator be provided so that a line or detector short circuit does not lead to a total failure of the system. Detector with built-in isolator, e.g. in the form of a relay contact in the live wire of the reporting line, are in themselves known. The one described here and suggested here The detector is indicated by the dashed lines Components for a detector with isolating element. in the individual is one of the microprocessor 4 controlled relay 3, whose contact in the place of with the relayless detector e.g. from a short circuit bridge existing pipe section 8 between the connection points 8a and 8b occurs. Is the detector with one Relay 3 equipped, so the feed line 4a is omitted for the microprocessor 4. This receives its supply voltage then via line 4d, and diode 6a or the diode 6b, depending on whether the detector total of the control center via connection 10 or via the connection 12 is fed. The other diode then serves the decoupling. The one from line 4b against the reference potential lying capacitor 5 has the task of Microprocessor 4 if the supply voltage fails (e.g. due to a short circuit) for as long its operating voltage to feed that the microprocessor 4 Actuate relay 3 and thus open its contact can. The relay 3 and / or its contact can take place installed in the detector in its base.

An arrangement of detectors by one through relay 3 or its contact embodied separator including the next one can be called a "segment".

The following is the procedure for recognizing the configuration a hazard detection system described with Report the structure of Fig. 1 works. Fig. 3 shows such a system in a highly schematic form, consisting of the central Z, which either in the Feed in start A or end B of a loop can. In the ring line lie one behind the other detectors 11, 22, 21, 39, 81, 41 and 20.

A first branch line branches between the detectors 22 and 21 with three detectors 46, 40 and 44. Between Detectors 39 and 81 branch a second, only from a single one Deregister 87 existing branch line.

When the system is fully installed, the detectors are located quasi parallel (because of the series resistance 1 of the Current measuring device 1, 2 in each detector not a real parallel connection) at any Detection line comprising stub and / or ring lines, are distributed indiscriminately and initially from the head office indistinguishable. Also the number of installed The control center is initially not aware of any detectors.

a. Erstellen einer Unikatliste Ziel dieses Schrittes ist es, jeden Melder von der Zentrale aus einzeln ansprechbar zu machen, sowie die Gesamtzahl der Melder zu ermitteln.

b. Erkennen eines sog. Stromvektors Ziel dieses Schrittes ist die Ermittlung der Konfiguration der Melder und damit der Anlage insgesamt.

c. Zuteilen einer Adresse Ziel dieses Schrittes ist die Zuteilung und Speicherung von Einzeladressen in den Meldern und in der Zentrale.

The following three steps are necessary to identify the configuration of the system:

a. Creating a unique list The aim of this step is to make each detector individually addressable from the control center and to determine the total number of detectors.

b. Detection of a so-called current vector The aim of this step is to determine the configuration of the detectors and thus the system as a whole.

c. Allocating an address The aim of this step is the allocation and storage of individual addresses in the detectors and in the control center.

The above steps are explained as follows:

a. Unique list

Each detector receives in the course of the production process a unique serial number. This is in the form of a Imprint on the detector housing and as a binary number in a non-volatile memory in the detector filed. Every detector is therefore unique, unique both by its case print and by its stored binary number from any other detector differs.

The control center now sets all detectors with a collective command into an initialization routine. In this condition each detector then sends a current response the headquarters if he is in a broadcast from the headquarters Data telegram recognizes its serial number. The head office can therefore by querying all possible Serial numbers the detectors actually installed find out and determine their serial numbers. Takes one assumes that the serial number e.g. Is 24 bits long, 24 digits, this is the procedure very tedious. It is therefore recommended that others to use known algorithms that are faster lead to the goal.

For example, the method of successive approximation can be used. To do this, the control center first sends the collective command "Reinitialization" to all detectors. As a result, their microprocessors are brought into a mode based on this algorithm. The control center now sets the most significant bit (MSB) to "1" in an internal memory area, the width of which corresponds to the number of digits of the serial number, and sends the collective query to all detectors:
"Are there detectors that have a" 1 "as the most significant bit?"

