EP0965965A1 - Detection systems - Google Patents

Detection systems Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0965965A1
EP0965965A1 EP99304614A EP99304614A EP0965965A1 EP 0965965 A1 EP0965965 A1 EP 0965965A1 EP 99304614 A EP99304614 A EP 99304614A EP 99304614 A EP99304614 A EP 99304614A EP 0965965 A1 EP0965965 A1 EP 0965965A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detector
address
detectors
circuitry
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99304614A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Eric V. Gonzales
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pittway Corp
Original Assignee
Pittway Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pittway Corp filed Critical Pittway Corp
Publication of EP0965965A1 publication Critical patent/EP0965965A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/003—Address allocation methods and details
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B26/00—Alarm systems in which substations are interrogated in succession by a central station
    • G08B26/001—Alarm systems in which substations are interrogated in succession by a central station with individual interrogation of substations connected in parallel

Definitions

  • the invention pertains to detection systems, in particular systems which incorporate a plurality of event or ambient condition detectors.
  • One type of system includes a control unit which is coupled to a plurality of spaced apart ambient condition detectors via a communications link.
  • the detectors can for example include intrusion, smoke, flame, temperature or gas sensors.
  • detector designations are used to facilitate communication and to identify a particular detector.
  • the control unit includes a data base that links detector addresses, arbitrarily assigned, to physical locations. It is often useful to be able to establish which detectors are adjacent to one another on the communication link.
  • Addresses can be assigned when detectors are manufactured. Alternately, they can be set at installation manually or by the control unit.
  • Detectors are usually removably mountable on a permanently installed base. A given detector can be removed for maintenance or repair and then replaced on the respective base.
  • the detectors are coupled in series to a communication line.
  • the detectors open circuit the communication line, and then close circuit the line sequentially.
  • the control unit senses the first open circuited detector and it closes the circuit therethrough.
  • the control unit then senses the second detector and it closes the circuit therethrough.
  • Each of the detectors, which are serially linked to at least one other detector is then located relative to the adjacent detectors.
  • the control element is the only recipient of communications from the respective detectors. Detector identification takes place using current signals.
  • control element issues a command to a selected detector directing it to send a current pulse to the control element.
  • the control element then checks to determine which detectors sensed the current pulse.
  • Each detector on the loop between the current transmitting detector and the control element will sense the current pulse. This information can be used to establish the relative locations of the various detectors on the communications link.
  • Addresses can be automatically and self-assigned to a plurality of ambient condition or event detectors which communicate with one another via a bidirectional communication link.
  • the detectors each include control circuitry as well as non-volatile storage circuitry.
  • An operator or an installer can manually generate an initial address at a first detector using, for example, detector mounted push buttons. That address is stored in the detector in the non-volatile storage circuitry.
  • An initial address can also be established by an operator using a wireless communication unit.
  • the control circuitry in the detector alters the address and transfers it to a selected adjacent detector on the communication link.
  • the adjacent detector upon receipt of a valid address, transmits an acknowledgement signal back to the address transmitting detector.
  • the addressed detector stores the received address in its respective non-volatile storage circuitry.
  • each detector can increment or decrement a respective address. The altered address is then transferred to the next detector.
  • the addressed detector can in turn increment its received address and, in a similar fashion, transfer it to a selected adjacent detector. The process is then repeated until an address has been assigned to every detector in the system.
  • two or more detectors may be assigned the same address on different branches. When the initial phase has been completed, address assignments can be checked.
  • the first detector on one of the branches becomes a candidate for receipt of a different address.
  • the different address can be manually entered.
  • the above process can be repeated by just the detectors on that one branch resulting in a unique set of addresses being assigned to the detectors coupled thereto. In the event that there are multiple parallel branches, the above process is repeated.
  • each of the detectors includes first and second independently operable switches coupled to the communication link.
  • the detectors each can include a third switch for use in transmitting acknowledgement messages to an upstream or addressing detector.
  • the switches can be implemented as either solid state devices or mechanical switches.
  • the present apparatus provides automatic addressing of detectors without the aid of a common control unit. Auto-addressing is accomplished using individual detectors to propagate and store, incremented address values. When auto-addressing is initiated from detector N, the address will be incremented by one and passed to detector N + 1. Detector N + 1 will store this address and will provide an incremented value to the next detector, etc.
  • the detectors each include additional power sensing ports. These ports have two functions. One is to detect the origin of the power source. The auto-addressing process propagates away from the power source.
  • These ports also detect acknowledge signals from the following detector. These signals indicate that the address data sent was received properly.
