WO2021224752A1

WO2021224752A1 - Security system, preferably a fire alarm system, and method for managing the communication of such a security system

Info

Publication number: WO2021224752A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincenzo NESTA
Original assignee: Argus Security S.R.L.
Priority date: 2020-05-05
Filing date: 2021-05-03
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Also published as: EP4147213A1; IT202000009826A1; AU2021268270A1

Abstract

A security system (1; 101), preferably a fire alarm system (1; 101), comprising a main control device (10), at least a first communication unit (20) connected by cable to the main control device (10), at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) communicating with the first communication unit (20) by means of a wireless communication, wherein the first communication unit (20) is configured to manage the communication between the main control device (10) and at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D). The security system (1; 101) comprises a second communication unit (30) connected by cable to the first communication unit (20) and connected by cable to the main control device (10), wherein the second communication unit (30) is configured to manage the communication between the main control device (10) and at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) to replace the first communication unit (20) during a malfunction of said first communication unit (20).

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM, PREFERABLY A FIRE ALARM SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MANAGING THE COMMUNICATION OF SUCH A SECURITY SYSTEM

The present invention belongs to the field of security systems, in particular, of fire alarm systems.

More specifically, the invention deals with the management of malfunctions which may affect such systems to ensure greater reliability.

Security systems are known which are suitable for detecting and/or signaling particular dangerous conditions, such as, for example, fire outbreaks or established fires, gas leaks etc. Such systems, first of all, have the task of detecting particular quantities and/or parameters connected to the dangerous condition and of signaling such a dangerous condition in an appropriate manner.

Signaling may comprise, for example, an acoustic and/or visual warning signal. In other cases, signaling may comprise sending an emergency call to the fire brigade. Security systems of the known type conventionally comprise a main control device which communicates with one or more peripheral devices according to suitable communication protocols, in a cabled and/or wireless manner.

Peripheral devices of the known type comprise, for example, physical quantity detectors or sensors, such as, for example, heat detectors, smoke detectors, gas detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, optical detectors.

Peripheral devices may also comprise warning devices such as, for example, acoustic indicators (sirens) or visual indicators (lights, LEDs).

In some cases, the devices integrate one or more of said detection and/or signaling functions, for example, a smoke detector device with integrated acoustic warning. Peripheral devices send and/or receive control information to/from the main control device which oversees the operation of the entire security system, such as controlling the operation of the detectors, analyzing any alarm situations, and arranging any necessary actions, such as the activation of an acoustic warning or the sending of calls to the fire brigade and so on.

In a known type of security systems, a network is used in a so-called hybrid configuration in which a main part of the system is configured to communicate over a cabled line, i.e., by cable, and such a main part interfaces with one or more peripheral devices by means of a wireless communication.

In particular, the hybrid networks to which reference will be made in the context of the present invention essentially comprise a main control device, one or more communication units connected by cable to the main control device and said one or more communication units acting as an interface for the wireless communication to one or more peripheral devices.

Each communication unit manages the peripheral devices associated therewith by exchanging the information necessary for the operation of the system with the main device and with the peripheral devices themselves.

For example, a communication unit may receive an alarm signal from a peripheral smoke detector and forward such an alarm to the main device or, vice versa, a communication unit may receive an ongoing alarm signal from the main device to forward it to a peripheral signaling device consisting of a siren.

The complexity of such networks will be determined by the number of communication units provided and by the number of peripheral devices managed by the communication units themselves.

A particularly important aspect is the maintenance of the security system functionality, in particular with reference to possible malfunctions of the communication units which equip the system itself.

A malfunction or the interruption of the functionality of one or more of said communications units may cause the partial or total decommissioning of the security system with obvious potential dangerous consequences in the event of an alarm. The present invention therefore intends to at least partially overcome such a drawback of the prior art.