All detectors to which this applies (i.e. which have a "1" as MSB), a current response to the Headquarters. This cannot be the case with any detector or with one or be the case with several detectors. The headquarters determines whether at least one detector answers the question answered "yes" (it is not checked how many Responded).

If this is the case, the next lower bit is set to "1" in the control center and the following collective query is sent:
"Are there detectors whose two most significant bits are equal to" 1 "?"

However, if no detector has answered "yes" to the question of "1" in the MSB, the control center changes the MSB to "0". The next lower bit remains at "1" and the control center then sends the collective request
"Are there detectors that have the bit sequence" 01 "in the two most significant bits?"

This procedure is now carried out until all bits of the serial number are queried and therefore ultimately the highest on the reporting line or within existing serial number found for the entire installation has been. The one stored in the head office based on the current responses The sequence of bits then identifies the detector with this highest serial number.

This procedure logically corresponds to halving the possible range of values and a threshold query to the detectors, in which half the respective Serial number is. Once the corresponding half has been determined, is then halved again (corresponds to the setting of the next least significant bit), etc. The number the query steps correspond exactly to the number of Serial number bits, i.e. with a 24-digit serial number exactly 24 steps are required to to recognize the given serial number.

As soon as the serial number of a detector in this way is determined, the control panel sends the to this detector Command to behave passively from now until the entire detection algorithm has been run through. This means that this detector is on from the control panel sent queries no longer replies, and the control center thus switches the detector to the next lower one Can determine serial number.

The procedure described is used by the head office so often repeated until coming out of the algorithm resulting, last serial number identical in all bits "0" is what a non-existent zero serial number would correspond.

• die Anzahl der Melder
• die Seriennummern der Melder
• die Meldertypen (z.B. Glasbruchmelder, Wärmemelder, Rauchmelder usw.), da die Seriennummer in kodierter Form gleichzeitig eine Information über den Meldertyp enthält
• welche Melder ein Relais zur Leitungstrennung (Trennglied) enthalten (diese Information kann ebenfalls inder Seriennummer verschlüsselt enthalten oder als Zusatzinformation von dem Mikroprozessor des Melders an die Zentrale übertragen werden)

The head office now knows:

• the number of detectors
• the serial numbers of the detectors
• the detector types (e.g. glass break detectors, heat detectors, smoke detectors, etc.), since the serial number also contains information about the detector type in coded form
• which detectors contain a relay for line separation (isolator) (this information can also be encoded in the serial number or transmitted as additional information from the detector's microprocessor to the control center)

The method described therefore requires the following number of steps to identify n detectors with different serial numbers, each of which is 24 bits, for example: S = 24 * (n + 1)

Here S means the number of steps and n the number the total number of detectors in the system. "(n + 1)" expresses that to recognize the end of the query a separate additional step is carried out: "Are there any detectors that are not passive?"

Seriennummer Melder 1:

1001

Seriennummer Melder 2:

1100

Seriennummer Melder 3:

0010

In the following, a numerical example for the generation of a unique list according to the described method is given. The line comprises (only) three detectors (which is not yet known to the control center). Each detector has a 4 bit wide, different serial number.

Serial number detector 1:

1001

Serial number detector 2:

1100

Serial number detector 3:

0010

The algorithm described above represents - as I said - The one-off list is just one of several options to create as much time as possible. An easy one Variant is the query with the least significant Bit (LSB) to start.

It is even more time-saving if the algorithm is not as described to run linearly but the algorithm by evaluating the answers already received in each case to abbreviate certain queries no longer perform. For example, in the described Proceed each last serial number found Detector is currently the highest serial number. The query the remaining detector can therefore be around those Steps are shortened that are only used to detect Serial numbers that are equal to or higher than are necessary are the most recently determined serial number.

