WO2011100121A1 - Dispositif de génération d'une alerte supplémentaire - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'une alerte supplémentaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011100121A1
WO2011100121A1 PCT/US2011/022782 US2011022782W WO2011100121A1 WO 2011100121 A1 WO2011100121 A1 WO 2011100121A1 US 2011022782 W US2011022782 W US 2011022782W WO 2011100121 A1 WO2011100121 A1 WO 2011100121A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
alert
signal
supplemental
audible
detector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/022782
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David E. Albert
James J. Lewis
Landgrave T. Smith
Original Assignee
Innovalarm Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/703,097 external-priority patent/US8237577B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/703,081 external-priority patent/US8558708B2/en
Priority claimed from US12/703,119 external-priority patent/US8242899B2/en
Application filed by Innovalarm Corporation filed Critical Innovalarm Corporation
Publication of WO2011100121A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011100121A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B3/00—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems
    • G08B3/10—Audible signalling systems; Audible personal calling systems using electric transmission; using electromagnetic transmission

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to supplemental alert generation devices for supplementing the audible alert signals generated by smoke, fire, and/or carbon monoxide detectors.
  • a variety of commercially available detector/alert devices exist for alerting individuals of the presence of smoke, heat, and/or carbon monoxide. These devices are typically designed to be mounted to the ceiling in various rooms of a house or other building, and are ordinarily powered by the building's AC power lines with battery backup.
  • the audible alert signals generated by such devices are governed by various regulations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 217 ("The Standard of Safety for Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms"), UL 464 ("The Standard of Safety for Audible Signal Appliances"), UL 1971 (“The Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired”), and UL 2034 ("The Standard of Safety for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms").
  • UL Underwriters Laboratories
  • UL 464 The Standard of Safety for Audible Signal Appliances
  • UL 1971 The Standard for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired
  • UL 2034 The Standard of Safety for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms
  • Typical smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors produce a 3100-3200 Hz pure tone alert signal with the intensity (or power) of 45 to 120 dB (A- weighted for human hearing).
  • the alert signals typically have either a temporal-three (T3) pattern or a temporal-four (T4) pattern.
  • T3 pattern has three half-second beeps separated by half- second pauses (periods of silence), followed by a 1.5 second pause after the third beep.
  • a T4 pattern which is commonly used for carbon monoxide detection, has four 0.1 -seconds beeps separated by 0.1 -seconds pauses, followed by five seconds of silence before the next sequence of four pulses begins.
  • the supplemental alert signal may, for example, include a relatively low frequency audible signal in the range of 400 to 700Hz context.
  • a strobe or other visual signal or a bed vibration signal.
  • a bed vibration signal is the Lifetone HLTM Bedside Fire Alarm and Clock available from Lifetone Technology.
  • new regulations are being considered that would require commercially available detector/alert devices to generate a lower frequency audible alert signal, such as a 520 Hz square wave signal.
  • a battery-powered supplemental alert generation device (“supplemental alert generator”) is disclosed that is adapted to be mounted in close proximity to, such as within 3 or 4 feet of, a conventional smoke, heat and/or carbon monoxide detector/alert device.
  • the supplemental alert generator preferably operates in a relatively low power "threshold monitoring” mode in which it monitors the sound level or intensity of detected sounds.
  • the supplemental alert generator Upon detecting that the monitored sound level has reached a particular threshold level or intensity, the supplemental alert generator enters into a higher power "analysis” mode in which it analyzes the detected signal to assess whether it is a T3, T4, or other standard audible alert signal.
  • the supplemental alert generator If this analysis reveals the presence of a standard audible alert signal, the supplemental alert generator generates one or more supplemental alert signals, such as a 520 Hz square wave audio signal, an audible alert signal having other characteristics, and/or a strobe light signal.
  • supplemental alert signals such as a 520 Hz square wave audio signal, an audible alert signal having other characteristics, and/or a strobe light signal.
  • the supplement alert generator is designed to be mounted near the conventional detector/alert device, a relatively high sound-level threshold (e.g., between 70 and 90 decibels) can be used to trigger transitions into the analysis mode.
  • the supplemental alert generator typically remains in its low power "threshold monitoring" state except when the nearby detector/alert device generates an audible alert signal.
