Detector with control switch

[0002] The invention pertains to controllable electrical units. More particularly, the invention pertains to ambient condition detectors responsive to various control signals generated by external actions.

[0003] Remotely activated test systems for use with ambient condition detectors have been disclosed in Bellavia et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,244, entitled Test Initiation Apparatus With Continuous or Pulse Input. Such systems have been used to remotely activate a switch to initiate a self-test of the respective detector or to temporarily silence a detector. Such systems, while useful, have been intended to carry out a predetermined unchangeable function.

[0004] It would be desirable to be able to reconfigure a selected process to be carried out by a detector in response to a predetermined input. Preferably such flexibility could be incorporated without substantially increasing the manufacturing cost or complexity of the respective detector.

[0005] An electrical unit incorporates control circuitry coupled to a control switch. The control switch defines a selected identifier, when closed, which could be detected by the control circuitry and used to identify a process to be executed. The identified process can be stored in a memory unit coupled to the control circuitry.

[0006] The contents of the memory unit can be loaded from a data stream received from a remote source. The received data stream can be stored in selected locations of the memory unit. A closure of a control switch can in turn cause the control circuitry to carry out the downloaded and stored process in the memory unit.

[0007] The control switch can be implemented as a normally open mechanical switch. The switch can be closed in response to manual operation. Alternately, a reed relay or switch could be used which could be closed or opened in response to an adjacent magnetic field. The switch can also be responsive to incident electromagnetic energy such as from a source of RF signals or a beam of incident light.

[0008] In one embodiment, closure of the switch can be used to select one of a plurality of prestored processes based on one or more existing conditions. For example, the state of various control signals of the control circuitry in combination with the switch closure can determine which process from the plurality is selected. In this way, different functions or different processes can be carried out depending on the circumstances.

[0009] In one aspect the unit can include an ambient condition sensor and interface circuitry for purposes of communicating with a remote control device. The control circuitry can be implemented with a local programmed processor. Process sequences to be executed can be downloaded to the processor from the control device.

[0010] The actuatable control switch can be used to cause different functions to be carried out when closed. These functions include:

[0011] 1. initiating a self-test of some or all of the unit, such as an ambient condition sensor;

[0012] 2. transmitting a predetermined message, previously programmed via the downloaded information;

[0013] 3. initiating an indication of a parameter value such as sensitivity, or address or any other parameter specified via the downloaded information;

[0014] 4. silencing the unit locally.

[0015] In yet another aspect, a plurality of functions can be downloaded to the unit. Activating or closing the switch for a time interval less than a preset amount can be used to select one member of the plurality of functions. Activating the switch for a longer time interval can be used to select another member of the plurality. Similarly, switch closures can be coded to generate a binary sequence over a predetermined period of time to specify yet another process or processes from the plurality.

[0016] In a further aspect, where the control circuitry has been implemented with a programmed processor, processes to be carried out or executed can be stored in non-volatile memory coupled to the processor. In response to a switch closure(s), the processor can access a predetermined register. The contents of the register can specify the process to be executed. The contents of the register, along with the members of the plurality of processes can be downloaded to the unit from a remote, common control device.

[0017] A plurality of units can be coupled by wireless or wired media to the control device. The control device can, in turn, download a plurality of functions, or processes, specifying identifiers to respective units. One or more sets of executable instructions, which define the various functions or processes, can also be downloaded to respective units.

[0018] Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one form of an electrical unit usable with the system of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another form of an electrical unit usable with the system of FIG. 1; and

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of different supplemental processes executable by the units of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0023] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawing and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 which can be used for monitoring a plurality of conditions in one or more regions to be supervised. The system 10 includes a common control device 12 which could be implemented as one or more interconnected programmed processors and associated, prestored instructions.

[0025] The device 12 includes an interface for coupling, for example, to a communications medium 14, illustrated in FIG. 1 for exemplary purposes as an optical or electrical cable. Alternately, the system 10 can communicate wirelessly, such as by RF or infrared, via transceiver 16, illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1, and antenna 16a.

