JP7802147B2 - Smoke monitoring systems and smoke sensors - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a smoke monitoring system and a smoke sensor.

There is technology for testing the signal transmission section of a fire alarm receiver that transmits signals to other devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-173988

Some smoke sensors have an accumulation function. However, when a test is conducted to output data to external equipment based on the test results of the smoke sensor's fire-related operation, the time required for this test will be longer if the smoke sensor performs an accumulation operation for a specified period of time.

One of the objectives of the present invention is to shorten the time required to test the fire-related operation of a smoke sensor with an accumulation function, outputting the results to external equipment.

One aspect of the present invention provides a smoke monitoring system comprising a smoke alarm panel connected to external equipment and a smoke sensor connected to the smoke alarm panel, wherein the smoke sensor has an acquisition unit that acquires instructions to execute an external output test that involves output to the external equipment, a test unit that executes a fire-related operation test in accordance with the execution instruction without performing the predetermined period of accumulation operation that is performed in a fire test that does not involve output to the external equipment, and a transmission unit that transmits the results of the test to the smoke alarm panel, and the smoke alarm panel has a receiving unit that receives the test results from the smoke sensor and an output unit that outputs a signal to the external equipment in accordance with the test results.

This invention can reduce the time required to test the fire-related operation of a smoke sensor with an accumulation function and output the results to external equipment.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a smoke monitoring system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a monitoring device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a smoke alarm panel. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer report database. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a dependent smoke sensor. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation of an external output test. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a monitoring screen displayed on the monitoring device. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen displayed on the monitoring device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a panel surface of a smoke alarm panel. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of timing for determining an alarm level. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen displayed on the monitoring device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a stand-alone smoke sensor.

1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smoke monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment. The smoke monitoring system 10 is installed in a fire prevention facility such as a server room, data center, or clean room. The smoke monitoring system 10 detects signs of fire by monitoring the ambient air conditions of the fire prevention facility. Detecting signs of fire in this way enables prompt action at an early stage.

The smoke monitoring system 10 comprises a monitoring device 100, a smoke alarm panel 200, and multiple slave smoke sensors 300. The monitoring device 100 and the smoke alarm panel 200 are connected via a first signal line 11, such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The smoke alarm panel 200 is connected to multiple slave smoke sensors 300 via a second signal line 12. The smoke alarm panel 200 is also connected to external equipment 500 via a third signal line 13. Note that although only one smoke alarm panel 200 is shown in Figure 1, multiple smoke alarm panels 200 may be provided.

The smoke monitoring system 10 undergoes fire tests and external output tests at designated times, such as during installation and maintenance. The fire test is a test to verify that the dependent smoke sensor 300 is operating normally. During the fire test, no output is made to the external equipment 500. The external output test, also known as a facing test, is a test to verify that the dependent smoke sensor 300 is properly transmitting a signal to the external equipment 500 in response to a fire detection. This signal transmission refers to the transmission of an alarm. During the external output test, an output is made to the external equipment 500. During the external output test, someone must be present at the external equipment 500 to confirm that the signal has been transmitted to the external equipment 500. Therefore, it is preferable that the external output test take as little time as possible.

The monitoring device 100 is used to collectively monitor the smoke alarm panel 200 and the slave smoke sensor 300. The monitoring device 100 also instructs the smoke alarm panel 200 and the slave smoke sensor 300 to perform an external output test.

The smoke alarm panel 200 is a device that receives smoke detection results from the slave smoke sensor 300 and outputs an alarm in response to these smoke detection results. This alarm output includes transmission of the alarm to external equipment 500.

The dependent smoke sensor 300, also known as a communication-type smoke sensor, is a smoke sensor that is dependent on the smoke alarm panel 200. "Dependent" here means that the smoke alarm panel 200 is responsible for part of the smoke alarm function. The dependent smoke sensor 300 detects smoke in the surrounding area and transmits the smoke detection results to the smoke alarm panel 200. The dependent smoke sensor 300 also performs tests in accordance with instructions from the monitoring device 100.

The external equipment 500 is an external facility to which the smoke alarm panel 200 transmits a report in response to an alarm. The external equipment 500 includes, for example, warning lights, fire extinguishing equipment, disaster prevention control panels, broadcasting equipment, security company equipment, etc.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 may be, for example, a general-purpose computer. The monitoring device 100 includes a control unit 101, a memory unit 102, a communication unit 103, an operation unit 104, and a display unit 105. The various units of the monitoring device 100 are connected via a bus.

The control unit 101 is a processor that controls each component of the device and performs various processes. The control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 102 is memory that stores programs and various data for implementing the functions of the device. The storage unit 102 includes, for example, at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication unit 103 is a communication interface that connects the device to the first signal line 11. The communication unit 103 is used to communicate with other devices connected via the first signal line 11. The operation unit 104 is used to operate the device. The operation unit 104 includes, for example, a mouse and keyboard. The display unit 105 displays various information. The display unit 105 includes, for example, an LCD display.

The control unit 101 functions as a transmission unit 111, a reception unit 112, and a display control unit 113. These functions are realized by the control unit 101 executing a program stored in the memory unit 102, and the control unit 101 performing calculations or controlling each part of the monitoring device 100.

In response to an operation to instruct the execution of an external output test at each of the multiple alarm levels, the transmission unit 111 transmits an instruction to execute an external output test at each of the multiple alarm levels to the smoke alarm panel 200. The multiple alarm levels indicate that the smoke concentration is equal to or greater than a different threshold. In one example, the multiple alarm levels are three levels, "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3." "Alarm 1" is the lowest alarm level. "Alarm 2" is the second lowest alarm level. "Alarm 3" is the highest alarm level.