  • the battery drain when operating in the low-power listening mode is sufficiently low to enable the supplemental alert generator to operate for several years using two AA alkaline batteries or a similar battery source (e.g., four AA batteries, a C-cell battery, or a CR123 lithium battery).
  • the supplemental alert generator can be used to retrofit a house, hotel, or other building to comply with new standards or to otherwise increase the effectiveness of the preexisting detection/alert system.
  • supplemental alert generators can be mounted to the ceiling next to each preexisting smoke, heat and/or carbon monoxide detector. The cost of retrofitting an existing building in this manner can be significantly less than the cost of replacing the existing alert/detector devices.
  • the supplemental alert generator may include additional inventive features for improving battery performance.
  • a piezoelectric sensor is used to listen for the alert signal of the nearby detection/alert device. Because piezoelectric sensors are passive, the use of such a sensor reduces energy consumption in comparison to a microphone.
  • the supplemental alert generator may implement a "learning" or “training” algorithm for learning the sound level and/or other characteristics of the monitored detection/alert device's alert signal.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a supplemental alert generation device (“supplemental alert generator”) mounted to the ceiling next to an detector/alert device that it monitors;
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the supplemental alert generator
  • Figure 3 illustrates an initialization and learning process executed by a controller/processor of the supplemental alert generator
  • Figure 4 illustrates a main program loop executed by the supplemental alert generator's controller
  • Figure 5 illustrates a process executed by the supplemental alert generator's controller to assess whether a detected sound is a valid alarm, and for generating a supplemental alert/alarm if a valid alarm is detected;
  • Figure 6 illustrates one example of a circuit that may be used to implement the adjustable threshold detector of Figure 2;
  • Figure 7 is a cross sectional diagram of a speaker enclosure assembly that may be used to generate an audible supplemental alert signal.
  • a supplemental alert generation device that embodies various inventions will now be described with reference to the drawings. As will be recognized, some of the inventive features of the device may be implemented without others, and/or may be implemented differently than described herein. Thus, nothing in this detailed description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, or component of the disclosed device is essential.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a supplemental alert generator 20 according to one embodiment.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 is shown mounted to the ceiling of a building within a predefined distance D (e.g., 2, 3 or 4 feet) of a previously installed ceiling- mounted detector/alert device 30.
  • the detector/alert device 30 may be a conventional, commercially-available, AC-powered device capable of detecting smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, or a combination thereof.
  • the previously installed detector/alert device 30 typically generates a T3 or T4 audible alert or "beep" signal in the 3100-3200 Hz range. Other types of audible alert signals may be used, particularly outside the United States.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 is a battery-powered device (i.e., it is not connected to an AC power source) that is designed to continuously listen for the alert signal of the detector/alert device 30. When the alert signal is detected, the supplemental alert generator 20 generates one or more supplemental alert signals. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the supplemental alert generator 20 generates a relatively low frequency audible alert signal, such as a 520 Hz square wave signal, that is more effective at alerting the hearing impaired, deep sleepers, and children. This supplemental alert signal preferably has an average decibel level (dBA) of 85 or higher as measured ten feet from the device 20, as specified by existing standards and regulations. The device 20 may additionally or alternatively be designed to generate other types of supplemental alerts, such as a strobe light signal, an audible signal whose frequency content varies over time, and/or a wireless (RF) transmission to a separate alert device or system.
  • dBA decibel level
  • the device 20 may additionally or alternatively be designed to generate other
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 has approximately the same size and shape as the conventional detector/alert device 30. However, this need not be the case.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 may be larger or smaller in size than the detector/alert device 30, and may have a different configuration.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 can alternatively be mounted to a wall.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 may be used to retrofit an existing home, hotel, office building, or other facility to comply with new regulations or to otherwise increase the effectiveness of the existing detection/alert system. This may be done by, for example, mounting one supplemental alert generator 20 next to each respective preexisting detector/alert device 20. Typically, the cost of retrofitting a facility in this manner will be significantly less than the cost of replacing all of the existing detector/alert devices 30. This cost savings can be achieved primarily because the supplemental alert generator 20 preferably (1) does not itself include any circuitry or components for detecting smoke, heat or carbon monoxide, (2) can be constructed from low cost components, and (3) does not connect to an AC power source.