With a newly installed system, all existing ones come from Detectors with a high probability from a relative narrow manufacturing period and thus only differ in the less significant bits. After the investigation the (with a high probability the same) higher value So you can use the bits on the least significant bits Limit bits and thus the number of required Steps to determine all serial numbers drastically to reduce. When using such an abbreviated Algorithm must be ensured that existing detectors with very different serial numbers be recognized. However, this can lead to if such detectors with very different serial numbers are present, the "abbreviated" algorithm clearly is slower than the full one described above Algorithm.

b. Current vector detection

Now that each detector is addressed with its serial number can be used (to shorten the data traffic The control center can also process any 24-bit serial number by an internal number with e.g. Replace 7 bits), the detectors are assigned a collective command to the so-called

Current vector detection prepared. Every detector recognizes then such current pulses by means of its current measuring device from detectors, which, seen from the central office, behind the recognizing detector. Upon receipt of his own serial number the detector generates a current pulse for a specific one Time that is at least so long that the others It is possible for detectors to register this current pulse. However, the detector generating the current pulse measures this own current pulse.

The control center now queries all serial numbers one after the other. With each query, all detectors load the result of their current measurement into the shift register contained in their microprocessor 4 and increment it. If a detector detects a current increase, its microprocessor notes this in its shift register with a logical "1", in the other case with a logical "0". The detector notes its own transmitted current pulse in the shift register with a logical "0".
Since the connection sequence of the connections 10, 12 of each detector is interchangeable on both sides of the current measuring device 1, 2, negative current values can also occur. Before the information from the current measurement is loaded into the shift register, an amount is therefore formed. If negative current values occur, this determination is also stored in the microprocessor.

After each detector has given its current response and that the other has measured is in the shift register Each detector has a bit sequence, which follows is referred to as a current vector with dimension n, where n is the number of detectors. Because every detector registers such a current vector there are n different current vectors. These are sequentially listed by the head office the individual serial numbers of the existing detectors queried and stored in the columns of a matrix. This matrix is hereinafter referred to as the "S matrix" in FIG. 2 for the case of that in FIG. 3 shown system configuration. In the Rows of the S matrix contain the individual current responses. Each line accordingly shows the current pulse pattern, that at the time of querying this line corresponding detector in the shift registers of all other detector is filed. Based on the S matrix the configuration of the system can be calculated. For this are first made up of the rows and columns of the matrix Totals formed. The relevant values are in FIG. 2 denoted by ΣH and Σv. The sum ΣH of each row i (i from 1 to n) provides information about how many detectors between the control panel and the detector with the i-th Serial number.

The sum ΣV of each column provides information on how many detectors are located between the detector with the ith serial number and the end of a stub or the loop. A new matrix, the so-called A matrix, is formed from the row totals and the column totals of the S matrix together with the associated serial numbers, which has the following appearance in the selected example: ΣH ΣV Ser.No. 4th 0 87 4th 2nd 81 2nd 2nd 46 4th 0 44 5 1 41 3rd 1 40 3rd 4th 39 1 9 22 2nd 5 21 6 0 20th 0 10th 11

a) Die Anzahl der Stichleitungen; sie ist gleich der Anzahl der Nullen in ΣV (das Ende der Ringleitung zählt mit)
und damit:

b) Die Seriennummer des jeweils letzten Melders in der betreffenden Stichleitung oder Ringleitung. Im Beispiel sind dies die Melder 87, 44 und 20. An welcher Stelle sich diese Melder befinden, ist jedoch noch nicht bekannt.

c) Die Seriennummern der Melder sowie deren Reihenfoge zwischen der Zentrale und der ersten Stichleitung. Diese Informationen ergeben sich aus der Spaltensumme ΣH, nämlich den dort nur einmal vorkommenden Ziffern, geordnet in steigender Reihenfolge bis zu der ersten, mindestens zweimal in unterschiedlichen Zeilen vorhandenen Ziffer. Im Beispiel sind dies die Melder 11 und 22.

The following can be derived from the A matrix:

a) The number of stub lines; it is equal to the number of zeros in ΣV (the end of the loop also counts)
and thus:

b) The serial number of the last detector in the relevant branch line or ring line. In the example, these are detectors 87, 44 and 20. However, the location of these detectors is not yet known.

c) The serial numbers of the detectors and their row between the control center and the first branch line. This information results from the column sum ΣH, namely the digits that only appear there once, sorted in increasing order up to the first digit, which is present at least twice in different rows. In the example, these are detectors 11 and 22.