When a test is performed by the slave smoke sensor 300 in accordance with the execution instruction transmitted from the transmitter 111, the receiver 112 receives the results of this test from the slave smoke sensor 300 via the smoke alarm panel 200.

The display control unit 113 displays the test results received by the receiving unit 112 on the display unit 105.

Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the smoke alarm panel 200. The smoke alarm panel 200 comprises a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, a first communication unit 203, a second communication unit 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, and an alarm transfer circuit 207. Each unit of the smoke alarm panel 200 is connected via a bus.

The control unit 201, memory unit 202, first communication unit 203, operation unit 205, and display unit 206 are basically the same as the control unit 101, memory unit 102, communication unit 103, operation unit 104, and display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100, respectively. However, the memory unit 202 stores a report database 221 in addition to a program for realizing the functions of the smoke alarm panel 200. The operation unit 205 includes, for example, an operation button. The display unit 206 includes, for example, a 7-segment display and an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The second communication unit 204 is a communication interface for connecting the device itself to the second signal line 12. The second communication unit 204 is used to communicate with other devices connected via the second signal line 12.

The alarm transfer circuit 207 transfers an alarm to the external equipment 500 when an alarm occurs. The alarm transfer circuit 207 is an example of an "output unit" according to the present invention. The alarm transfer circuit 207 includes multiple relays. Each relay includes a coil and a contact. In one example, the alarm transfer circuit 207 includes a first relay to a third relay. The first relay to the third relay include a first coil and a first contact, a second coil and a second contact, and a third coil and a third contact, respectively.

The contacts included in the signal transfer circuit 207 are connected to the external equipment 500 via the third signal line 13. These contacts are pre-assigned with a signal or alarm level that triggers a signal transfer. Each contact includes a first terminal and a second terminal. Normally, no current flows through the coil, so the first terminal is closed and the second terminal is open. On the other hand, when a signal transfer trigger assigned to a contact occurs and current flows through the paired coil, the first terminal opens and the second terminal closes. When the second terminal closes, both ends of the second terminal become conductive, and a contact signal is output to the external equipment 500 connected to the second terminal.

The control unit 201 functions as a transfer unit 211, a receiving unit 212, a display control unit 213, and an alarm transfer control unit 214. These functions are realized by the control unit 201 executing a program stored in the memory unit 202, and the control unit 201 performing calculations or controlling each part of the smoke alarm panel 200.

The forwarding unit 211 forwards the instruction to execute an external output test sent from the monitoring device 100 to the slave smoke sensor 300. The forwarding unit 211 also forwards the test results sent from the slave smoke sensor 300 to the monitoring device 100.

When a test is performed by the dependent smoke sensor 300, the receiving unit 212 receives the results of the test from the dependent smoke sensor 300.

The display control unit 213 displays the test results received by the receiving unit 212 on the display unit 206.

The report transfer control unit 214 outputs a contact signal to the external equipment 500 by switching the connection state of the contacts of the report transfer circuit 207 depending on the test results received by the receiving unit 212.

Figure 4 shows an example of the notification database 221. The notification database 221 shows the correspondence between contacts and the notification triggers assigned to those contacts. The notification database 221 includes contact identifiers and notification triggers. A contact identifier is information that uniquely identifies a contact. Notification triggers include alarm levels or signals. Each contact identifier is associated with the notification trigger assigned to the contact identified by that contact identifier.

Here, alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" are assigned to the first to third contacts included in the alarm transfer circuit 207, respectively. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the identifier of the first contact is associated with the alarm level "Alarm 1" and stored. The identifier of the second contact is also associated with the alarm level "Alarm 2" and stored. Furthermore, the identifier of the third contact is also associated with the alarm level "Alarm 3" and stored.

Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a dependent smoke sensor 300. The dependent smoke sensor 300 comprises a control unit 301, a memory unit 302, a communication unit 303, and a smoke detection unit 304. Each unit of the dependent smoke sensor 300 is connected via a bus.

The control unit 301, memory unit 302, and communication unit 303 are essentially the same as the control unit 101, memory unit 102, and second communication unit 204 of the smoke alarm panel 200 of the monitoring device 100, respectively. However, in addition to a program for realizing the functions of the dependent smoke sensor 300, the memory unit 302 also stores a preset accumulation time. This accumulation time is an example of the "predetermined time" according to the present invention.

The smoke detection unit 304 sucks in the surrounding air and measures the smoke concentration. In this way, the smoke detection unit 304 detects smoke present in the surrounding air. The smoke concentration that the smoke detection unit 304 can measure ranges from 0.0001%/m to 20.0%/m, for example. Smoke detection can be performed using, for example, a total scattered light method or a dual light receiving method. However, the method of detecting smoke is not limited to these methods and other methods may also be used. The smoke concentration measured by the smoke detection unit 304 is stored in the memory unit 302.

The control unit 301 functions as an acquisition unit 311, a test unit 312, a determination unit 313, and a transmission unit 314. These functions are realized by the control unit 301 executing a program stored in the memory unit 302, and the control unit 301 performing calculations or controlling each part of the dependent smoke sensor 300.

When an instruction to perform an external output test at each of multiple alarm levels is sent from the monitoring device 100, the acquisition unit 311 acquires this execution instruction via the smoke alarm panel 200.

In accordance with the execution instructions acquired by the acquisition unit 311, the test unit 312 performs a test of fire-related operations at each of multiple alarm levels without performing the accumulation operation for a predetermined period of time that is performed in a fire test that does not involve output to external equipment 500. These fire-related operations include operations that are performed when a fire occurs and operations that are performed when signs of a fire appear. Note that the test unit 312 may perform a fire test in addition to an external output test. In this case, the test unit 312 does not perform an accumulation operation during an external output test, but performs an accumulation operation during a fire test.

