JP7348425B1 - Alarm device and how to initialize it - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to enable an alarm device whose functions are partially disabled due to a change in its internal state to be returned to a state in which it can function normally under the will of a user or the like. An alarm device 100 according to an embodiment includes a detection unit 50 that can detect at least either fire or gas, and a first process that controls an alarm function that issues an alarm based on the detection result of the detection unit 50. 1, a second processing section 2 that operates according to instructions included in built-in software SW to control at least predetermined functions other than the alarm function, and a reception section 70 that receives manual operations. The alarm device 100 of the embodiment executes a predetermined initialization operation by performing a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit 70, and updates the software SW which has reached a malfunction state by updating after the alarm device 100 starts operating. It is configured to restore the device to a state where it can function normally. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an alarm device and a method for initializing the alarm device.

Traditionally, alarm devices have been used in homes, commercial facilities, factories, etc. to monitor the surrounding environment using temperature sensors and gas sensors, and issue an alarm when abnormal conditions are detected to alert users of danger. ing. Such alarm devices play an important role in ensuring user safety. In recent years, such alarm devices have been equipped with audio signal processing devices and loudspeakers so that they can emit not only a simple beep but also messages conveying a variety of information.

Furthermore, alarm devices that have a communication function are becoming popular so that the obtained information can be transmitted not only to those around the alarm device but also to distant parties. Alarms with such communication functions can not only communicate with specific communication destinations, but also transmit information widely, and can obtain a lot of information from outside and communicate with users around the alarm. There are also devices that can be connected to networks such as the Internet to increase benefits. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an alarm device that includes a speaker that emits an alarm message and a LAN port that enables connection to the Internet.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-326360

In the alarm device of Patent Document 1, various sensors such as the above-mentioned speaker, LAN port, and a CO sensor that monitors the surrounding environment and performs an alarm function are connected to one signal processing circuit. This single signal processing circuit controls not only the alarm function, which is the main function of the alarm device, but also the communication function. However, in such a configuration, since both the notification function and the communication function are controlled by one signal processing circuit, the alarm function, which is the main function, may be interfered with. For example, the alarm function may be affected by repeated version upgrades of communication protocols to incorporate new control methods or improve security levels. In other words, it is conceivable that the alarm function may stop functioning during the update of the software related to communication functions required for such version upgrades, or that the entire signal processing circuit may become inoperable due to a malfunction in the update. .

As a means to reduce such risks, it is conceivable to separately provide a main processing device that controls an alarm function and a sub-processing device that controls a subsidiary function such as a communication function, independently of each other. However, if a processing device is provided and operated separately for each function in this way, depending on the content of communication with external equipment, for example, the main function, the alarm function, may be affected. For example, if audio information is sent from an external device and is emitted by a speaker that is shared with the alarm function, there is a risk that the audio alarm will be interfered with by the audio emitted under the control of the subprocessor. .

It is also possible to have the main processor control the operation of the sub-processor so that the alarm is not disturbed, and to restrict the sub-processor from making a sound when the alarm is issued. However, it is conceivable that the sub-processing device, which should operate under the control of the main processing device, may fall into a state where it cannot operate under the control of the main processing device. For example, when an alarm device is connected to an external device via communication as described above, the internal state of the sub-processing unit that controls the communication, such as the contents of the internal memory, may be changed through that communication. be. Further, as described above, the software within the sub-processing device that controls communication may be updated via communication. There is no problem if the internal state of the sub-processing unit is changed or the software is updated appropriately, but if the state is changed to a state that may interfere with control by the main processing unit, or if the update data contains bugs. It is also possible that it is. In such a case, as described above, a situation may arise in which the control of the main processing device does not extend to the sub-processing device. As a result, an alarm may not be issued under the user's intended environment, or if a software bug develops, the alarm function may be fundamentally obstructed and may no longer function at all.

In such cases, even though the user can detect that the alarm is not working as intended or at all, there is no countermeasure, and the malfunction continues for a long time until repair or replacement by a contractor. It may also happen that you put it away. Such a situation threatens the safety of users and the like, which is not desirable for the alarm device, which plays the role of ensuring the safety of users and the like.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem, and even if a part of the alarm becomes inoperable due to a change in the internal state, it can be restored to a state where it can function normally under the will of the user. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an alarm device that can be obtained, and a method for initializing the alarm device.

The alarm of the present invention includes a detection section that can detect at least either fire or gas, a first processing section that controls an alarm function that issues an alarm based on the detection result of the detection section, and built-in software. An alarm device comprising: a second processing section that operates according to instructions included in the alarm function to control at least a predetermined function other than the alarm function; and a reception section that receives manual operation, wherein the predetermined manual operation is performed by the reception section. The software is configured to perform a predetermined initialization operation by performing a predetermined initialization operation on the alarm device, and to restore the malfunctioning software to a state in which it can function normally due to an update after the alarm starts operating. It is an alarm.

The second processing section is configured to be controlled by the first processing section, and the second processing section that has reached a state where it does not accept control of the first processing section due to the malfunction state, The predetermined initialization operation may return to a state under the control of the first processing section.

The alarm initialization method of the present invention includes: a detection section capable of detecting at least either fire or gas; a first processing section that controls an alarm function that issues an alarm based on the detection result of the detection section; A method for initializing an alarm device, comprising: a second processing unit that operates according to instructions included in built-in software to control at least a predetermined function other than the alarm function; and a reception unit that receives manual operation. The second processing unit is initialized by performing a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit that is different from the operation that instructs the alarm to perform an operation other than initialization, and the alarm starts operating. This includes restoring the software, which has become malfunctioning through subsequent updates, to a state where it can function normally.

According to the present invention, even if a part of the alarm becomes non-functional due to a change in the internal state, it can be restored to a normal functioning state at the will of the user or the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing some examples of manual operations. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a connection form between a reception unit and a second processing device and a predetermined initialization process in an alarm device according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram showing another example of the connection form of the reception part and the 2nd processing device in the alarm device of one embodiment. It is a block diagram showing still another example of the connection form of the reception part and the 2nd processing device in the alarm device of one embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the procedure in the initialization method of the alarm device of one embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An alarm device and an alarm initialization method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment described below and the accompanying drawings merely show an example of the alarm device or the method of initializing the alarm device according to the present invention. The configuration and operation of the alarm device and the alarm initialization method according to the present invention are not limited to the configuration and operation illustrated in the embodiments described below and the attached drawings.

<Configuration and operation of alarm device of one embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the main components of an alarm device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The alarm device 100 of one embodiment is installed in a residence, a factory, etc., or carried by a user, and monitors the environment around the alarm device 100, for example. When the surrounding environment is in a specific state, the alarm device 100 detects it and, for example, issues an alarm or sends a signal. Notify surrounding people and designated equipment of abnormal conditions that could pose a risk to property. The alarm 100 detects at least one of the occurrence of a fire and a gas leak as a specific state. Examples of other specific conditions that the alarm 100 can detect include an increase in the concentration of carbon monoxide, fullness of smoke, and excessive temperature and humidity; is not limited to these.

