System for controlling and configuring occupant evacuation operations in a building

Abstract

A system for controlling and configuring occupant evacuation operations (OEO) in a multi-story building has an elevator control system, a fire alarm detection system having a plurality of fire sensor devices, wherein the fire alarm detection system generates fire alarm information signals, and a central control system coupled with the elevator control system and the fire alarm detection system. The central control system has a data processing system having a processor and a memory that provides a configurable model of the multi-story building, receives signals from the fire alarm detection system, and receives signals from and transmits control signals to the elevator control system. The configurable model allows configuration of the system to create a functional model of the OEO required in the multi-story building, and the central control system controls the OEO based on the signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to control systems within buildings, and more particularly to the control and configuration of occupant evacuation operations (OEO). Background Technology

[0002] To date, elevators in buildings may not be usable in the event of a fire. Generally, in many existing buildings, in the event of a fire, all elevators are recalled to designated floors and are only accessible to firefighters. Residents are required to evacuate via the stairs only. Signage and fire alarm voice messages are issued accordingly. Due to the 9 / 11 attacks in New York, new codes and guidelines were developed to allow the use of elevators for evacuation when the building infrastructure meets specific rules. Such Occupant Evacuation Operations (OEOs) are defined, for example, in relevant codes such as the National Elevator Code ASME 17.1 / CSA B44, the Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, and other codes (US Building and Fire Codes, local codes, etc.). Other countries may have different regulations.

[0003] New U.S. standards and regulations for Occupant Evacuation Operations (OEO) require fire detection systems to assess when specific floors of a building are in an OEO-related alarm state and when they are in an evacuation state. This information should be provided to elevator systems, which may include multiple elevator groups and associated elevator controls. Furthermore, close coordination between voice evacuation messages and all information displayed on the elevator system is absolutely necessary.

[0004] Conventional OEO implementations typically require one or more control units, which may be placed on each floor of the building or control multiple floors and connected to the elevator system. This significantly increases cabling and, consequently, system failures due to connectivity issues. At least one problem with such conventional systems is that they require numerous complex, manually configurable generic control functions, which are likely to be outdated and therefore need to be modified when aspects of the building change. These manually configurable generic control functions can include logical combinations of all relevant states with Boolean functions, etc. These controls then activate hardwired outputs connected to the elevator system.

[0005] Due to the complexity of such systems, especially those designed for multi-story buildings (such as skyscrapers), configuring and expanding them is not easy. In particular, changes in regulations may necessitate reconfiguration of the system, which can be difficult to implement and require hardware changes or replacements. Furthermore, different countries may have different regulations and requirements for handling emergencies in buildings and associated OEOs. Therefore, different customized systems may be necessary to comply with these different regulations. Most importantly, changes in the use and construction of rooms / building sections may occur. Adapting a conventional system to such changes remains very difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a configurable system that allows for easy adaptation to specific building structures and to regulations governing emergency situations within such buildings. Furthermore, it is necessary to avoid the extensive wiring requirements of conventional systems.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a system for controlling and configuring occupant evacuation operations in a multi-story building may include: an elevator control system; a fire alarm detection system including a plurality of fire sensor devices, wherein the fire alarm detection system generates fire alarm information signals; and a central control system coupled to the elevator control system and the fire alarm detection system, wherein the central control system includes a data processing system including a processor and a memory operable to provide a configurable model of the multi-story building to receive signals from the fire alarm detection system and to receive and transmit control signals to the elevator control system, wherein the configurable model allows configuration of the system to create a functional model required for occupant evacuation operations in the multi-story building, and wherein the central control system controls occupant evacuation operations (OEO) based on signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system.

