Abstract:
There is provided a method for configuring a plurality of network devices of a wireless fire detection system comprising a configuration device, a gateway device wirelessly communicating with the configuration device, and the plurality of network devices wirelessly communicating with the gateway device and among them, the method comprising: determining, by the configuration device, configuration data of each one of the plurality of network devices for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices; transmitting, by the configuration device, the configuration data to the gateway device; and upon receiving the configuration data from the configuration device, distributing, by the gateway device, the configuration data to each one of the plurality of network devices according to predetermined time slots for transmitting the configuration data.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a method for configuring a wireless fire detection system. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for configuring network devices of a wireless fire detection system, and a wireless fire detection system using the same. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various types of wireless fire detection systems are known. In many of these systems, modules such as fire, smoke or gas detectors are coupled. 
         [0003]    For instance, there is known a wireless fire detection system using a cascading wave communication protocol which works on the principle of data aggregation. The system is designed for use with compatible intelligent fire systems using proprietary communication protocols. The system translates device coding from the, radio domain to communication loop address recognized by the Control and Indicating Equipment (CIE). Radio frequency communication is established using the cascading wave communication protocol providing a deterministic redundant communication without congesting the network in high traffic scenarios. 
         [0004]    Such known wireless fire detection system is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The wireless fire detection system  13  is connected to a wired fire detection system  11  via at least one gateway  12 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the wireless fire detection system can include a plurality of network devices. As a non exhaustive list, such devices can include a plurality of wireless detectors  13 - 1  and a plurality of wireless call points  13 - 2 . A configuration device  14  is available for system configuration and maintenance. 
         [0005]    There is an ongoing need to reduce the costs of installing and maintaining such wireless fire detection system. There is also an ongoing need to be able to conveniently and cost-efficiently modify the configuration of such wireless fire detection system, due to e.g. remodelling or expansion of a monitored region. 
         [0006]    Specifically, in order to guarantee complete control of the network configuration, the wireless network must be designed off line either by an expert operator or by taking advantage of some computer aided methods that—knowing the characteristics of the building where the wireless fire detection system is going to be installed and the position of the devices—will generate a network configuration that accomplishes the tasks of optimizing the system performance, satisfying network design constraints, and optimizing network robustness, thereby keeping into account the network devices&#39; transmission range and installation site environmental attenuations. 
         [0007]    At the end of the network design phase, network parameters (such as links configuration, communication channels and sync word) must be separately downloaded into each network device. Since the network devices are usually manually programmed by means of a special tool capable to communicate with each of them, the network devices must be in its communication range and the expert operator must program each network device before to install it. Therefore, configuration of the wireless network is a time consuming process and lacks user-friendliness. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0008]    In view of the above, the object of the present invention consists in providing an improved method for configuring a plurality of network devices of a wireless fire detection system by means of which configuration of the plurality of network devices  15  made less time consuming and more user-friendly. In this regard, it is desired to reduce the costs of installing and maintaining the wireless fire detection system and to conveniently and cost-efficiently modify the configuration of the wireless fire detection system. 
         [0009]    The object of the present invention is accomplished by the method for configuring a plurality of network devices of a wireless fire detection system as set out in independent claim  1 . Advantageous developments are defined in the dependent claims. 
         [0010]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for configuring a plurality of network devices of a wireless fire detection system comprising a configuration device, a gateway device wirelessly communicating with the configuration device, and the plurality of network devices wirelessly communicating with the gateway device and among them, the method comprising: determining, by the configuration device, configuration data of each one of the plurality of network devices for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices; transmitting, by the configuration device, the configuration data to the gateway device; and upon receiving the configuration data from the configuration device, distributing, by the gateway device, the configuration data to each one of the plurality of network devices according to predetermined time slots for transmitting the configuration data. When a device, is configured it acts as a radio repeater in order to make possible the configuration of the devices that are not in the range of radio communication of the gateway. 
         [0011]    Advantageously, the method further comprises during a first time slot set as a current time slot: determining, by the gateway device, from the configuration data, at least one of the plurality of network devices which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot; transmitting, by the gateway device, the configuration data to the at least one of the plurality of network devices which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot; and receiving, by the at least one of the plurality of network devices which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot, the configuration data. 
         [0012]    Advantageously, the method further comprises during a time slot subsequent to the first time slot and set as the current time slot: determining, by each one of the plurality of network devices having received the configuration data in the time slot directly preceding the current time slot, from the configuration data, another at least one of the plurality of network devices which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot; transmitting, by each one of the plurality of network devices having received the configuration data in the time slot directly preceding the current time slot, the configuration data to the other at least one of the plurality of network devices which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot; and receiving, by the other at least one of the plurality of network devices which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot, the configuration data. 
         [0013]    Advantageously, the configuration data is transmitted using a default communication channel and a default network ID. 
         [0014]    Advantageously, the method further comprises forwarding, by each one of the plurality of network devices having received the configuration data, an acknowledgment signal to the gateway device. 