As shown in FIG. 1, the alarm device 100 includes a detection section 50, a first processing section 1 and a second processing section 2, an output section 40, and a reception section 70 that receives manual operations on the alarm device 100. We are prepared. Furthermore, the alarm device 100 in FIG. 1 includes a storage means 30 that is configured with various types of memory such as a flash memory and stores arbitrary information required by the alarm device 100, and a power plug 61 that is connected to a commercial power source. We are prepared. The alarm device 100 has a housing 60, and components such as the first processing section 1, the second processing section 2, and the detection section 50 are housed in the housing 60.

The first processing unit 1 controls an alarm function that issues an alarm from the output unit 40 based on the detection result of the detection unit 50. The second processing section 2 controls at least a predetermined function other than the alarm function controlled by the first processing section 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the second processing unit 2 controls the communication function of the alarm device 100. That is, in the example of FIG. 1, the alarm device 100 has a communication function and sends and receives signals to and from the external device E. Therefore, the alarm device 100 in FIG. 1 also includes a communication section 21 that transmits and receives signals to and from the external device E.

The detection unit 50 is composed of one or more various sensors that monitor physical phenomena in a monitoring target area around the alarm device 100 and output monitoring data. Since the detection unit 50 is disposed within the housing 60 as described above, the various sensors forming the detection unit 50 can monitor the area near the alarm device 100. The various sensors that make up the detection unit 50 include, for example, various gas sensors that detect carbon monoxide gas (CO), methane gas (CH ₄ ), or propane gas (C ₃ H ₈ ), a temperature sensor including a thermistor, and a humidity sensor. , a smoke sensor, an odor sensor, or an intrusion sensor that detects entry by an outsider. The detection unit 50 may be composed of one or more of these sensors. In the alarm of this embodiment, the detection unit 50 is capable of detecting at least either fire or gas. For example, gas leaks in the space around the alarm 100 are detected by various gas sensors. Furthermore, the occurrence of a fire around the alarm 100 is detected by a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, and the like.

Under the control of the first processing section 1, the output section 40 issues an alarm by emitting light or sound in response to the detection of an abnormality in the surrounding environment by the detection section 50. In addition to issuing an alarm, the output unit 40 may also operate in order to convey information about the state of the alarm device 100 and the environment of the monitoring area that does not warrant issuing an alarm to the user. Further, the output section 40 may emit light or sound required for the function controlled by the second processing section 2 under the control of the second processing section 2 . As described above, in the example of FIG. 1, the second processing section 2 controls the communication function, so for example, audio based on information sent from the external device E may be emitted from the output section 40. The output unit 40 may include, for example, a sound generating device such as a speaker and/or a buzzer. In addition to the sound generating device, the output unit 40 may include a display device such as a light emitting diode or a display that conveys the alarm and information obtained through communication through the user's vision of the alarm device 100.

The storage means 30 stores any information that is acquired, processed, used, or output in order for the alarm device 100 to perform a predetermined function. The information stored in the storage means 30 may be written by the first processing section 1 and/or the second processing section 2, and may be read by the first processing section 1 and/or the second processing section 2. . The storage means 30 may store software such as a program in which commands to be followed by the alarm device 100 are written, for example. The storage means 30 is comprised of, for example, ROM, PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or flash memory.

<First processing section>
The first processing section 1 includes a first processing device 10. The first processing unit 1 mainly includes a first processing device 10, and includes, for example, the first processing device 10 and its peripheral parts (not shown). The first processing device 10 is composed of a semiconductor device such as a microcomputer or an ASIC, and operates according to a built-in program, for example. The first processing device 10 preferably has a calculation function, a comparison function, a storage function, etc., and has an overall alarm function of issuing an alarm from the output section 40 based on the detection information acquired by the detection section 50. control.

The first processing device 10 controls, for example, the start and stop of the monitoring operation of the surrounding environment by the detection unit 50. The first processing device 10 also determines whether the concentration of carbon monoxide or gas, ambient temperature, smoke concentration, etc. indicated by the detection information sent from the detection unit 50 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. to decide. If the temperature, concentration, etc. exceed the threshold, the mode of the alarm (how the sound sounds, how the light emitting diode mentioned above emits light, etc.) is determined depending on the extent of the exceedance. The output unit 40 is caused to issue an alarm using the method described above. For example, the first processing device 10 causes the output unit 40 to emit a sound that conveys a warning or various information.

<Second processing section>
The second processing section 2 includes a second processing device 20 . The second processing unit 2 mainly includes the second processing device 20, and includes, for example, the second processing device 20 and its peripheral components (not shown). In the second processing unit 2 in the example of FIG. 1 that controls the communication function, the second processing device 20 controls the entire operation necessary for communication between the alarm device 100 and the external device E. The second processing device 20 is made of a semiconductor device such as a microcomputer or an ASIC, and preferably has an arithmetic function, a storage function, a comparison function, and the like. When the second processing device 20 receives information to be conveyed by light or video, or information to be conveyed by voice from a communication destination such as the external device E, the second processing device 20 causes the output unit 40 to emit light or voice to notify the received information. do.

The second processing device 20 in FIG. 1 has a storage means 20a, and software SW is written in the storage means 20a. The software SW includes software such as a control program in which commands related to operations performed by the second processing device 20 are written. The second processing device 20 operates according to instructions included in the software SW. The storage means 20a is composed of various types of memory such as ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory.

The communication unit 21 transmits and receives signals to and from the external device E through wireless communication or wired communication. The communication unit 21 is configured to transmit and receive electrical signals between the external device E and the alarm 100, and is configured by hardware such as an integrated circuit device or an electrical circuit made up of individual components. The communication unit 21 performs signal processing such as analog/digital conversion, level conversion, amplification, synthesis, decomposition, modulation, and demodulation, link setting, and/or error control, which are necessary for communication with the external device E. conduct. The communication unit 21 may include a communication control IC such as an ASIC designed to perform such signal processing, or a modem IC, and its peripheral circuits. The communication unit 21 may be configured as an integrated circuit device integrated with the second processing device 20.

The communication controlled by the second processing unit 2 in the alarm device 100 of FIG. 1 may be direct communication with the external device E via a wireless line or a wired line, and the communication is connected via a wireless line or a wired line. For example, the communication may be with an external device E via a network N such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). External devices E include alarm devices of the same type other than the alarm device 100, or alarm devices with different detection targets, and monitors or controls the operation of the alarm device 100, and/or monitors or monitors the detection results of the alarm device 100 or the progress of alarm issuance. An example is an information processing device such as a server that collects and performs statistical processing or analysis. Furthermore, for the alarm device 100 that can be connected to a network N such as the Internet, an external device E is a server, a database, etc. installed in a manner that allows any individual or institution that provides information for each person to connect to the network N. and/or an information processing device.