The dependent smoke sensor 300 is preset with different thresholds for multiple alarm levels. For example, the alarm level thresholds "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" are set in the range of 0.01%/m to 20.0%/m, with the alarm level threshold for "Alarm 1" increasing first, followed by the alarm level threshold for "Alarm 2" and the alarm level threshold for "Alarm 3." The thresholds set in this manner are stored in the memory unit 302. The test unit 312 performs a test of fire-related operation at the target alarm level by artificially raising the smoke concentration to the threshold of the target alarm level. The test unit 312 also controls the determination unit 313 so that accumulation operation is not performed during the external output test.

The determination unit 313 determines the appropriate alarm level by comparing the smoke density stored in the memory unit 302 with the alarm level thresholds "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3." For example, if the smoke density is below the alarm level threshold "Alarm 1," the determination unit 313 determines that none of the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" apply. If the smoke density is equal to or greater than the alarm level threshold "Alarm 1," the determination unit 313 determines that the alarm level "Alarm 1" applies. If the smoke density is equal to or greater than the alarm level threshold "Alarm 2," the determination unit 313 determines that the alarm level "Alarm 2" applies. If the smoke density is equal to or greater than the alarm level threshold "Alarm 3," the determination unit 313 determines that the alarm level "Alarm 3" applies.

Here, in a fire test that does not involve output to external equipment 500, the judgment unit 313 performs an accumulation operation for the accumulation time stored in the memory unit 302 and then determines the alarm level. For example, if the accumulation time is 20 seconds, the accumulation operation is performed for 20 seconds from the time when the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 first exceeds the threshold of the target alarm level. Then, when the accumulation time has elapsed, if the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 is equal to or greater than the threshold of the target alarm level, the judgment unit 313 determines that the target alarm level has been reached. On the other hand, in an external output test that involves output to external equipment 500, the judgment unit 313 determines the alarm level without performing this accumulation operation under the control of the test unit 312.

The transmission unit 314 transmits the results of the test performed by the test unit 312 to the smoke alarm panel 200. The test results indicate the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 and the corresponding alarm level determined by the determination unit 313.

6 is a sequence chart showing an example of the operation of the external output test, which is started when the external test is performed.

In step S11, the worker uses the operation unit 104 of the monitoring device 100 to select the dependent smoke sensor 300 to be subjected to the external output test and performs an operation to instruct the execution of the external output test.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a monitoring screen 150 displayed on the display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100. The monitoring screen 150 is displayed on the display unit 105 in response to, for example, an operator's operation. As shown in Figure 7, the monitoring screen 150 has an operation area 150a, a selection area 150b, and a display area 150c. The operation area 150a includes a "Test" button 151. The "Test" button 151 accepts an operation to specify the target alarm level from "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" and to instruct the execution of an external output test. This operation is performed by the operation unit 104.

Here, the multiple dependent smoke sensors 300 include dependent smoke sensor 300A. For example, if an external output test is first performed on dependent smoke sensor 300A at an alarm level of "Alarm 1," the worker uses the "Test" button 151 on the monitoring screen 150 shown in FIG. 7 to select dependent smoke sensor 300A and issue an instruction to perform an external output test at an alarm level of "Alarm 1."

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen 165 displayed on the display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100. When an operation to instruct execution of an external output test is performed, the confirmation screen 165 shown in Figure 8 is displayed on the display unit 105. The confirmation screen 165 includes a message confirming whether it is OK to start the external output test and a "Yes" button 166. To start the external output test, the operator presses the "Yes" button 166.

In step S12, in response to the operation performed in step S11, the transmitter 111 of the monitoring device 100 transmits to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the dependent smoke sensor 300 to be tested is connected the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300 to be tested and a test start command instructing the start of an external output test at the target alarm level. This test start command includes the target alarm level. For example, if the dependent smoke sensor 300 to be tested is dependent smoke sensor 300A and the target alarm level is "Alarm 1," the monitoring device 100 transmits a test start command including the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300A and the alarm level of "Alarm 1" to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the dependent smoke sensor 300A is connected. The forwarder 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 receives the identifier and test start command from the monitoring device 100.

In step S13, the transfer unit 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 transmits the received test start command to the dependent smoke sensor 300 that is the target of the external output test. The destination of this test start command is identified using the identifier received along with the test start command. The acquisition unit 311 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 receives the test start command from the smoke alarm panel 200.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the panel surface 250 of the smoke alarm panel 200. When a test start command for an external output test is received, information indicating that an external output test is being performed is displayed on the panel surface 250 of the smoke alarm panel 200. In this example, the panel surface 250 includes an indicator light 251 for the "Test" button and an indicator light 252 that reads "Caution Switch." These indicator lights 251 and 252 are realized, for example, by LEDs. When a test start command for an external output test is received, the indicator light 251 for the "Test" button lights up and the indicator light 252 that reads "Caution Switch" flashes. These displays indicate that an external output test is in progress.

Returning to FIG. 6, in step S14, when the slave smoke sensor 300 receives the test start command, it transitions to external output test mode. Once in external output test mode, normal alarm operation is not performed.

In step S15, the test unit 312 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 performs a fire-related operation test in accordance with the test start command. Specifically, the test unit 312 rewrites the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 to the threshold value of the target alarm level. This artificially raises the smoke concentration to the threshold value of the target alarm level. For example, if the target alarm level is "Alarm 1" and the threshold value of the alarm level "Alarm 1" is 0.04%/m, the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 is rewritten to 0.04%/m.