         [0015]    Advantageously, the method further comprises, upon receiving the acknowledgment signal from each one of the plurality of network devices, transmitting, by the gateway device, a broadcast signal to each one of the plurality of network devices indicating that each one of the plurality of network devices is configured. 
         [0016]    Advantageously, the method further comprises, upon receiving the broadcast signal from the gateway device, switching, by each one of the plurality of network devices, from the default communication channel and the default network ID to a dedicated communication channel and a dedicated network ID, respectively. 
         [0017]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless fire detection system, comprising a configuration device, a gateway device wirelessly communicating with the configuration device, and a plurality of network devices wirelessly communicating with the gateway device and among them, wherein the wireless fire detection system performs a method for configuring the plurality of network devices according to the first aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Advantageous developments of the present invention are exemplified in accordance with the appended drawings. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a known wireless fire detection system connected to a wired fire detection system via a gateway. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a wireless fire detection system illustrating an exemplary communication link connected to a wired fire detection system via a gateway. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart describing configuration of network devices in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart describing distribution of configuration data in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a wireless fire detection system illustrating an exemplary communication link connected to a wired fire detection system via a gateway. 
         [0024]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the wireless fire detection system comprises a gateway device  22 , a configuration device  24  and network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  forming a MESH network of wireless fire devices  23 . The wireless fire detection system is connected to the wired fire detection system via the gateway device  22 , wherein the wired fire detection system comprises e.g. a control unit  21 . 
         [0025]    The control unit  21  can be implemented with one or more programmable processors, interface circuitry, a transceiver as well as control software. The control software can be stored on a computer readable medium and executed by the processors to implement a communication protocol. 
         [0026]    The control unit  21  can communicate with the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23  via the gateway device  22 . That is to say, the gateway device  22  connects the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  to the control unit  21 . Thereby, the control unit  21  communicates with the gateway device  22  in a wired manner, whereas the gateway device  22  wirelessly communicates with the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 . 
         [0027]    The configuration device  24  serves for system configuration and maintenance. It can be implemented with one or more programmable processors, wireless interface circuitry, a transceiver and associated antenna(s) as well as control software. The control software can be stored on a computer readable medium and executed by the processors to implement a communication protocol. 
         [0028]    For the sake of completeness, the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  are wireless fire devices which configure the MESH network  23  and which are in communication with the control unit  21 . Specifically, the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  are in bidirectional communication via predetermined time slots directly or indirectly with the control unit  21 . 
         [0029]    For instance, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the network devices  23 - 1  and  23 - 2  communicate directly with the gateway device  22 . The network devices  23 - 3  to  23 - 5  in turn communicate directly with the network device  23 - 2 . The network device  23 - 6  in turn communicates directly with the network device  23 - 4 . The network devices  23 - 7  and  23 - 8  in turn communicate directly with the network device  23 - 6 . That is to say, the network devices  23 - 3  to  23 - 8  indirectly communicate with the gateway device  22  that can transmit the received data to the control unit  21  and the configuration device  24 . 
         [0030]    As apparent from  FIG. 2 , according to the MESH network  23 , any of the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  can communicate with any of the other network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  directly or indirectly with the gateway device  22 , that can transmit the received data to the control unit  21  and the configuration device  24 . 
         [0031]    In order to do so, the gateway device  22  and the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  are assigned to the predetermined time slots. The network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  can e.g. include wireless detectors, wireless sounder strobes and wireless call points. 
         [0032]    It is to be noted that the number of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  in  FIG. 2  is eight merely by way of example. That is, the number of network devices is not limited to eight at all. Therefore, in the following, it is referred to “a plurality of network devices”. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  may communicate with each other in an arrangement different from the arrangement shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart describing how the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23  is configured in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
         [0035]    In step S 31 , the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23  is designed off line by e.g. using the configuration device  24 . The configuration device  24  determines the configuration data for each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 . 
         [0036]    In step S 32 , the configuration device  24  transmits the configuration data of each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  to the gateway device  22 . In other words, the configuration data are downloaded from the configuration device  24  to the gateway device  22 . On this way, the gateway device  22  obtains all data necessary for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 . Then, it is proceeded to step S 33 . 
         [0037]    In step S 33 , upon receiving the configuration data from the configuration device  24 , the gateway device  22  distributes the configuration data to each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  according to the predetermined time slots for transmitting the configuration data. In other words, the configuration data are downloaded from the gateway device  22  to each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 . On this way, each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  obtains all data necessary for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 . Thereby, each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  is informed on how to route the next configuration messages. 
         [0038]    The configuration data serve for configuring each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 , and thereby the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23 . The configuration data include parameters required to configure each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 , and thereby the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23 . To be more precise, the configuration data may include the whole set of parameters required by each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  in order to communicate according to the communication protocol. That is to say, the configuration data may include e.g. a communication pattern (such as communication channels and links configuration), a network ID (sync word), and a list of the network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  linked to the respective one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  receiving the configuration data. Furthermore, the configuration data may include information on the predetermined time slots such as to which predetermined time slots each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  is assigned. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart describing distribution of configuration data according to step S 33  of  FIG. 3  in greater detail in accordance with exemplary embodiments. 