<Reception Department>
The reception unit 70 accepts manual operations on the alarm device 100 by, for example, a user or an administrator of the alarm device 100 (hereinafter, the person performing the manual operation on the reception unit 70 will be simply referred to as an “operator”). The receiving unit 70 receives manual operations performed by an operator to instruct the alarm device 100 to perform various predetermined operations. A manual instruction to the reception unit 70 is converted into an electrical signal or the like and transmitted to the first processing device 10 and/or the second processing device 20. The operation indicated by the manual operation is executed by either or both processing devices. The alarm device 100 in FIG. 1 includes one reception section 70. However, the alarm device 100 of this embodiment may include one or more reception units 70 that can be manually operated independently of each other.

<Initialization of the second processing section>
As described above, the alarm device 100 of this embodiment includes the receiving section 70 that receives manual operations from the operator. The alarm device 100 of this embodiment is configured to execute a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2 by performing a predetermined manual operation on the receiving section 70. Note that in this specification, "configured" so that the alarm device 100, the first processing device 10, or the second processing device 20 performs (or does not perform) a specific operation or process refers to the alarm device. 100, an instruction that causes the first processing device 10 and/or the second processing device 20 to perform (or not perform) the specific operation or processing is included in a program that describes the operation or processing of each processing device. It includes being present.

In this embodiment, when a predetermined manual operation is performed on the reception unit 70 in this way, a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2 is executed. "Initialization" of the second processing section 2 means to set some or all of the components of the second processing section 2 to the state at the time of shipment from the manufacturing factory of the alarm device 100, the state at the time of the start of operation of the alarm device 100, Alternatively, it may be possible to return to the state before the alarm device 100 and network N were connected. Alternatively, "initialization" of the second processing section 2 may be performed by setting some or all of the constituent elements of the second processing section 2 to an appropriate initialized state within the second processing section 2 ( For example, it may be a specific state stored in the storage means 20a) or the storage means 30.

That is, the second processing unit 2 changes the state of the alarm device 100 from the time it is shipped from the factory until the start of operation, or a state prepared in advance as an appropriate state, by initialization by a predetermined manual operation. For example, if the software SW built in the second processing device 20 has been updated (i.e., changed) with update data that includes a bug and is in a state where it cannot operate normally, the software SW built in the second processing device 20 can be initialized. 20 is returned to its pre-update state (pre-change state). Even if the warning function of the first processing unit 1 is inhibited due to inappropriate operation of the second processing device 20, the inhibition is resolved. The alarm device 100 of the present embodiment is configured such that the second processing section 2 can be initialized by a predetermined manual operation by the operator, so that the alarm device 100 returns to a state where the alarm function can be properly performed. can do.

To explain in detail the effects brought about by the alarm device of this embodiment, in the alarm device 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the second processing device 20 is provided separately from the first processing device 10 that controls the alarm function. It is being Therefore, when the software SW of the second processing device 20 is updated in accordance with, for example, a version upgrade of the communication protocol, it is unlikely that the alarm function will be directly affected by a defect in the update and stop the alarm function. Furthermore, the first processing device 10 is freed from the burden of controlling functions other than the alarm function.

On the other hand, when the second processing device 20 operates independently, the sound such as an alarm may be obstructed by the sound that the second processing section 2 causes the output section 40 to emit based on communication with the external device E, for example. In a configuration in which the second processing device 20 is controlled by the first processing device 10, this kind of situation can be easily avoided. It is also possible to deviate from this. In addition, in the second processing device 20 that can be connected to the external network N, such separation from the control of the first processing device 10 may occur as a result of receiving unfavorable information from any external device E connected to the network N. Sometimes it is brought. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that a particular input port of the second processing device 20 provided to receive control of the first processing device 10 may fail.

In this state where the second processing device 20 is separated from the control of the first processing device 10, even though the first processing device 10 is normal, the alarm function is not activated by the processing on the second processing device 20 side. may not be performed as intended. For example, as described above, an audio warning may be drowned out by the audio from the communication and may not reach the user or may be difficult to hear. That is, even though the first processing device 10 and the second processing device 20 are provided separately, the alarm function may not function properly due to a change in the state of the second processing device 20 after the alarm device 100 starts operating. You may find yourself in a state where you are not performing well. In particular, if the second processing device 20 reaches a state where it does not accept control from the first processing device 10, the first processing device 10 cannot return the second processing device 20 to a normal state. In the first place, the first processing device 10 cannot notice any abnormality in the second processing device 20. Therefore, it is difficult for the alarm device 100 itself to restore itself to a state where it can properly perform its alarm function. Therefore, the alarm device tends to need to be replaced or repaired by a trader, and until the replacement or repair is completed, the user is likely to be placed in a substantially unmonitored environment.

In this way, even when the alarm device 100 itself does not notice that there is a malfunction in the alarm function and therefore cannot autonomously restore the normal state, the user etc. can notice the malfunction in the alarm function by the sound and display on the output unit 40. Sometimes you get it. However, unless a user who notices the problem is equipped with a means to resolve the problem, it will still be difficult to quickly resolve the problem with the alarm function.

Therefore, the alarm 100 of the present embodiment includes a reception section 70 that receives manual operations, and when a predetermined manual operation is performed on the reception section 70, a predetermined number of the second processing section 2 including the second processing device 20 is activated. is configured to perform initialization operations. The operator who notices that the alarm device 100 is not operating normally returns the second processing section 2 to the state before the alarm device 100 started operating, for example, by performing a predetermined manual operation on the reception section 70. Alternatively, it is possible to transition to a state prepared in advance as an appropriate state. If the second processing device 20 was under the control of the first processing device 10 when the alarm device 100 started operating, return the alarm device 100 to a state where the control of the first processing device 10 on the second processing device 20 is valid. I can do it. For example, in the case of a configuration in which the first processing device 10 controls the second processing device 20 so as not to emit a sound when an alarm is issued, the second processing device 20 does not cause the output unit 40 to emit a sound when an alarm is issued.

Therefore, the audio warning can be delivered to the user in a state where it can be easily heard without being disturbed. That is, even if the alarm function is inhibited by the operation of the second processing section 2, the second processing section 2 can return to a normal state autonomously or under the control of the first processing section 1. Even if you are unable to do so, you can overcome the obstacles. In this way, in the alarm device of this embodiment, it is possible to initialize the second processing section 2 by a predetermined manual operation, so that a part of the alarm device such as the second processing section 2 may not function due to a change in the internal state. Even if the alarm device falls into a state of failure, it is possible to restore the alarm device to a state where it can function normally under the will of an operator such as a user.