The determination unit 313 compares the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 with the thresholds for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" to determine whether the concentration corresponds to at least one of the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3." For example, if the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 is rewritten to the threshold for the alarm level "Alarm 1," the smoke concentration will be equal to or greater than the threshold for the alarm level "Alarm 1," and therefore will be determined to correspond to the alarm level "Alarm 1." Note that if there are alarm levels lower than the target alarm level, then when the smoke concentration corresponds to the target alarm level, it will also correspond to an alarm level lower than the target alarm level.

Here, in a fire test that does not involve output to external equipment 500, the judgment unit 313 performs an accumulation operation for the accumulation time stored in the memory unit 302 before determining the alarm level. However, in an external output test that involves output to external equipment 500, the judgment unit 313 determines the alarm level without performing this accumulation operation. Specifically, the test unit 312 controls the judgment unit 313 to use an accumulation time of 0 instead of the accumulation time stored in the memory unit 302. However, the accumulation time itself stored in the memory unit 302 is not rewritten. Under the control of the test unit 312, the judgment unit 313 uses an accumulation time of 0, i.e., determines the alarm level without performing an accumulation operation. Note that, like the external output test, the fire test is performed by artificially raising the smoke concentration to the threshold value for each alarm level.

Figure 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the timing for determining the alarm level. In a fire test, as shown in Figure 10(a), accumulation occurs for the accumulation time TA stored in memory unit 302. For example, after the test starts at time t1, if the smoke concentration stored in memory unit 302 is rewritten to the alarm level threshold of "Alarm 1" at time t2, accumulation occurs for accumulation time TA from time t2. Because the smoke concentration stored in memory unit 302 remains at the alarm level threshold of "Alarm 1," it is determined that the alarm level is "Alarm 1" after accumulation time TA has elapsed at time t3. In this case, the time required from the start of the test until the alarm level is determined is the time TB from time t1 to time t3.

On the other hand, in an external output test, as shown in Figure 10(b), no accumulation operation is performed. For example, after the test starts at time t1, if the smoke concentration stored in memory unit 302 is rewritten at time t2 to the threshold value for the alarm level "Alarm 1," it will immediately be determined to correspond to the alarm level "Alarm 1." In this case, the time required from the start of the test until the alarm level is determined is the time TC from time t1 to time t2, which is shorter than the time TB shown in Figure 10(a).

Returning to FIG. 6 , in step S16, upon completion of the test performed in step S15, the transmitter 314 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 transmits the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the test results to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the dependent smoke sensor 300 is connected. The test results include the smoke concentration and alarm information stored in the memory unit 302. The smoke concentration is an analog value. The alarm information indicates the corresponding alarm level. The alarm information may be, for example, a one-bit value indicating the corresponding alarm level. For example, the test results, including the smoke concentration of 0.04%/m stored in the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300A and alarm information indicating the alarm level "Alarm 1," and the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300A are transmitted from the dependent smoke sensor 300A to the smoke alarm panel 200. The receiver 212 of the smoke alarm panel 200 receives the identifier and test results from the dependent smoke sensor 300.

In step S17, the receiver 212 of the smoke alarm panel 200 associates the identifier received from the dependent smoke sensor 300 with the test result and stores them in the memory unit 202.

In step S18, the display control unit 213 of the smoke alarm panel 200 reads the test results from the memory unit 202 and displays them on the display unit 206. The test results are displayed for each dependent smoke sensor 300 based on the associated identifier.

As shown in FIG. 9, the panel surface 250 of the smoke alarm panel 200 has sensor areas 253 equal to the number of slave smoke sensors 300 connected to the smoke alarm panel 200. Each sensor area 253 includes a smoke density area 254, a bar graph 255, and alarm lights 256-258 labeled "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3." The alarm lights 256-258 are realized, for example, by LEDs.

The smoke density area 254 displays the smoke density measured by the dependent smoke sensor 300. The bar graph 255 displays a bar indicating this smoke density. The "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" warning lights 256 to 258 are illuminated when it is determined that an alarm corresponds to "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3," respectively.

The test results for the dependent smoke sensor 300A are displayed in the sensor area 253-1 corresponding to the dependent smoke sensor 300A. As described above, if the test results for the dependent smoke sensor 300A include a smoke density of 0.04%/m and alarm information indicating an alarm level of "Alarm 1," the smoke density area 254 of the sensor area 253-1 displays the smoke density of 0.04%/m. The bar graph 255 of the sensor area 253-1 displays a bar indicating the smoke density of 0.04%/m. The "Alarm 1" alarm light 256 is turned on. The "Alarm 2" alarm light 257 and the "Alarm 3" alarm light 258 are turned off. This display allows the operator to confirm that the alarm operation for the "Alarm 1" alarm level was performed normally in the external output test.

Returning to Figure 6, in step S19, the alarm transfer control unit 214 of the smoke alarm panel 200 references the alarm transfer database 221 stored in the memory unit 202 to determine whether a trigger for alarm transfer assigned to the contact of the alarm transfer circuit 207 has occurred.

For example, if the test results stored in memory unit 202 do not contain alarm information, the trigger for the signal transfer assigned to the contact has not occurred (the determination in step S19 is NO), so the processing in step S20 described below is skipped and processing proceeds to step S21.

On the other hand, if the test results stored in memory unit 202 contain alarm information and the alarm level indicated by this alarm information is assigned to at least one of the contacts, an opportunity to transfer the signal has occurred (YES in step S19), and processing proceeds to step S20.

In step S20, the alarm transfer control unit 214 of the smoke alarm panel 200 activates a relay containing a contact assigned to the trigger for the alarm transfer that has occurred. This switches the connection state of the contact contained in this relay, and a contact signal is output to the external equipment 500.

