Fire detection system - intelligent fire signal transmission for fire equipment

Abstract

A method for directing individuals to an evacuation point during a fire, comprising: determining the location of one or more fire detection devices and one or more fire extinguishing devices within a building; detecting a fire using the one or more fire detection devices; determining the location of the fire in response to the location of the one or more fire detection devices; determining a safe evacuation route between individuals and an evacuation point in response to the location of the fire within the building; and directing individuals toward the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of fire detection systems, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for designing fire detection systems.

[0002] Conventional building fire detection systems consist of distributed components that must be designed, labeled, installed and used according to requirements and regulations. The design process is also a major determinant of the total system cost. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, a method for guiding individuals to an evacuation point during a fire is provided. The method includes: determining the location of one or more fire detection devices and one or more fire extinguishing devices within a building; detecting a fire using the one or more fire detection devices; determining the location of the fire in response to the location of the one or more fire detection devices; determining a safe evacuation route between individuals and an evacuation point in response to the location of the fire within the building; and guiding individuals toward the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include directing individuals toward the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route further comprising: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide instructions for directing individuals toward the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route.

[0005] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include: determining the size of the fire within the building; detecting the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; and determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire in response to the size of the fire and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices may be used to extinguish the fire.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire further includes: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include providing an instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing an instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire further includes: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include: determining the type of the fire within the building; detecting the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; and determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire in response to the type of the fire and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices may be used to extinguish the fire.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire further includes: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include providing an instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing an instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire further includes: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a system for providing directions to an evacuation point during a fire is provided. The system includes: a processor; and a memory including computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including: determining the location of one or more fire detection devices and one or more fire extinguishing devices within a building; detecting a fire using the one or more fire detection devices; determining the location of the fire in response to the location of the one or more fire detection devices; determining a safe evacuation route between an individual and an evacuation point in response to the location of the fire within the building; and directing an individual toward the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing directions toward the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route further comprising: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide instructions to direct individuals along the safe evacuation route toward the evacuation point.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include that the operations further include: determining a size of the fire within the building; detecting a type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; and determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire in response to the size of the fire and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include that the operations further include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices may be used to extinguish the fire.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire further includes: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include that the operation further includes: determining the type of the fire in the building; detecting the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices in the building; and responsive to the type of the fire and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices, determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more of the features described above, further embodiments may include that the operations further include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices may be used to extinguish the fire.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments may include providing instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire further includes: activating exit signs along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instructions that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

[0023] Technical effects of embodiments of the present disclosure include automatically designing a fire detection system in response to a building diagram and known constraints.

[0024] Unless otherwise clearly indicated, the above features and elements may be combined in various combinations without being exclusive. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be illustrative and explanatory in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way. Referring to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered the same:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for designing a fire detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a fire detection system planning tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a fire threat modeling tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a fire detection system device placement tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fire detection system device placement tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of designing a fire detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a fire marking system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of directing individuals toward an evacuation point during a fire, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 100 for designing a fire detection system 20 is shown. It should be understood that although specific systems are defined separately in the schematic block diagram, each or any of the systems may be combined or separated via hardware and / or software. In an embodiment, the system 100 for designing a fire detection system 20 may be a web-based system. In an embodiment, the system 100 for designing a fire detection system 20 may be a residential system for a residence / residential building. For example, the system 100 may allow a do-it-yourself (DIY) user to design fire detection for their residence via a tablet or any other computer device.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a fire detection system 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is also shown. The fire detection system 20 is an example and the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to other fire detection systems not shown herein. The fire detection system 20 includes one or more fire detection devices 30, one or more fire extinguishing devices 40, and one or more fire ladder devices 50. The fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire ladder devices 50 may be located in each room 64 of a building 62. Figure 1 FIG60 shows a single floor 61 of a building 62. It should be understood that although the building 62 only shows one fire detection device 30, one fire extinguishing device 40 and one fire ladder device 50, the fire detection system may include any number of fire detection devices 30, fire extinguishing devices 40 and fire ladder devices 50.