[0026] Coupled to medium 14 is a plurality of ambient condition detectors 18 and a plurality of control or function units 20. It will be understood that the relative arrangement of the members of the pluralities 18 and 20 relative to the medium 14 is not a limitation of the present invention.

[0027] The members of the plurality 18 can include intrusion sensors, position sensors, gas sensors, fire sensors such as smoke sensors, thermal sensors or the like, and gas sensors, all without limitation. The members of the plurality 20 can include solenoid actuated control or function implementing units, display devices, printers or the like.

[0028] Where system 10 incorporates a wireless communications medium, a plurality 22 of wireless units could be in bidirectional communication with transceiver 16. The plurality 22 can include, without limitation, ambient condition detectors, as noted above as well as control or function implementation devices without limitation.

[0029] Also coupled to the control unit 12 via a medium 24, illustrated for example as a pair of electrical cables, is a plurality 26 of output devices. These could include audible or visible output devices without limitation, speech output devices and the like. The devices 26 are intended to broadcast a human discernable message, which might indicate alarm condition, in one or more predetermined regions.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary member 18nof the plurality 18. The member 18n, an ambient condition detector includes a sensor 30, which could include without limitation ambient condition sensors such as smoke sensors, thermal sensors, gas sensors, position sensors, movement sensors and the like.

[0031] Sensor 30 is in turn coupled to control element 32 which could be implemented as a programmed processor. A visual output device 32a, such as a light emitting diode, is coupled to processor 32. Output device 32acan be energized by processor 32 to provide visual feedback to an individual in the vicinity of unit 18n. Audible output devices, coupled to processor 32, could also be used to provide local feedback.

[0032] Processor 32 is in bidirectional communication with storage element 34. The element 34 could include read only as well as volatile and non-volatile read/write memory cells. Storage unit 34 could be used to store control programs to be executed by the detector 18nas well as to store operating constants or other information.

[0033] Storage unit 34 can include a primary control program to be executed by processor 32. For example, the primary program, in combination with sensor 30, implement an ambient condition detector.

[0034] Input/output circuitry 36 coupled to control circuitry 32 provides bidirectional communication via medium 14 with other members of the plurality 18 as well as common control device 12. The unit 18ncan be energized by a local power supply 38 which receives electrical energy via the medium 14. Control programs or supplemental processors can be downloaded to unit 18nas discussed below.

[0035] The unit 18nalso includes a switch SW1 coupled to control circuitry 32. The switch SW1 can be closed by an external event such as an adjacent magnetic field, incident radiant energy such as infrared or visible light, incident RF signals or mechanical movement of a switch lever.

[0036] Closure of the switch SW1 couples a voltage from supply 38 to control circuitry 32. In response, control circuitry 32 could, on an interrupt or poling basis, read the contents of a register which could be stored within the control circuitry 32 or could correspond to a location in storage unit 34. The contents of the register that has been read could be an address or a pointer to one of a plurality of supplemental processes to be carried out by the unit 18nin response to closure switch SW1.

[0037] As those of skill in the art will understand, switch SW1 could be implemented as a bit pattern in a memory location. In this embodiment, a bit pattern could be downloaded from another processor in the system. The downloaded pattern could be read on an interrupt driven basis or in response to another condition. The pattern can specify a function defining memory location or sequence. Alternatively, it could correspond to an entry into a function specifying or defining table.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of supplemental processes P1, P2 . . . Pn which can be preloaded into storage unit 34. Processes P1, P2 . . . Pn which could include sequences of executable instructions could be downloaded from control device 12 or from other members of the pluralities 18 or 20.

[0039] Closure of the switch SW1 in turn results in control circuitry of processor 32 extracting an address or a pointer from a register. For example, address 001, 002, 00n correspond to an entry point for each of the respective processes P1, P2 . . . Pn. The process which is identified or pointed to is then executed by processor or control circuitry 32.