[0008] According to a further embodiment, the central control system may include a network connection, and the configurable model can be configured using offline engineering tools and downloaded via the network connection after being configured into the central control system. According to a further embodiment, the central control system can provide control signals to the elevator system, wherein the elevator system controls evacuation procedures and elevator identification based on the control signals. According to a further embodiment, the identification may include visual information. According to a further embodiment, the fire alarm system may include a voice evacuation system. According to a further embodiment, the fire alarm system may be an integrated part of the central control system. According to a further embodiment, the elevator system may include multiple independently controlled elevator groups. According to a further embodiment, the fire alarm detection system may include fire alarm detectors for each building floor. According to a further embodiment, the system may further include: fire alarm detectors coupled to the fire alarm system and located in at least one of: the elevator engine room, the elevator shaft, and the elevator lobby. According to a further embodiment, the central control system can be coupled to the elevator system via a BACnet network connection. According to a further embodiment, the central control system can provide input signals to the elevator system and receive digital output signals from the elevator system. According to a further embodiment, the central control system may include at least one configurable OEO control group module associated with an elevator group, the configurable OEO control group module being coupled to a common OEO control module and multiple OEO building-level control modules. According to a further embodiment, a fire alarm detection system may provide signals to the common OEO control module and each OEO building-level control module. According to a further embodiment, the system may include multiple configurable OEO control group modules, each associated with one of multiple elevator groups, wherein each OEO control group module is further coupled to an associated common OEO control module and an associated OEO building-level control module. According to a further embodiment, a common OEO control module associated with one of the OEO control group modules may provide signals to another common OEO control module associated with another OEO control group module. According to a further embodiment, a configuration screen for configuring a multi-story building model displays a configuration in the form of a tree structure, where the root element represents an OEO control group module, and elements representing common OEO control modules and OEO building hierarchy control modules branch from the root element. The OEO building hierarchy control modules are arranged in a tree structure, showing the highest building hierarchy at the top and the lowest building hierarchy at the bottom. According to a further embodiment, the configuration screen allows the assignment of input signals to trigger predefined events.According to a further embodiment, for each module of a building level, the following states are evaluated and provided: a) a first state, which indicates that an OEO-related alarm has occurred on that building level; b) a second state, which indicates that the building level should be evacuated using an OEO; c) a third state, which indicates that the building level should be evacuated using an OEO, but no elevator is available; d) a fourth state, which indicates that the OEO is active in the elevator group, but the level is not currently being evacuated; and e) a fifth state, which indicates that none of states a)...d) are currently active.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a method for controlling and configuring Occupant Evacuation Operations (OEO) in a multi-story building may include the steps of: configuring a model representing the multi-story building using engineering tools, wherein the model represents and provides a configuration of all building floors and their association with at least one elevator system and control signals; installing the configured model in a central control system coupled to an elevator control system and a fire alarm detection system within the building, wherein the central control system includes a data processing system including a processor and a memory operable to perform OEO control based on the configured model, and receiving signals from the fire alarm detection system and receiving signals from the elevator control system and transmitting control signals to the elevator control system, wherein the central control system controls the OEO based on the signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the above method, the model may include common OEO control, for which multiple input signals may be assigned to predefined events. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the method may further include: using engineering tools to modify the configured model to adapt the system to changes in the OEO as defined by the modified specification, or to adapt to changes in building use or structure. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the method may further include: providing control signals to the elevator system by a central control system, wherein based on the control signals, the elevator system controls evacuation procedures and elevator identification. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the identification may include visual information. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the method may further include generating voice evacuation messages for each building floor. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the elevator system may include multiple independently controlled elevator groups. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the fire alarm detection system may include fire alarm detectors for each building floor. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the method may further include: arranging fire alarm detectors coupled to the fire alarm system in at least one of the following: elevator engine room, elevator shaft, and elevator lobby. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the central control system may include at least one configurable OEO control group module associated with an elevator group and multiple OEO building level control modules. According to a further embodiment of the above method, at least one configurable OEO control group module may be coupled to a common OEO control module. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the method may further include: providing signals from a fire alarm detection system to the common OEO control module and each OEO building level control module. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the method may further include: multiple configurable OEO control group modules, each associated with one of the multiple elevator groups, wherein each OEO control group module is further coupled to an associated common OEO control module and an associated OEO building level control module. According to a further embodiment of the above method, a common OEO control module associated with one of the OEO control group modules may provide signals to another common OEO control module associated with another OEO control group module. According to a further embodiment of the above method, a configuration screen for configuring a model of a multi-story building can display a configuration in the form of a tree structure, where the root element represents an OEO control group module, and elements representing common OEO control modules and OEO building hierarchy control modules branch from the root element, wherein the OEO building hierarchy control modules are arranged in a tree structure showing the highest building hierarchy at the top and the lowest building hierarchy at the bottom. According to a further embodiment of the above method, the configuration screen can allow the assignment of input signals to trigger predefined events.According to a further embodiment of the above method, for each module of a building level, the following states can be evaluated and provided: a) a first state, which indicates that an OEO-related alarm has occurred on the building level; b) a second state, which indicates that the building level should be evacuated using an OEO; c) a third state, which indicates that the building level should be evacuated using an OEO, but no elevator is available; d) a fourth state, which indicates that the OEO is active in the elevator group, but the level is not currently being evacuated; and e) a fifth state, which indicates that none of states a)...d) are currently active. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary multi-level building is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 Block diagrams of software models according to various embodiments are shown.

[0013] Figure 3 A more detailed block diagram showing the coupling between the central control unit, which runs the software model, and the elevator control unit is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 Configuration screens according to various embodiments are shown.

[0015] Figure 5 Figures 6 and 7 illustrate various emergency scenarios in the central control unit and their associated modeling. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The main requirement for Occupant Evacuation Operation (OEO) is that automatic detectors must activate OEO, where the first alarm sets the fire alarm status within a building floor, for example, setting it to "OEO Alarm" status. This alarm status indicates that the corresponding building floor needs to be evacuated with the highest priority. Furthermore, the two floors above and below this floor will also be set to evacuation status, for example, "OEO Evacuation". Subsequent alarms set all floors between the newly reported alarm level and the first alarm level to evacuation status and "OEO Evacuation" status. Additionally, the two floors above and below the newly reported alarm level are also set to evacuation mode and "OEO Evacuation" status. Floors in "OEO Alarm" status require evacuation with higher priority than floors in "OEO Evacuation" status. Manual pull stations must not activate OEO. Alarms on discharge levels should not activate OEO.