  • the following unit validates the data, for example, by evaluating a check sum. After detector N + 1 validates the address from detector N, it transmits an acknowledge signal to detector N.
  • a particular advantage of a system which embodies the present invention lies in the fact that the common control unit or alarm panel, which is also coupled to the communication link, need not dedicate resources to the generation and assignment of addresses. Rather, once an initial address has been established in an upstream or initial detector, all of the subsequent addresses for the system can be automatically generated therefrom. Hence, no transmissions of addresses from the common control unit are required.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a system 10 which incorporates a common control element 12.
  • the element 12 can incorporate one or more programmable processors as would be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • Coupled to the control element 12 is at least one branch 14a of a bidirectional communications link.
  • the branch 14a can be coupled at a first end to the control element 12 and can terminate at a second end remote from the control element 12. Alternately, the branch 14a can be coupled to a branch 14b which terminates at the control element 12.
  • a branch 16, illustrated in phantom, can in turn, be coupled to the branch 14a and extend electrically in parallel with a segment 14c thereof.
  • the branch 14a Coupled to the branch 14a is a plurality of event detectors 20.
  • the event detectors 20 could be implemented as motion detectors, position detectors, or ambient condition detectors. Ambient condition detectors could include smoke or gas detectors without limitation.
  • the branches 14a, b and 16 enable the members of the plurality 20 to carry out bidirectional communication with the control element 12 as would be understood by those of skill in the art.
  • control element 12 For purposes of issuing commands to, or, receiving information from various members of the plurality 20, the control element 12 includes circuitry for generating instructions which can specify one or more members of the plurality 20 or for analyzing feedback signals received, via the branches 14ab from one or more of the members of the plurality 20.
  • the members of the plurality 20 are designated by indicators or addresses.
  • the addresses for various of the members of the plurality 20 can be linked via a data base maintained by the control element 12 to physical locations of the respective members of the plurality 20.
  • the control element 12 includes circuitry in turn for receiving inputs from or generating visible or audible messages to an operator in put/output unit 24.
  • the unit 24 could include an operator manipulatable keyboard as well as display devices or printers for the purpose of providing operator understandable messages or diagrams concerning the status and operation of the system 10.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates in more detail characteristics of three of the members of the plurality 20(N-1), 20N, and 20(N+1).
  • Each of the units 20(N-1), 20N and 20(N+1) is operably coupled to the bidirectional communication branch 14a.
  • Each of the units includes a housing indicated in phantom for unit 20(N-1) as housing 30N-1.
  • Each housing carries respective control circuitry 32N-1, 32N and 32N+1.
  • the circuitry 32N can include one or more programmable processors along with selected discrete circuitry.
  • the system 10 corresponds to an event detecting distributed multiprocessor communication system.
  • Each of the members of the plurality 20 includes first and second communication link isolation elements, SW1N-1, SW1N, SW1N+1, SW2N-1, SW2N and SW2N+1.
  • the respective isolation elements which function under the control of the respective local control circuitry, such as 32n, can be open circuited or closed circuited thereby enabling communication signals and electrical energy to travel unimpeded through the respective detector via branch 14a.
  • the system 10 in accordance with the present invention implements automatic assignment of indicators or addresses for each of the members of the plurality 20 based on little or no intervention by the control element 12.
  • the process can be initiated at unit 20-1 via control element 12. Alternately, the process can be initiated at any member of the plurality 20.
  • Figs. 3A and 3B illustrate the steps of a method implementable by the system 10 for the purpose of assigning the subject addresses.
  • N is initialized to the value one.
  • step 104 unit N, with respect to Fig 2, detects power on the communication branch 14a, in this instance from the control element 12, at port Ln.
  • step 106 in response to power being detected, isolation element SW1N is closed.
  • unit N awaits an instruction or command from a prior unit. Where unit N corresponds to unit 20-1, the prior unit corresponds to the control element 12. Alternately, where N is a larger number, the unit N receives an initiating command from a prior unit, closer to a power source, corresponding in Fig. 2 to unit 20(N-1).
  • a step 110 the designated unit detects an auto-addressing instruction, in a step 112 an address will be transmitted on the branch 14a from the prior unit along with a check sum.
  • the received data will be processed in a step 114, by the receiving unit N. If the received address and check sum are acceptable, in a step 116, the received address is stored at unit N.
  • a step 118 an acknowledge signal is sent to the transmitting unit, either control element 12 or unit N-1.
  • unit N modifies the stored address for transmission to the next unit N + 1 illustrated to the right of unit N in Fig. 2.
  • any one of a variety of processes can be used to modify the stored address for the next unit.
  • the stored address could be incremented, or decremented by predetermined amounts.
  • Other modifications of the stored address can be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
  • switch SW2N is closed. This in turn applies electrical energy to the subsequent unit.
  • a step 124 the value of the designator N is incremented. The process then repeats starting at step 104.
  • a signal is sent to the transmitting unit indicating non-receipt or non-acknowledgement of a valid address and check sum.