The control center then determines the information that is still required to determine the spatial configuration. The number of end indicators and their serial numbers are known from the A matrix. The current vectors in the S matrix ("1" entry in the relevant lines) designate the further detectors belonging to the respective end detectors. In the selected example, the following three quantities result: d) Quantity 1 of end indicator 87 => 39 22 21 11 e) Quantity 2 of end indicator 44 => 46 40 22 11 f) Quantity 3 of end indicator 20 => 81 41 39 22 21 11

The center now forms the intersection of these three sets, which can be illustrated graphically as follows:

In addition to the already known information that the detectors according to c) above the first detectors on the Ring line are (corresponding to M1 ∩ M2 ∩ M3) leads this consideration to the following further results:

Those belonging only to quantity 1 (end indicator 87) Detectors result from: M1 / (M2 ∩ M3). For example there are no other such detectors.

Those belonging only to quantity 2 (end indicator 44) further detectors result from: M2 / (M1 ∩ M3). These are detectors 46 and 44.

Those belonging only to quantity 3 (end indicator 20) Detectors result from: M3 / (M2 ∩ M1). Here these are detectors 41 and 81.

The ring line is not yet recognizable as such, so that the result is still ambiguous, the detectors 21 and 39 either to set 1 or to set 3 could belong (M1 ∩ M3). The control center now switches to feed the line in the opposite direction, now feeds into line end B. The repetition the query described above returns under other the result that now the detector 20 first and the detector 11 is the last detector, also the Sequence of the intervening on the ring line Detector. The control center thus recognizes that the detectors 21 and 39 of the ring line and thus together with the Detectors 11 and 22 belong to set 3.

If the zone is not closed in a ring, the assignment can be based on the larger number of detectors made or a decision by lottery be brought about.

The control center is now the basic configuration of the system known. So you know whether there is a loop, in the affirmative, which detectors to the loop include, how many stub lines exist and which detectors belong to which branch line.

In the last step, the control center now uses the ascending order of the values of the row total ΣH of the A-matrix the position of the branch points and the Sequence of the detectors in the respective branch lines, as described under c) above, however now including the more than once occurring digits or values.

• Die Ringleitung beginnt mit den Meldern 11 und 21,
• hat dann eine abgehende Stichleitung mit den Meldern 46, 40 und 44 (dieser als letzter oder Endmelder),
• setzt sich über die Melder 21 und 39 fort,
• hat eine weitere Abzweigung, die lediglich den Melder 87 umfaßt, der daher gleichzeitig Endmelder ist,
• und ist über die Melder 81, 41 und 20, der ebenfalls als Endmelder interpretiert wird, geschlossen.

This determines the configuration of the system, namely the following is known for the given example:

• The loop begins with detectors 11 and 21,
• then has an outgoing stub with detectors 46, 40 and 44 (this as the last or end detector),
• continues via detectors 21 and 39,
• has another branch, which only comprises the detector 87, which is therefore also the end detector,
• and is closed via detectors 81, 41 and 20, which is also interpreted as an end detector.

The control center now assigns the detectors to the recognized configuration installation numbers to and gives the recognized configuration together with these Installation numbers on a screen and / or a printer. The installer or operator of the The system can in turn now be assigned by the head office Installation numbers in his installation plan transmitted and vice versa to all or to selected Detectors on their respective installation location Enter the stored text into the control center.

Because every installation number assigned by the control center (in addition to its possible function as a detector address) designated very specific installation location, it is for the function of the system, especially in the event of an alarm from crucial that this assignment also with all conceivable interventions in the detector configuration either preserved or clearly recognizable Reallocation is done.

