Fire alarm facility

Abstract

To provide a fire alarm facility which allows a user to properly understand information displayed in a screen of a receiver to promptly and certainly perform a required coping operation or coping action.SOLUTION: An analog fire sensor 14 is connected with a receiver 10 to monitor a fire. The receiver 10 comprises: a display 36 which displays predetermined information required for fire monitoring in a screen; and a fire control unit 46 which displays guidance information corresponding to the predetermined information displayed in the screen by the display 36 in the screen when a guide switch 48 is operated. The fire control unit 46 actuates an illumination function of the guide switch 48 when the guidance information displayed in the screen is a guidance object, displays different guidance information in the screen when the guide switch 48 is operated in this state, and outputs voice guidance according to the different guidance information being displayed in the screen when the guide switch 48 is further operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire alarm system for monitoring fires by connecting a fire detector to a signal line drawn from a receiver. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, R-type and P-type fire alarm systems are known as fire alarm systems that monitor fires by connecting fire detectors to signal lines drawn from a receiver.

[0003] In an R-type fire alarm system, an analog fire detector with a transmission function and a unique address set is connected to the signal line drawn from the receiver, and when a fire occurs, based on a fire interrupt from the analog fire detector, a search command is issued from the receiver to identify the address of the analog fire detector that triggered the alarm, the receiver turns on the fire representative light and outputs a main sound alarm, and furthermore, the address of the detector that detected the fire is displayed on an address display or the like.

[0004] In this way, knowing the address of the fire detector that detected a fire makes it possible to provide appropriate evacuation guidance and engage in fire-fighting activities, making this a necessary function, especially for fire monitoring in large-scale facilities.

[0005] A P-type fire alarm system connects on-off fire detectors to a signal line pulled out from a receiver and monitors for fires on a line-by-line basis. When a fire is detected, the on-off fire detector issues a fire alarm, causing an alarm current to flow through the signal line, sending a fire detection signal to the receiver and outputting a fire alarm. At the same time, it lights up the area indicator light corresponding to the signal line that received the fire detection signal, indicating the area where the fire has occurred.

[0006] In addition, the receiver of the R-type fire alarm system is equipped with hardware switches on its panel surface, such as a main sound stop switch, a district sound stop switch, and a fire determination switch, which are necessary for fire monitoring operations, and is also equipped with a display with a touch panel.

[0007] In the normal monitoring state, the receiver's display shows a screen indicating normal operation, and if a fault such as a signal line break or equipment failure occurs, fault information is displayed on the screen.

[0008] In the event of a fire, a fire alarm screen showing the area where the fire has occurred will be shown on the display, along with guidance information encouraging the operator to operate the main sound stop button and check the scene. Personnel will then take the necessary actions to deal with the fire in accordance with procedures acquired through training, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-219870 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2000-268276 A [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-096469 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-180280 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] However, in fire alarm systems that display information necessary for fire monitoring and equipment operation on a display attached to such receivers, a wizard method is adopted, which is known as an operation method in which questions and setting items are presented to the user one by one on the screen, prompting them to make selections or inputs, and processing is carried out interactively. However, if the user is unfamiliar with the operation, it takes time for them to understand the meaning of the questions and setting items shown to the user on the screen. In particular, when a fire occurs and a fire alarm is output from the receiver, quick and reliable response action is required, but if the meaning of the screen display is difficult to understand, there is a risk that it will not be possible to respond smoothly.

[0011] In addition, the receiver display shows indicators, which are simple display elements such as symbol marks that inform the state and situation of the receiver. However, when indicators are displayed on the screen in normal monitoring mode, there are many types of indicators, and because the indicators are not displayed on the screen very often, it is difficult to understand what the indicators displayed on the screen indicate, which can cause problems such as time spent on taking the necessary countermeasures.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a fire alarm system that enables a user to correctly understand the information displayed on the screen of a receiver and quickly and reliably take necessary response operations or actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] (Fire alarm system) The present invention is a fire alarm system that monitors fires by connecting a fire detector to a receiver, The receiver is a display means for displaying predetermined information required for fire monitoring on a screen; a control means for displaying, on a screen, guidance information corresponding to the predetermined information being displayed on the screen by the display means, when the guide operation means is operated; Equipped with The control means is characterized in that, when the receiver is in a normal monitoring state, it causes the display means to display specified information on the screen, and when the guide operation means is operated, it causes the display means to display an explanation of the specified information on the screen as guidance information.