  • the transmitting unit will, in turn, in step 126 retry steps 112, 114 and 115 up to three times.
  • a failure or trouble message or signal can be generated by the unit N-1 for the control element 12.
  • no acknowledgement or failure signals will be received. This condition will be detected in a step 130 causing the process to terminate.
  • the above-described process reflects a sequence of energizing the respective communication link and initiating the addressing process via the control element 12 and unit 20-1.
  • an operator or installer in a step 134 can specify an address at a selected unit. The specified address will in turn be stored at the specified unit and in response thereto, the corresponding isolation element SW2 will be opened in a step 136.
  • the selected unit can then modify the stored address in the step 120, close or short circuit its respective isolation element SW2 in the step 122 increment the value of the designator N in the step 124 and continue the process starting the step 104.
  • the units in the branch 16, see Fig. 1 can be assigned addresses which are distinct and unique from any of the address assigned on either of the branches 14a, b.
  • an address can be manually entered at a selected unit by means of manually manipulating one or more switches located on the unit so as to specify the automatic addressing mode, and to enter a selected address for that unit.
  • a wireless portable programming unit which could be placed in communication with selected unit via RF, ultrasonic, or infrared links can be used to specify a mode and an address for a selected unit.
  • a schematic diagram illustrates one embodiment of a unit N usable in the system 10.
  • the unit N includes terminals 50a, b which can be coupled to one side of the branch for example 14a and a terminal 50c which can be coupled to the other side of the branch.
  • Unit N includes isolation elements or switches SW1N, SW2N as discussed above. Each of the switches is coupled in parallel across a respective isolation diode D1, D2.
  • the cathodes of the diodes D1, D2 are, in turn, coupled to a bidirectional communications port of an event detector 52, intended to operate as part of a communications system.
  • the detector 52 could include a sensing element, such as a smoke or temperature detector, a movement detector or position detector as would be known to those of skill in the art along with local control circuitry.
  • a sensing element such as a smoke or temperature detector, a movement detector or position detector as would be known to those of skill in the art along with local control circuitry.
  • the unit N also includes resistors R1 and R2 which are coupled between terminals 50a, c and input port P3 to the detector 52.
  • Input port P3 is adapted to detect the application of electrical energy on the branch 14a between terminals 50a, c.
  • the unit N also includes resistors R3 and R4 coupled between terminals 50b, c and in turn coupled to input port P2.
  • the detector 52 includes circuitry for detecting the presence of electrical energy applied to either of ports P2 or P3 indicating a direction of receipt of electrical energy or power.
  • the unit N of Fig. 4 also includes an isolation diode D3 coupled between bidirectional communications port P4 and an energy storage capacitor C1.
  • a control switch or isolation element SWB is coupled in parallel across the diode D3. Electrical energy is applied via the cathode of diode D3 to capacitor C1 and to an energy input port P1 of the detector 52.
  • the detector N of Fig. 4 operates as described above in carrying out the process of Figs. 3A, 3B.
  • An acknowledge signal can be generated for use by the address transmitting unit N-1 by removing electrical energy from the branch 14a in the vicinity of the unit N and closing or short circuiting the isolating element SWB. This in turn generates an acknowledge signal detectable by the unit N-1.
  • the capacitor C1 also stores energy locally functioning as a local power supply for purposes of energizing the detector N.
  • the input ports P2, P3 in addition to detecting a direction of application of electrical energy to the unit N, are also effective to detect the presence of an acknowledge signal generated by closing or short circuiting the isolation element SWB generated by the address receiving unit.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates an alternate form of a unit 60 usable with the system 10 to carry out an automatic addressing process.
  • the unit 60 includes local control circuitry implemented in part by a programmable processor 62a.
  • the processor 62a is coupled to an event or ambient condition sensor 62b.
  • the sensor 62b could include any form of position, motion, temperature or smoke sensor without limitation.
  • Coupled to processor 62a is read-only memory 62c, programmable read-only memory 62d and read-write memory 62e.
  • the memory units 62c, d and e could be used individually or combined together as would be understood by those of skill in the art for the purpose of storing in a non-volatile fashion commands, constants or other information and for storing in a volatile fashion transient information.
  • the processor 62a includes signal input ports 64a, b for the purpose of detecting a direction of applied electrical energy on the branch 14a as discussed previously.
  • the ports 64a, 64b can also be used to detect transmission acknowledgment or failure signals from units to which addresses have been sent as discussed previously.
  • Processor 62a is in turn coupled to a local power supply 66a which can be energized from electrical energy received via the branch 14a.
  • Interface circuitry 66b enables the processor 66a to carry on bidirectional communications via the branch 14a with a control element, such as the element 12, or other units in the system.
  • Diodes D1' and D2' provide isolation as discussed previously.
  • the unit 60 includes two isolation units SW1-60 and SW2-60 which function under the control of the processor 62a so as to implement the method previously described in Figs. 3A and 3B.
  • Isolation elements SW1N, SW2N can be implemented as solid state or mechanical switches.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Small-Scale Networks (AREA)
EP99304614A 1998-06-16 1999-06-14 Detection systems Withdrawn EP0965965A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9826598A 1998-06-16 1998-06-16
US98265 1998-06-16