  • the supplemental alert generator 30 preferably operates primarily in a relatively low power "threshold monitoring" mode in which it listens for sounds of sufficiently high sound level or intensity to represent the alert signal of the nearby detector/alert device 20. When operating in this mode, the supplemental alert generator 30 preferably does not analyze audio signals it hears to determine whether such signals match the expected T3, T4 or other standard alert signal pattern. For example, in one embodiment, no analysis of signal pulse lengths, pulse periodicity, or other timing parameters is performed, and no active components are used to filter the received audio signal. This enables the device 30 to operate at a very low power level the vast majority of the time.
  • the supplemental alert generator 30 can typically operate for several years without replacing the battery or batteries.
  • false positives are generally less likely to occur (in comparison to products that analyze the signal continuously).
  • the supplemental alert generator 30 When the supplemental alert generator 30 detects a sound of sufficient volume, it enters into a higher power mode in which it analyzes the received audio signal. To implement this feature, the supplemental alert generator 30 preferably uses a signal comparator to determine whether the magnitude or intensity of the received audio signal exceeds a particular threshold. This threshold may be fixed. Preferably, however, the threshold is adjustable such that the supplemental alert generator 20 can be calibrated or tuned based on the characteristics of the detector/alert device 30 with which it is paired.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 can be placed into a "learn" mode in which it listens to the detector/alert device's alert signal (which is generated when the device's standard test button 32 is pressed), and tunes itself accordingly.
  • the tuning process may include or consist of selecting and setting a threshold level to be used for subsequent threshold monitoring.
  • the learning process is preferably performed after the supplemental alert generator 20 has been mounted, so that the selected threshold reflects the actual distance D between the two devices.
  • the supplemental alert generator may additionally or alternatively select or adjust one or parameters of a signal analysis algorithm.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 may measure one or more timing parameters (pulse width, pulse separation, etc.) of the alert signal for subsequent use during alert signal verification.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 may be capable of detecting that the adjacent detector/alert device generates a non-T3, non-T4 alert signal (as may be the case outside the US), and may be capable of adapting/adjusting its signal analysis algorithm to permit subsequent detection of this signal.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 may include one or more LEDs 22, such as a red LED and a green LED, that serve similar functions to those of conventional detector/alert devices 30.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 may include a test button 24 that can be depressed to cause the device to generate its supplemental alert signal(s).
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 also includes a conical acoustic coupler 25 that acts both as a passive amplifier and a filter. Where such a coupler 25 is provided, the supplemental alert generator 20 is preferably mounted such that the coupler 25 extends outward in the direction of the monitored detector/alert device 30.
  • the coupler 25 may be composed of plastic or another suitable material, and may extend into the housing of the supplemental alert generator 20. In one implementation intended to improve detection of signals in the range of 2800 to 3400 Hz, the coupler's diameter is about 1.65 inches at the large opening.
  • the small end of the conical acoustic coupler 25 may vary in size, depending on the size and type sound sensor used. II. Block Diagram ( " Figure 2)
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the supplemental alert generator 20.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 uses an audio speaker 56 to generate the supplemental alert signal.
  • the supplemental alert may be generated using a piezoelectric element, another type of sound generation device, a strobe light, a radio frequency transmitter, or another type of signal generator.
  • Various combinations of these and other types of alert generation devices e.g., a speaker combined with a strobe light
  • the overall operation of the supplemental alert generator 20 is controlled by a controller 50, which is a programmed microcontroller in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 includes a piezoelectric sensor 40 that passively converts sound energy into an electrical signal.
  • the piezoelectric sensor 40 has a diameter of about 0.785 inches, and is mounted about 0.9 inches from, and in alignment with, the small opening of the conical acoustic coupler 25.
  • the piezoelectric sensor 40 advantageously operates without consuming any power.
  • the use of a piezoelectric sensor contributes to the low power consumption and long battery life of the supplemental alert generator 20.
  • Another benefit is that piezoelectric sensors are not very sensitive in comparison to microphones, and are thus capable of effectively filtering out or ignoring relatively low volume sounds.