In particular, it is the main object of the present invention to suggest a solution capable of ensuring a continuity of operation for a security system which is superior to that of security systems of the known type.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution capable of ensuring a higher degree of security with respect to the security systems of the known type, in particular with regard to possible malfunctions of the communication units which equip the security system. Said objects are achieved by a security system, preferably a fire alarm system, as in the appended claim 1 , to which reference is however made for descriptive brevity. Further detailed technical features of the security system, preferably a fire alarm system, of the invention are reported in the respective dependent claims.

A method for managing communication in said security system and a component for said system, as per the respective appended claims, also contribute to achieving the aforesaid objects.

The aforesaid claims, hereinafter specifically and concretely defined, form an integral part of the present description.

In a first aspect thereof, the invention therefore relates to a security system, preferably a fire alarm system, comprising a main control device, at least a first communication unit connected by cable to said main control device, at least one peripheral device communicating with said at least a first communication unit by means of a wireless communication, said first communication unit being configured to manage the communication between said main control device and said at least one peripheral device, in which the security system comprises a second communication unit connected by cable to said first communication unit and connected by cable to said main control device, said second communication unit being configured to manage the communication between said main control device and said at least one peripheral device to replace said first communication unit during a malfunction of said first communication unit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are connected by cable to allow serial communication.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are positioned close to each other at a distance preferably lower than 4 meters, more preferably lower than 2 meters.

Preferably, the first communication unit and the second communication unit comprise wireless communication means for the wireless communication with said at least one peripheral device.

Preferably, said at least one peripheral device comprises one of the components of the group comprising: a heat detector, a heat detector smoke, a gas detector, a carbon monoxide detector, an optical detector, an acoustic signal, a visual signal, a signal repeater device.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for managing communication in a security system obtained as described above, in which the method comprises a phase in which said second communication unit manages the communication between said main control device and said at least one peripheral device to replace said first communication unit during a malfunction of said first communication unit.

Preferably, the first communication unit communicates with the second communication unit to send backup information to the second communication unit. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said backup information includes all the information necessary for the identical operation of the second communication unit in replacement of the first communication unit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first communication unit periodically communicates with the second communication unit to send backup information to the second communication unit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the malfunction of the first communication unit is detected by the second communication unit.

Preferably, the malfunction is detected by the second communication unit when it does not receive any information from the first communication unit for at least a predetermined time period, preferably for at least 3 minutes.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a modular assembly for a security system, preferably a fire alarm system, in which the modular assembly comprises: a first communication unit connectable by cable to a main control device of said system and suitable for communicating with at least one peripheral device of said system by a wireless communication; a second communication unit connectable by cable to said main control device of said system and suitable for communicating with said at least one peripheral device of said system by means of a wireless communication, wherein said second communication unit is connected through a dedicated cable interconnection line to said first communication unit to receive at least backup data from said first communication unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the aforesaid dedicated cable interconnection line allows a serial communication.

In a preferred embodiment, the first communication unit and the second communication unit are positioned close to each other at a distance preferably lower than 4 meters, more preferably lower than 2 meters.

Preferably, the first communication unit and the second communication unit of the modular assembly include wireless communication means for the wireless communication with said at least one peripheral device.

In another aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a communication unit for a security system, preferably a fire alarm system, said communication unit being connectable by cable to a main control device of said system and suitable for communicating with at least one peripheral device of said system by a wireless communication, in which said communication unit comprises a communication port for direct transmission of at least backup data, through a dedicated cable interconnection line, to a communication and backup unit of said security system.

In a further aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a communication and backup unit for a security system, preferably a fire alarm system, said communication and backup unit being connectable by cable to a main control device of said system and suitable for communicating with at least one peripheral device of said system by a wireless communication, in which said communication and backup unit comprises a communication port for direct reception of at least backup data, through a dedicated cable interconnection line, from a communication unit of said security system.

Said objects and advantages, as well as others which will emerge below, will become more apparent from the following description, related to preferred embodiments of the security system of the invention, given by way of indicative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a security system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a security system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The present invention has proved particularly advantageous with reference to the construction of fire alarm systems, or fire detection systems, as described in detail below.

It is however useful to point out that the present invention is not limited to such a type of systems. On the contrary, the present invention finds convenient application in all those cases which involve the realization of security systems, for example in anti-intrusion alarm systems.