[0017] To ensure smooth and reliable evacuation, close coordination between the elevator system and the fire alarm system is crucial. The disclosed embodiments ensure that there is only one source of information used by all relevant control systems (fire alarm system, elevator system) (provided by the fire alarm system), but evacuation procedures and elevator signage are handled by the elevator system. The system coordinates evacuation procedures and signage via elevator controls. Additionally, appropriate voice messages / evacuation instructions are issued by the fire alarm system.

[0018] According to various embodiments, a dedicated control application assesses the OEO status of each building level and reports the status, for example, via a standardized Building Automation and Control Network (BACnet) connected to dedicated communication lines and buses. Only signals from / to the elevator system, as required by the specification, are hardwired; all other signals are transmitted via the standardized BACnet communication bus. The OEO status is used as a criterion for voice messages.

[0019] Therefore, various embodiments provide a single central information source for all relevant applications, providing control over elevators, voice messages, and other indications. This solution provides a minimal number of connections between the elevator system and the fire alarm system, and provides the main portion of the information via advanced connections. In other words, the central control system creates the functional model necessary for OEO within the building. According to embodiments, the central control system may include a processing system with a processor and memory coupled to the corresponding elevator control system and fire alarm detection system. The central control system may have various network connection couplings. The configurable model provided by the central control system allows the system to be configured using engineering tools, such as offline engineering tools, which are not part of the system. However, other embodiments may include integrated configuration tools. Thus, the system / model can be configured online or offline, and in the case of offline configuration, once the system is established, it can be downloaded to the actual control unit. The configured model provides common logic control blocks or modules within the central control system. These blocks or modules also implement all relevant legal requirements. Each module is configurable and therefore can be easily adapted to changes in regulations or to the details of each building. These blocks or modules are fully integrated within the control system and provide display and manual interaction, such as keyboard, mouse, touchscreen interfaces, etc. Communication with external components can be provided via dedicated communication lines (especially digital communication lines) and via a central communication bus (such as BACnet).

[0020] Specifically, system configuration is facilitated by using control blocks or modules of the OEO control system, and external engineering tools can be used to configure the system configuration as mentioned above. Configuration can also be performed directly within the system. The system can include a visual model of the building (e.g., a graphical or hierarchical tree structure) to further facilitate configuration. In particular, the system provides control blocks or modules separately for each building level and combines common functions within shared blocks or modules.

[0021] In standard implementations, the system only needs to assess the reasons for evacuation at the building level. However, the modular structure of the system offers great flexibility, and therefore its functionality can address many other special cases. The system provides a clear representation of the building structure, for example, on a dedicated display or system screen. For instance, each building level is shown in its actual “vertical” order relative to other levels, such as through corresponding elements like rows in a tree structure, as will be explained in more detail below. The simplicity and clarity of the user interface provide maximum possible protection against any operational, programming, or configuration errors. For example, a tree structure can be used to represent a building and its systems, and the system can provide engineering tools for configuring the system (e.g., on a PC). According to various embodiments, this representation is preferably designed to be self-explanatory and easy to understand, as service engineers use the tools to configure OEO functionality.

[0022] The allocation of various functions, particularly between the elevator system and the fire alarm notification system with integrated voice evacuation, provides congruity for optical and acoustic evacuation signals. To this end, the central control system calculates and / or determines the building floors that must be evacuated by itself and notifies the elevator system accordingly. Therefore, there is only a single source providing relevant data for evacuation. This information source (i.e., the central control system) provides information to all participating units, such as elevators, alarm displays, and all voice outputs. Thus, the system avoids different applications processing evacuation procedures in parallel and providing inconsistent results relative to each other. The separate modeling of OEO and voice allows for flexible configuration of the voice subsystem.

[0023] The so-called "Phase I recall" must be activated in the following situations, where the elevator recall also renders the elevator unusable for OEO:

[0024] • Fire alarm in the elevator lobby of any group on any floor of the building;

[0025] • Fire in the elevator shaft;

[0026] • Fire in the elevator machine room;

[0027] • Other criteria (mass notifications, alerts, etc.).

[0028] Specific voice messages, including OEO information, should be played in different situations; and manual activation / control of the OEO, for example, from the fire command center, must be possible.