For example, assume that the test results of the dependent smoke sensor 300A include alarm information indicating that the alarm level is "Alarm 1." In the report transmission database 221 shown in Figure 4, the alarm level "Alarm 1" is assigned to the first contact. In this case, the report transmission control unit 214 supplies a signal to the report transmission circuit 207 to activate the first relay, which includes the first contact. This signal causes current to flow through the first coil included in the first relay. When current flows through the first coil, the second terminal of the first contact closes, and both ends of the second terminal become conductive. This causes a contact signal to be sent to the external equipment 500 connected to this second terminal.

When the external equipment 500 receives the contact signal, it performs a predetermined process. This predetermined process may include, for example, sound output, light emission, operation, control of other devices, alarm display, or a combination of at least two of these. This allows workers at the location where the external equipment 500 is installed to know that the notification was successfully transferred from the smoke alarm panel 200 to the external equipment 500 in response to the alarm.

In step S21, the transfer unit 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 transmits the identifier and test results received from the slave smoke sensor 300 to the monitoring device 100. The receiving unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 receives the identifier and test results from the smoke alarm panel 200.

In step S22, the receiving unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 associates the identifier received from the smoke alarm panel 200 with the test result and stores them in the memory unit 102.

In step S23, the display control unit 113 of the monitoring device 100 reads the test results from the memory unit 102 and displays them on the display unit 105. The test results are displayed for each dependent smoke sensor 300 based on the associated identifier.

In the monitoring screen 150 shown in FIG. 7, the selection area 150b includes a selection button 152. The selection button 152 accepts an operation to select a smoke alarm panel 200. The display area 150c displays sensor areas 159 equal to the number of dependent smoke sensors 300 to be displayed. Each sensor area 159 includes a status display area 153, a smoke density area 154, a bar graph 155, and alarm symbols 156-158 labeled "Alarm 1"-"Alarm 3."

The status display area 153 displays the status of the dependent smoke sensor 300. While an external output test is being performed, the status display area 153 displays the status "External Output Test." The smoke density area 154 displays the smoke density measured by the dependent smoke sensor 300. The bar graph 155 displays a bar indicating this smoke density. The alarm symbols 156-158, labeled "Alarm 1"-"Alarm 3," are lit when the corresponding alarm levels are "Alarm 1"-"Alarm 3." This lit display refers to a prominent display in a color such as red.

The test results for the dependent smoke sensor 300A are displayed in the sensor area 159-1 corresponding to the dependent smoke sensor 300A. If the test results for the dependent smoke sensor 300A include a smoke density of 0.04%/m and alarm information indicating an alarm level of "Alarm 1," the smoke density area 154 of the sensor area 159-1 displays a smoke density of 0.04%/m. The bar graph 155 of the sensor area 159-1 displays a bar indicating the smoke density of 0.04%/m. The alarm symbol 156 for "Alarm 1" is displayed lit. The alarm symbol 157 for "Alarm 2" and the alarm symbol 158 for "Alarm 3" are displayed unlit. This unlit display refers to an inconspicuous display in a dark color such as gray. This display allows the operator to confirm that the alarm operation for the "Alarm 1" alarm level was performed normally in the external output test.

Returning to FIG. 6 , in step S24, the transmission unit 111 of the monitoring device 100 determines whether to change the alert level and perform the next external output test. For example, if an operator changes the alert level and performs an operation to instruct the execution of the next external output test, the transmission unit 111 determines that the alert level will be changed and the next external output test will be performed (the determination in step S24 is YES). In this case, the process returns to step S12 described above, and the processes from step S12 onwards are performed with the changed alert level as the target alert level.

Figure 11 shows an example of a notification screen 170 displayed on the display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100 while an external output test is being performed. While an external output test is being performed at the alarm level "Alarm 1," the notification screen 170A shown in Figure 11(a) is displayed. The notification screen 170A includes the alarm level "Alarm 1" and a message indicating that an external output test is being performed. The notification screen 170A also accepts an operation to instruct the dependent smoke sensor 300 that is the subject of the external output test to start an external output test at "Alarm 2," which is the next highest alarm level after "Alarm 1." In this example, the notification screen 170A includes a message inquiring whether to change the alarm level to "Alarm 2" and a "Yes" button 171. To subsequently start an external output test at the alarm level "Alarm 2," the operator presses the "Yes" button 171.

In response to this operation, the monitoring device 100 sends a test start command, including an alarm level of "Alarm 2," to the dependent smoke sensor 300A via the smoke alarm panel 200. Upon receiving the test start command, the dependent smoke sensor 300A continues test mode and performs a test at the alarm level of "Alarm 2." Here, the threshold for the alarm level of "Alarm 2" is assumed to be 0.06%/m. In this case, the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 is rewritten to 0.06%/m. Subsequently, without performing an accumulation operation, it is determined that the alarm levels of "Alarm 1" and "Alarm 2" apply. The test results, including a smoke concentration of 0.06%/m and alarm information indicating the alarm levels of "Alarm 1" and "Alarm 2," are then sent from the dependent smoke sensor 300A to the smoke alarm panel 200. The smoke alarm panel 200 stores the test results in the memory unit 202 and displays them on the display unit 206, similar to the example shown in FIG. 9. Furthermore, in the report transfer database 221 shown in Figure 4, the alarm level "Alarm 2" is assigned to the second contact, so in addition to the first contact that has already been activated, the second relay including the second contact is activated and a contact signal is sent to the external equipment 500 connected to the second contact. Furthermore, this test result is sent from the smoke alarm panel 200 to the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 stores this test result in the memory unit 102 and displays it on the display unit 105, similar to the example shown in Figure 7.