  • Yet another benefit—particularly where the piezoelectric sensor's resonant frequency is matched to the tone frequency of the detector/alert device 30— is that relatively loud sounds falling substantially above or below the detector/alert device's tone frequency are effectively filtered out or ignored.
  • a microphone or another type of non-piezoelectric sound sensor may alternatively be used in some embodiments.
  • the audio signal generated by the piezoelectric sensor 40 is fed to an adjustable threshold detector 42.
  • a non-adjustable threshold detector may alternatively be used.
  • This audio signal is also passed to an analog signal processing circuit 44 that includes a band-pass filter 46 coupled to an envelope detector 48.
  • the band-pass filter 46 is maintained in an OFF state except when an audio signal of a sufficiently high volume is detected.
  • the band-pass filter preferably has a center frequency of about 3000 to 3400 Hz, corresponding to the frequencies used by standard detector/alert devices.
  • the band-pass filter 46 and/or the envelope detector 48 may alternatively be implemented in digital circuitry. As explained below, the band-pass filter 46 may be omitted in some embodiments.
  • the threshold detector 42 is responsible for determining whether the audio signal exceeds the threshold level for triggering an analysis of the signal.
  • One example of a circuit that may be used for this purpose is shown in Figure 6 and is discussed below.
  • the threshold detector 42 When the threshold is met, meaning that a threshold level or higher of sound energy is present, the threshold detector 42 generates a notification signal to the microcontroller 50.
  • the notification signal is labeled WAKE to signify that it is capable of causing the microcontroller 50 to wake from its sleep state.
  • the microcontroller 50 is preferably capable of adjusting the threshold detector 42 via a set of control (CNTRL) lines to adjust the threshold sound level.
  • the threshold is set to correspond to a sound level of about 70 to 90 dBA.
  • the microcontroller 50 Upon being awoken by the threshold detector 42, the microcontroller 50 powers up the band-pass filter 46 (if one is provided) and begins analyzing the output of the envelope detector 48.
  • this output signal i.e., the output of the envelope detector 48
  • this output signal is a pulse signal whose pulses correspond in duration to the pulses/beeps of the alert signal.
  • the microcontroller 50 can determine whether a T3 or T4 alert signal is present.
  • the piezoelectric sensor 40 acts as a band-pass filter to some extent, the band-pass filter 46 shown in Figure 2 may be omitted in some embodiments.
  • the output of the piezoelectric sensor 40 is preferably connected as an input to both the envelope detector 48 and the microcontroller 50. This enables the microcontroller 50 to analyze the frequency of the received audio signal, and to also assess whether this audio signal has an ON/OFF pattern corresponding to a T3, T4, or other standard alarm signal.
  • the microcontroller 50 upon detecting a T3 or T4 signal, the microcontroller 50: (1) powers up an audio amplifier circuit 54 (as depicted by the signal line labeled ON/OFF in Figure 2), and (2) generates, and outputs to the audio amplifier circuit, an audio alert signal.
  • the audio alert signal may, for example be a square wave signal in the range of 400 to 700 Hz, such as a 520 Hz square wave signal.
  • a variety of other types of audio alert signals may alternatively be used, including, for example, an audio signal whose fundamental frequency is ramped up or down over time.
  • other types of supplemental alerts including visual alerts, may additionally or alternatively be generated.
  • the sound produced by the audio speaker 56 need not be that of a "true” or “perfect” square wave.
  • harmonics above about 2 kHz or 2.5 kHz are of little importance to the alarm signal's effectiveness.
  • these frequency components can be omitted or attenuated.
  • the audio amplifier circuit 54 comprises a Class D (non-linear) audio amplifier. In contrast to the efficiency range of Class A amplifiers that are commonly used in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms (30-35%), Class D amplifiers can achieve about 85 to 95% efficiency. Though common in portable audio applications such as portable MP3 players, Class D amplifiers are typically not used in alarm applications.
  • the audio amplifier circuit 54 may also include a voltage boost regulator (not shown), such as a DC-to-DC converter, that boosts the voltage provided to the Class D amplifier to a level sufficient to produce the desired sound level (e.g., at least 85 dBA as measured 10 feet).
