ESS Softswitch

The average emergency control centre incorporates a multitude of systems apart from a Computer Aided Despatching System. Radios, CCTV cameras, PA/Bells, alarm systems, digital paging and access control are all commonplace.

 
Touch or mouse controlled screens installed on each console replace the banks of switches and buttons found on legacy consoles. Buttons are displayed in full colour and are activated by touching and then withdrawing the finger from the screen (alternatively, a mouse click). The screen transmits a signal to a back office station control computer which, in turn, activates the desired system.
Since buttons appearing on touch screens are programmed, they can be easily changed giving unprecedented flexibility. Touch screen systems have been operating successfully in South African Emergency Departments since 1990. They have been increasingly used in USA 9-1-1 centres since 1993.

Conceptually it's quite simple.

First, all the common functions reside on a computer monitor. Typically, the monitor is touch screen operated but mouse control is available as an alternative. Because all functions are on-screen, the display is easily configured to handle the systems you need to control.

Second, each operator is provided with a screen in order that he or she can operate any system (subject to privileges). It doesn't matter whether you have two operators or twenty or more.

 
Third, control screens are interfaced to an 'electronic rack' that's located out of the way in the back office equipment room. The rack is also connected to the CAD system.

Result: Any operator can manually operate any control function (such as select a radio or operate an access control boom). Note: the computer system can also operate any system automatically without operator involvement as a result of some action performed by the software..

 
The strength of the solution is in the number of systems one can integrate. Here are some:

• Radio switching, connect and telepatch. Multi-frequency selection on radios

• Bay Door Control. Manual and Automatic

• Control of multiple CCTV cameras

• Public Address, Intercom and automatic Bells/Tones

• Voice and Digital Paging.

• Manual and Automatic Procedures / Stay on the Line assistance on-screen (can be tailored beforehand by the client)

• Chemicals Database on-screen

• REMRAD alarm processing (two way radio telemetry system with speech)

• Telephone dialler for frequently required telephone numbers

• Permanently displayed Function buttons you can tailor to your needs. For example, access control buttons to open gates and booms, switch robots.

Remote Functions

Most emergency centres have only one or more remote sub-stations. Personnel at these stations need to be alerted with bells / tones; HQ needs to speak to them via remote PA; HQ may want to see what's happening with remote CCTV; access to the site needs to be managed using remote access control. Sysman's solution not only works in your local control centre. It also works at remote sub-stations too. This makes unmanned sub-stations a reality.