Figure 1 shows a fire alarm system 1 , or fire detection system, according to a preferred alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The fire alarm system 1 , in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , is a fire alarm system having a so-called hybrid architecture, in which a part of the system is configured to communicate over a cabled line, (in other words, by cable), and a part is configured to communicate wirelessly, or by wireless communication, as better described below.

In a preferred embodiment, the part of the system which communicates by cable is made to define a ring or loop configuration. In particular, such a configuration allows the security system 1 to comply with the regulations/standards in the field of fire detection systems.

The fire alarm system 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the Figures preferably comprises a main control device 10, a first communication unit 20 connected by cable to the main control device 10 and a plurality of peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D communicating with the first communication unit 20 by means of a wireless communication preferably by radio (for example, a Bluetooth connection).

The main control device 10 and the first communication unit 20 are preferably arranged in a common area/compartment and are mutually connected by means of a cable/cabled connection which ensures the stability of the communication between the parts.

In a preferred embodiment, such a cabled connection comprises a connection on a double divisible cable 14, or flat strip. Preferably, such a connection allows a serial transmission of data between the devices 10, 20 connected thereto. Furthermore, preferably, the cabled connection 14 makes a ring or loop configuration, as shown in Figure 1. The connection preferably occurs with the cables 14 starting from suitable terminals in output from the main control device 10 which then reenter in suitable input terminals after having connected the devices along the transmission ring.

The devices arranged inside the ring (loop) are identified by the main control device 10 preferably through the assignment of an address, as better described below in the description.

The peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D are arranged in a remote position with respect to the main control device 10 and to the first communication unit 20 and are placed in suitable points in the places/rooms to be controlled.

The main control device 10 has the task of managing and communicating with the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D by means of the first communication unit 20 and preferably comprises a user interface 12 suitable for allowing access to an operator for reading or entering data relating to the operation of the security system 1.

The user interface 12 preferably, but not necessarily, comprises an LCD display and/or keys and/or a touch screen.

The peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D preferably comprise one or more detectors 22A, or physical quantity sensors, such as, for example, heat detectors, smoke detectors, gas detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, optical detectors and so on, suitable for detecting a possible risk of fire or a fire in progress and one or more warning devices, such as, for example, acoustic indicators (sirens) 22D or visual indicators (lights, LEDs).

In preferred embodiments, such detectors 22A may comprise both one or more physical quantity sensors and a warning device integrated in the same device.

The peripheral devices may then preferably comprise one or more input devices 22B, such as, for example, call point devices. The input devices of the call point type preferably comprise a button which may be operated by an operator to generate a warning on call, i.e., a warning which is not triggered by the detection of a sensor but by means of the operator pressing the button. The peripheral devices may further preferably comprise one or more signal repeater devices 22C, or expanders, useful for ensuring communication between the first communication unit 20 and other peripheral devices arranged in more distant places/rooms, and therefore expanding the range of action of the security system 1 . The peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D identified above are preferably powered by batteries.

The peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and the first communication unit 20 are preferably provided with respective wireless communication means, for example Bluetooth connection communication means.

The first communication unit 20 substantially acts as an interface for the exchange of signals, information and/or commands, between the main control device 10 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.

For example, the first communication unit 20 may receive an alarm signal from a peripheral smoke detector 22A and forward such an alarm to the main control device 10 or, vice versa, the first communication unit 20 may receive an ongoing alarm signal from the main control device 10 to forward it to a peripheral signaling device 22D consisting of a siren.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the main control device 10 manages the communication with the communication unit 20, in the sense that it is the task of the main control device 10 to request information from the communication unit 20, such as, for example, the status of the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D or the analog values measured by them, and the communication unit 20 will in turn respond to the requests from the main control device 10.

Preferably, therefore, the communication unit 20 is limited to responding to requests from the main control device 10.