[0037] The fire detection device 30 may be a smoke detector, a CO2 detector, a CO detector, a heat sensor, or any other fire detector known to those skilled in the art. The fire extinguishing device 40 may be a fire extinguisher, fire sand, a water hose, a fire blanket, or any other fire extinguishing device known to those skilled in the art. The fire escape device 50 may be a fire escape ladder, a fire axe, a fire exit signal, or any other fire escape device known to those skilled in the art.

[0038] As discussed below, the system 10 is configured to determine the placement of the fire detection devices 30 of the fire detection system 20 within the room 64; determine the placement of the fire extinguishing devices 40 of the fire detection system 20 within the room 64; and determine the fire escape devices 50 within the room 64. The system 10 is configured to determine whether the placement of any of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 violates any constraints and then generates a map 60 showing the location of each fire detection device 30, each fire extinguishing device 40, and each fire escape device 50.

[0039] The system 10 includes a plurality of inputs 110 entered into a design engine 130, which is configured to determine outputs 140 in response to the inputs 110. The inputs 110 may be entered manually, such as, for example, a customer 102 and / or a customer representative 104 entering the inputs 110 via a computing device. The inputs 110 may also be entered automatically, such as, for example, a customer 102 and / or a customer representative 104 scanning or emailing the inputs 110.

[0040] Input 110 may include, but is not limited to, building information 112 and building requirements 114, such as Figure 1 As shown. The building information 112 may include, but is not limited to: a floor plan 112a of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, an address 112b of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, the number of occupants 112c of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, a typical building use 112d of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, types of items 112e within the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, types of hazards 112f within the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, evacuation points 112g within the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located, and current / proposed device locations 112h. It should be understood that the inputs 110 are examples and there may be additional inputs 110 for use in the system 100, and thus embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the listed inputs 110.

[0041] The floor plan 112a of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include details about the floors 61 of the building 62, including but not limited to: the number of floors 61 within the building 62, the layout of each floor 61 within the building 62, the number of rooms 64 on each floor 61 within the building 62, the height of each room 64, the organization / connectivity of each room 64 on each floor 61 within the building 62, the number of doors 80 within each room 64, the location of the doors 80 in each room 64, the number of windows 90 within each room 64, the location of the windows 90 within each room 64, the number of heating and ventilation vents within each room 64, the location of heating and ventilation vents within each room 64, the number of outlets within each room 64, and the location of outlets within each room 64. The address 112b of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include but not limited to: the street address of the building 62, the geographic location of the building 62, the climate zone in which the building 62 is located, and objects surrounding the building 62 (e.g., water, trees, mountains).

[0042] The number of occupants 112c of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include, but is not limited to, the number of occupants currently in the building 62 and details about the types of occupants (e.g., children, adults, seniors). In addition, the number of occupants 112c may be updated in real time or may be a prediction. The typical building use 112d of the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include what the building 62 is used for, such as, for example, living, laboratory space, manufacturing, machining, processing, office space, sports, school, etc. The types of items 112e within the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include details about the objects within the building 62 and the known flammability of each object, such as, for example, if the building 62 is used to store flammable furniture or paper. The types of hazards 112f within the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include a detailed list of the hazards within the building 62 and where the hazards are located. For example, the type of hazard 112f may state that an accelerant (e.g., gasoline) is stored in a workspace on the second floor 61. In another example, the type of hazard 112f may include that the room 64 is primarily used as an office where the primary components are electronic components (e.g., electronic components that are a possible source of fire) and stationary components (e.g., accelerants). The type of evacuation points 112g within the building 62 where the fire detection system 20 will be located may include a detailed list of evacuation points 112g within the building 62 where individuals may exit the building 62. For example, the types of evacuation points may be windows 90 and doors 80.

[0043] The device location 112h may be the current or proposed location of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire escape device 50. The design engine 130 may analyze the device location 112h to determine the device location correctness 140d. For example, the design engine 130 may receive as input the actual status of the fire detection system 20 design (which may be manually input by the user) and may display prohibited / incorrect elements and improvement suggestions, which the user may use as a guide or directly accept all suggestions.