<Manual operation>
FIG. 2 schematically shows manual operations on the alarm 100 installed in the house as some examples of manual operations accepted by the reception unit 70. As an example, the reception unit 70 accepts a physical operation M by an operator such as touching the reception unit 70, as shown in FIG. In that case, the reception unit 70 is provided in the housing 60, for example, in such a manner that it can be physically manipulated by an operator, such as touching, pushing or pulling out, or shifting. Examples of components of the reception unit 70 that accept physical manual operations include various switches provided on the alarm device 100 so as to be visible and accessible from the outside. When the reception unit 70 is configured with a switch, an operated portion of the switch may be connected to an operation button provided exposed from the housing 60. Examples of the switch used as the reception unit 70 include a push button switch and a toggle switch, but the switch is not limited to these. For example, the reception unit 70 may be an input device such as a touch panel or a keypad.

The push button switch used as the receiving section 70 may preferably be a tactile switch that is pressed only during operation and automatically returns when the operation is completed. If the reception unit 70 is configured with a tactile switch, the alarm device 100 may be instructed to perform different operations depending on the length of time the switch is pressed or the number of times the switch is pressed repeatedly within a certain period of time. The pressing for an arbitrarily selected specific time may be a "predetermined manual operation" that instructs the second processing unit 2 to perform the initialization operation, and the pressing for an arbitrarily selected specific time A specific number of times of pressing that is repeated may be a "predetermined manual operation."

Further, the reception unit 70 accepts manual operation via a medium such as electromagnetic waves such as light, sound waves, or radio waves, rather than a direct physical operation of the operator on the alarm 100 by directly touching the reception unit 70. Good too. That is, the reception unit 70 transmits light, sound, radio waves, etc. emitted by a manual operation performed on a device separate from the alarm 100 in order to give an instruction to the alarm 100, to a manual operation that instructs the alarm 100 to execute a predetermined operation. It may be accepted as an operation. In this case, the receiving unit 70 is a receiving element having a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode that converts light into an electrical signal, a sound sensing element such as a microphone that converts sound into an electrical signal, or an antenna that receives radio waves. may be configured. The reception unit 70 that receives radio waves may be replaced by the communication unit 21 (see FIG. 1).

When the reception unit 70 accepts a manual operation mediated by radio waves, light, etc., the operator uses a dedicated remote control such as the attached remote control of the alarm device 100, which is connected to the alarm device 100 by short-range communication, for example, as the manual operation. Direct manual operations can be performed on the terminal. In addition, as a manual operation for the reception unit 70, the operator performs a direct manual operation on various general-purpose mobile terminals such as a smartphone, which are converted into a dedicated terminal by an application program and connected to the alarm 100 by short-range communication. (Hereinafter, dedicated terminals and general-purpose portable terminals that have been converted into dedicated terminals are collectively referred to as "dedicated terminals," and are shown with the symbol "Pn" in FIG. 2.) The short-range communication used by the dedicated terminals Pn may be, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or optical wireless communication such as IrDA, but is not limited to these. . Furthermore, as a manual operation for the reception unit 70, the operator can use an external device E connected to the communication unit 21 of the alarm 100 by wired communication or wireless communication via the network N or the base station B of the communication carrier. It is also possible to perform direct manual operation on a remote terminal Pr such as a smartphone.

In this way, the "manual operation" of the reception unit 70 may be performed on a separate device from the alarm device 100. On the other hand, generation of an instruction to cause the alarm 100 to perform a specific operation, which is generated inside the alarm 100 or generated externally and sent to the alarm 100 without the operator intervening in its generation, is "manual operation". Not included in For example, the execution of a command written in a built-in program of the alarm device 100 or a control program of the external device E that instructs the alarm device 100 to perform a specific operation is not included in "manual operation."

<Specified manual operation>
The "predetermined manual operation" that causes the second processing unit 2 to perform the initialization operation may be a specific type of operation arbitrarily selected from among the above-mentioned "manual operations" accepted by the reception unit 70. As an example, if the reception unit 70 is the above-mentioned tactile switch, pressing the tactile switch that is the reception unit 70 for, for example, 5 seconds or more may be a "predetermined manual operation"; The pushing may be a "predetermined manual operation." As another example, in the case where the reception unit 70 is a toggle switch, leaving the toggle switch in one of two states for a specific period of time or more may be a "predetermined manual operation", and between the two states. The "predetermined manual operation" may be to switch the toggle switch a specific number of times or more within a specific time.

In addition, when the reception unit 70 is a touch panel, the "predetermined manual operation" may include touching a specific icon displayed on the touch panel, or moving a specific predetermined trajectory on the touch panel with a fingertip or touch pen. It can also be drawn with Furthermore, when the reception unit 70 is a keypad, the "predetermined manual operation" may be typing in a specific predetermined pattern. Furthermore, if the predetermined manual operation is performed by direct manual operation on the external device E connected to the alarm 100 via the above-mentioned dedicated terminals Pn or the Internet, the "predetermined manual operation" , a specific command, a specific message, or a specific protocol data unit selected in advance may be sent to the alarm device 100 from the dedicated terminal Pn or the external device E. When the receiving unit 70 receives such a “predetermined manual operation”, the second processing unit 2 executes initialization.

The alarm device 100 of the present embodiment not only performs a "predetermined manual operation" on the reception section 70 but also performs a "predetermined manual operation" as well as an operation other than the operation on the reception section 70 when the second processing section 2 may be configured to perform a predetermined initialization operation. In this case, it may be possible to prevent the initialization of the second processing unit 2 from being performed unintentionally and erroneously. For example, the alarm device 100 of the example shown in FIG. The unit 2 may be configured to perform a predetermined initialization operation. That is, the second processing unit 2 may be initialized when the “predetermined manual operation” on the reception unit 70 is performed and the supply of power to the alarm device 100 is started or stopped.

For example, in a state where the power plug 61 is not connected to a plug socket (outlet, not shown) connected to a commercial power source, the tactile switch provided as the reception part 70 is pushed in, and in that state, the power plug 61 When it is plugged into an outlet, a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2 may be performed. Alternatively, a "predetermined manual operation" is performed while the power plug 61 is connected to the plug socket. This alone does not initialize the second processing unit 2, but when the "predetermined manual operation" is being performed, the power plug 61 is temporarily separated from the outlet and the "predetermined manual operation" is stopped. When the connection is resumed (or continued), a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2 may be executed.

In this case, the alarm 100 has a memory such as an EEPROM that stores the state of the reception unit 70 at the time of the power supply stop, indicating that a "predetermined manual operation" was being performed when the power plug 61 was disconnected from the outlet. Non-volatile memory is provided. In the alarm device 100 of the example of FIG. 1, the state of the reception unit 70 at the time of power supply stop is determined by the storage means 30, the storage means 20a in the second processing device 20, or the state of the first processing device 10 such as EEPOM. If the storage means is provided, the information can be stored in the storage means.