[0029] In fire detection and voice evacuation systems according to various embodiments, a dedicated, intuitive SW model of the building and OEO (Out-of-Emergency) functions allows for a reliable, clearly laid out, and manageable configuration of all OEO-related criteria, providing a single relevant status for all involved applications. This functionality can be implemented within a central control unit coupled to existing fire detection hardware at elevators and each floor of the building. Therefore, existing communication networks can be used without the need to install new communication lines within the building. In buildings with basic hazard alarm systems, little or no additional hardware for each floor may be required. Furthermore, a single control system can be used for a wide variety of building types, and the system is flexible enough to be configured to comply with various regulations.

[0030] Fire detection and voice-based evacuation systems are typically required to monitor the building's status relative to hazardous conditions and, in the event of one or more such conditions, to effectively provide means for evacuating the building. Depending on the status of each floor and one or more elevators, the system, for example, guides occupants to the fastest possible exit route in the event of a fire. This can include audio messages and visual guidance generated by the voice-based evacuation system, and the elevator system's operation in the most efficient manner based on information provided by the fire alarm system, where the status of each floor of the building may require different measurements for such evacuation. Any of these measures can be provided by the fire alarm system or by the elevator system. For example, the fire alarm system can provide visualizations of escape routes (flashing lights, arrows, etc.), and / or the elevator system can also provide visual indications of elevator status, etc. Other implementations of visual guidance and voice-based evacuation systems may be applied depending on the embodiment.

[0031] According to various embodiments, for each elevator group in a building, there is a control block or module for each building level plus a control block or module for the common functions of the elevator group.

[0032] A system utilizing its various blocks or modules can be viewed as a model of a building relative to the various inputs and outputs associated with OEO. This model includes all the functionality required by standards and regulations, requiring only site-specific configuration. These can include:

[0033] The reasons for OEO-related alarms at each building level; and

[0034] The common function of each elevator group is the reason for the immediate cancellation of OEO and the full guidelines for the "Phase I recall" of that group of elevators.

[0035] According to various embodiments, as mentioned above, the central control unit provides a dedicated model for the OEO and is fully integrated into the entire fire detection and voice evacuation system, thus benefiting from all general functions (such as displays and operations on operating terminals, parallel indicators, etc.). Furthermore, this ensures that the OEO status is smoothly and easily incorporated into the configuration of the voice evacuation section.

[0036] Modeling buildings within a central control system provides flexibility for configuration to meet specific requirements and for changes to standards and regulations.

[0037] Each control block or module at the building level is evaluated and the following status is provided:

[0038] a) OEO Alert: An OEO-related alert has been triggered at this building level, and this building level should be evacuated with the highest priority.

[0039] b) OEO evacuation: This building level should be evacuated using OEO.

[0040] c) OEO unavailable: The building floor should be evacuated using an OEO, but no elevator is available.

[0041] d) OEO unaffected: The OEO is active within the elevator group, but no evacuation is currently being carried out on that floor.

[0042] e) OEO Quiet: This means the corresponding building level is in a "quiet" state, where "quiet" means the OEO is not currently active within the group. In other words, none of states a)...d) are currently active.

[0043] These various states of the building levels are determined by the central control system based on information provided to the system by various sensors located on that building level, information determined by other building levels, and information provided by various elevator groups. States a) and b) are transmitted to the elevator control. States a) and b), and additionally states c) and d), are internally used as criteria for voice evacuation control functions in the control system according to various embodiments.

[0044] There exists a supervised, high-level connection, which can be provided, for example, via a standardized Building Automation and Control Network (BACnet), to transmit OEO status from the central control unit to the elevator system, rather than to a large number of hardwired outputs. Only some additional connections required by the standard are hardwired, and these additional connections may be necessary in existing systems where an OEO system according to various embodiments is to be installed.

[0045] Figure 1 An exemplary building and system 100 according to various embodiments is shown. The building may have 15 levels 0-14, with the bottom two levels 0 and 1 underground. Two sets of elevators are provided, each of which may include multiple elevators. Figure 1 Only individual elevators 110 and 130 of each group are shown. Each elevator 110, 130 may have an associated elevator control unit 115, 135 coupled to the central control unit 120. Each elevator control unit 115, 135 may be coupled separately via separate dedicated communication lines 180, 190 and a common bus (e.g., BACnet bus). Thus, communication between elevator control units may include, for example, a BACnet bus and separate unidirectional input and output lines, as will be referred to below. Figure 5 As discussed in more detail, staircases 140 can be provided for all building levels 0-14. Each level 0-14 can have at least one fire alarm sensor and optionally multiple other sensors, indicated by digit 150, coupled to the central control unit 120. Thus, fire alarm sensors can be deployed throughout critical locations of the building. The elevator system can include separate fire alarm sensors, such as those in the elevator shaft, elevator lobby, engine room, etc. These fire alarm sensors are also connected to the fire alarm system, even though they specifically protect / monitor parts / locations of the elevator system. Furthermore, each level 0-14 can have an evacuation guidance system 160 coupled to the central control unit 120 via a bus or dedicated line 170. All communication buses can be configured in a ring configuration for maximum redundancy, as indicated by the dashed line. The evacuation guidance system 160 may include, for example, a voice evacuation system, such as a PA system with speakers distributed around the respective building level, and may optionally include a light guidance system and / or any other devices distributed around the level to guide the occupants of that level in an emergency.