[0040] Where the unit 18ncorresponds to an ambient condition detector, some of the supplemental processes or functions which can be defined include:

[0041] 1. initiating self-test of the respective sensor 30;

[0042] 2. transmitting a pre-stored message which had been previously received as downloaded information from control device 12;

[0043] 3. communicating an indication of sensitivity address or any other parameter as defined through previously downloaded information;

[0044] 4. silencing the device locally if it has for some reason gone into an alarm state.

[0045] Additional and expanded examples of functions or supplemental processes which can be carried out by processor or control circuitry 32 in response to closure of SW1 include:

[0046] Additional codes can be used for more functions. A message to download information into the device from the control unit in the system may have the following structure:

[0047] The code may be changed at any time by the control device 12 in anticipation of local operation of the switch SW1. The initial switch function to be downloaded corresponds to identifier 0000 0001 so that any activation of the switch SW1 will not cause alarms within the alarm system 10. If the fire alarm system is to be tested to make sure that the operation is proper, then the switch function is downloaded as 0000 0010 which will cause the unit 18nto transmit an alarm message to the system 10. If it is required to check the address of installed units in actual locations without removing the respective unit, the switch function is downloaded as 0010 0000 and the address presented as pulses on visible LED 32acan be observed.

[0048] The switch SW1 may be a mechanical switch (close contact or open contact by manual operation), reed relay or switch (close contact or open contact by magnetic field), or an electronic switch (photo receiver operated by light or electromagnetic energy). Other means of implementing a switch are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additional circuitry may also be used between the switch and the microcontroller to provide appropriate signals for the microcontroller.

[0049] It will also be understood that switch SW1 can be closed and opened to form a command pattern to identify one of a plurality of supplemental processes or functions to be executed. For example, control circuitry 32 could recognize that the switch SW1 has been closed for less than a predetermined period of time, for example, two to three seconds or longer than that time period. In response to a shorter or longer closure, one or another register can be accessed, each of which could contain an identifier or a pointer to one of the supplemental processes or functions of FIG. 4.

[0050] Alternately, control circuitry 32 could recognize a coded binary sequence of ones and zeros, corresponding to switch closures and openings in some predefined period of time. This binary combination could in turn be used to define a register or a pointer specifying one of the plurality of supplemental processes or functions. Other variations are also possible. For example, two switches can be provided which could be opened and closed independently for the purpose of identifying one or more of the supplemental processes to be executed.

[0051] It will also be understood that while the switch SW1 has been illustrated in FIG. 2 as part of an ambient condition detector 18nthat this is not a limitation of the present invention. The switch SW1 could, for example, be incorporated into one of the control units or modules of the plurality 20. In such an instance, the supplemental processes or functions would be defined and structured in accordance with the purpose and capability of the respective member of the plurality 20.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary member 22iof the plurality of wirelessly coupled units 22. The unit 22iincludes an ambient condition sensor 30′ which is in turn coupled to a local programmed processor or other control circuitry 32′ of the type described above.

[0053] Storage unit 34′ is in turn coupled to control circuitry 32′ and can be used for the purpose of storing instructions, operating constants, and the like, as would be understood by those of skill in the art. Storage unit 34 can be downloaded with a primary control program and a plurality of supplemental processes or functions, FIG. 4.

[0054] A visual indicator such as a light emitting diode 32′ais also coupled to the processor 32′. Processor 32′ in turn via interface circuitry 36′ is in bidirectional communication with wireless transceiver 40 which could transmit and/or receive RF signals via antenna 40ato/from control device 12.

[0055] The unit 22ialso includes closable switch SW2 similar to the switch SW1 previously described. The switch SW2 can be closed by an external event or code as described previously with respect to the unit 18n. This will in turn cause control circuitry or processor 32′ to execute one of the plurality of supplemental processes or functions, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0056] It will also be understood that the members of the wirelessly coupled plurality 22 could include, in addition to ambient condition detectors, other types of control or function modules for locking or unlocking doors, energizing or de-energizing lights or other types of devices to be controlled.

[0057] From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.