Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling warning systems
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsDavid Davenport, Ralph Hoctor, William Hatfield, Kuna Kishore, Mukesh Soni, Dennis Cusano
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for monitoring and controlling activation of a warning system includes a sensor module locally coupled to the warning system for sensing and controlling a flashing light of the warning system, a transceiver responsive to a microcontroller, and a power line interface for interfacing between the transceiver and the power line servicing the warning system. The sensor module includes a sensor arranged for sensing the flashing light, the microcontroller coupled to the sensor, and a power supply for providing power to the sensor module.
Claims37
A system for monitoring and controlling activation of a warning system, comprising:
- a sensor module locally coupled to the warning system and configured to sense and control a flashing light of the warning system, said sensor module comprising a sensor arranged for sensing the flashing light during ON and OFF periods of operation, a microcontroller coupled to said sensor, and a power supply for providing power to said sensor module;
- a transceiver responsive to said microcontroller;
- and
- a power line interface configured to interface between said transceiver and the power line servicing the warning system.
A method for monitoring and controlling a warning system, comprising:
- receiving power from a power supply;
- receiving a sensor input at a microcontroller, the sensor input including a first sensor input when a flashing light is ON and a second sensor input when the flashing light is OFF;
- processing the sensor input at the microcontroller;
- communicating the sensor input to an equipment bungalow via a power line interface;
- and
- recording the sensor data from the sensor input at a data recorder.
A method for estimating the light intensity of a flashing light at a warning system, comprising:
- processing a sensor signal to identify flash intensity during “ON” and “OFF” portions of a flashing light cycle;
- comparing light intensity values between the “ON” and “OFF” portions of the flashing light cycle;
- and
- determining lamp “ON” intensity above ambient light.
A system for monitoring and controlling a warning system, comprising:
- a power supply means for providing power to monitor and control the warning system;
- a control means for controlling the warning system;
- a monitoring and recording means for monitoring the warning system and recording information relating thereto;
- a mounting means for mounting a sensor locally to the warning system;
- wherein the sensor is configured to sense a flashing light of the warning system during ON and OFF periods of operation;
- a communication means for communication sensed information relating to the warning system to maintenance personnel;
- a detection means for detecting performance degradation of the warning system;
- a status detection means for detecting the status of the warning system;
- a warning means for detecting abnormal conditions at the warning system;
- a detection means for detecting negative influences from environmental effects at the warning system;
- and
- a communication means for accessing operating standards stored at a data recorder.
A system for monitoring and controlling activation of a light system serviced by a power line, comprising:
- a sensor module locally coupled to the light system and configured to sense and control a light of the light system, said sensor module comprising a sensor arranged for sensing the light during ON and OFF periods of operation and a microcontroller coupled to said sensor;
- a transceiver responsive to said microcontroller;
- and
- a power line interface configured to interface between said transceiver and the power line servicing the light system;
- wherein said microcontroller is adapted to activate said light from an OFF state to an ON state and from an ON state to an OFF state.
A method for monitoring and controlling activation of a light in a light system, comprising:
- receiving at a microcontroller and via a power line interface a command to activate a light state of the light;
- controlling the ON and OFF states of the light in response to said activation command;
- sensing the state of the light during ON and OFF periods of operation via a light sensor and providing a signal representative thereof;
- receiving and processing at the microcontroller the signal representative of the state of the light;
- and
- communicating the content of said signal to an equipment bungalow via a power line interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.