         [0040]    In step S 401 , an initialization of the predetermined time slots is performed. In this regard, a first time slot is set as the current time slot (i.e., a “time slot”-variable n is set to 0 (n=0)). The predetermined time slots serve for transmitting the configuration data. Specifically, the gateway device  22  and each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  are assigned to the predetermined time slots, wherein the gateway device  22  is assigned to the first time slot and each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  is assigned to a time slot subsequent to the first time slot. The gateway device  22  and each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  are merely enabled to transmit the configuration data during the respective predetermined time slots to which they are respectively assigned. This means, the gateway device  22  is e.g. merely enabled to transmit the configuration data during the first time slot. Once the predetermined time slots are initialized and the first time slot is set as the current time slot, it is proceeded to step S 402 . 
         [0041]    In step S 402  during the first time slot set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is the first time slot), the gateway device  22  determines, from the configuration data, at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  from the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23  which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot (i.e., the second time slot). Then, it is proceeded to step S 403 . 
         [0042]    In step S 403  during the first time slot set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is the first time slot), the gateway device  22  transmits the configuration data to the at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot (i.e., the second time slot). Then, it is proceeded to step S 404 . 
         [0043]    According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, up to  32  network devices may be assigned to the time slot directly following the first time slot. That is, the gateway device  22  may transmit the configuration data to up to 32 network devices. 
         [0044]    In step S 404  during the first time slot set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is the first time slot), the at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot receives the configuration data. Then, it is proceeded to step S 405 . 
         [0045]    In step S 405  during the first time slot set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is the first time slot), the at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  which has received the configuration data from the gateway device  22  forwards/transmits an acknowledgment signal to the gateway device  22 , thereby acknowledging reception of the configuration data. Then, it is proceeded to step S 406 . 
         [0046]    In step S 406 , it is determined whether each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  has received the configuration data. This determination is performed in that it is determined whether the “time slot”-variable n incremented by 1 is greater than or equal to the total number of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8 . 
         [0047]    In case it is determined in step S 406  that not each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  has received the configuration data (“NO” in step S 406 ), it is proceeded to step S 407 . 
         [0048]    In case it is determined in step S 406  that each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  has received the configuration data (“YES” in step S 406 ), it is proceeded to step S 408 , which will he described later. 
         [0049]    In step S 407 , the “time slot”-variable n is incremented by one (n=n+1). In this regard, the time slot directly following the current time slot is set as the current time slot. Then, it is proceeded to step S 402 . 
         [0050]    In step S 402  during a time slot subsequent to the first time slot and set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is a time slot subsequent to the first time slot), each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  having received the configuration data in the time slot preceding the current time slot determines, from the configuration data, another at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  from the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23  which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot. Then, it is proceeded to step S 403 . 
         [0051]    In step S 403  during a time slot subsequent to the first time slot and set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is a time slot subsequent to the first time slot), each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  having received the configuration data in the time slot preceding the current time slot, transmits the configuration data to the other at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot. Then, it is proceeded to step S 404 . 
         [0052]    In step S 404  during a time slot subsequent to the first time slot and set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is a time slot subsequent to the first time slot), the other at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  which is assigned to the time slot directly following the current time slot receives the configuration data. Then, it is proceeded to step S 405 . 
         [0053]    In step S 405  during a time slot subsequent to the first time slot and set as the current time slot (i.e., when the current time slot is a time slot subsequent to the first time slot), the other at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  which has received the configuration data transmits an acknowledgment signal to the at least one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  from which it has received the configuration data (whereby the acknowledgement signal is forwarded to the gateway device  22 ), thereby acknowledging reception of the configuration data. Then, it is proceeded to step S 406 . 
         [0054]    Each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  is addressed by means of its unique physical identifier which may be a serial number stored in its non-volatile memory. The communication may be performed using a factory default communication channel and a factory default network ID. 
         [0055]    In case it is determined in step S 406  that not each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  has received the configuration data (“NO” in step S 406 ), it is proceeded to step S 407 , which has been described above. 
         [0056]    In case it is determined in step S 406  that each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  has received the configuration data (“YES” in step S 406 ), it is proceeded to step S 408 . 
         [0057]    In step S 408 , the gateway device  22  transmits a broadcast signal to each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  indicating that each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  is configured. Thereby, each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  is informed that the MESH network of wireless fire devices  23  is configured. Then, each one of the plurality of network devices  23 - 1  to  23 - 8  switches from the default communication channel and the default network ID to a dedicated communication channel and a dedicated network ID, respectively. The dedicated communication channel and the dedicated network ID are different from the default communication channel and the default network ID, respectively. 
         [0058]    According to the present invention, the costs of installing and maintaining a wireless fire detection system may be reduced. Also, the configuration of such wireless fire detection system may be conveniently and cost-efficiently modified. Specifically, there is provided an improved method for configuring a plurality of network devices of a wireless fire detection system by means of which configuration of the plurality of network devices is less time consuming and more user-friendly.