[0044] The building requirements 114 may include, but are not limited to, building system requirements 114a for the building 62 in which the fire detection system 20 will be located and a desired certification level 114b for the building 62 in which the fire detection system 20 will be located. The building system requirements 114a may include, but are not limited to, the type of fire detection system required and / or desired for the building 62. The desired certification level 114b may include laws, ordinances, regulations, city certification requirements (e.g., local codes), state certification requirements (e.g., state laws and regulations), federal certification requirements (e.g., federal laws and regulations), association certification requirements, industry standard certification requirements, and / or trade association certification requirements (e.g., the National Fire Protection Association).

[0045] Input 110 is provided to a design engine 130. Design engine 130 may be local, remote, and / or cloud-based. Design engine 130 may be software as a service. Design engine 130 may be a computing device including a processor and associated memory, the memory including computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The processor may be, but is not limited to, a single processor or a multi-processor system having any of a wide array of possible architectures, including uniformly or non-uniformly arranged field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or graphics processing units (GPUs) hardware. The memory may be, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer-readable medium.

[0046] The design engine 130 is configured to analyze the input 110 in response to the input 130 to determine the threat model 200, the fire detection system device placement 300, the consistency check 400, and the fire marking system 500. The design engine 130 can analyze the input 110 in an autonomous and / or semi-autonomous manner. For example, in a semi-autonomous manner, the design engine 130 can generate a plurality of different fire threat models 200, fire detection system device placement 300, consistency check 400, and fire marking systems 500 for a human user (e.g., a designer) to review, adjust, and / or make a selection. In another example, in an autonomous manner, the design engine 130 can determine a single best option or multiple best options for the fire threat model 200, fire detection system device placement 300, consistency check 400, and fire marking system 500 to then present to the human user.

[0047] The design engine 130 may organize the fire threat model 200, the fire detection system device placement 300, the consistency check 400, and the fire marking system 500 as outputs 140. The outputs 140 may also include a fire detection system device list 140a, a fire detection system device location list 140b for each component on the fire detection system device list 140a, a fire detection system device specification 140c for each component on the fire detection system device list 140a, and device location correctness 140d.

[0048] The system 10 may also include or communicate with a fire detection system device database 150. The fire detection system device database 150 may include details and specifications of devices that may be used in the fire detection system 20. The fire detection system device database 150 may be a single central repository that is updated periodically or in real time. The fire detection system device database 150 may also be linked in real time to external databases, such as, for example, an online supplier database of components of the fire detection system 20. The fire detection system device database 150 may include a fire detection device database 150a, a fire extinguishing device database 150b, and a fire escape device database 150c.

[0049] The fire detection device database 150a may include information such as the types of fire detection devices 30 that can be used and the performance characteristics of each fire detection device 30. The fire detection device database 150a may also include specifications / data tables for installation constraints, as it may be preferred placement locations, prohibited places, and / or recommended distances from possible fire sources or false detection sources. For example, a smoke detector may not be installed in a bathroom because it may trigger a false alarm due to steam, a smoke detector may be installed in a kitchen at a distance of not less than 3 meters and not more than 5 meters from the fire source (cook / stove) to avoid delayed detection, and the device should not be placed less than 30 centimeters from the ceiling, or the preferred placement should be closer to the ceiling than the ground. In another example, in the case of ceiling placement, the device should not be placed less than X cm from a wall or any obstruction. Other information stored in the fire detection device database 150a may include whether the device is battery-powered or whether the device requires a socket / which socket / plug. The fire extinguishing device database 150b may include information such as the types of fire extinguishing devices 40 that can be used, the performance characteristics of each fire extinguishing device 40, and the preferred installation location of the fire extinguishing device 40. The performance characteristics of the fire extinguishing devices 40 may include the effectiveness of each fire extinguishing device 40 against different types of fires (e.g., chemical fires, electrical fires, paper fires, etc.). For example, the preferred installation location of a portable fire extinguisher may be an easily accessible place, no more than X cm away from a possible ignition source. The fire escape database 150c may include information such as the type of fire escape device 50, restrictions on the placement of the fire escape device 50 (e.g., the fire escape ladder should be located close to the window 90), and the performance characteristics of each fire escape device 50.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 2 , continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 A fire detection system planning tool 310 is shown that can be operated by a user via a computing device 302. The fire detection system planning tool 310 can be a software application associated with the design engine 130. For example, the fire detection system planning tool 310 can be a website or an application. The computing device 302 can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or any other computing device known to those skilled in the art. Figure 2 In the example shown, computing device 302 is a tablet computer. Computing device 302 may include a display screen 304 and an input device 306, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, a scroll ball, a stylus, a microphone, a camera, etc. Figure 2 In the example shown, because computing device 302 is a tablet computer, display screen 304 may also function as input device 306 .