1. Austausch/Wartung

1.1 Ein Melder wird der Linie entnommen und wieder eingesetzt.

1.2 Ein Melder wird der Linie entnommen und durch einen anderen Melder ersetzt.

1.3 Beliebig viele Melder werden der Linie entnommen und in diese wahllos wieder eingesetzt.

1.4 Beliebig viele Melder werden der Linie entnommen und durch andere Melder ersetzt.

2. Erweiterung/Verkleinerung

2.1 Ein Melder wird an beliebiger Stelle entfernt und die Ring- oder Stichleitung wieder geschlossen.

2.2 Ein Melder wird an beliebiger Stelle in die Ring- oder Stichleitung eingefügt.

2.3 Mehrere Melder werden entnommen oder eingefügt.

2.4 Ein Melder wird an beliebiger Stelle entfernt, die Ring- oder Stichleitung an dieser Stelle wieder geschlossen und dieser Melder an einer beliebigen anderen Stelle in die Ring- oder Stichleitung wieder eingefügt.

Interventions in the detector configuration are understood to mean the following cases:

1. Exchange / maintenance

1.1 A detector is removed from the line and reinserted.

1.2 A detector is removed from the line and replaced by another detector.

1.3 Any number of detectors are removed from the line and reinserted into them indiscriminately.

1.4 Any number of detectors are removed from the line and replaced by other detectors.

2. Expansion / downsizing

2.1 A detector is removed at any point and the ring or stub is closed again.

2.2 A detector is inserted anywhere in the ring or stub line.

2.3 Several detectors are removed or inserted.

2.4 A detector is removed at any point, the ring or stub line is closed again at this point and this detector is reinserted into the ring or stub line at any other point.

im Fall 1.1:

Es ist keine Änderung eingetreten.

im Fall 1.2:

Eine der bisherigen Seriennummern fehlt, eine neue Seriennummer ist hinzugetreten. Die neue Seriennummer nimmt in der Konfiguration den Platz der fehlenden Seriennummer ein.

im Fall 1.3:

Die Seriennummern und die Konfiguration sind gleich geblieben, jedoch hat sich die Zuordnung der Seriennummern bzw. die Reihenfolge der Melder innerhalb der Konfiguration teilweise geändert. Die Zentrale vollzieht diese Änderungen nach. Damit bleibt die Anzeige von Meldungen auf den wahren Installationsort des jeweiligen Melders bezogen.

im Fall 1.4:

Die Zentrale erkennt andere Serien" nummern bei gleicher Anlagenkonfiguration und verfährt daher wie im Fall 1.3.

im Fall 2.1:

Die Zentrale erkennt das Fehlen einer Seriennummer und eine Änderung in der Konfiguration, letzteres daran, daß die Einträge des fehlenden Melders in der S-Matrix fehlen. Damit erkennt die Zentrale auch, daß die Konfiguration ansonsten erhalten geblieben ist. Die Zentrale gibt daher eine Meldung "Änderung der Verdrahtung" aus.

im Fall 2.2:

Die Zentrale stellt eine neue Seriennummer auf der Leitung und eine Änderung der Konfiguration, nämlich die Stelle der Einfügung des neuen Melders, fest. Durch nochmalige Auswertung der S-Matrix, jedoch ohne den Stromvektor des neuen Melders, und durch Vergleich mit der S-Matrix der vorhergehenden Konfiguration stellt die Zentrale weiter fest, daß ansonsten die vorhergehende Konfiguration erhaltengeblieben ist. Die Zentrale gibt daher wiederum eine Meldung "Änderung der Verdrahtung" aus und fordert zusätzlich zur Eingabe eines dem neuen Melderinstallationsort entsprechenden Textes auf.

im Fall 2.3:

Die Zentrale stellt die geänderten Seriennummern fest, außerdem die Vergrößerung oder Verkleinerung der S-Matrix. Durch deren Auswertung erkennt die Zentrale die ursprüngliche Konfiguration, soweit sie erhalten geblieben ist, außerdem die vorgenommenen Änderungen. Die Zentrale gibt eine Meldung "Verdrahtungsänderung" aus, sowie bei Ergänzung von Meldern eine Aufforderung zur Eingabe entsprechender, ortsbezogener Meldetexte.

im Fall 2.4:

Diese Änderung, bei der sowohl ein Melder an beliebiger Stelle entfernt als auch ein anderer Melder an einer anderen beliebigen Stelle eingefügt wird, kann die Zentrale nicht auf dem Wege des Vergleichs mit den bisherigen Seriennummern und der bisherigen Konfiguration erkennen. Die Zentrale führt daher eine vollständige Neuinitialisierung durch.