While an external output test is being performed at the alarm level "Alarm 2," the display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100 displays the notification screen 170B shown in FIG. 11(b). The notification screen 170B includes the alarm level "Alarm 2" and a message indicating that an external output test is being performed. The notification screen 170B also accepts an operation to instruct the dependent smoke sensor 300 that is the subject of the external output test to start an external output test at "Alarm 3," which is the next highest alarm level after "Alarm 2." In this example, the notification screen 170B includes a message inquiring whether to change the alarm level to "Alarm 3," and a "Yes" button 172. If the operator subsequently wishes to perform an external output test at the alarm level "Alarm 3," the operator presses the "Yes" button 172.

In response to this operation, the monitoring device 100 transmits a test start command, including an alarm level of "Alarm 3," to the dependent smoke sensor 300A via the smoke alarm panel 200. Upon receiving the test start command, the dependent smoke sensor 300A continues test mode and performs a test at the alarm level of "Alarm 3." Here, the threshold for the alarm level of "Alarm 3" is assumed to be 0.08%/m. In this case, the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 is rewritten to 0.08%/m. Subsequently, without performing an accumulation operation, it is determined that the detected smoke corresponds to an alarm level of "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3." The dependent smoke sensor 300A then transmits test results, including a smoke concentration of 0.08%/m and alarm information indicating an alarm level of "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3," to the smoke alarm panel 200. The smoke alarm panel 200 stores the test results in the memory unit 202 and displays them on the display unit 206, similar to the example shown in FIG. 9. Furthermore, in the report transfer database 221 shown in Figure 4, the alarm level "Alarm 3" is assigned to the third contact, so in addition to the first and second contacts that have already been activated, the third relay including the third contact is activated, and a contact signal is sent to the external equipment 500 connected to the third contact. Furthermore, this test result is sent from the smoke alarm panel 200 to the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 stores this test result in the memory unit 102 and displays it on the display unit 105, similar to the example shown in Figure 7.

Returning to FIG. 6, if the operator performs an operation to instruct the end of the external output test in step S24 described above, the transmission unit 111 determines that the next external output test will not be performed (the determination in step S24 is NO). In this case, processing proceeds to step S25.

For example, while an external output test is being performed at an alarm level of "Alarm 3," the display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100 displays the notification screen 170C shown in FIG. 11(c). The notification screen 170C includes the alarm level of "Alarm 3" and a message indicating that an external output test is being performed. The notification screen 170C also accepts an operation to instruct the operator to end the external output test. In this example, the notification screen 170C includes an "End Test" button 173. To end the external output test, the operator presses the "End Test" button 173. When the "End Test" button 173 is pressed, it is determined that the next external output test will not be performed.

Returning to FIG. 6, in step S25, the transmitter 111 of the monitoring device 100 transmits to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the dependent smoke sensor 300 that is the subject of the external output test is connected the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300 that is the subject of the external output test, and a test end command instructing the termination of the external output test at the target alarm level. For example, the monitoring device 100 transmits the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300A and the test end command to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the dependent smoke sensor 300A is connected. The transfer unit 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 receives the identifier and test end command from the monitoring device 100.

In step S26, the transfer unit 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 transmits the received test end command to the dependent smoke sensor 300 that is the target of the external output test. The destination of this test start command is identified using the identifier received along with the test end command. The acquisition unit 311 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 receives the test end command from the smoke alarm panel 200.

Furthermore, when a test end command for the external output test is received, the indicator light 251 for the "Test" button and the indicator light 252 for "Caution Switch" shown in Figure 9 on the panel surface 250 of the smoke alarm panel 200 are turned off. Furthermore, the first to third contacts are deactivated, and the transmission of contact signals to the external equipment 500 is stopped.

In step S27, upon receiving the test end command, the dependent smoke sensor 300 returns from the external output test mode to the normal alarm mode. This resumes normal alarm operation. In the normal alarm mode, the smoke detection unit 304 measures the smoke concentration at predetermined time intervals, and this smoke concentration is stored in the memory unit 302. Next, a determination is made as to whether the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 corresponds to at least one of the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3." The smoke detection result, including the smoke concentration stored in the memory unit 302 and alarm information indicating the corresponding alarm level, is then transmitted to the smoke alarm panel 200. If the smoke detection result received from the dependent smoke sensor 300 includes alarm information, an alarm corresponding to the alarm level indicated by the alarm information is output from the smoke alarm panel 200. In addition, a contact corresponding to the alarm level is activated, and a contact signal is transmitted to the external equipment 500 connected to the activated contact.

According to the above-described embodiment, the accumulation operation is not performed in the dependent smoke sensor 300 during the external output test, thereby reducing the time required for the external output test. In particular, when external output tests at multiple alarm levels "Alarm 1" through "Alarm 3" are performed sequentially, the accumulation operation is omitted for each of these alarm levels, significantly reducing the time from the start of the external output test at alarm level "Alarm 1" to the end of the external output test at alarm level "Alarm 3." Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the accumulation time set in the dependent smoke sensor 300 is not changed during the external output test. If the accumulation time set in the dependent smoke sensor 300 were changed to 0 during the external output test, for example, if an operator forgets to reset the accumulation time to the original setting after the external output test, the accumulation operation would not be performed during the fire test. However, in the above-described embodiment, the accumulation time set in the dependent smoke sensor 300 is not changed during the external output test, so the accumulation operation would be performed during the fire test even if an operator does not reset the accumulation time. This prevents the accumulation operation from not being performed during a fire test due to forgetting to reset the accumulation time. Furthermore, because the monitoring device 100 accepts operations to instruct the execution of an external output test, workers can instruct the execution of an external output test by operating the monitoring device 100.