[0051] The fire detection system planning tool 310 is configured to assist the designer / user throughout the process of designing the fire detection system 20 by providing real-time feedback during the design process. Figure 2 As shown, the fire detection system planning tool 310 can design the fire detection system 20 in an autonomous and / or semi-autonomous manner via the design engine 130. The user can utilize the fire detection system planning tool 310 to enter the input 110 into the system 100, and then once the fire detection system 20 is designed, the fire detection system planning tool 310 can generate a performance report 330, and the user can evaluate the design of the fire detection system 20 according to the performance report 330. The performance report 330 can evaluate the overall design of the fire detection system 20 and publish an analysis of the design at 331, such as, for example, "completely consistent" at 301 (e.g., completely consistent with all constraints), "poor design" at 302, or "lack of consistency" at 303 (e.g., not completely consistent with all constraints). The performance report 330 can evaluate various aspects of the design of the fire detection system 20.

[0052] The performance report 330 may evaluate the placement 332 of each of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire ladder device 50. The performance report 330 may indicate the effectiveness of the placement 332 of at least one of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire ladder device 50. A valid placement would mean that the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire ladder device 50 do not violate the criteria, such as, for example, the building requirements 114. An invalid placement would mean that at least one of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire ladder device 50 violates the criteria, such as, for example, the building requirements 114. The placement effectiveness 332 may also include an explanation 332a for an invalid placement, such as, for example, "the smoke detector is in the bathroom," "the CO detector is in the closet," or "the smoke detector is in the garage." The performance report 330 may indicate the effectiveness of the placement 332, which shows whether the placement is a legal placement.

[0053] The performance report 330 may evaluate possible important locations 334 for each of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50. The important locations 334 may be required by law. The performance report 330 may indicate whether the important locations 334 of at least one of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 are protected. The performance report 330 may indicate that all important locations 334 of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 are covered, as shown at 301 and 302. The performance report 330 may indicate that all important locations 334 of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 are not covered, as shown at 303. The performance report 330 may also include a summary 334a of the important locations 334, as shown at Figure 2shown.

[0054] The performance report 330 may evaluate the possible locations 336 of each of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire ladder devices 50. The performance report 330 may indicate whether the location 336 of at least one of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire ladder devices 50 is covered. The performance report 330 may indicate that all locations 336 of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire ladder devices 50 are covered, as shown at 301 and 302. The performance report 330 may indicate that all locations 336 of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire ladder devices 50 are not covered, as shown at 303. The performance report 330 may also include a summary 336a of the locations 336, as shown at Figure 2 shown.

[0055] The performance report 330 may also provide the user with an option to automatically redesign the fire detection system 20 at 340 or manually redesign the fire detection system 20 at 350. Once the fire detection system 20 is redesigned, the performance report 330 will be run again to re-evaluate the fire detection system 20.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 3 , continue to refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Fire threat model 200. Figure 3 A fire threat modeling tool 210 is shown that can be operated by a user via a computing device 302. The fire threat modeling tool 210 can be a software application associated with the design engine 130. For example, the fire threat modeling tool 210 can be a website or an application. The computing device 302 can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or any other computing device known to those skilled in the art. Figure 3 In the example shown, computing device 302 is a tablet computer. Computing device 302 may include a display screen 304 and an input device 306, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, a scroll ball, a stylus, a microphone, a camera, etc. Figure 3 In the example shown, because computing device 302 is a tablet computer, display screen 304 may also function as input device 306 .

[0057] The fire threat modeling tool 210 is configured to assist the designer / user throughout the process of evaluating the fire threat within each room 64 of the building 62 by providing real-time feedback during the design process. Figure 1The input 110 of the fire threat modeling tool 210 is used to construct the diagram 60, which shows a detailed dynamic fire threat input diagram 117. For example, the fire threat modeling tool 210 can take the floor plan 112a into the input 110 and generate a detailed dynamic fire threat diagram 220, in which the doors 80, windows 90, rooms 64 and other features such as items 112e (e.g., furniture and appliances) are identified (and possibly labeled) in the floor plan 112a. The dynamic fire threat input diagram 117 can be constructed at two different inputs including the fire source input 222 and the fire evacuation point input 224. The dynamic fire threat input diagram 117 can also be constructed for the entire building 62 instead of just a single floor 61.

