Abstract:
A glass break detector can be tested using a smart phone and a downloaded test application. The recommended test procedure can be implemented by interacting with the phone and the executing application. The phone can emit a selected audio test signal to which the detector can respond. Advantageously, the installer does not need to read a test procedure from a manual and does not need to use a special test tool.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The application pertains to glass break detectors and installation of such detectors. More particularly, it pertains to systems and methods to test installed glass break detectors. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Audio detection devices, such as glassbreak detectors, should be properly tested for range and sensitivity in the application environment; otherwise the detector may not be optimized, resulting in the likelihood of problems with false alarms and/or detection. These devices typically include specific installation recommendations and/or requirements that define what steps the installer should perform to validate that the installation will result in optimal performance. (i.e. range and sensitivity). Previously, the installation range and sensitivity verification procedure required the use of a specific audio test device. 
         [0003]    For example, in the case of glassbreak detectors a glassbreak simulator would be used. Such simulators generate a calibrated audio signal. This requires the installer to have such test device on hand at the time of installation. Although some installers may have the recommended range test device in their work vehicle, it is not often used since it is not very convenient. This results in many installations of audio detection devices not being properly verified or optimized. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is an overall diagram illustrating aspects of a system in accordance herewith; 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating aspects of an exemplary glass break detector; and 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating aspects of a detector which is responsive to specific methods of testing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0007]    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. 
         [0008]    Audio detection devices, such as glassbreak detectors, should be properly tested and calibrated for range and sensitivity in the application environment; otherwise the detector may not be optimized, resulting in the likelihood, of problems with false alarms and/or detection. These devices typically include specific installation recommendations and/or requirements that define what steps the installer should perform to validate that the installation will result in optimal performance. (i.e. range and sensitivity). 
         [0009]    In embodiments hereof, the installer of an audio detector would be provided an option to download an application A 1  to a portable communications device P, and then perform the recommended test procedure, which would be included within the application A 1 , eliminating the need to read a procedure to perform the test. This also prevents the installer from needing to purchase/carry/bring the detector manufacturer&#39;s recommended range test tool. The device P could be implemented as a smart phone, a cell-type phone, a wireless pad-type communications device, or other equivalent communications device, all without limitation. 
         [0010]    The application A 1  when executed on the device P “talks” the installer I through the installation steps, making the installation test as simple as practical. The following process is applicable to a glassbreak detector, but is not limited to such detectors. Device P includes a speaker, for audio output Pa, a keyboard, or the like, Pb for data or information input to the phone P, and, a display Pc. It will be understood that the details of any particular smart phone-type product are not limitations of the present disclosure. A variety of smart phones, or other communications devices will come within the spirit and scope hereof. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a region R which is being monitored, and which has two windows, W 1 , W 2 . Window W 1  is furthest away from a glass break detector  10  which is intended to monitor the condition of windows W 1 , W 2 . The detector  10  communicates with a security monitoring system S via a medium  12  which could be wired or wireless. The detector  10  could be one of a plurality of security, or ambient condition detectors coupled to the system S, all without limitation. 
         [0012]    A representative-type detector  10  can include a housing  10   a  which carries a plurality of major components. These included, without limitation, at least one audio input transducer  10   b,  control circuits  10   c,  various output devices  10   d,  and user inputs  10   e.    
         [0013]    The control circuits could include a programmable processor  10 - 1  and associated, pre-stored, executable, control software  10 - 2 . Input/output circuits  10   f , coupled to control circuits  10   c  communicate via medium  12  with the system S. 
         [0014]    While the exemplary detector  10  is illustrated and described as a glass break detector, the present interactive process is not limited to such detectors. The present process could alternately be used to test operation and/or installation of other types of detectors without limitation. For example, door position detectors, PIR-type detectors, ambient condition detectors including gas detectors, and smoke detectors could all be installed and evaluated in accordance with an interactive process of the type described herein. 
         [0015]    The downloaded application A 1  will instruct the installer I to point the device&#39;s speaker Pa at the detector  10 , and within a specified distance. The installer I will confirm that he/she is within the specified distance, via the keyboard Pb, for example. The device&#39;s application A 1  will then output an audio signal A 2  which the detector  10  is designed recognize as an “enter test mode” signal. 
         [0016]    The application A 1  will ask the installer Ito confirm that the device  10  is in test mode, and then will instruct the installer I to move near the window farthest from the detector, such as window W 1 , for a glassbreak detector. The installer I is then asked to confirm the step and then strike the window W 1  with a soft cushioned tool or soft side of a fisted hand. The application A 1  is programmed to recognize the flexing of the glass using a microphone Pd., in this case within the device P. 
         [0017]    Upon proper confirmation the application A 1  will then output an audio test signal which the detector  10  responds to. The application A 1  will ask the installer I via speaker Pa, if the detector  10  confirmed that detected signal was of the proper level. If not, the installer I would be instructed to adjust the detector&#39;s sensitivity accordingly in the case of a manually adjustable detector. Alternately, the detector could self adjust. 
         [0018]    The detector  10  would provide confirmation of the step by indicating the results on its local indicators (i.e. LEDs)  10   d.  Following the manual adjustment step, if needed, the installer I could repeat the verification steps from the beginning. In the case of the self adjusting detector the steps would not have to be repeated, if the detector confirmed that it properly detected the range test signal. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates additional aspects of the detector  10 . Analog signal conditioning circuitry  10   b - 1 , - 2  could also be carried by housing  10 . A program debug and test interface  10   g  could also be coupled to the processor  10 - 1 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates aspects of a method  100  which includes responding to and determining an interrupt type, as at  102 . If an event trigger has been detected, data/signal processing can be carried out, as at  104 - 108 , of received input signals, for example, audio A 2  discussed above. 
         [0021]    Events can be categorized, as at  112 . Where a setup event is recognized, installation results can be evaluated as at  114 . Outputs indicative of the installation evaluation process can be indicated locally as at  116 . Installation setup data can be stored as at  118 . Events can be logged as at  120 . Where the event corresponds to an alarm, an alarm communication can be issued as at  122 . 
         [0022]    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. 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 added to, or removed from the described embodiments.