[0046] Depending on the building's existing infrastructure, an OEO system can be added with little or no additional hardware. For example, such as Figure 1Building 105 shown will provide basic sensors and control units. Additional sensors may be added if necessary in specific areas of each level, and existing connections to the central control unit may be used if possible.

[0047] The central control unit 120 can be expanded using additional hardware such as an OEO control unit. In some cases, the existing central control unit may have sufficient processing power to add the functionality of the OEO unit according to various embodiments.

[0048] Based on various embodiments, OEO units generate a model of the entire building relative to relevant input and output values ​​in an emergency. Therefore, the model automatically generates all dependencies between various levels and their corresponding conditions, and provides adaptive evacuation procedures.

[0049] Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating the main functions of the OEO unit within the central control system is shown. The OEO unit comprises various control blocks or modules arranged in a tree structure. Figure 3 The image shows another view of the tree structure organization, which illustrates the various modules and exemplary, more detailed subsections of these modules.

[0050] For example, such as Figure 2 and 3 As shown, each elevator group includes an associated OEO control group 210. Associated with each OEO control group 210 are a common OEO control unit 220 and an OEO building level control unit 230. According to some embodiments, the OEO building level control unit 230 can serve more than one building level. The common OEO control unit 220 manages the common functions of the group, in other words, manages the causes that equally affect all elevators in the group. Moreover, the OEO building level control unit 230 manages all elevators in the group. The key point of the common OEO control unit 220 is that it equally manages the specific functions of all building levels—without this common OEO control unit, for the corresponding functions, the same configuration and evaluation would need to be performed separately for each building level.

[0051] According to various embodiments, a "cause," as mentioned above, can be considered a trigger for a system or a control element of the system to change to a specific state, which then depends on whether the function may cause an action or only a message. For example, if a "cause" occurs, a status is given for the state change, unless, for example, another group of causes with higher priority (= other functions with their causes) is also active. Therefore, a "cause" can be a hardware input or the state of another logical element in the system. For example, a "cause" could be:

[0052] - The reason for the "Phase I recall" of this group of elevators;

[0053] - One or more reasons for the "OEO Unavailable" status (usually reported via hard-wired input from the elevator system); and

[0054] - One or more reasons for "total building evacuation" (usually reported via hard-wired input from the "fire command center").

[0055] Figure 2 A fire detection module 240 is further illustrated, which can be configured to provide input to the respective OEO building hierarchy control unit 230 and the common OEO control unit 220. According to various embodiments, the fire detection module 240 can be organized in a tree structure that models the building with respect to fire detection assessment. Such a tree structure may have, for example, the following hierarchies:

[0056] -Area: Alert organization level.

[0057] - Section: A level of organization that combines geographically or functionally related sections (typically, all sections of a floor or all sections of a fire compartment).

[0058] - Zone: This refers to a zone with one or more assigned devices (detectors) that can be evaluated individually or in combination. This is the level at which alarm decisions are made based on signals from the devices.

[0059] Geographically, a district typically represents a room.

[0060] Each element within the fire detection module 240 has multiple states that are reported upon arrival and can then be used as a cause for control functions. This can also always serve as a generalized cause at a higher level in the tree. For example, if the cause "Segment Alarm" is assigned, that cause is activated each time an alarm is reported in a zone within that segment.

[0061] All levels also serve as entry points for operational functions on the human-machine interface (PMI) of the fire detection module 240.

[0062] Reference numeral 250 indicates an output signal from another OEO control group (similar to control group 210) for another elevator group within the building. Therefore, if multiple elevator groups exist in the building, OEO control group 210 receives cross-reference information from other OEO control groups. This allows for optimization and coordination of resident evacuation operations for different building levels and relative to available elevators.

[0063] Figure 3More details are shown on a common OEO control unit configuration screen 300, such as when displayed on a PC. The "Phase I Recall" control function can include multiple inputs that can trigger a "Phase I Recall." For example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the entry below, "Cause 'Stage I Recall," lists the various inputs that will actually trigger this recall. Specifically, Figure 3 The diagram shows a large number of notification alarms that will trigger a "Phase I Recall". It also shows a list of alarm states that will also trigger a "Phase I Recall" in specific locations. In most cases, these are alarms from the elevator lobbies on each building floor, plus alarms from the elevator shafts and machine rooms. However, other locations may also trigger the event.

[0064] The corresponding "Stage I Recall" output connected to the elevator system and the control function that triggers that output are not shown here. The "Common OEO Control" only evaluates the OEO-related status of the "Stage I Recall" and then provides that information as a status + corresponding control of the OEO function. Therefore, this system generally allows for the specification of a wide variety of triggers that cause specific events. Figure 3 The reasons “OEO unavailable” and “total building evacuation” are further shown, both of which can be configured to receive corresponding hardware input signals or statuses from other logical elements in the system.