[0058] For the fire source input 222, a detailed dynamic fire threat input map 117 is described in a single room 64 or zone. Factors such as room geometry, location of items 112e (e.g., obstacles / furniture), location of evacuation points 112g (e.g., exterior windows and doors), type of evacuation points 112g, fire hazards 112f present in the room 64, and probability 230 of fire may be incorporated. The probability 230 of fire may be determined statistically in response to the input 110 and / or historical data present in the room 64. Statistical methods may be used to identify the probability 230 of a fire occurring in the room 64 and the probability 230 may be displayed on the dynamic fire threat input map 117, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The probability 230 can be displayed on the dynamic fire threat input map 117 as high probability, low probability, medium probability, or ignored, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As new input 110 and / or data is received from the fire detection system device database 150, the dynamic fire threat input map 117 can be updated in real time. The dynamic fire threat input map 117 can also display all hazards 112f and where the hazards 112f are located in each room 64, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0059] For the fire evacuation point input 224, a dynamic fire escape option and fire propagation model is constructed from the knowledge of the connectivity between the rooms 64 and the available fire escape devices 50. The proximity of the rooms 64 is used to determine the likelihood of a fire spreading to an adjacent room 64. For example, a high probability 230 of a fire in one room 64 may give rise to a probability 230 of a fire in an adjacent room 64. Doors 80 and windows 90 on the exterior of the building 62 are considered possible evacuation points 112g in the event of a fire and may be valued based on their relative accessibility 240. For example, a window 90 located on the second floor may not be accessible unless a fire escape device 50 is located nearby (such as, for example, a ladder). The process of obtaining the accessibility 240 of each evacuation point 112g may be automatically determined based on the type of evacuation point 112g, the location of the evacuation point 112g, and the location of any fire escape devices 50 that need to be located near the evacuation point 112g. The accessibility 240 of each evacuation point 112g may be displayed on the second level 224 of the dynamic fire threat input map 117, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown. Accessibility 240 can also be displayed on the dynamic fire threat input map 117 using text and / or symbols. For example, a double green check mark can mean that the evacuation point 112g is an accessible obstruction, a single green check mark can mean that the evacuation point 112g is accessible at ground level, a red "X" can mean that the evacuation point 112g is not accessible, and a yellow exclamation mark can mean that the evacuation point 112g can be accessed using the fire escape device 50. The fire threat modeling tool 210 can also factor in the distance from each evacuation point 112g when determining accessibility 240.

[0060] Now refer to Figures 4 to 5 , continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Figures 4 to 5 Shows Figure 1 The fire detection system installation is placed 300. Figure 4 A fire detection system device placement tool 410 is shown that can be operated by a user via a computing device 302. The fire detection system device placement tool 410 can be a software application associated with the design engine 130. The computing device 302 can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a smart watch, or any other computing device known to those skilled in the art. Figure 4 In the example shown, computing device 302 is a tablet computer. Computing device 302 may include a display screen 304 and an input device 306, such as, for example, a mouse, a touch screen, a scroll wheel, a scroll ball, a stylus, a microphone, a camera, etc. Figure 4 In the example shown, because computing device 302 is a tablet computer, display screen 304 may also function as input device 306 .

[0061] The fire detection system device placement tool 410 is configured to assist the designer / user throughout the process of fire detection system device placement 300 by providing real-time feedback during the design process. Figure 4 As shown, the fire detection system device placement tool 410 automatically determines the number and location of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 in response to the input 110. The fire detection system device placement tool 410 is configured to determine the dynamic fire threat map 220 and the exit map 270. The dynamic fire threat map 220 can be obtained from Figure 3 The detailed map 60 generated from the fire threat input map 117 is shown. The dynamic fire threat map 220 can use color shading to illustrate the probability 230 of a fire. The exit map 270 shows the approximate location of the evacuation points 112g and the distance 272 to each evacuation point 112g. The distance 272 can be measured from or relative to the center point 64a within each room 64. The exit map 270 can incorporate the ease (e.g., accessibility 240) of each evacuation point 112g and also identify critical narrow passages that may prohibit egress during an emergency (e.g., fire).

