Infrared communication system and method
A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.
1. A system comprising:
a plurality of spaced apart nodes, the nodes each include communications circuitry and can communicate with one another via a medium;
at least some of the nodes each include a receiver of wireless communications from a displaced source and circuitry for determining if the respective receiving node is a final recipient of a received communication where,
at least some of the nodes include at least one sensor selected from a class which includes heat sensors, flame sensors, smoke sensors and gas sensors with one of the nodes comprising a common control element where the common control element includes a graphical output device for operator information;
where the receiver of wireless communications includes a second sensor of incident radiant energy;
a portable source of radiant energy signals; and
where the portable source includes circuitry for specifying a message recipient.
2. A system as in claim 1 where the portable source includes circuitry for specifying a selected message.
3. A system as in claim 2 where the portable source includes circuitry for receiving communications from at least a selected node.
4. A system as in claim 3 where the received communications include node test results.
5. A system as in claim 2 where the selected message is selected from a class which includes at least a message designating a test, a group self-test, a message designating a time, or a message designating a location.