It should be noted how, in this specific case, other peripheral devices 23A, 23B, 23D are present and coexist in the security system 1 , preferably along the cabled connection 14 which defines the loop, preferably of the same type as described above, for example, one or more detectors 23A, or sensors of physical quantities, such as heat detectors, smoke detectors, gas detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, optical detectors, and so on, or input devices 23B (call points) or acoustic indicators 23D (sirens).

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment of the invention, in the communication of the main control device 10 with such cabled peripheral devices 23A, 23B, 23D, the latter are limited to responding to requests from the main control device 10. According to an aspect of the present invention, the security system 1 of the invention comprises a second communication unit 30 directly associated with the first communication unit 20 through a dedicated interconnection line 32.

Preferably, the dedicated interconnection line 32 is a cable/cabled connection 32 which joins the first communication unit 20 to the second communication unit 30 in respective communication ports 20A, 30A.

In a preferred embodiment, such a cabled connection comprises a connection, or interconnection line 32, suitable for allowing a serial data transmission between the communication units 20, 30, for example a serial communication RS-232.

In optional alternative embodiments of the present invention, not shown below, other equivalent connection types may be provided.

The second communication unit 30 is preferably arranged inside the fire alarm system 1 to communicate with the main control device 10.

The second communication unit 30 is preferably connected by means of a cable/cabled connection to the main control device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , such a cabled connection is obtained by means of the aforesaid double divisible cable 14, or flat strip, whereby the second communication unit 30 is arranged within the loop configuration described above. In particular, preferably but not necessarily, the second communication unit 30 is arranged downstream of the first communication unit 20. In an alternative embodiment, the second communication unit 30 may be arranged upstream of the first communication unit 20.

The second communication unit 30, according to an aspect of the present invention, is configured to manage the communication between the main control device 10 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D in replacement of the first communication unit 20 during a malfunction of the first communication unit 20 itself. The main control device 10, the first communication unit 20 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D operate and communicate with each other during the normal operation of the fire alarm system 11 and the first communication unit 20, as a matter of fact, responds for the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D to the main control device 10. During such a normal operation, the second communication unit 30 does not intervene on the communication between the main control device 10 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C , 22D.

In the event of malfunction of the first communication unit 20, on the other hand, the second communication unit 30 actually replaces the first communication unit 20 and manages the communication between the main control device 10 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.

The second communication unit 30 is therefore obtained substantially identically to the first communication unit 20 and preferably comprises wireless communication means for communicating with the same peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D which refer to the first communication unit 20.

From a constructional point of view, the second communication unit 30 and the first communication unit 20 are positioned as close as possible to each other so as to limit as much as possible the length of the dedicated interconnection line 32 between the two units and so that the general layout of the fire alarm system 1 remains substantially unchanged in the two operating conditions, i.e., the first operating condition in which the first communication unit 20 operates and the second operating condition in which the second communication unit 30 operates. In other words, the geographical positions of all the components of the fire alarm system 1 remain substantially unchanged in the two possible operating conditions. Preferably, the distance between the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 30 is kept lower than 4 meters, more preferably lower than 2 meters. This also ensures the stability of the communication between the parties. From an operational point of view, during the normal operating condition of the security system 1 , the first communication unit 20 is configured to act as a "MASTER" unit and, as a matter of fact, it responds for the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D to the main control unit 10, while the second communication unit 30 is configured to act as a "BACKUP" unit. In case of malfunction of the first communication unit 20, on the other hand, the second communication unit 30 is configured to intervene in the communication and, as a matter of fact, to respond for the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, instead of the first unit 20 (MASTER), to the main control device 10.

The second unit 30 is therefore also referred to as the communication and backup unit 30.

In a first initialization phase, the security system 1 is configured for the recognition of the various component parts thereof.

With regard to the configuration of the loop of the security system 1 of the invention, two addressing modes may be preferably used, indicated below as single-address or dual-address mode.

In the single-address mode, the same logical address, for example the same address AD1 , is associated with the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 30. The first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 30 are seen as the same entity by the main control device 10. The main control device 10 therefore communicates with a logical address unit AD1 and is not capable of distinguishing with which of the two units 20, 30 it is communicating.