[0062] The fire detection system device placement tool 410 may utilize the dynamic fire threat map 220 and the exit map 270 to automatically place the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 in all the rooms 64 on the map 308 displayed on the display screen 304. The fire detection system device placement tool 410 may further optimize or adjust the number and location of the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire escape devices 50 in response to the customer's desired budget and / or desired security level.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, the diagram 308 is interactive in real time and the user will be able to move the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40 and the fire ladder devices 50 in all the rooms 64 on the diagram 308 by interacting with the diagram 308, such as, for example, by "drag and drop" or by touching. The fire detection system device placement tool 410 is configured to activate the alarm 368 if the movement of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40 and / or the fire ladder device 50 violates constraints such as, for example, the building requirements 114 device constraints. The device constraints may include any constraints to ensure the proper and / or effective operation of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40 and the fire ladder device 50. For example, placing the fire detection device 30 in the bathroom may not be the most effective or the fire ladder device 50 (e.g., a ladder) may need to be located near the window 90. The constraints may also include a specification / data sheet of installation constraints, as it may be a preferred placement location, a prohibited place, and / or a recommended distance from a possible source of fire or a source of false detection. For example, a smoke detector may not be installed in a bathroom because it may trigger a false alarm due to steam, a smoke detector may be installed in a kitchen not less than 3 meters and not more than 5 meters from the fire source (cook / stove) to avoid delayed detection, and the device should not be placed less than 30 cm from the ceiling, or preferably the placement should be closer to the ceiling than the floor. In another example, in the case of ceiling placement, the device should not be placed less than X cm from a wall or any obstruction. Other information stored in the fire detection device database 150a may include whether the device is battery powered or whether the device requires a socket / which socket / plug.

[0064] As mentioned above, the building requirements 114 may include building system requirements 114a and desired certification levels 114b. The desired certification levels 114b may also include legal constraints. In an embodiment, the fire detection system device placement tool 410 is configured to check in real time to ensure that the fire detection devices 30, the fire extinguishing devices 40, and the fire ladder devices 50 do not violate legal constraints. Advantageously, the diagram 60 in the fire detection system device placement tool 410 serves as a visual aid to inform the user (i.e., designer) of specific constraints in real time and whether the constraints are violated during modifications made by the user.

[0065] Now also refer to Figure 6 , continue to refer to Figures 1 to 5 . Figure 6A flow chart is shown that illustrates a method 600 for designing a fire detection system 200 via manual placement by a user with violation validation. At block 604, a position of at least one of a fire detection device 30, a fire extinguishing device 40, and a fire escape device 50 is determined. The position may be determined by: determining a probability 230 of a fire occurring in a room 64; determining the number of fire detection devices 30 of a fire detection system 20 within the room 64 in response to the probability 230 of a fire occurring in the room 64; determining the number of fire extinguishing devices 40 of a fire detection system 20 within the room 64 in response to the probability 230 of a fire occurring in the room 64; and determining a position of each of the fire detection devices 30 within the room 64 and a position of the fire extinguishing device 40 within the room 64.

[0066] The probability 230 of a fire occurring in the room 64 may be determined by: determining the geometry of the room 64 in response to the floor plan 112a; determining whether one or more items 112e are located in the room 64 and the flammability of each of the one or more items 112e; determining whether one or more hazards 112f are located in the room 64; and determining the probability 230 of a fire occurring in the room in response to at least the one or more items 112e being located in the room, the flammability of each of the one or more items 112e, and the one or more hazards 112f being located in the room 64. Obstructions are also avoided and the field of view of the devices is taken into account.

[0067] At block 606 , a device location correctness 140 d of a location of at least one of a fire detection device 30 , a fire extinguishing device 40 , and a fire escape device 50 within the building 62 is determined.

[0068] At block 608, the alarm 368 is activated in response to the device position correctness 140d of the position of at least one of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire ladder device 50 within the building 62. The user input is used to adjust the position of at least one of the fire detection device 30, the fire extinguishing device 40, and the fire ladder device 50 within the building 62 and the user input may prompt a recheck of the device position correctness 140d.