[0014] Here, the specified information required for fire monitoring by the receiver means all information such as events that occur during normal monitoring and during a fire, information required for operational management, information required for response operations, etc., and further includes information required for operational management and operation in the maintenance and inspection mode of the receiver.

[0015] The display means is a device such as a display with a touch panel that can be operated, and the guide operation means is a hardware switch arranged on the surface of the receiver.

[0016] (Short press and long press for guidance during normal monitoring) When the guide operation means is pressed briefly while the display means is displaying specified information on the screen, the control means causes an explanation of the specified information to be displayed on the screen as guidance information, and when the guide operation means is pressed and held, causes specified menu information other than the explanation of the specified information to be displayed on the screen as guidance information.

[0017] (Fire Event Guidance) When a fire event occurs while specified information is being displayed on the screen by the display means, the control means displays guidance information for specified response actions or response operations by switching screens in a specified order, and when the guide operation means is operated while each guidance information is being displayed by switching the screens, the guidance information is output as voice by the audio means.

[0018] (Illumination function of guide operation means) the guide operation means has an illumination function and is disposed near the outside of the screen of the display means; The control means activates an illumination function while the guidance information is displayed on the screen to notify the user of a prompt to operate the guide operating means. Effect of the Invention

[0019] (Basic effect) The present invention is a fire alarm system that monitors for fires by connecting a fire detector to a signal line pulled out from a receiver, in which the receiver is provided with a display means for displaying on a screen specific information necessary for fire monitoring by the receiver, and a control means for displaying on a screen guidance information corresponding to the specific information displayed on the screen by the display means when a guide operation means is operated.When information is displayed on the display means and a user operates the guide operation means, guidance information such as an explanation of the information displayed on the screen and action guides is displayed on the screen, enabling the user to correctly understand the information displayed on the screen through the guidance information and to quickly and reliably perform the required operations or response actions. The illuminated switch, which functions as a guidance operation means, lights up or flashes to inform the user that the information to be guided is being displayed on the screen, and the user can correctly understand the content of the question posed by the screen display through the guidance information displayed on the screen by operating the guide operation means, and can quickly and reliably take appropriate action in accordance with the guidance information.

[0020] (Effect of display position of guidance information) In addition, the display means is rectangular or approximately rectangular, and the guidance information is positioned in a position where no text is displayed between the side of the display means closest to the guide operation means and the guidance information. Therefore, by positioning the rectangular or approximately rectangular display means, for example the side of the display and the guidance information closely adjacent to each other or in close proximity to the margins (which may be filled in with the background color), the guidance information is displayed near the guide operation means, guiding the line of sight and making intuitive operation easier.

[0021] (Effect of the position of the guide operation means) In addition, the guide operation means is provided at the bottom or right side of the display means when the receiver is viewed from the front, and since the receiver's display screen is written horizontally, the operator's line of sight is guided from top to bottom and from left to right.Since the guide operation means is operated when the operator has questions after understanding the displayed content, by locating it at the position of the operator's line of sight after understanding the screen content, intuitive operation can be made even easier.

[0022] (Effect of highlighting selected guidance information) In addition, by selecting a part of the guidance information, the part of the predetermined information displayed on the screen by the display means that corresponds to the selected part of the guidance information is highlighted, so that the correspondence between the contents of the guidance area and the contents of the main area can be easily understood, and it becomes possible to know which operation to perform for the content you want to do. Also, since operations in the guidance area do not directly perform actual processing, it is possible to operate the screen with confidence, for example, by placing a fingertip under the explanatory text to check.