In the case of para. 1, the control panel can only determine a line interruption, but not whether it was caused by the removal of a detector or its replacement. The control center therefore carries out the configuration recognition anew and compares its result with the result of the previous configuration recognition stored in its file. The comparison shows

in case 1.1:

No change has occurred.

in case 1.2:

One of the previous serial numbers is missing, a new serial number has been added. The new serial number takes the place of the missing serial number in the configuration.

in case 1.3:

The serial numbers and the configuration have remained the same, however, the assignment of the serial numbers and the order of the detectors has partly changed within the configuration. The head office is tracking these changes. This means that the display of messages remains related to the real installation location of the respective detector.

in case 1.4:

The control center recognizes other serial numbers with the same system configuration and therefore proceeds as in case 1.3.

in case 2.1:

The control center recognizes the lack of a serial number and a change in the configuration, the latter from the fact that the entries of the missing detector are missing in the S matrix. The control center also recognizes that the configuration has otherwise been retained. The control center therefore issues a "Change in wiring" message.

in case 2.2:

The control center detects a new serial number on the line and a change in the configuration, namely the place where the new detector is inserted. By evaluating the S matrix again, but without the current vector of the new detector, and by comparing it with the S matrix of the previous configuration, the control center further determines that the previous configuration has otherwise been retained. The control center therefore again issues a "Change in wiring" message and also requests that a text corresponding to the new detector installation location be entered.

in case 2.3:

The control center determines the changed serial numbers, as well as the enlargement or reduction of the S-matrix. By evaluating them, the control center recognizes the original configuration, insofar as it has been preserved, and the changes made. The control center issues a "Wiring change" message and, if detectors are added, a request to enter appropriate, location-related message texts.

in case 2.4:

This change, in which both a detector is removed at any point and another detector is inserted at any other point, cannot be recognized by the control center by comparing it with the previous serial numbers and the previous configuration. The head office therefore carries out a complete reinitialization.

In addition, the head office logs all of it changes detected according to the above scheme the system (as well as all other relevant events). A condition where an incoming message a location other than the real installation location of the person concerned Assigned to the detector cannot occur.

Claims (11)

1. A method of ascertaining the configuration of the signalling devices of a danger signalling arrangement, to the central station of which the signalling devices are connected in parallel by way of a two-wire signalling line run in the form of ring and/or stub lines, wherein each signalling device includes inter alia a microprocessor and a current sink controllable thereby for data exchange with the central station by means of current pulses and an address memory, characterised in that a binary serial number is stored in each signalling device at the manufacturer and that after installation of the arrangement the central station thereof performs the following steps:

   1. in an initialisation mode the serial numbers in the arrangement are ascertained and stored,

   2. all signalling devices are switched by a collective command into an individual addressing and reply mode in which each signalling device after addressing with its own binary serial number replies with a current pulse whereas after addressing with the binary serial number of another signalling device the occurrence or absence of a current pulse is tested and the test result is stored as a binary pattern,

   3. in a first cycle each signalling device is individually addressed under its binary serial number,

   4. in a second cycle in respect of each signalling device the stored binary pattern is interrogated and written under the address of the respective signalling device that corresponds to the binary serial number into the associated column of a first square matrix whose columns and rows are numbered in synchronised relationship with the binary serial numbers present in the arrangement,

   5. the sum of each column and the sum of each row of the first matrix is ascertained and transferred into the rows of a second matrix which are numbered in synchronised relationship with the rows of the first matrix,

   6. on the basis of the values of the column sums of the first matrix the number of the stub lines is detected and their respective last signalling device identified,