In addition to the "predetermined manual operation" exemplified above, the reception unit 70 in this embodiment may be configured to receive a manual operation in a manner different from the "predetermined manual operation". When the reception unit 70 receives a manual operation other than the “predetermined manual operation”, the alarm device 100 of this embodiment causes the second processing unit 20 to perform an operation other than the “predetermined initialization operation”. may be configured. In the alarm device 100 configured in this way, only by including a small number of receiving sections 70, it is possible to instruct the alarm device 100 to perform two or more types of operations including initialization of the second processing section 2. can. Operations executed when the receiving unit 70 receives a manual operation other than a "predetermined manual operation" include, for example, self-inspection of the alarm device 100, stopping an alarm in progress, and switching the operation mode (for example, between normal mode and This may include, but is not limited to, changing the volume of the alarm sound, etc.

The manual operation other than the "predetermined manual operation" may be any manual operation other than the "predetermined manual operation." For example, if the reception unit 70 is the above-mentioned tactile switch, manual operations other than the "predetermined manual operation" may be a press of the tactile switch that is shorter than the press time (for example, less than 5 seconds) as the "predetermined manual operation". It can be. Alternatively, a manual operation other than the "predetermined manual operation" may be a number of presses smaller than the number of presses as the "predetermined manual operation" within a specific time (for example, 5 seconds). Even when the reception unit 70 is a toggle switch, switching the toggle switch between two states in a manner different from the manner in which the toggle switch is switched between two states as a "predetermined manual operation" is a "predetermined manual operation". It may be a manual operation other than ``.

Further, when the reception unit 70 is a touch panel, manual operations other than "predetermined manual operation" may be performed by touching an icon other than the icon displayed as "predetermined manual operation". In addition, if the reception unit 70 is a keypad, manual operations other than the "predetermined manual operation" may be performed by drawing a different trajectory than the one that should be drawn as the "predetermined manual operation". It may be possible to type in a pattern different from the pattern typed as "operation". Similarly, if the predetermined manual operation is performed by direct manual operation on the dedicated terminal Pn or external device E mentioned above, a command or message different from the command or message sent as the "predetermined manual operation" is sent. This may be a manual operation other than the "predetermined manual operation."

As described above, when the reception unit 70 is also used to instruct the second processing unit 2 to perform an operation other than the predetermined initialization operation (for example, stopping an alarm that is currently being issued), the “predetermined manual operation” is , it is preferable that the operation is more complicated or difficult than the operation for instructing the second processing section 2 to perform an operation other than the predetermined initialization operation. Further, unlike the above case, in the case where the reception unit 70 is configured to accept only a “predetermined manual operation” that instructs a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, the reception unit 70 is difficult for the user to operate in the housing 60. It may be provided at a location. For example, if the housing 60 is equipped with a plurality of reception sections that can be operated by the user, including the reception section 70, it is preferable that the reception section 70 that only accepts "predetermined manual operations" is more operable than the other reception sections. installed in a difficult location. It may be possible to prevent unintended initialization operations from being performed due to user carelessness.

The specific components of the second processing unit 2 that are actually initialized in the “predetermined initialization operation” of the second processing unit 2 are initialized to cause the second processing unit 2 to start operating the alarm device 100. It is not particularly limited as long as it can return to the previous state or transition to a state prepared in advance as an appropriate state. As described above, the second processing section 2 mainly includes the second processing device 20. Therefore, as the "predetermined initialization operation" of the second processing unit 2, the second processing device 20 is preferably initialized. In the initialization of the second processing device 20, the internal state of the second processing device 20 is returned to the state before the start of operation of the alarm device 100, or is shifted to a state prepared in advance as an appropriate state.

<Example of predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit: Software initialization>
As an example, the software SW built in the second processing section 2 may be initialized by a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2 executed by a predetermined manual operation on the receiving section 70 . In the example of FIG. 1, the software SW is specifically built into the storage means 20a of the second processing device 20. As described above, the second processing device 20 operates according to instructions included in the software SW stored in the storage unit 20a. For example, by returning the software SW containing the commands that the second processing device 20 follows to the state when the alarm device 100 was shipped from the factory or when the alarm device 100 started operating, a malfunction may occur due to a change in the state after the start of operation. The second processing device 20 may be able to return to a normal state.

The software SW written in the memory of the second processing device 20 such as the storage unit 20a may be firmware for the second processing device 20. If the software to be initialized is firmware that has a function that controls basic control of the internal circuits and devices of the second processing device 20, initialization will more reliably prevent the second processing device 20 from malfunctioning. It is possible to return to a normal state from a troubled state. When the software SW is initialized, the storage section 20a is preferably configured with an easily rewritable memory such as an EEPROM or a flash memory.

<Another example of the predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit: Reproducing the internal state (resetting)>
In the alarm device 100 of this embodiment, in the predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2, in addition to the initialization of the software SW described above, the second processing section 2 is changed after the alarm device 100 starts operating. The internal state of the component, for example the internal state of the second processing device 20, may be returned to the state at a particular point in time before the change was made. That is, the state of each component in the second processing device 20, for example, the contents of a specific storage area in the storage means 20a, the state of an input/output port, the address of the next instruction to be executed in the second processing device 20, etc. The value of the program counter indicating the alarm 100 is changed or changed at any time after the alarm device 100 starts operating. In the "predetermined initialization operation" of the second processing unit 2, the states of these components are returned to the state at a specific time before the change or change.

The "specific point in time" is, for example, when the alarm device 100 is shipped from the factory, when the alarm device 100 starts operating, at a time point before the alarm device 100 is connected to the network N, or each component of the second processing device 20 may be at any time prior to any of the changes made to the . The state to which the components in the second processing device 20 are returned is written in the software SW in which instructions to be executed by the second processing device 20 are written, or in the storage means 20a or the storage means. 30 may be stored.

As an example, in a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, the value of the program counter may be set to zero (cleared) or may be set to a specific predetermined value. In addition, during a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, the contents of temporary storage areas such as the RAM and various registers included in the second processing unit 20 may be cleared, or predetermined information may be stored in the temporary storage area. It may also be remembered. Furthermore, in a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, the timer and input/output ports included in the second processing device 20 are set to a predetermined state, and all interrupt processing of the second processing device 20 is set to a prohibition mode. You may also move to . By having the second processing device 20 clear the program counter, clear the temporary storage area, etc. as described above, the internal state of the second processing device 20 can be changed or changed after the alarm 100 starts operating. Sometimes it is possible to return to the state at a particular point in time before the change. As a result, it may be possible to restore the second processing device 20, which has been malfunctioning due to a change in state after the start of operation, to a normal state.