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EP0965965A1 true EP0965965A1 (en) 1999-12-22

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EP99304614A Withdrawn EP0965965A1 (en) 1998-06-16 1999-06-14 Detection systems

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EP (1) EP0965965A1 (zh)
JP (1) JP2000067352A (zh)
CN (1) CN1239383A (zh)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1176484A2 (en) * 2000-07-24 2002-01-30 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Communication method of an electronic apparatus
WO2018134640A1 (en) * 2017-01-17 2018-07-26 Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh Location- aware provisioning system for fire alarm system and method therefor

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4612534A (en) * 1982-04-28 1986-09-16 Cerberus Ag Method of transmitting measuring values in a monitoring system
US4849752A (en) * 1985-09-27 1989-07-18 U. S. Philips Corporation Method and apparatus for circuit units
EP0854609A2 (en) * 1997-01-21 1998-07-22 Nittan Company, Limited Transmitting system
EP0880117A2 (en) * 1997-05-19 1998-11-25 Pittway Corporation Building security system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4612534A (en) * 1982-04-28 1986-09-16 Cerberus Ag Method of transmitting measuring values in a monitoring system
US4849752A (en) * 1985-09-27 1989-07-18 U. S. Philips Corporation Method and apparatus for circuit units
EP0854609A2 (en) * 1997-01-21 1998-07-22 Nittan Company, Limited Transmitting system
EP0880117A2 (en) * 1997-05-19 1998-11-25 Pittway Corporation Building security system

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1176484A2 (en) * 2000-07-24 2002-01-30 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Communication method of an electronic apparatus
EP1176484A3 (en) * 2000-07-24 2003-11-12 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Communication method of an electronic apparatus
US6834321B2 (en) 2000-07-24 2004-12-21 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Communication method of a serially connected electronic apparatus
WO2018134640A1 (en) * 2017-01-17 2018-07-26 Tyco Fire & Security Gmbh Location- aware provisioning system for fire alarm system and method therefor
US11417195B2 (en) 2017-01-17 2022-08-16 Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP Location-aware provisioning system for fire alarm system and method therefor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2000067352A (ja) 2000-03-03
CN1239383A (zh) 1999-12-22

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