[0065] Generally, OEO systems according to various embodiments allow for flexible configuration, where submodules allow configuration of common functions affecting all elevators in a group, and individual building levels can also be configured. As mentioned above, the OEO building level control unit also manages all elevators in that group. The key point of the common OEO control unit is that it equally manages the specific functions of all building levels—without this common OEO control unit, for the corresponding functions, the same configuration and evaluation would need to be performed separately for each building level.

[0066] exist Figure 4 The example configuration options window 400 for setting the behavior of common OEO control modules or blocks is shown in detail. Figure 2The configuration window is illustrated using number 205. This configuration window 205 can be configured to display the specific attributes of tree element 220 because it is presented in an engineering tool used to configure the system. For example, this could be a configuration screen running on a PC. This configuration window allows: defining which of the various building levels is the release level in dialog window 405; defining the number of building levels below the first building level served by the elevator in window 410; defining the number of building levels above the building level under an OEO alarm that is set to OEO evacuation status in window 415; defining the number of building levels below the building level under an OEO alarm that is set to OEO evacuation status in window 420; and defining in checkbox 425 whether a building level located between two building levels under an OEO alarm should also be set to OEO evacuation status. A release level is the level where people can leave the building. In many cases, this is the ground level, but it could also be another level. The various tree elements of the system can have associated configuration dialog windows.

[0067] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, each building level can provide an OEO building level control unit 230. This control unit 230 receives OEO-related reasons for the corresponding level. For example, Figure 3 Exemplary details of floor 7 are shown, including the reasons for being assigned to floor 7. Typically, these are references to the automatic alarm status of a "segment" element in the detection tree—this element combines a logical "segment" of a building hierarchy or a portion of a building hierarchy (e.g., a fire compartment). Therefore, depending on the building structure and the detection tree defined for it, there may be one or more segments, and thus one or more reasons for being assigned to these segments.

[0068] As in Figure 3 As can be seen in the configuration window 205, each building level can be configured. Figure 2 This configuration is based on whether the building is served by an elevator group. As explained above, this configuration is done using engineering tools, such as a PC, and can then be downloaded to the appropriate target system. Reference numeral 205 indicates the control unit / PMI of the target system. Additionally, this configuration allows defining whether a building level is a release level that allows exit from the building, typically the ground floor. For ease of positioning, the elements are arranged in ascending order, with the lowest floor at the bottom.

[0069] Figure 2Reference numeral 222 in the figures indicates a hardware input assigned to logic element 224. However, the separation of these two elements is not critical and may only be used for internal modeling. Generally, the combination of the two is the reason for the functionality of OEO control 220 or 230. Therefore, other embodiments may provide input signals directly to the common OEO control 220 or 230.

[0070] Figure 5 The coupling of fire alarm function 510, central OEO control function 520, and elevator system 115 / 135 is illustrated, along with various incoming and outgoing signals provided by the OEO system. Generally, fire alarm function 510 can be provided by a different system separate from the central OEO system providing central OEO control function 520. However, according to some embodiments, particularly as... Figure 5 As shown, it may be advantageous to provide an OEO control system 500 that integrates or includes fire alarm function 510 with central OEO control function 520. Figure 5 As shown, fire alarm function 510 provides events to central OEO control function 520, which in turn feeds back the OEO status to fire alarm function 510. An alarm is an event that is, of course, most relevant in the OEO scenario. However, other events can be considered if necessary, such as, for example, activation of other controls, malfunctions, etc. According to other embodiments, these fire alarm functions 510 and central OEO control function 520 can also be implemented using separate "fire alarm systems" and "OEO control systems," respectively.

[0071] The central fire alarm function 510 receives fire detection signals 525, which can be provided by individual connection lines using fire detectors or a common bus. The central OEO control function 520 can receive separate digital inputs 530 for overall building evacuation and / or other signals 535 from each floor, such as manually initiated commands that set a specific floor to the "OEO alarm" status. These input signals can also be obtained through manual operation from the fire command center. At least some of these signals can also be transmitted via a higher-level communication network such as BACnet. Separate logical BACnet connections will then exist (not shared with the logical BACnet connection to the elevator system). Furthermore, the central OEO control function 520 can be coupled to each elevator system 115 / 135, which typically consists of several elevator controllers. A connection can exist between the elevator controllers. For example, a network connection (such as BACnet 560) and individual input lines 570 and output lines 580 can be provided between the control system 520 and the individual elevator controllers 115 / 135. Each line can indicate a specific status, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. For example, input signals may include "OEO unavailable" and "OEO confirmed". Output signals may include "Stage I recall (specified floor)" and "Stage I recall (alternate floor)". Based on the OEO status from the central OEO control function 520 and further calculations by the elevator system 115 / 135 (e.g., via BACnet 560), the visual evacuation signs are controlled by the elevator system 115 / 135 via control signal 550. For example, these signs may indicate elevator status information. These signs may indicate the actual elevator status. The fire alarm function 510 may also generate corresponding voice evacuation signals 540, which are independent for each building floor, because NFPA requires voice messages to clearly indicate elevator availability.