Furthermore, because external output tests are performed separately for alarm levels "Alarm 1" through "Alarm 3," it is possible to individually check whether the first through third contacts, which are assigned alarm levels "Alarm 1" through "Alarm 3," are operating normally. For example, if alarm levels "Alarm 1" through "Alarm 3" are assigned to the first through third contacts, respectively, when an external output test is performed for alarm level "Alarm 3," it will be determined that all alarm levels "Alarm 1" through "Alarm 3" are met, and a contact signal will be output to the external equipment 500 connected to the first through third contacts. However, in this example, it may be impossible to determine whether the output of a contact signal to external equipment 500 was triggered by reaching alarm level "Alarm 1," "Alarm 2," or "Alarm 3." However, by performing separate external output tests for alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3," it is possible to individually confirm whether a contact signal was normally output to the external equipment 500 when each of the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" was reached.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as in the following modifications. The embodiment and the modifications may be used in combination, or may be switched depending on the implementation. Similarly, the following modifications may be used in combination, or may be switched depending on the implementation.
Variation 1

In the above-described embodiment, the smoke monitoring system 10 may include one or more stand-alone smoke sensors 400 that transmit and output a signal to external equipment 500. The stand-alone smoke sensor 400 is connected to the monitoring device 100 via a first signal line 11. The stand-alone smoke sensor 400 is also connected to the external equipment 500 via a fourth signal line.

The independent smoke sensor 400, also known as a stand-alone type smoke sensor, is a smoke sensor that operates independently without the need for the smoke alarm panel 200. "Operating independently" here means that the smoke alarm function can be realized without relying on other devices. The independent smoke sensor 400 detects smoke in the surrounding area and outputs an alarm based on the smoke detection results. The independent smoke sensor 400 also performs tests according to instructions from the monitoring device 100.

Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a stand-alone smoke sensor 400. The stand-alone smoke sensor 400 includes a control unit 401, a memory unit 402, a communication unit 403, a smoke detection unit 404, an operation unit 405, a display unit 406, and a signal transfer circuit 407. Each unit of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 is connected via a bus.

The control unit 401, memory unit 402, communication unit 403, smoke detection unit 404, operation unit 405, display unit 406, and reporting circuit 407 are basically the same as the control unit 101, memory unit 102, communication unit 103, smoke detection unit 304 of the slave smoke sensor 300, and operation unit 205, display unit 206, and reporting circuit 207 of the smoke alarm panel 200, respectively, of the monitoring device 100. The reporting circuit 407 is an example of an "output unit" according to the present invention. However, in addition to a program for realizing the functions of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400, the memory unit 402 also stores a preset accumulation time for the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 and a reporting database 421 similar to the reporting database 221 shown in Figure 4. The smoke concentration measured by the smoke detection unit 404 is also stored in the memory unit 402.

The control unit 401 functions as an acquisition unit 411, a test unit 412, a determination unit 413, a transmission unit 414, a display control unit 415, and an alarm transfer control unit 416. These functions are realized by the control unit 401 executing a program stored in the memory unit 402, and the control unit 401 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400.

The acquisition unit 411, test unit 412, judgment unit 413, transmission unit 414, display control unit 415, and notification control unit 416 are essentially the same as the acquisition unit 311, test unit 312, judgment unit 313, transmission unit 314 of the dependent smoke sensor 300, and the display control unit 213 and notification control unit 214 of the smoke alarm panel 200, respectively. However, the acquisition unit 311 acquires an instruction to perform an external output test from the monitoring device 100 or in response to operation of the operation unit 405. The transmission unit 414 transmits the test results to the monitoring device 100.

In a first operational example of this modified example, the monitoring device 100 instructs the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 to perform an external output test. Here, the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 is assumed to include stand-alone smoke sensor 400A. For example, to perform an external output test at an alarm level of "Alarm 1" on stand-alone smoke sensor 400A, the worker uses the "Test" button 151 on the monitoring screen 150 shown in FIG. 7 to select stand-alone smoke sensor 400A and instructs the operator to perform an external output test at an alarm level of "Alarm 1."

In response to this operation, the monitoring device 100 sends a test start command including the alarm level "Alarm 1" to the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A. Upon receiving the test start command, the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A transitions to test mode and performs a test at the alarm level "Alarm 1" without performing accumulation operations. If this test determines that the alarm level "Alarm 1" is met, the connection state of the contact of the reporting circuit 407 assigned to that alarm level is switched, and a contact signal is sent to the external equipment 500 connected to this contact. The test results are also sent from the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A to the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 stores the test results in the memory unit 102 and displays them on the display unit 105, similar to the example shown in Figure 7.

In a second operational example of this modified example, an instruction to run an external output test is given using the operation unit 405 of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400, without using the monitoring device 100. For example, when performing an external output test at an alarm level of "Alarm 1" on the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A, the worker uses the operation unit 405 of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A to instruct the execution of an external output test at an alarm level of "Alarm 1."

In response to this operation, a test start command including the alarm level "Alarm 1" is input to the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A. When the test start command is input, the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A transitions to test mode and performs a test at the alarm level "Alarm 1" without performing an accumulation operation. If this test determines that the alarm level "Alarm 1" is met, the connection state of the contact of the reporting circuit 407 assigned to that alarm level is switched, and a contact signal is sent to the external equipment 500 connected to this contact. The test results are also displayed on the display unit 406.

According to this modified example, no accumulation operation is performed even during the external output test from the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 to the external equipment 500, thereby reducing the time required for this external output test.

Variation 2
In the above-described embodiment or modified example, the accumulation time used in the external output test does not necessarily have to be zero. For example, an accumulation time shorter than that used in the fire test may be used in the external output test. For example, if the accumulation time set for the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400 is 20 seconds, the accumulation operation in the external output test may be performed using a time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time from this accumulation time, for example, 5 seconds. This modified example also shortens the time required for the external output test.