[0023] (Effect of indicator guidance display) In addition, the control means causes the display means to display on the screen a specified indicator which indicates a non-fire event which has occurred when the receiver is in normal monitoring status, and when the guide operation means is operated an explanation of the indicator is displayed on the screen as guidance information. Therefore, while the indicator is a simple display element which notifies the user of a certain state or condition on the screen, the explanation of the indicator which is displayed on the screen by operating the guide operation means enables the user to correctly understand the meaning of the indicator and quickly take the necessary measures.

[0024] Here, the non-fire events displayed on the screen by the indicator include at least one of the following: signal line fault information, printer printing status, changes to receiver setting data, equipment fault information, equipment fault prediction information, and switch warnings that have been set to disabled.

[0025] (Effect of guidance display during normal monitoring) Furthermore, the control means causes the display means to display a predetermined menu button on the screen in the normal monitoring state of the receiver, and when the guide operation means is operated, an explanation of the menu button is displayed on the screen as guidance information. Therefore, when a user operates the guide operation means, an explanation of the menu button displayed on the screen in the normal monitoring state is displayed as guidance information, and the user can take action such as starting and cutting off devices installed in the fire alarm system or setting interlocking stop, by using the screen display. The guidance information provided enables users to understand the process correctly and perform it reliably.

[0026] (Effect of short press and long press on guidance display during normal monitoring) Furthermore, when the receiver is in a normal monitoring state, the control means causes the display means to display a specified menu button on the screen, and when the guide operation means is pressed briefly, causes an explanation of the menu button to be displayed on the screen as guidance information, and when the guide operation means is pressed long, causes specified menu information other than the explanation of the menu button to be displayed on the screen as guidance information. Therefore, different guidance information can be displayed depending on how the guide operation means is operated.

[0027] (Effects of fire event guidance) In addition, when a fire event occurs, the control means displays guidance information for specified response actions or response operations by switching screens in a specified order, and when the guide operation means is operated while each piece of guidance information is displayed by switching the screens, the guidance information is output as voice by the audio means. This makes it possible for even a user who is unfamiliar with operations to quickly and reliably perform response operations and response actions when a fire event occurs in an interactive format using the screen display and operation of the guide operation means.

[0028] (Effects of guidance on response operations and actions in response to fire events) Furthermore, the control means displays a guidance screen for a main sound stop operation when a fire event occurs, and when the main sound stop operation is performed, displays a guidance screen displaying on-site confirmation guidance, a fire outbreak button, and a non-fire button, and when the fire outbreak button is operated, displays a guidance screen displaying a fire confirmation operation guidance, and when the fire confirmation operation is performed, displays a guidance screen displaying a predetermined fire response action guidance, while when the non-fire button is operated, displays a guidance screen displaying a predetermined non-fire response action guidance, and when the guide operation means is operated with each guidance screen displayed, outputs the guidance displayed on each guidance screen to a voice. Since the audio output is made in stages, when a fire event occurs and a fire alarm is output, extreme tension is created, and when necessary operations or responses must be taken quickly, some users may find themselves in a situation where they do not know what to do immediately. However, even in such a confused situation, by operating the guide operation means provided on the receiver panel, guidance on the necessary response operations and response actions is output by audio, and the user can correctly understand the main audio stop operation, on-site confirmation, fire confirmation operations and fire response actions when a fire is confirmed on-site, and non-fire response operations when a non-fire is confirmed on-site, and can take action quickly and reliably.

[0029] (Effect of illumination function of guide operation means) In addition, the guide operation means is equipped with an illumination function, and the control means activates the illumination function when each guidance screen is displayed to notify the user that the guide operation means should be operated. Therefore, by being equipped with the illumination function, the guide operation means functions, for example, as an illuminated switch, and the guide operation means flashes due to the illumination function, thereby attracting the attention of a user who is in a situation where he or she does not know what to do, and urging the user to operate the guide operation means, and by outputting guidance as audio, it is possible to reliably take quick and appropriate response operations and response actions in response to the occurrence of a fire event.