[0069] Although the above description describes the Figure 6 Flowcharts of the invention are provided, however it should be understood that the order of the steps may be varied unless otherwise specifically required in the appended claims.

[0070] Now refer to Figure 7 , continue to refer to Figures 1 to 6 , Figure 7 Shown with Figure 1The fire marking system 500 may include one or more exit signs 520 located near the fire extinguishing device 40 or the fire escape device 50. The fire marking system 500 may communicate with each of the fire detection devices 30 of the fire detection system 20 and each of the exit signs 520. The fire detection system 20 may include a controller 510 to coordinate the operation of the fire detection devices 30 and the exit signs 520.

[0071] The controller 510 may be a computing device including a processor and associated memory including computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The processor may be, but is not limited to, a single processor or a multi-processor system having any of a wide array of possible architectures, including uniformly or non-uniformly arranged field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or graphics processing units (GPUs) hardware. The memory may be, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other computer-readable medium.

[0072] The controller 510 may obtain the location of each of the fire detection systems 30 from the system 100 (e.g., the design engine 130), so that when a particular fire detection system 30 detects a fire 560, then the controller 510 may determine where the fire 560 is located depending on where the fire detection device 30 is located. The controller 510 may also obtain the location of each of the exit signs 520 within the building 62. When a fire 560 is detected by at least one of the fire detection devices 30, then the controller may determine a safe evacuation route 540 to exit the building 62 and then communicate with the exit signs 520 to guide individuals out of the building 62 along the safe evacuation route 540. As the fire 560 changes, moves, and / or spreads, the controller 510 and the exit signs 520 are updated in real time.

[0073] Exit signs 520 may provide instructions 522 to guide individuals out of building 62 along safe evacuation routes 540. Instructions 522 may be verbal and / or visual. Figure 7 In the example shown, the instructions 522 can be displayed visually to the user as words and symbols such as arrows 524 that direct the individual to follow a path from one room 64 to another or not to follow a path. The arrows 524 can be illuminated green to urge the individual to follow the safe evacuation route 540 or the arrows 524 can be illuminated red to warn the individual not to go toward the fire 560 or an unsafe route. As mentioned above, the instructions 522 can also be verbal to provide audible instructions to the individual to guide the individual along the safe evacuation route 540.

[0074] The exit sign 520 may be located near the fire extinguishing device 40 and / or the fire escape device 50 to provide instructions 570 to guide individuals whether to use the fire extinguishing device 40 and / or the fire escape device 50 located near the exit sign 520. The fire sign system 500 is configured to determine the size and / or type of the fire 560 from the fire detection device 30 and then determine whether each fire extinguishing device 40 will be effective against the fire 560 of the determined size and / or type. The controller 510 may obtain the type of each of the fire extinguishing devices 40 from the system 100 (e.g., the design engine 130) and then determine whether the type of the fire extinguishing device is effective against the fire 560 of the determined size and / or type. For example, some of the fire extinguishing devices 40 may not be large enough to extinguish a fire 560 of a determined size. In another example, some of the fire extinguishing devices 40 may simply lack the appropriate extinguishing agent to extinguish a fire 560 of a determined type. If the fire extinguishing device 40 can effectively combat a fire 560 of a determined size and / or type, the instructions 570 may instruct individuals to use the fire extinguishing device 40. If the fire extinguishing device 40 may not be effective against a fire 560 of a determined size and / or type, the instructions 570 may instruct the individual not to use the fire extinguishing device 40 .

[0075] Instructions 570 may be verbal and / or visual. Figure 7 In the example shown, the instructions 570 can be visually displayed to the user as written instructions 572 to guide the individual to pick up or not pick up the fire extinguishing device 40 to extinguish the fire 560. The written instructions 572 can be illuminated green or red to prompt the individual to follow the instructions 570. As mentioned above, the instructions 570 can also be verbal to provide audible instructions to the individual to guide the individual to use the fire extinguishing device 40 and / or the fire escape device 50. For example, the exit sign 520 can be located near the fire escape device 50 to provide audible instructions to the individual to use the fire escape device 50, such as Figure 7 As shown in 574.