  • the audio amplifier circuit 54 may, for example, be implemented using a model TPA2013 Class D audio amplifier with integrated voltage boost regulator from Texas Instruments (which may be powered by two AA batteries connected in series), or using a model no. LM48511 Class D audio amplifier with integrated voltage boost regulator from National Semiconductors (which may be powered by four AA batteries).
  • the amplifier circuit 54 drives the audio speaker 56.
  • the speaker 56 may, for example, be a conventional 3", 2.5" or 1" audio speaker.
  • the speaker may, but need not, be mounted to a speaker enclosure (see Figure 7, discussed below).
  • the enclosure is preferably designed such that the object resonance of the speaker/enclosure combination is approximately the same as the fundamental frequency of the square wave. For example if the alert signal is a 520 Hz square wave, an enclosure that produces an object resonance of about 520 Hz is used. The use of such an enclosure tends to shift some of the higher frequency harmonics to the lower ones, primarily the first harmonic, compensating for the relatively poor performance of inexpensive audio speakers at relatively low frequencies.
  • the microcontroller 50 is preferably a low power microcontroller or microprocessor device that is capable in being placed into one or more "sleep" or “low power” modes.
  • the MSP430 family of microcontrollers available from Texas Instruments are suitable.
  • a more powerful microcontroller, such as an ARM7 device, may alternatively be used.
  • the microcontroller 50 may be replaced with, or integrated into, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or another type of IC device.
  • the microcontroller 50 executes a firmware program for controlling the various functions of the supplemental signal generator 20.
  • the flow charts shown in Figures 3-5 (discussed below) illustrate some of the program logic and functions that may be embodied in this firmware program.
  • the firmware program may be stored in ROM, in flash memory, or on another suitable type of computer-readable storage medium or device.
  • ROM read-only memory
  • flash memory or on another suitable type of computer-readable storage medium or device.
  • another type of controller e.g., a digital signal processor or an ASIC
  • the various active components of the supplemental alert generator 20 are powered by a battery 60, which may be formed from two or more batteries.
  • the battery 60 is implemented using two AA alkaline batteries connected in series (3V total).
  • Other options include: three or four AA batteries, four AAA batteries, one or more C-cell or D-cell batteries, or a lithium CR123 battery.
  • a rechargeable battery may be used, in which case a solar cell may be provided to charge the battery 60.
  • the microcontroller 50 may use a conventional battery monitoring circuit 64 to monitor the state of the battery 60.
  • a microphone may be provided that is powered up when a threshold sound level is detected. The signal generated by this microphone may then be analyzed (in additional to or instead of the piezoelectric sensor's signal) to assess T3/T4 compliance.
  • a strobe light can be provided for generating a visual supplemental alert signal, and/or an RF transmitter can be provided for transmitting an alert message on a wireless network.
  • the various components shown in Figure 2 may be housed within a plastic or other housing similar to that used for existing smoke alarms. An adhesive and/or screw holes may be provided for attaching the housing to the ceiling.
  • Figures 3 and 4 illustrate some of the functions that may be embodied in the firmware program executed by microcontroller 50. Some or all of these functions may alternatively be implemented in application-specific circuitry (e.g., an ASIC, FPGA, or other device). As will be apparent, the program logic can be varied significantly from that shown in the drawings.
  • application-specific circuitry e.g., an ASIC, FPGA, or other device.
  • Figure 3 illustrates an initialization or "learning” sequence that may be executed when the battery or batteries are inserted into the supplemental alert generator 20.
  • This initialization process assumes the operator will depress the "test" button 32 on the adjacent detector/alert device 30 (to cause its alarm to sound) within a short time period after inserting the batteries.
  • the microcontroller 50 initially (1) alternates the green and red LEDs 22 to indicate that the device 20 is in its "learn” mode, (2) sets the listening threshold to its lowest level by controlling the adjustable threshold detector 42, and (3) turns on the band-pass filter 46 (if such a filter is provided).
  • the microcontroller 50 may also output, via the audio amplifier circuit 54 and speaker 56, a pre-recorded or synthesized voice message instructing the operator to press the test button 32. As represented by blocks 76 and 78, the microcontroller 50 then enters into a loop in which it listens for the alert signal of the adjacent detector/alert device 30. To determine whether an alert signal is present, the microcontroller 50 may use a sound qualification process similar to that shown in Figure 5 and described below.