Note that the second processing device 20 may have a function of executing various reset processes such as an external reset by setting a specific input terminal (external reset terminal) to a specific level, and a power-on reset. In the predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, the state at a specific point in time to which each component in the second processing device 20 is returned is the state of the second processing device 20 after performing any of these various reset processes. It may be the same as the internal state. That is, in the predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, any of the various reset processes provided in the second treatment device 20 as described above may be executed.

The alarm device 100 of the present embodiment may be configured to select a process to be performed as a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2, depending on a mode of a predetermined manual operation to the reception section 70. That is, the "predetermined manual operation" that the receiving unit 70 receives may include multiple types of manual operations that are different from each other. Then, a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2 may be performed in accordance with each of the plurality of types of manual operations.

For example, the software SW built in the second processing unit 2 is initialized by a predetermined initialization operation performed in response to execution of a first operation that is one of a plurality of types of manual operations. Then, a second process is changed after the alarm device 100 starts operating by a predetermined initialization operation performed in response to execution of a second operation that is one of the plural types of manual operations and is different from the first operation. The internal state of device 20 may be returned to the state at a particular point in time before the change was made. In this way, when the initialization operation of the second processing unit 2 is executed in response to each of a plurality of types of predetermined manual operations, an appropriate second process is performed according to the malfunction state currently exposed in the alarm device 100, for example. The operator can select the initialization operation of section 2.

As an example, if pressing the tactile switch, which is the reception unit 70, for 5 seconds or more is a "predetermined manual operation" as described above, for example, pressing the switch for 5 seconds or more and within 10 seconds is the first operation, and for 10 seconds or more The second operation may be a push-in. Furthermore, if pressing the tactile switch, which is the reception unit 70, five or more times within five seconds is a "predetermined manual operation," pressing the switch five or more times within three seconds is the first operation, and from three seconds to five Five or more presses within seconds may be the second operation. Further, when the reception unit 70 is a touch panel, the first operation is to touch the first icon, which is one of the plurality of icons displayed on the touch panel as a predetermined manual operation, and the first operation is to touch the second icon. may be the second operation.

<Example of initialization operation of the second processing unit by manual operation on the reception unit>
Referring to FIG. 3, which shows an excerpt of the reception unit 70, the second processing device 20, and the storage means 30, transmission of an instruction to execute an initialization operation from the reception unit 70 to the second processing device 20, and second processing A specific example of processing performed as an initialization operation of the device 20 will be described.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the reception unit 70 is connected to an input port 200 included in the second processing device 20. The second processing device 20 is configured to perform a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing device 20 when the input port 200 is set to a predetermined level (for example, a low level such as the GND potential). When the reception unit 70 receives a predetermined manual operation, the reception unit 70 outputs a signal at a predetermined level. Since the input port 200 of the second processing device 20 is set to a predetermined level, as a predetermined initialization operation, for example, the internal state of the second processing device 20 that has been changed after the alarm device 100 starts operating is Revert to a point in time before the change was made. As described above, in a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, when an external reset among various reset processes provided in the second processing device 20 is executed, the input port 200 is connected to the second processing device 20. It may also be an external reset terminal that is provided in the terminal and receives a request for executing a reset operation from the outside.

In addition, in the predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, when a power-on reset provided in the second processing device 20 is executed, as an example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. The opening/closing state of the switch 10b is controlled by a predetermined manual operation on the section 70. The switch 10b is arranged on the supply line of the power supply voltage VDD to the power supply terminal Vcc of the second processing device 20. When a predetermined manual operation is performed on the reception unit 70, the switch 10b is once controlled to be in a non-conductive state. Since the supply of power VDD is once cut off and then restarted, a power-on reset of the second processing device 20 is executed. In this case, the power-on reset is performed by software SW that returns the changed internal state of the second processing device 20 to the state at a specific point in time before the change, through a series of processes performed by executing the power-on reset. programmed in. By executing the power-on reset, the changed internal state of the second processing device 20 is returned to the state at a specific point in time before the change was made.

Further, in the example of FIG. 3, the software SW followed by the second processing device 20 may have a command written therein that instructs the software SW to be initialized when a predetermined signal is input to the input port 200. . In this case, upon receiving a predetermined manual operation, the reception unit 70 sends out a predetermined signal, such as a high level, a low level, or a transition from one of a high level and a low level to the other. As a result, the software SW is initialized in the second processing device 20.

In the example of FIG. 3, the second processing device 20 has a built-in software SW in a first area A1, which is a specific storage area of the storage means 20a. Software SWi prepared as initialization data is stored in the n-th area, which is a specific storage area of the storage means 20a that is different from the first area A1. The software SWi includes, for example, a control program prepared for the second processing device 20 to follow when the alarm device 100 is shipped from a manufacturing factory or when it starts operating. As an example, the software SWi may be the same software that was stored in the first area A1 when the alarm device 100 is shipped from a manufacturing factory or when it starts operating, or it may be software that is separately prepared for initialization. It's okay.

When the second processing device 20 receives a predetermined signal input to the input port 200 and initializes the software SW, the second processing device 20 stores the storage contents of the first area A1 so that the software SWi is executed instead of the software SW. may be rewritten by the software SWi of the n-th area An. As a result, the second processing device 20 operates according to the instructions written in the software SWi. As an example, the second processing device 20 may be initialized by initializing the software SW in this way.

The initialization of the software SW of the second processing device 20, which is performed as a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2, does not have to be performed using the initialization data stored in the second processing device 20. . For example, in the example of FIG. 3, the software SWi prepared as the initialization data is also stored in a storage means 30 that the alarm device 100 has separately from the second processing device 20. When the software SW is initialized as a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing unit 2 by inputting a predetermined signal to the input port 200, the software SW in the second processing device 20 is stored in the storage means 30. It may be rewritten using software SWi, which is stored initialization data. In this way, when the software SW is initialized using the initialization data stored in the internal memory of the alarm device 100 such as the storage means 20a and the storage means 30, the initialization data is stored from the outside of the alarm device 100. Compared to the case where data is supplied, the second processing section 2 may be able to return to a normal state more quickly.

Initialization of the software SW built in the second processing device 20 may be performed using a boot loader that is included in the second processing device 20 and is controlled by a program for starting the second processing device 20. In this case, the second processing device 20 is configured to accept a reboot instruction from the outside, and further initializes the software SW if a specific port is in a predetermined state at the time of receiving the reboot instruction. It is configured as follows. When the boot loader is used to initialize the software SW, the second processing device 20 in the example of FIG. The software SW is configured to be initialized when the input port 200 is set to a predetermined reboot instruction level, such as a low level or a high level, when a reboot instruction signal is received.