[0076] Now also refer to Figure 8 , continue to refer to Figures 1 to 7 . Figure 8A flow chart is shown that illustrates a method 800 for directing individuals to an evacuation point 112g during a fire 560, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At box 804, the location of one or more fire detection devices 30 and one or more fire extinguishing devices 40 is determined. At box 806, the fire 560 within the building 62 is detected using the one or more fire detection devices 30. At box 808, the location of the fire 560 within the building is determined in response to the location of the one or more fire detection devices 30. At box 810, a safe evacuation route 540 between the individual and the evacuation point 112g is determined in response to the location of the fire 560 within the building 62. At box 812, the individual is directed toward the evacuation point 112g along the safe evacuation route 540.

[0077] Individuals may be directed by activating exit markers 520 along safe evacuation routes 540. As mentioned above, exit markers 520 are configured to provide instructions 522 to direct individuals along safe evacuation routes 540 toward evacuation points 112g.

[0078] The method 800 may further include: determining the size and / or type of the fire 560 within the building 62; detecting the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices 40 within the building 62; and determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices 40 within the building 62 can be used to extinguish the fire 560 in response to the size and / or type of the fire 560 and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices 40. The individual may then be indicated whether one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices 40 can be used to extinguish the fire 560. The individual may be indicated by activating an exit sign 520 along the safe evacuation route 540. The exit sign 520 is configured to provide an instruction 570 that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices 40 can or cannot be used to extinguish the fire 560.

[0079] Although the above description describes the Figure 8 Flowcharts of the invention are provided, however it should be understood that the order of the steps may be varied unless otherwise specifically required in the appended claims.

[0080] As described above, the embodiments may be in the form of processor-implemented processes and devices (such as processors) for practicing those processes. The embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as network cloud storage, SD card, flash drive, floppy disk, CD ROM, hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed by the computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. The embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code, such as whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into a computer and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted via some transmission media, loaded into a computer and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted via some transmission media (such as via wires or cables, via optical fibers, or via electromagnetic radiation), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into a computer and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segment configures the microprocessor to generate a specific logic circuit.

[0081] The term "about" is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of a particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time the application was filed. For example, "about" may include a range of ±8% or 5% or 2% of a given value.

[0082] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one" and "said" are also intended to include plural forms. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the term "comprising" specifies the existence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but does not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element parts and / or their groups.

[0083] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the present disclosure, but the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of directing individuals to an evacuation point during a fire, the method comprising: determining the location of one or more fire detection devices and one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; detecting a fire using the one or more fire detection devices; determining a location of the fire responsive to the location of the one or more fire detection devices; determining a safe evacuation route between an individual and an evacuation point in response to said location of said fire within said building; as well as directing individuals along said safe evacuation route toward said evacuation point, Wherein, the method further comprises: determining the size and / or type of said fire in said building; detecting a type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; responsive to the size and / or type of the fire and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices, determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire; Upon determining that each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire, providing an instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire; Exit signs are activated along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: The exit signs are also configured to provide instructions for directing individuals along the safe evacuation route toward the evacuation point.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Upon determining that each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire, an instruction is provided that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the exit sign is further configured to provide the instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

5. A system for providing directions to an evacuation point during a fire, the system comprising: processor; as well as a memory comprising computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: determining the location of one or more fire detection devices and one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; detecting a fire using the one or more fire detection devices; determining a location of the fire responsive to the location of the one or more fire detection devices; responsive to the location of the fire within the building, determining a safe evacuation route between individuals and an evacuation point; and directing individuals along said safe evacuation route toward said evacuation point, The operation further includes: determining the size and / or type of said fire in said building; detecting a type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices within the building; responsive to the size and / or type of the fire and the type of each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices, determining whether each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire; Upon determining that each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire, providing an instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire; Exit signs are activated along the safe evacuation route, wherein the exit signs are configured to provide the instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices can be used to extinguish the fire.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the exit sign is further configured to provide instructions for directing individuals along the safe evacuation route toward the evacuation point.

7. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the operations further comprise: Upon determining that each of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire, an instruction is provided that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the exit sign is further configured to provide the instruction that one of the one or more fire extinguishing devices cannot be used to extinguish the fire.

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