  • the microcontroller 50 flashes the red LED and causes the device 20 to output an error sound (block 80).
  • the error sound may, for example, be a distinct alarm tone or pattern, or may be a pre-recorded or synthesized voice message explaining the error event (e.g., "No alarm was detected, please re-insert batteries and try again.")
  • the microcontroller 50 iteratively programs/adjusts the adjustable threshold detector 42 to search for the threshold corresponding to the detected alert signal. As illustrated in block 82, a binary search algorithm may be used for this purpose.
  • block 84 once the threshold is detected, it is adjusted downward by an appropriate margin.
  • the microcontroller 50 may also output a pre-recorded or synthesized voice message indicating that the learning process was successful.
  • the initialization/learning process increases the likelihood that the supplemental alert generator 20 will remain in its low power "threshold monitoring" mode except when the adjacent detector/alert device 30 outputs an alert signal. This, in turn, increases the battery life of the supplemental alert generator 20, and reduces the likelihood of false positives.
  • the learning process depicted by Figure 3 can be omitted, or can be performed in response to some other triggering event (such as the depression of a button).
  • the process can be augmented to include other types of adjustments or calibrations that are based on an analysis of the timing and/or other parameters of the alert signal.
  • the microcontroller 50 enters into its main program loop, which is illustrated in Figure 4.
  • This main loop corresponds to the low power "threshold monitoring" mode described above.
  • the microcontroller 50 initially turns on the green LED for a preset duration and then checks the battery status. If the battery is low, a chirp sound is generated and the red LED is flashed (blocks 94 and 96).
  • the microcontroller 50 then turns off the LEDs (block 98), sets its internal wake timer to 30 seconds (or another appropriate time period), and enters a low power sleep mode (block 100).
  • the microcontroller 50 will typically spend the vast majority of its time (e.g., 99% or more) in this sleep state.
  • three types of events can cause the microcontroller 50 to wake from its sleep mode in the illustrated embodiment: (1) the expiration of the wake timer, (2) the detection of a loud sound by the adjustable threshold detector 42, and (3) the depression of the supplemental alert generator's test button 24. If the wake timer expires, the steps represented by blocks 90-100 are simply repeated. If a loud sound is detected, the microcontroller 50 executes a sound qualification routine, which is depicted in Figure 5 and discussed below. If the test button 24 is depressed, microcontroller 50, via the audio amplifier 54 and speaker 56, outputs an audible supplemental alert signal of the type generated when an alert condition is detected (block 104).
  • Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of a sound analysis/qualification routine that may be executed by the microcontroller 50 when a loud sound (one that meets or exceeds the threshold) is detected by the threshold detector 42.
  • the microcontroller 50 initially powers up the band-pass filter 46 (block 106) if such a filter is provided, and then begins analyzing the output of the envelope detector 48 (block 108).
  • This analysis may include or consist of (1) measuring the durations of any pulses and the amounts of time between consecutive pulses, and (2) determining whether these values correspond to a T3 or T4 pattern.
  • other types of patterns may also be supported, including patterns that are learned during the learning process.
  • the microcontroller 50 may also determine the fundamental frequency of this signal, and determine whether this frequency falls within the frequency range of standard alert signals (e.g., 2800 Hz to 3500 Hz). Thus, the sound may be qualified based on its ON/OFF pattern (if any), and based additionally on its frequency during the "on" periods.
  • standard alert signals e.g. 2800 Hz to 3500 Hz
  • the microcontroller 50 turns on the audio amplifier 54, and generates and outputs a supplemental alert signal for amplification by the audio amplifier (blocks 110-118).
  • a supplemental alert signal for amplification by the audio amplifier (blocks 110-118).
  • two patterns are supported: T3 and T4. If a T3 pattern is detected (block 110), the supplemental alert generator 20 outputs an audible supplemental alert signal having a T3 pattern (block 112). If a T4 pattern is detected (block 1 14), the supplemental alert generator 20 outputs an audible supplemental alert signal having a T4 pattern (block 1 18).
  • the supplemental alert generator 20 outputs the supplemental alert signal in synchronization with the detected alert signal (preferably with the pulses or sounds of both signals synchronized in time).