Variation 3
In the above-described embodiment or modification, the monitoring device 100 may be used as a setting tool. In this modification, the monitoring device 100 may be, for example, a portable computer carried by an operator. The monitoring device 100 is individually connected to the smoke alarm panel 200, the dependent smoke sensor 300, or the independent smoke sensor 400 via a fifth signal line such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. When connected to a destination device via the fifth signal line, the monitoring device 100 exchanges various data with the destination device via the fifth signal line.

Variation 4
In the above-described embodiment or modification, the contact included in the alarm transfer circuit 207 or 407 may be a c-contact, an a-contact, or a b-contact. The relay may be a contact relay or a contactless relay. Furthermore, the number of contacts included in the alarm transfer circuit 207 or 407 may be more or less than three. Furthermore, it is not necessary for all of the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" to be assigned to contacts. Only one or two of the multiple alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" may be assigned to contacts.

Variation 5
In the above-described embodiment or modified example, a plurality of external equipment 500 may be provided. In this case, at least one of the plurality of contacts included in the reporting circuit 207 or 407 may be connected to a different external equipment 500 from the other contacts, or the plurality of contacts may be connected to different external equipment 500. Furthermore, the contacts and the external equipment 500 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

Variation 6
In the above-described embodiment or modification, if the smoke density is equal to or greater than the threshold for the alarm level "Alarm 2," it may not necessarily be the case that the alarm level is "Alarm 1." For example, if the smoke density is equal to or greater than the threshold for the alarm level "Alarm 2," it may be determined that only the alarm level "Alarm 2" is applicable. Similarly, if the smoke density is equal to or greater than the threshold for the alarm level "Alarm 3," it may not necessarily be the case that the alarm levels "Alarm 1" and "Alarm 2" are applicable. If the smoke density is equal to or greater than the threshold for the alarm level "Alarm 3," it may be determined that only the alarm level "Alarm 3" is applicable.

Variation 7
In the above-described embodiment or modification, the number of alarm levels is not limited to three. The number of alarm levels may be two, or may be four or more.

Variation 8
In the above-described embodiment or variant, the smoke alarm panel 200 may, together with or instead of the monitoring device 100, accept an operation to instruct the execution of an external output test, and in response to this operation, send a test start command to the dependent smoke sensor 300.

Variation 9
In the above-described embodiment or modification, the configurations of the various screens displayed on the monitoring device 100 and the panel surface 250 of the smoke alarm panel 200 are not limited to the above-described examples. The monitoring screen 150 and the panel surface 250 may have any configuration as long as they are capable of displaying the test results of the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400. This configuration includes color, layout, shape, components, and screen transitions. Furthermore, the monitoring screen 150 may have any configuration as long as it accepts an operation to instruct the execution of an external output test. For example, the monitoring screen 150 may be configured to include operation images different from those described in the above-described embodiment, or may be configured to exclude some of the operation images.

Modification 10
In the above-described embodiment or modified example, the configuration of the smoke monitoring system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The smoke monitoring system 10 may be configured to include one or more of the above-described devices, or may be configured to include none of the devices. For example, the smoke monitoring system 10 may include the monitoring device 100, the smoke alarm panel 200, the slave smoke sensor 300, and the standalone smoke sensor 400. Alternatively, the smoke monitoring system 10 may include only the standalone smoke sensor 400. Furthermore, the entities that perform the functions of the smoke monitoring system 10 are not limited to the above-described example.

Modification 11
In the above-described embodiment or modified example, the operation of the smoke monitoring system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The order of the processing steps of the smoke monitoring system 10 may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. Furthermore, some processing steps of the smoke monitoring system 10 may be omitted.

Modification 12
Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having processing steps performed in at least one of the smoke monitoring system 10, the monitoring device 100, the smoke alarm panel 200, the dependent smoke sensor 300, and the standalone smoke sensor 400. Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the monitoring device 100, the smoke alarm panel 200, the dependent smoke sensor 300, or the standalone smoke sensor 400. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or by being downloaded via the Internet or the like.

10: Smoke monitoring system, 100: Monitoring device, 111: Transmitter, 112: Receiver, 113: Display controller, 200: Smoke alarm panel, 207: Signal transfer circuit, 211: Transfer unit, 212: Receiver, 213: Display controller, 214: Signal transfer controller, 300: Dependent smoke sensor, 311: Acquisition unit, 312: Test unit, 313: Determination unit, 314: Transmitter, 400: Standalone smoke sensor, 407: Signal transfer circuit, 411: Acquisition unit, 412: Test unit, 413: Determination unit, 414: Transmitter, 415: Display controller, 416: Signal transfer controller, 500: External equipment

Claims (2)

A smoke alarm panel connected to an external facility and a smoke sensor connected to the smoke alarm panel are provided,
The smoke sensor
an acquisition unit that acquires an instruction to execute an external output test involving output to the external equipment;
a test unit that executes a test of a fire-related operation in accordance with the execution instruction, the test having a shorter accumulation time than an accumulation operation performed in a fire test that does not involve output to the external equipment;
a transmitter that transmits the test result to the smoke alarm panel;
The smoke alarm panel is
a receiver for receiving a result of the test from the smoke sensor;
an output unit that outputs a signal to the external equipment depending on the result of the test. an acquisition unit that acquires an instruction to execute an external output test involving output to external equipment;
a test unit that executes a test of a fire-related operation in accordance with the execution instruction, the test having a shorter accumulation time than an accumulation operation performed in a fire test that does not involve output to the external equipment;
an output unit that outputs a signal to the external equipment according to a result of the test.