Upon receiving a predetermined manual operation, the reception unit 70 sends a predetermined reboot instruction signal to the input port 200, which transitions from one of the high level and the low level to the other level, which is the reboot instruction level. . After inputting the reboot instruction signal, the input port 200 is set to the reboot instruction level, which is the level after the transition of the reboot instruction signal. On the other hand, a delay circuit 71 is provided between the input port 201 and the receiving section 70. The delay circuit 71 includes, for example, a capacitor and a resistor, and delays the level transition of the reboot instruction signal by a certain period of time. Therefore, when the reboot instruction signal is input to the input port 201, the input port 200 is already set to the reboot instruction level that causes the initialization of the software SW to be executed. Therefore, the software SW is initialized in the second processing device 20. Even if the second processing device 20 is in a state where it cannot initialize the software SW simply by executing the software SW, it may be possible to initialize the software SW by using a boot loader controlled by a startup program. .

Note that the initialization of the built-in software in the second processing device 20, which is executed as the initialization of the second processing unit 2, is performed simply by the program executed by the second processing device 20 without rewriting the storage contents of the storage means 20a. This may be done by switching. That is, in the example of FIG. 3, when the receiving unit 70 receives a predetermined manual operation, the second processing device 20 selects the software SW stored in the n-th area An instead of the software SW stored in the first area A1. It may be configured to operate according to instructions included in the software SWi.

FIG. 4 shows another example of the manner in which the instruction to execute the initialization operation is transmitted from the reception unit 70 to the second processing device 20. The example in FIG. 4 differs from the example in FIG. 3 in that the identification section 72 is provided between the reception section 70 and the second processing section 20. In FIG. 4 (and FIG. 5 referred to later), the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 3 are given to the same components as in FIG. Repeated explanations will be omitted.

As described above, when the reception unit 70 also accepts manual operations other than the “predetermined manual operation”, the identification unit 72 identifies the “predetermined manual operation” from among the manual operations performed on the reception unit 70. do. The identification unit 72 includes, for example, a timer that counts elapsed time, a counter that counts the number of operations performed on the reception unit 70, and the like. In this case, for example, as described above, the identification unit 72 determines whether the length of time the tactile switch, which is the reception unit 70, is pressed and the number of times the switch is pressed repeatedly within a specific time satisfy predetermined manual operation requirements. It is determined by The identification unit 72 may include a comparison circuit that determines whether the signal sent from the reception unit 70 satisfies predetermined manual operation requirements by comparing it with a reference signal.

If the requirements for a predetermined manual operation are met, the identification unit 72 identifies the manual operation being performed on the reception unit 70 as a predetermined manual operation, and selects the input port of the second processing device 20. 200 to a predetermined level, sends a predetermined signal, and sends a reboot instruction signal to the input ports 200 and 201. The identification unit 72 may control the open/close state of the switch 10b according to the identification result. On the other hand, manual operations other than the predetermined manual operations are transmitted to the input port 202 of the second processing device 20, and operations corresponding to the manual operations are executed in the second processing device 20.

FIG. 5 shows still another example of the manner in which the execution instruction for the initialization operation is transmitted from the reception unit 70 to the second processing device 20. In the example of FIG. 5, a manual operation performed on the reception unit 70 is transmitted to the first processing device 10, and the first processing device 10 identifies whether or not it is a predetermined manual operation. If the manual operation performed on the reception unit 70 is a predetermined manual operation, the first processing device 10 instructs the second processing device 20 to perform a predetermined initialization operation.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first processing device 10 is provided with an output port 101 for initializing the second processing device 20, and the output port 101 is connected to a second processing device that functions similarly to the example of FIG. It is connected to an input port 200 of the device 20. That is, the second processing device 20 is configured to perform a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing device 20 when the input port 200 is set to a predetermined level. When a predetermined manual operation is performed on the reception unit 70, the first processing device 10 outputs a signal at a predetermined level from the output port 101 to the input port 200. Since the input port 200 of the second processing device 20 is set to a predetermined level, as a predetermined initialization operation, for example, the internal state of the second processing device 20 that has been changed after the alarm device 100 starts operating is Revert to a point in time before the change was made. Further, the first processing device 20 may control the open/close state of the switch 10b by outputting an appropriate control signal from the output port 102 in response to a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit 70. By controlling the open/close state of the switch 10b, a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing device 20 may be performed using a power-on reset function provided in the second processing device 20.

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 5, if a command is written in the software SW that instructs the second processing device 20 to initialize the software SW when a predetermined signal is input to the input port 200, the reception When the unit 70 receives a predetermined manual operation, the first processing device 10 may send a predetermined signal to the input port 200. As a result, the software SW is initialized in the second processing device 20.

The first processing device 10 may cause the second processing device 20 to initialize the software SW built in the second processing device 20 using a boot loader included in the second processing device 20. In this case, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the second processing device 20 is configured to receive a reboot instruction signal from the outside. In the example of FIG. 5, the second processing device 20 receives a reboot instruction signal at an input port 200, and when receiving the reboot instruction signal, the input port 201 is set to a predetermined reboot instruction level, such as a low level or a high level. In this case, the software SW is configured to be initialized. When initializing the software SW as initialization of the second processing unit 2, the first processing device 10 sends out a predetermined reboot instruction signal from the output port 101 connected to the input port 200. The first processing device 10 further sets the output port 103 connected to the input port 201 of the second processing device 20 to the reboot instruction level simultaneously with or prior to sending out the reboot instruction signal. As a result, the software SW is initialized in the second processing device 20.

<Initialization method of alarm device according to embodiment>
Referring again to FIG. 6 and FIG. 1 as appropriate, a method for initializing an alarm device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below using the alarm device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 as an example. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure in the alarm initialization method of this embodiment. In FIG. 6, on the left side of the two-dot chain line L1, processes executed in each step of the alarm initialization method of this embodiment are shown. Further, on the right side of the two-dot chain line L1, processes performed by the second processing unit 2 are shown, including processes performed in relation to each step in the alarm initialization method of this embodiment. Note that the components included in the alarm device 100 and the functions and actions of each component described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 are initialized by the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment. Alarms and their components may be included as well. Further, the operations and processes performed on the alarm device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 are included in the alarm device initialization method of this embodiment as part of the series of steps. It's okay.

The alarm initialization method of the present embodiment includes a detection unit 50, a first processing unit 1, a second processing unit 2, a reception unit 70 that receives manual operation, as shown in FIG. 1 as an example, This is a method for initializing an alarm device such as the alarm device 100 including the following. Here, the detection unit 50 can detect at least either fire or gas. The first processing unit 1 controls an alarm function that issues an alarm based on the detection result of the detection unit 50. The second processing section 2 controls at least predetermined functions other than the alarm function controlled by the first processing section 1. In addition, in the alarm initialization method of this embodiment, initialization of the alarm may specifically be initialization of the second processing unit 2. As previously explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the alarm initialization method of this embodiment is a method different from the operation for instructing execution of operations other than alarm initialization. This includes initializing the second processing section 2 by performing a predetermined manual operation on the receiving section 70 (steps S11 and S22 in FIG. 6).