[0072] Figure 6A and 6B Four different exemplary scenarios are shown, illustrating how the state of various building levels relative to each elevator group is determined based on inputs received by the central OEO control system 500. The various scenarios involve the use of different building level numbering... Figure 1 The buildings shown are similar to those in the example. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first elevator group is designed not to serve building floors -2, 2, and 3, while elevator group 2 is designed not to serve building floors -2, 5, 6, and 7.

[0073] In scenario 1a, a fire alarm has been received from floor 4 of the building. Therefore, the system immediately sets floor 4 of elevator groups 1 and 2 to the "OEO alarm" state. Consequently, the two adjacent floors above and below are set to the "OEO evacuation" state. However, for elevator group 1, this is not necessary for floors 2 and 3, as they are not served by this group. Similarly, for elevator group 2, it is not necessary to set floors 5 and 6, as they are also not served by this group.

[0074] Figure 6A Scenario 1b is based on Scenario 1a. However, elevator group 1 control unit now transmits an "unavailable" signal to the OEO system, thus reporting that the group is inoperable. Therefore, the levels whose status was previously set to "OEO evacuation" or "OEO alarm" (which includes the status "OEO evacuation") are now set to "OEO unavailable". The remaining levels associated with group 1 are set to "OEO quiet".

[0075] Figure 6B Scenario 1c is based on Scenario 1b. Now, an additional alarm has been received from level 6. For elevator group 2, this causes level 8 to be set to "OEO evacuation", and levels 7 and 8 of elevator group 1 to be changed to "OEO unavailable".

[0076] Figure 6B Scenario 1d is based on Scenario 1c. An additional alarm has now been received from level -1. For elevator group 2, this causes level -1 to be set to "OEO Alarm," and the ground level and level 1 to be set to "OEO Evacuation." All levels served by elevator group 1 are now set to "OEO Unavailable."

[0077] Based on the corresponding floor status assigned to each elevator group, the central control system 500 is configured to allow elevators to serve floors with the statuses "OEO Alarm" and "OEO Evacuation," and to send appropriate voice messages to the corresponding building floors. These messages must announce elevator availability as required by NFPA. Additionally, the voice system can be controlled to announce alternative escape routes, particularly when the elevator cannot serve the floor. Light signs can be activated accordingly. Due to centralized modular control, OEOs can be well coordinated to expedite evacuation as quickly as possible.

[0078] This solution provides a single source of status that serves as the foundation for all relevant applications, such as voice evacuation and elevator control. This allows for the highest possible consistency between voice evacuation messages and visual information provided to building occupants, which is crucial for rapid, reliable, and safe evacuation in the event of an accident.

[0079] The central OEO control system, utilizing the SW models and configuration tools provided by its various blocks or modules, allows for well-understood, consistent, and reproducible configuration of OEO-related guidelines and functions. This saves time and money due to shorter configuration times and greatly simplifies maintenance / updates for existing configurations for any user.

[0080] Communication in most states via an advanced connection simplifies installation, saves money due to significantly reduced hardware costs, and improves communication quality.

Claims

1. A system for controlling and configuring evacuation operations for residents in a multi-story building, comprising: Elevator control system; A fire alarm detection system, comprising multiple fire sensor devices, wherein the fire alarm detection system generates fire alarm information signals; A central control system coupled to the elevator control system and the fire alarm detection system, wherein the central control system includes a data processing system comprising a processor and a memory operable to provide a configurable model of the multi-story building, for receiving signals from the fire alarm detection system and receiving signals from the elevator control system and transmitting control signals to the elevator control system, wherein the configurable model allows configuration of the system to create a functional model required for resident evacuation operations in the multi-story building, and wherein the central control system controls resident evacuation operations (OEO) based on signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system. The central control system provides control signals to the elevator system, and based on these control signals, the elevator system controls evacuation procedures and elevator identification. The elevator system includes multiple independently controlled elevator groups, and the central control system includes at least one configurable OEO control group module associated with each elevator group. This configurable OEO control group module is coupled to a common OEO control module and multiple OEO building-level control modules. The common OEO control module manages the common functions of the elevator group, that is, it manages the causes that equally affect all elevators in the elevator group. The OEO building level control module manages at least one building level. The key point of the common OEO control module is that it equally manages the special functions of all building levels.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the central control system includes a network connection, and the configurable model can be configured using offline engineering tools and downloaded via the network connection after being configured into the central control system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the identifier includes visual information.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fire alarm detection system includes a voice evacuation system.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fire alarm detection system is an integrated part of the central control system.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the fire alarm detection system comprises fire alarm detectors for each building floor.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fire alarm detector coupled to the fire alarm detection system and located in at least one of the following: an elevator engine room, an elevator shaft, and an elevator lobby.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the central control system is coupled to the elevator system via a BACnet network connection.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the central control system provides input signals to the elevator system and receives digital output signals from the elevator system.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fire alarm detection system provides signals to the common OEO control module and each OEO building level control module.

11. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of configurable OEO control group modules, each associated with one of a plurality of elevator groups, wherein each OEO control group module is further coupled to an associated common OEO control module and an associated OEO building level control module.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein a common OEO control module associated with one of the OEO control group modules provides a signal to another common OEO control module associated with another OEO control group module.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein a configuration screen for configuring the model of the multi-story building shows a configuration in the form of a tree structure, wherein the root element represents the OEO control group module, and elements representing the common OEO control module and the OEO building hierarchy control module branch from the root element, wherein the OEO building hierarchy control modules are arranged in the form of a tree structure showing the highest building hierarchy at the top and the lowest building hierarchy at the bottom.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the configuration screen allows the assignment of input signals to trigger predefined events.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein for each module of the building hierarchy, the following states are evaluated and provided: a) First state, which indicates that an OEO-related alarm has occurred at the building level; b) Second state, which indicates that the building level should be evacuated using OEO; c) The third state indicates that the building level should be evacuated using an OEO (Out-of-Effect) system, but no elevator is available; d) Fourth state, which indicates that the OEO is active in the elevator group, but no evacuation is currently taking place on that floor; as well as e) The fifth state, which indicates that none of the states a), b), c), and d) are currently active.

16. A method for controlling and configuring occupant evacuation operations (OEO) in a multi-story building, comprising: Engineering tools are used to configure a model representing the multi-story building, wherein the model represents and provides the configuration of all building levels and their association with at least one elevator system and control signals; The configured model is installed in a central control system coupled to the elevator control system and fire alarm detection system within the building. This central control system includes a data processing system comprising a processor and memory operable to perform OEO control based on the configured model. The central control system receives signals from the fire alarm detection system and from the elevator control system and transmits control signals to the elevator control system, wherein the central control system controls occupant evacuation operations (OEO) based on the signals received from the fire alarm detection system and the elevator control system. Voice evacuation messages are generated for each building level, wherein the central control system includes at least one configurable OEO control group module associated with the elevator group and multiple OEO building level control modules. The configurable OEO control group module is coupled with the common OEO control module and multiple OEO building-level control modules. The common OEO control module manages the common functions of the elevator group, that is, it manages the causes that equally affect all elevators in the elevator group. The OEO building level control module manages at least one building level. The key point of the common OEO control module is that it equally manages the special functions of all building levels.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the model includes common OEO control, for which multiple input signals can be assigned to predefined events.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising using engineering tools to modify the configured model to adapt the system to changes in the OEO as defined by the modified specification, or to adapt to changes in building use or structure.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing control signals to the elevator system by the central control system, wherein the elevator system controls evacuation procedures and the identification of the elevator based on the control signals.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the identifier includes visual information.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the elevator system comprises a plurality of independently controlled elevator groups.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the fire alarm detection system comprises fire alarm detectors for each building floor.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising arranging fire alarm detectors coupled to the fire alarm detection system in at least one of the following: elevator engine room, elevator shaft, and elevator lobby.

24. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing signals from the fire alarm detection system to the common OEO control module and each OEO building level control module.

25. The method of claim 16, comprising a plurality of configurable OEO control group modules, each associated with one of a plurality of elevator groups, wherein each OEO control group module is further coupled to an associated common OEO control module and an associated OEO building hierarchy control module.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein a common OEO control module associated with one of the OEO control group modules provides a signal to another common OEO control module associated with another OEO control group module.

27. The method of claim 16, wherein a configuration screen for configuring the model of the multi-story building is displayed in the form of a tree structure, wherein the root element represents the OEO control group module, and elements representing the common OEO control module and the OEO building hierarchy control module branch from the root element, wherein the OEO building hierarchy control modules are arranged in the form of the tree structure, which shows the highest building hierarchy at the top and the lowest building hierarchy at the bottom.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the configuration screen allows the assignment of input signals to trigger predefined events.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein for each module of the building hierarchy, the following states are evaluated and provided: a) First state, which indicates that an OEO-related alarm has occurred at the building level; b) Second state, which indicates that the building level should be evacuated using OEO; c) The third state indicates that the building level should be evacuated using an OEO (Out-of-Effect) system, but no elevator is available; d) Fourth state, which indicates that the OEO is active in the elevator group, but no evacuation is currently taking place on that floor; as well as e) The fifth state, which indicates that none of the states a), b), c), and d) are currently active.

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