[0030] (Effect of relay panel in distributed system) In addition, a distributed system is configured in which one or more relay panels are connected to the receiver via a network line, fire detectors are connected to signal lines drawn from the relay panel, and if a fire is detected at the relay panel, the receiver is notified and a fire alarm is output.The control means of the receiver is configured to cause the display means to display guidance information corresponding to the relay panel information on the screen when the guide operation means is operated while the display means is displaying information on the relay panel necessary for fire monitoring.Therefore, even when the relay panel information is displayed on the display means, when the user operates the guide operation means, guidance information such as an explanation of the relay panel information displayed on the screen and action guides is displayed on the screen, enabling the user to correctly understand the information displayed on the screen through the guidance information and to quickly and reliably perform the necessary response operations and response actions on the relay panel. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an R-type fire alarm system to which the present invention is applied. [Diagram 2] An explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the receiver from the front [Diagram 3] An explanatory diagram showing the menu guidance display on the normal monitoring screen. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram showing the guidance display for a fire simulation on the normal monitoring screen [Diagram 5] An explanatory diagram showing the indicator guidance display on the normal monitoring screen. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the transition of the fire alarm screen when a fire event occurs. [Figure 7] Diagram showing a distributed system consisting of a receiver and a relay panel DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] [Fire alarm system] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of an R-type fire alarm system to which the present invention is applied.

[0033] (Basic Concept of the Embodiment) The fire alarm system of this embodiment is provided with a touch panel display 36 as display means for displaying on the screen specific information required for fire monitoring by the receiver 10, and a guide switch 48 is provided near the screen of this display means as a hardware switch that functions as a guide operation means, and is based on a wizard method known as an operation method for proceeding with processing interactively by presenting to the user information required for fire monitoring by the receiver 10 on the screen display 36 and prompting the user to perform response operations or actions such as selection or input.Furthermore, by the user simply operating the guide switch 48, guidance information such as an explanation of the information displayed on the screen of the display 36 and action guides is displayed on the screen, and further, when a fire event occurs, guidance information is output as voice, enabling the user to correctly understand the situation from the guidance information and perform the required response operations or actions.

[0034] That is, when the user simply presses the guide switch 48, guidance information corresponding to the state of the receiver 10 at that time is displayed on the display 36, and when a fire event occurs, guidance information is output as voice, and when the user does not know how to handle or act in response, the user simply has to "press the guide switch 48 and look at the screen," so that the user can be prevented from falling into a situation where he or she does not know what to do first, regardless of the situation. A specific explanation will be given below.

[0035] (Fire alarm system overview) As shown in Fig. 1, for example, an R-type receiver 10 is installed in a caretaker's room on the first floor of a building where a fire alarm system is installed, and signal lines 12-1 to 12-3 are drawn from the receiver 10 for the security zone, divided into separate systems. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the signal lines 12-1 to 12-3, they may be referred to as signal line 12.

[0036] A plurality of analog fire detectors 14 each having a transmission function and a unique address are connected to the signal line 12-1, and an on-off fire detector 18 and a transmitter 20 are connected to a detector line 17 drawn from a repeater 16 each having a transmission function and a unique address.

[0037] In addition to the connection of a plurality of analog fire detectors 14, an addressable transmitter 22 having a transmission function and a unique address is connected to the signal line 12-2. Furthermore, a smoke control device 24 is connected to the signal line 12-3 via a repeater 16 having a transmission function and a unique address.

[0038] Here, the maximum number of addresses that can be set for terminal devices such as analog fire detectors 14 and repeaters 16 connected to signal lines 12-1 to 12-3 is, for example, 255, and terminal devices including a maximum of 255 analog fire detectors 14 can be connected to signal line 12.

[0039] (Receiver functional configuration) Receiver 10 is provided with a main CPU 26 and a plurality of sub-CPU boards 28-1 to 28-3, and sub-CPU boards 28-1 to 28-3 are provided with sub-CPUs 30-1 to 30-3 and transmission sections 32-1 to 32-3.