According to the alarm initialization method of this embodiment, the second processing section 2 of the alarm is initialized by manual operation by the user of the alarm. Initialization of the second processing section 2 is performed by changing some or all of the components of the second processing section 2 to the state at the time of shipment from the alarm manufacturing factory, the state at the time of starting operation of the alarm, or the state at the time of the alarm's operation. It may be possible to restore the state to the state before the connection between the network and the external communication network. Alternatively, "initialization" of the second processing section 2 may be referred to as setting some or all of the components of the second processing section 2 to a specific state prepared as a state after appropriate initialization of the second processing section 2. This can be done by making it . Therefore, even if a part of the alarm device, such as the second processing section 2, becomes inoperable due to a change in the internal state, the alarm device can be restored to a state where it can function normally under the will of the operator such as the user. It can be reinstated.

Further, in the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment, the second processing unit 2 is activated by performing a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit 70 in a manner different from an operation that instructs execution of an operation other than initialization. Initialized. That is, the reception unit of the alarm device initialized by the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment also receives operations that instruct the second processing unit 2 to perform operations other than initialization. Therefore, it is possible to instruct an alarm equipped with only a small number of receiving sections 70, for example, one receiving section 70, to perform two or more types of operations including initialization of the second processing section 2.

The initialization of the second processing unit 2 performed by the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment is performed by using the built-in second processing unit 2 as an example, as described above with respect to the alarm 100 of one embodiment. This may be the initialization of the software SW that is currently installed. In addition, the initialization of the second processing section 2 is carried out by changing the internal state of the second processing device 20 constituting the second processing section 2 after the alarm starts operating. It may be to return to the state. The “predetermined manual operation” performed in the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment may be the same as the “predetermined manual operation” exemplified for the alarm 100 of one embodiment, and for example, the reception unit 70 This may include pressing a certain tactile switch for more than a specific time, or pressing a tactile switch more than a certain number of times within a specific time. Furthermore, in the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment, the "operation for instructing execution of an operation other than alarm initialization" is any type of operation on the reception unit 70 other than "predetermined manual operation". could be.

In FIG. 6, the second processing unit 2 performs operations other than initialization by manual operation to the reception unit 70 in a manner different from a predetermined manual operation, such as communication with external equipment E and external A link setting with device E, etc. is performed (step S21). When a user of the alarm device notices a problem with the alarm device, the user performs a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit 70 in a manner different from the operation for instructing execution of operations other than initialization of the alarm device (step S11). . Initialization is performed in the second processing section 2 by a predetermined manual operation (step S22).

As shown in FIG. 6, the alarm initialization method of the present embodiment further includes, in addition to performing a predetermined manual operation on the receiving unit 70, connecting or disconnecting the alarm power plug 61 from the commercial power source. (Step S12). The connection or separation between the power plug 61 and the commercial power source may be performed before a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit 70, after the predetermined manual operation, or simultaneously with the predetermined manual operation. It's okay to be hurt. Preferably, the second processing unit 2 is initialized by connecting or disconnecting the power plug 61 from the commercial power source while a predetermined manual operation is being performed. It may be possible to prevent the initialization of the second processing unit 2 from being performed unintentionally and erroneously.

In FIG. 6, unless step S11 is performed, or unless step S12 is performed together with step S11, the second processing unit 2 has an alarm function, such as a communication function or a voice production function based on received information. Continuously performs control functions other than functions. In addition, each time an operation instructing the reception unit 70 to perform an operation other than initialization of the alarm device, the second processing unit 2 executes the operation other than initialization instructed by the operation. Execute (step S21).

Note that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and further includes all changes (modifications) within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims.

For example, as a modification of FIG. 1, the alarm device 100 may include three processing devices made of semiconductor devices such as microcomputers and ASICs. In that case, one of the three processing devices is a first sub-processing device that has an alarm function like the first processing device 10, and the other one has a communication function like the second processing device 20. The remaining one may be a main processing device that controls the other two.

In addition, in a modification of the alarm device 100 of FIG. 1, the first processing device 10 may emit a sound under the control of the second processing device 20 based on received information while issuing an audio alarm. It may be provided with means (not shown) for detecting a malfunction of the alarm function due to separation of the second processing device 20 from the control of the second processing device 20 or the like. When a malfunction is detected by such a detection means, the first processing device 10 may notify the malfunction from, for example, the output unit 40 and prompt the user to take a countermeasure. The user who receives the notification can perform a predetermined manual operation on the reception section 70 in order to perform a predetermined initialization operation of the second processing section 2 as a means of resolving the problem.

Further, in the above embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the processing operation of the alarm device of the embodiment is explained using a flow-driven flowchart in which processing is performed in order along the processing flow, but the present invention is not limited to this. . In the present invention, the processing operation of the alarm device may be performed by event-driven processing that executes processing on an event-by-event basis. In this case, it may be completely event-driven, or it may be a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

100 Alarm device 1 First processing section 10 First processing device 2 Second processing section 20 Second processing device 20a Storage means (inside the second processing device)
30 Storage means 40 Output section 50 Detection section 61 Power plug 70 Reception section SW Software SWi Software (initialization data)

Claims (3)

a detection unit capable of detecting at least either fire or gas;
a first processing unit that controls an alarm function that issues an alarm based on the detection result of the detection unit;
a second processing unit that operates according to instructions included in built-in software to control at least a predetermined function other than the alarm function;
A reception department that accepts manual operations,
An alarm device comprising:
A predetermined initialization operation is performed by performing a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit, and the software, which has reached a malfunctioning state, is brought into a state where it can function normally due to an update after the alarm starts operating. An alarm configured to be reset. The second processing section is configured to be controlled by the first processing section,
The second processing section, which has reached a state where it cannot accept control of the first processing section due to the defective state, returns to a state under control of the first processing section by the predetermined initialization operation. The alarm device described in 1. a detection section capable of detecting at least either fire or gas; a first processing section that controls an alarm function that issues an alarm based on the detection result of the detection section; and a first processing section that operates according to instructions included in built-in software. A method for initializing an alarm device, comprising: a second processing section that controls at least a predetermined function other than the alarm function; and a reception section that receives manual operation.
The second processing unit is initialized by performing a predetermined manual operation on the reception unit that is different from the operation that instructs the alarm to perform an operation other than initialization, and the alarm starts operating. A method for initializing an alarm device, the method comprising restoring the software which has become malfunctioning due to a subsequent update to a state in which it can function normally.

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