  • both devices 20 and 30 beep (or otherwise create a sound) at the same time, and both devices pause (create no sound) at the same time.
  • the overall (combined) alarm sound level is increased during the beep or "on" periods without negating the silent periods. This increases the likelihood that the combined or retrofitted alert system will effectively alert the building's occupants.
  • the microcontroller 50 may, for example, begin outputting the first of eight cycles of a T3 (or T4) supplemental alert signal at the beginning of the next T3 (or T4) cycle of the monitored alert signal, and may then re-synchronize if the monitored alert signal is still present.
  • the microcontroller 50 may alternatively adjust the timing of the output signal more frequently (e.g., once every T3 or T4 cycle) to maintain tighter synchronization, or less frequently to provide a lower degree of synchronization.
  • the supplemental alert signal can be a 520 Hz square wave, a square wave having a different frequency, a 520 Hz sinusoidal signal, a sweeping- frequency square wave or sinusoidal signal, or any other signal that may eventually be required by regulations.
  • a supplemental alert signal generator 20 designed to create the new alarm sound may be made available; this device 20 may then be used to retrofit an existing detection/alert system to comply with the new regulations.
  • Existing facilities may similarly be retrofitted to add a strobe light alert signal or an RF transmission capability.
  • the supplemental alert signal may include a prerecorded or synthesized voice message indicating the type of alarm detected (e.g., smoke versus carbon monoxide) and/or providing instructions (e.g., "please exit the building"). This message may be output at the end of a T3 or T4 cycle.
  • FIG 6 illustrates one embodiment of the adjustable threshold detector 42 shown in Figure 2.
  • the adjustable threshold detector 42 is shown connected to the piezoelectric sensor 40.
  • the adjustable threshold detector 42 and the piezoelectric sensor 40 form an adjustable threshold sound level detector.
  • the piezoelectric sensor 40 may, in some embodiments, be replaced with another type of device (such as a microphone) that converts sound into an electrical signal.
  • the adjustable threshold detector 42 includes a digital potentiometer 120 that operates in conjunction with a resistor R2 to form a voltage divider network.
  • a digital potentiometer is the MAX5475 available from Maxim Integrated Products.
  • the digital potentiometer 120 is controlled by the microcontroller 50 via three signal lines, which are labeled THRES_CS# (threshold chip select), THRES _INC# (threshold increment) and THRESJDIR (threshold direction), respectively.
  • THRES_CS# threshold chip select
  • THRES _INC# threshold increment
  • THRESJDIR threshold direction
  • the adjustable threshold detector 42 also includes capacitors CI and C2 and resistor Rl, which are used for filtering, and a push-pull output comparator 124.
  • the component values shown in Figure 6 are merely representative, and modifications to these values may be necessary or desirable.
  • the piezoelectric sensor 40 In operation, the piezoelectric sensor 40 generates a small AC voltage in response to relatively loud sounds in the vicinity of its resonant frequency. When this AC voltage exceeds the voltage across the digital potentiometer 120, the (+) input of the comparator 124 becomes higher in voltage than the (-) input, causing the comparator 124 to flip its digital output. This digital output is provided to the microcontroller 50 (as shown by the WAKE signal line in Figure 2), allowing the microcontroller to detect events in which the threshold is exceeded.
  • the adjustable threshold detector 42 can be implemented in a variety of other ways.
  • a digital-to-analog converter can be used to convert the output of the piezoelectric sensor 40 into a digital signal. This digital signal can be compared by the microcontroller 50 or another circuit to a threshold value to determine whether the sound threshold is reached.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a speaker enclosure assembly 130 that may be used in some embodiments to improve the sound output of the audio speaker 56 at relatively low frequencies (e.g., 700 Hz or less).
  • the illustrated enclosure includes a tubular or cylindrical portion 138 that is capped or sealed by a circular back wall 134.
  • the speaker 56 is mounted at the opposite end of the tubular portion 138, and is held in place by a lip portion 136 and an internal bezel.
  • the enclosure assembly may, but need not, be sealed.
  • the enclosure assembly 130 may be partially or fully enclosed within the main housing (Figure 1) of the supplemental alert generator 20, and is preferably oriented such that the speaker faces downward (toward the floor) when the supplemental alert generator 20 is mounted to the ceiling.