[0040] The main CPU 26 and the sub CPUs 30-1 to 30-3 are connected by a serial transfer bus 34, and transmit and receive data between them. In the following description, the sub CPUs 30-1 to 30-3 and the transmission units 32-1 to 32-3 may be referred to as the sub CPUs 30 and the transmission unit 32 when there is no need to distinguish between them.

[0041] A display 36 with a touch panel using a liquid crystal display panel or the like that functions as a display means is connected to the main CPU 26, and information necessary for fire monitoring by the receiver 10 is displayed on the display 36 according to the current status of the receiver 10. Information necessary for fire monitoring by the display 36 includes all information such as events that occur during normal monitoring and in the event of a fire, information necessary for operation management, information necessary for response operations, etc., as well as information necessary for operation management and operation in the maintenance and inspection mode of the receiver.

[0042] In addition to a display 36 that functions as a display means for the main CPU 26, a display unit 38 using indicator lights such as LEDs is provided. The display unit 38 is provided with a fire indicator light, a gas leak indicator light, and the like.

[0043] An operation unit 40 is connected to the main CPU 26, and in addition to various switches necessary for fire monitoring such as a fire decision switch, a main sound stop switch, and a district sound pause switch, the operation unit 40 is provided with a guide switch 48, which is a hardware switch that functions as a guide operation means in this embodiment. When the user operates the guide switch 48, guidance information corresponding to the information being displayed on the display 36 at that time is displayed on the screen.

[0044] The guide switch 48 can be operated by a short press, known as a one-touch operation, to display guidance information on the screen, but by pressing it for a long time, it is also possible to display screens other than guidance, such as an operation screen for a fire simulation prepared as a training menu for the receiver 10.

[0045] Furthermore, an audio alarm unit 42 equipped with a speaker, and an alarm transfer unit 44 are connected to the main CPU 26. The audio alarm unit 42 functions as an audio means, and outputs a main audio alarm when a fire event occurs, but when the guide switch 48 is operated with the main audio alarm stopped, it outputs audio guidance indicating the fire response operations and fire response actions displayed on the screen at that time.

[0046] The main CPU 26 is provided with a fire alarm control unit 46 which functions as a control means by executing a program.

[0047] (Receiver appearance) 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the receiver from the front. A display 36 with a touch panel using a liquid crystal display panel or the like that functions as a display means is disposed on the face of the receiver 10. The display 36 displays color images on the screen, and the touch panel disposed on the screen allows selection and input by touching the screen. Note that, in addition to the display 36, an appropriate image display panel such as an EL panel can be used as the display means.

[0048] A guide switch 48 that functions as a guide operation means is arranged in a large enough size and conspicuously in a position that is easy for the user to see and operate, which is in the center of the left and right sides of the panel below the display 36. Therefore, when a user stands in front of the receiver 10 and looks at the screen of the display 36, the guide switch 48 arranged close to the screen is also within the user's field of vision, enabling operation that is closely linked to the information displayed on the screen.

[0049] The guide switch 48 is an illuminated switch with an illumination function, and the illuminated switch has an indicator light such as an LED built in. For example, the ring portion surrounding the guide switch 48 arranged on the panel surface lights up or flashes in a ring shape when an LED arranged inside is activated.

[0050] In this embodiment, when a fire event occurs and information that is the subject of guidance is displayed on the display 36, the illumination function of the guide switch 48 is activated and the switch flashes, prompting the user to operate the guide switch 48.

[0051] In addition, a fire decision switch 50, a main sound stop switch 52, and a district sound pause switch 54 are arranged on the lower panel of the display 36, enabling fire response operations linked to the guidance display on the fire screen when a fire event occurs. A sub-door 55 is provided on the lower panel of the guide switch 48 so as to be freely opened forward with its lower side as an axis, and various operation switches including a recovery switch are provided on the inside of the small door 55.

[0052] A telephone microphone 64 is disposed on the outside of the fire determination switch 50, and in combination with a speaker inside a sound hole 62 provided next to the display 36, a hands-free emergency telephone function is realized.

[0053] In addition, a fire indicator light 58 and a gas leak indicator light 60 are provided on the upper panel of the display 36. Furthermore, a printer 56 is provided below the panel of the receiver 10 so that events that occur on the receiver 10 can be printed out.

