Abstract:
A system and process of adjusting units coupled to a control element which includes, installing the unit at a selected location. A parameter can be entered from a displaced user operable device. The unit can be directed to carry out a selected function. Performance can be evaluated whether an additional parameter alteration is required based on a predetermined criterion.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The application pertains to systems and methods of adjusting devices being installed in a computer based communications system. More particularly, the application pertains to such systems and methods which enable an installer to specify, or alter, parameter values of units from a distance. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    During installation of monitoring, or security, systems various peripherals such as detectors, or input/output devices can sometimes require multiple setting adjustments in order to perform their respective functions properly. This can add time and steps to every installation by causing the installer to have to climb a ladder, open the device, make adjustments, close the unit and then re-test the settings (in some cases multiple times). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a system in accordance herewith; and 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a device usable with the system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0005]    While disclosed embodiments can take many different forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles thereof as well as the best mode of practicing same, and is not intended to limit the application or claims to the specific embodiment illustrated. 
         [0006]    In one aspect the settings of devices or units can be adjusted via a local user interface, such as a system keypad, or remotely via a smartphone app or via a computer network, such as ValueNet or other networks. As a result, the effort in carrying out multiple adjustment steps can minimized thereby saving installation, or, maintenance time and ultimately reducing customer expenses. 
         [0007]    In another aspect, a method in accordance herewith can include setting up a control element. A device or unit to be installed is “paired” with the control element. It can then be physically installed as required. The device can then be tested using its default parameter settings. 
         [0008]    If the settings need to be adjusted, the installer can do so from a remote controller. For example, the control element might include a keypad, or graphical user interface. Alternately, a smartphone, or other type of communications device can be used to adjust the settings via a computer network, such as the Internet. The device can be tested again without requiring the installer to physically contact the device, a second time, after installation, to adjust the settings. 
         [0009]    Where a displaced communications device is being used to adjust the settings, the device can illuminate an indicator confirming that its settings are being revised, or changed. Alternately, an audible output can be emitted by the device. 
         [0010]    If desired, remote settings can be stored with a cloud service. They can be synced with the unit or device via a GSM/CDMA cellular-type radio or via a computer network, such as the Internet, either in a hardwired, or wireless implementation. Such communications can also be encrypted for security. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment hereof, a system  10  which provides a monitoring function for a region R. Other than as discussed herein, the exact type of monitoring that is being carried out relative to the region R is not a limitation hereof. 
         [0012]    System  10  includes a control element, or control panel,  12 . Control element  12  includes control circuits  14   a,  which might be implemented, at least in part with one or more programmable processors  14   b  along with executable control circuitry  14   c.    
         [0013]    A system storage unit  14   d,  used to store detector, or device parameter sets,  14   d  is coupled to and readable by the control circuits  14   a.  Element  12  can also include zone input/output interfaces  14   e  for communicating with one or more hardwired loops  18   a,    18   b  . . .  18   n.  Element  12  can also include one or more transceivers  14   f  for communicating with wireless devices, or computer networks, such as internet I as discussed below. 
         [0014]    Pluralities of detectors or other units  20   a  . . .  20   n  can be coupled to loops  18   a  . . .  18   n  as would be understood by those of skill in the art. Members of the pluralities  20   a  . . .  20   n  can include without limitation ambient condition security detectors such as glass break detectors, intrusion detectors, position detectors all without limitation. Such pluralities can also include smoke, fire, gas, thermal or other ambient condition detectors without limitation. 
         [0015]    A plurality of wireless detectors, indicator units or actuators  22  can be in wireless communication with the transceiver  14   f.  It will be understood that the units  20  and units  22  either are or would be installed throughout the region R to provide monitoring, warning or control functions. 
         [0016]    The control element  12  can also include a user interface  14   g.  Interface  14   g  can be in hardwired or wireless communication with control element  12 . It can be implemented with a displaced, keyboard or graphical user interface without limitation. 
         [0017]    System  10  can be internet enabled and can communicate via network I with a displaced cloud server C along with a user device  24 , such as a cellular-type phone, pad or laptop. 
         [0018]      FIG. 2  a block diagram of members of the pluralities  20 ,  22 , includes a housing  32 . Housing  32  can carry control circuits  34   a  implemented at least in part by one or more programmable processors  34   b  along with executable control software  34   c.  Parameters values for the unit of  FIG. 2  can be stored in local parameter storage unit  34   d,  a read-write storage unit. Members of the pluralities  20 ,  22  can include some or all of local condition sensors  34   e  as well as output circuitry  34   f.    
         [0019]    Audio or visual output devices can also be carried by housing  32  and coupled to control circuits  34   a.    
         [0020]    In summary, where members of the pluralities  20 ,  22  are to be installed or adjusted, such activities can be facilitated as described herein. For example, the respective unit can be initially installed with default parameter settings or parameter values in the storage unit  34   d  of each. Performance of the unit can be evaluated by sending test commands to the element  12  which can in turn communicate with the detectors or units  20   i,  or  22   j.    
         [0021]    If performance of the respective detectors or units such as  20   i,  or  22   j  needs to be adjusted, the installer can do so from a remote control element, such as element  12 . For example, as noted above the control element  12  might include one or more of a keypad, or graphical user interface  14   g.  Alternately, a smartphone, or other type of communications device  24  can be used to adjust the settings via a computer network, such as the Internet I. It will be understood that the units  20 ,  22  can be adjusted via local control circuitry, or can be adjusted via software that implements processes and/or adjusts thresholds. The device can be tested again without requiring the installer to physically contact the device, a second time, after installation, to adjust the parameter values, or, settings of the respective unit. 
         [0022]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope hereof. 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. Further, logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be add to, or removed from the described embodiments.