In the dual-address mode, distinct logical addresses, for example, a first logical address AD1 and a second logical address AD2, are associated with the first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 30, respectively. Preferably, therefore, the main control device 10 continuously communicates with both communication units 20, 30 through the respective logical addresses AD1 , AD2.

The initialization phase may be advantageously implemented during the installation of the security system 1 ; during such an initialization phase, then, the first communication unit 20 is configured to identify all the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D associated therewith.

Following the initialization phase, the fire alarm system 1 , and in particular the first communication unit 20, are operational and may start operating in the normal operating modes in which, as mentioned above, the first communication unit 20 substantially acts as an interface for the exchange of signals, information and/or commands, between the main control device 10 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.

Still during normal operation, the first communication unit 20 communicates with the second communication unit 30, through the dedicated interconnection line 32, to send backup information to the second communication unit 30.

Such backup information includes all the information necessary for the identical operation of the second communication unit 30 in replacement of the first communication unit 20. For example, such backup information includes the identifiers of the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D under management, the operative status thereof, such as, for example, the quality of the radio communication with the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, the value of the meter keeping track of how much time has passed since the last communication of each peripheral device 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D with the first communication unit 20, the sampled optical values and the dirt indication with regard to a peripheral device comprising an optical sensor or the temperature indication with regard to a thermal sensor.

In a preferred embodiment, the first communication unit 20 communicates the aforesaid backup information to the second communication unit 30 periodically over time, for example, several times per second or in suitably settable longer periods.

In addition to the periodic communication of backup information, as seen above, the first communication unit 20 immediately communicates to the second communication unit 30 asynchronous events, for example, alarms or fault signals. During normal operation, therefore, the second communication unit 30 periodically receives the backup information from the first communication unit 20, for example, several times per second.

During a malfunction operating condition, however, the first communication unit 20 may be a situation of substantial impossibility of transmitting/receiving data to/from the main control device 10, to/from the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and to/from the second communication unit 30.

Said malfunction is preferably detected by the second communication unit 30 from the moment in which the second communication unit 30 no longer receives the backup data. For example, such a malfunction condition is detected by the second communication unit 30 if it does not receive backup data for a period of time longer than one second. More generally, the aforesaid malfunction is detected by the second communication unit 30 when it does not receive any information from the first communication unit 20 for at least a predetermined time period, for example, a time period equal to 3 minutes.

Following the malfunction, the second communication unit 30 takes over the operation of the first operating unit 20 to manage the communication between the main control device 10 and the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.

In the case of dual-address operating mode AD1 , AD2, the second communication unit 30, which detects the malfunction of the first communication unit 20, immediately starts operating in the place of the first communication unit 20, while the main control device 10 continues to communicate with both logical addresses AD1 , AD2. The second operating communication unit 30 then autonomously manages the information and the communication between the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and the main control device 10.

Furthermore, the main control device 10 automatically notices the malfunction of the first communication unit 20 since it no longer receives a reply from the logical address AD1 thereof.

In the case of single-address operating mode AD1 , the second communication unit 30, which detects the malfunction of the first communication unit 20, immediately starts operating in the place of the first communication unit 20, while the main control device 10 continues to communicate with the single logical address AD1 associated with the two communication units 20, 30. The second operating communication unit 30 then will autonomously manage the information and the communication between the peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and the main control device 10.

At the same time, preferably, the second communication unit 30 informs the main control device 10 of the malfunction of the first communication unit 20 by sending it, preferably, a suitable coded error signal, or error flag.

In a preferred embodiment, then, the malfunction of the first communication unit 20, independent of the addressing mode used, may be suitably signaled by the main control device 10, for example by means of a signal on the LCD screen 12 directly visible by the operator and/or by means of an acoustic signal.

According to the description, advantageously, the use of a so-called BACKUP communication unit 30 associated with the so-called MASTER communication unit 20 allows ensuring an operation continuity for the fire alarm system 1 in case of malfunction/failure of the MASTER communication unit 20.

The security system according to the invention therefore ensures a higher level of security with respect to that of the security systems of the prior art.