   7. on the basis of the values of the column 'line sums' of the second matrix the signalling devices of the first stub line are identified and the sequence thereof detected,

   8. the upstream-connected signalling devices associated with each of the last signalling devices are identified and assembled to form a respective quantity of signalling devices,

   9. ascertained from the quantities of the upstream-connected signalling devices by the formation of intersection quantities for each quantity are those signalling devices which only belong to said quantity,

   10. in the case of a ring line a feed into the other end of the ring is effected and similarly to the 7th step the signalling devices of the stub line which is first in that feed are identified and thereby the signalling device quantity which forms the ring line is detected,

   11. in the case of stub lines by comparison of the values of the column sums of the first matrix the position of the branch points of the stub lines are ascertained and the sequence of the signalling devices thereof established, and

   12. installation numbers are attributed to the signalling devices in accordance with the detected configuration and the signalling device configuration of the arrangement including the installation numbers are outputted.
2. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that the central station ascertains the binary serial numbers of the signalling devices in accordance with the process of successive approximation and sends to each signalling device whose serial number it has ascertained and stored in that way the command to behave passively until all serial numbers in the arrangement have been ascertained.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that in the individual addressing and reply mode each signalling device serially inputs into a shift register the result of its test in respect of a current pulse of another signalling device which occurs or fails to appear after addressing with a binary serial number different from its own binary serial number, which shift register receives a shift pulse with each new addressing step.
4. A method according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that in the absence of a ring line and with more than one stub line the central station effects the attribution of ordinal numbers to the stub lines either in accordance with the criterion of the greater number of signalling devices in one of the stub lines or on a free-choice basis.
5. A method according to one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the central station ascertains the sequence of the signalling devices within each stub line by arranging the values of the line sum of the first matrix in rising sequence.
6. A method according to one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the central station attributes a short address to each signalling device after detection of the binary serial numbers of the signalling devices and sends same to the signalling device together with a storage command.
7. A danger signalling arrangement having a program-controlled central station to which a plurality of signalling devices are connected in parallel by way of a two-wire signalling line run as ring and/or stub lines, each signalling device including inter alia a microprocessor, a current sink controllable thereby for data exchange with the central station by means of current pulses, an address memory and a non-volatile memory, characterised in that each of the signalling devices contains in its non-volatile memory (15) an individual invariable binary serial number allocated by the manufacturer and that the central station includes means which after installation of the arrangement and for ascertaining the configuration of the signalling devices on the basis of the invariable serial numbers thereof perform steps 1 to 12 recited in claim 1.
8. A danger signalling arrangement according to claim 7 characterised in that each signalling device includes a current measuring device (1, 2) for a current which flows through it and which is produced by its own current sink (13a) or that of another signalling device, and that the output of the current measuring device (1, 2) is connected to an input of the microprocessor (4) of the signalling device.
9. A danger signalling arrangement according to claim 7 or claim 8 characterised in that each signalling device includes a shift register whose number of storage locations is at least equal to the highest number of signalling devices which can be connected to a signalling line, and that the microprocessor (4) supplies the shift clock and serially writes into the shift register each detected current pulse caused by another signalling device as a binary '1'.
10. A danger signalling arrangement according to claims 7 to 9 characterised in that each signalling device includes a further current sink (13b) which is also controlled by the microprocessor (4) and the current measuring member (1) of the current measuring device (1, 2) is arranged in one of the wires of the signalling line, which wires are looped through the signalling device, between the two current sinks (13a, 13b).
11. A danger signalling arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 10 characterised in that each signalling device includes a relay (3) which is controlled by its microprocessor (4) and having a contact by way of which one of the looped-through wires of the signalling line is passed, that the relay contact is bridged over by two diodes (6a, 6b) which are connected in series in opposite relationship and by way of the common junction point of which the microprocessor (4) receives its feed voltage, and that connected to the common junction point is a storage capacitor(5) which still feeds the microprocessor (4) after failure of the line voltage for such a period of time that the microprocessor (4) can operate the relay (3) for opening its contact.

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