  • the enclosure may be constructed from PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), sheet metal, or another suitable material.
  • the enclosure assembly 130 is preferably tuned to have a primary or fundamental object resonance frequency that is approximately equal to the fundamental frequency of the square wave.
  • the speaker enclosure assembly 130 preferably has an object resonance of about 520 Hz, meaning that that speaker and enclosure combined collectively have a resonant frequency of about 520 Hz.
  • This characteristic of the speaker enclosure assembly 130 advantageously causes some of the energy above about 2 or 3 kHz to be shifted down to the first (primarily), third and fifth harmonics. This, in turn, compensates for the relatively poor low-frequency performance of low-cost audio speakers 56 in the 1-inch to 3-inch range.
  • the object resonance of the speaker enclosure assembly can be adjusted by adjusting several mechanical variables, including, for example, the volume or diameter of the enclosure.
  • the volume for producing a given object resonance will vary depending on various factors, including the mass and size of the speaker 56 and the type(s) of material used for the enclosure.
  • an enclosure constructed of PVC plastic will typically have a wall 138 thickness of approximately 0.115 inch, a back wall 134 thickness of 0.100 inch, and a volume of 160 to 200 cubic centimeters.
  • An enclosure constructed of sheet metal will typically have a side and back wall thickness of 0.010 inch, and a volume of 190 to 230 cubic centimeters.
  • the side and back wall thicknesses, along with volume and diameter can be used to manipulate the object resonance frequency of the speaker enclosure assembly. Typical dimensions and other parameters for a PVC implementation are shown in Table 1.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Fire Alarms (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un générateur d'alerte supplémentaire (20) alimenté sur batterie qui est apte à être monté à proximité étroite, par exemple à 3 ou 4 pieds, d'un dispositif classique d'alerte/de détection de fumée, de chaleur et/ou d'incendie (30). Le générateur d'alerte supplémentaire (20) fonctionne dans un mode de consommation d'énergie relativement faible, tout en écoutant le dispositif d'alerte/de détection (30) tout proche pour générer un signal d'alerte audible standard. Lorsqu'il a détecté que le niveau sonore surveillé a atteint un seuil particulier, le générateur d'alerte supplémentaire (20) passe dans un mode d'analyse à consommation d'énergie supérieure dans lequel il analyse le signal détecté afin de déterminer s'il s'agit d'un signal d'alerte audible. Si c'est un signal d'alerte audible qui a été détecté, le générateur d'alerte supplémentaire (20) produit un ou plusieurs signaux d'alerte supplémentaires, par exemple un signal d'onde carrée audible à 520 Hz. Le générateur d'alerte supplémentaire peut être utilisé pour équiper a posteriori une habitation, un hôtel ou un autre bâtiment afin de se conformer aux nouvelles normes ou sinon pour augmenter l'efficacité d'un système de détection/d'alerte existant.
PCT/US2011/022782 2010-02-09 2011-01-27 Dispositif de génération d'une alerte supplémentaire WO2011100121A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/703,097 2010-02-09
US12/703,097 US8237577B2 (en) 2010-02-09 2010-02-09 Supplemental alert generation device
US12/703,119 2010-02-09
US12/703,081 2010-02-09
US12/703,081 US8558708B2 (en) 2010-02-09 2010-02-09 Supplemental alert generation device with speaker enclosure assembly
US12/703,119 US8242899B2 (en) 2010-02-09 2010-02-09 Supplemental alert generation device for retrofit applications

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011100121A1 true WO2011100121A1 (fr) 2011-08-18

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2011/022782 WO2011100121A1 (fr) 2010-02-09 2011-01-27 Dispositif de génération d'une alerte supplémentaire

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Country Link
WO (1) WO2011100121A1 (fr)

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CN112216891A (zh) * 2019-07-11 2021-01-12 欣旺达电动汽车电池有限公司 一种动力电池系统及动力电池系统热失控监测方法

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EP4246484A3 (fr) * 2016-09-21 2023-11-29 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Dispositif d'émission de son, dispositif de notification et capteur
CN112216891A (zh) * 2019-07-11 2021-01-12 欣旺达电动汽车电池有限公司 一种动力电池系统及动力电池系统热失控监测方法
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