Furthermore, according to the description, the modular assembly 50 comprising the first communication unit 20 (MASTER unit) and the second communication unit 30 (BACKUP unit), configured to mutually communicate, according to the modes seen above, allows achieving a fire alarm system 1 , or a security system in general, in which an operation continuity is ensured in case of malfunction/failure of the MASTER communication unit.

Therefore, the modular assembly 50 installed in a security system according to the invention ensures, in particular, a greater security level with respect to that of known security systems.

From a constructive point of view, preferably, the security system 1 of the invention may be built, from the outset, provided with the first communication unit 20 (MASTER unit) and the second communication unit 30 (BACKUP unit). The first and second communication units 20, 30 are, therefore, in such a case, configured to operate, from the outset, in the manner described above.

According to a preferred construction variant of the invention, the security system may be equipped and operate from the outset with only the first communication unit 20 (MASTER unit) provided with the respective communication port 20A. In such a case, the system, in practicing the invention, operates as the systems of the known type.

In a following phase then, advantageously, the system is supplemented by adding the second communication unit 30 (BACKUP unit) to the first communication unit 20 (MASTER unit). The addition of the second communication unit 30 (BACKUP unit) involves inserting it into the loop and creating the dedicated interconnection line 32 (by connecting by cable, preferably by RS-232, the own communication port 30A thereof with the communication port 20A of the first communication unit 20).

When the interconnection line 32 is created, the first communication unit 20 (MASTER unit) is arranged from an operational point of view to operate/communicate with the second communication unit 30, for example, by means of a menu thereof or a setting by means of other methods of the known type (programming from PC by means of USB or Wi-Fi).

Once such a communication has been arranged, the first communication unit 20 (MASTER unit) preferably downloads the configuration of the radio system and all the previous radio events on the second communication unit 30.

The first communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 30 therefore continue to communicate, operating within the system according to the modes described above.

With specific reference to Figure 2, an alternative embodiment of the fire alarm system 101 according to the invention is shown. Features and/or component parts corresponding or equivalent to the previous embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.

The fire alarm system 101 according to such an embodiment differs from the fire alarm system 1 described above mainly in that it forms a system of greater complexity in which several units of the type described above are provided.

The fire alarm system 101 comprises a main control device 10, a plurality of first and second communication units 20, 30 and respective peripheral devices 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D.

The main control device 10 and the first and second communication units 20, 30 are mutually connected by means of a cable/cabled connection, preferably by means of the aforesaid connection over a double divisible cable 14, or flat strip. Preferably, but not necessarily, such a connection allows a serial data transmission between the devices connected thereto. Furthermore, preferably, the cabled connection creates a loop configuration with the various devices arranged within the loop, preferably identified by the assignment of an address.

The above description with reference to the operation of the first and second communication units 20, 30 may be also applied to the system according to such an alternative embodiment, making the appropriate changes within the reach of those skilled in the art. For example, suitable unique or double network addresses will be associated with the various first and/or second communication units 20, 30.

By virtue of the description just provided, it is therefore apparent that the security system, the method for managing the communication associated therewith, the modular assembly, and the communication units for such a system, each of which are the subject of the present invention, achieve the purposes and meet the advantages mentioned above.

Finally, it is apparent that several other variations may be made to the security system and/or the management method and/or the modular assembly and/or the communication units in hand, without departing from the novelty principles inherent in the inventive idea expressed herein.

Where the constructional features and techniques mentioned in the following claims are followed by reference signs or numerals, such reference signs were introduced for the sole purpose of increasing intelligibility of the claims themselves, and therefore such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified merely by way of example only by such reference signs.

Claims

1. Security system (1 ; 101 ), preferably a fire alarm system (1 ; 101 ), comprising a main control device (10), at least a first communication unit (20) connected by cable to said main control device (10), at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) communicating with said at least one first communication unit (20) by means of a wireless communication, said first communication unit (20) being configured to manage communication between said main control device (10) and said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D), characterized in that it comprises a second communication unit (30) connected by cable to said first communication unit (20) and connected by cable to said main control device (10), said second communication unit (30) being configured to manage the communication between said main control device (10) and said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) to replace said first communication unit (20) during a malfunction of said first communication unit (20).

2. System (1 ; 101 ) according to claim 1 ), characterized in that said first communication unit (20) and said second communication unit (30) are connected by cable (32) to allow serial communication.

3. System (1 ; 101 ) according to claim 1 ) or 2), characterized in that said first communication unit (20) and said second communication unit (30) are positioned close to each other at a distance preferably lower than 4 meters, more preferably lower than 2 meters.

4. System (1 ; 101 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first communication unit (20) and said second communication unit (30) comprise wireless communication means for wireless communication with said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D).

5. System (1 ; 101 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) comprises one of the components of the group comprising: a heat detector, a heat detector smoke, a gas detector, a carbon monoxide detector, an optical detector, an acoustic signal, a visual signal, a signal repeater device.

6. Method for managing communication in a security system (1 ; 101 ) made according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a phase in which said second communication unit (30) manages the communication between said main device control (10) and said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) to replace said first communication unit (20) during a malfunction of said first communication unit (20).

7. Method according to claim 6), characterized in that said first communication unit (20) communicates with said second communication unit (30) to send backup information to said second communication unit (30).

8. Method according to claim 7), characterized in that said backup information includes all the information necessary for the identical operation of said second communication unit (30) in replacement of said first communication unit (20).

9. Method according to claim 7) or 8), characterized in that said first communication unit (20) communicates periodically with said second communication unit (30) to send backup information to said second communication unit (30).

10. Method according to any of the claims 6) to 9), characterized in that said malfunction is detected by said second communication unit (30).

11 . Method according to claim 10), characterized in that said malfunction is detected by said second communication unit (30) when it does not receive any information from said first communication unit (20) for at least a predetermined time period, preferably for at least 3 minutes.

12. Modular assembly (50) for a security system (1 ; 101 ), preferably a fire alarm system (1 ; 101 ), characterized in that it comprises: a first communication unit (20) connectable by cable to a main control device (10) of said system (1 ; 101 ) and suitable to communicate with at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) of said system (1 ; 101 ) by a wireless communication; a second communication unit (30) connectable by cable to said main control device (10) of said system (1 ; 101 ) and suitable to communicate with said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) of said system (1 ; 101 ) by means of a wireless communication, wherein said second communication unit (30) is connected through a dedicated cable interconnection line (32) to said first communication unit (20) to receive at least backup data from said first communication unit (20).

13. Modular assembly (50) according to claim 12), characterized in that said interconnection line (32) allows serial communication.

14. Modular assembly (50) according to claim 12) or 13), characterized in that said first communication unit (20) and said second communication unit (30) are positioned close to each other at a distance lower than 4 meters, more preferably lower than 2 meters.

15. Modular assembly (50) according to any of the claims 12) to 14), characterized in that said first communication unit (20) and said second communication unit (30) comprise wireless communication means for the wireless communication with said at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D).

16. Communication unit (20) for a security system (1 ; 101), preferably a fire alarm system (1 ; 101 ), said communication unit (20) being connectable by cable to a main control device (10) of said system (1 ; 101 ) and suitable to communicate with at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) of said system (1 ; 101) by a wireless communication, said communication unit (20) being characterized in that it comprises a communication port (20A) for direct transmission of at least backup data, through a dedicated cable interconnection line (32), to a communication and backup unit (30) of said security system (1 ; 101).

17. Communication and backup unit (30) for a security system (1 ; 101), preferably a fire alarm system (1 ; 101), said communication and backup unit (30) being connectable by cable to a main device control (10) of said system (1 ; 101) and suitable to communicate with at least one peripheral device (22A, 22B, 22C, 22D) of said system (1 ; 101) by a wireless communication, said communication unit and backup (30) being characterized in that it comprises a communication port (30A) for direct reception of at least backup data, through a dedicated cable interconnection line (32), from a communication unit (20) of said security system (1 ; 101).