[0054] (Receiver fire monitoring control) As shown in Fig. 1, taking the sub-CPU 30-1 of the sub-CPU board 28-1 as an example, it performs fire monitoring control by instructing the transmission unit 32-1 to transmit and receive signals to and from the analog fire detector 14 according to a predetermined communication protocol. Downstream signals from the transmission unit 32-1 to the analog fire detector 14 are transmitted in voltage mode. This voltage mode signal is transmitted as a voltage pulse that changes the line voltage of the signal line 12-1 between, for example, 18 volts and 30 volts.

[0055] On the other hand, the upstream signal from the analog fire detector 14 to the transmission unit 32-1 is transmitted in a current mode. In this current mode, a signal current is passed through the signal line 12-1 at the timing of bit 1 of the transmission data, and the upstream signal is transmitted to the receiver 10 as a so-called current pulse train.

[0056] During normal monitoring, the fire monitoring control by the sub-CPU 30-1 periodically instructs the transmission unit 32-1 to transmit a broadcast batch AD conversion signal including a batch AD conversion command, and the analog fire detector 14 that receives this batch AD conversion signal detects and stores the smoke density or temperature as sensor data. Next, the sub-CPU 30-1 A call signal including a polling command sequentially specifying the terminal addresses is transmitted.

[0057] When the analog fire detector 14 receives a call signal having an address that matches its own address, it transmits a response signal including the sensor data it is holding at that time to the transmission unit 32-1. Also, when the smoke density or temperature exceeds a predetermined fire caution level, the analog fire detector 14 transmits a fire interrupt signal to the transmission unit 32-1 of the receiver 10.

[0058] When the sub-CPU 30-1 receives a fire interrupt signal via the transmission unit 32-1, it transmits a group search command signal to identify the group including the analog fire detector 14 that has detected the fire, and then transmits an intra-group search command signal to identify the address of the analog fire detector 14 that has detected the fire, centrally collects analog data from the sensor, and transmits it to the main CPU 26 via the serial transfer bus 34.

[0059] The main CPU 26 compares the analog data received from the sub-CPU 30-1 with a predetermined fire determination level, and when the analog data reaches the fire determination level, it determines that there is a fire, turns on the fire representative light 58 on the display unit 38, outputs a predetermined main audio alarm indicating a fire from the speaker of the audio alarm unit 42, displays fire alarm information including the location of the fire based on the sensor address where the fire was detected on the display 36, and further outputs a fire alarm signal to the outside via the alarm transmission unit 44 to perform predetermined alarm transmission control, etc.

[0060] The fire monitoring control by the sub-CPU 30-2 and the transmission unit 32-2 provided on the sub-CPU board 28-2 is the same as that of the sub-CPU board 28-1 described above. In addition, the sub-CPU 30-3 and the transmission unit 32-3 provided on the sub-CPU board 28-3 perform interlocking control of the smoke control device 24 based on interlocking information stored in advance when a fire is detected by the main CPU 26.

[0061] [Guidance display] (Data change control function) The fire alarm control unit 46 provided as a control means in the main CPU 26 of the receiver 10 controls the display 36 to display on its screen guidance information corresponding to specified information that is the subject of the guidance displayed on the screen when the guide switch 48 is operated in the normal monitoring state.

[0062] In addition, when a fire event occurs and a fire alarm is output, the fire alarm control unit 46 displays a guidance screen for the main sound stop operation, and when the main sound stop operation is performed, displays a guidance screen displaying on-site confirmation guidance, a fire outbreak button, and a non-fire button. When the fire outbreak button is operated, a guidance screen displaying guidance for a fire confirmation operation is displayed. When the fire confirmation operation is performed, a guidance screen displaying guidance for predetermined fire response actions is displayed. On the other hand, when the non-fire button is operated, a guidance screen displaying guidance for predetermined non-fire response actions is displayed. Furthermore, when the guide switch 48 is operated with each guidance screen displayed, the guidance displayed on each guidance screen is output as sound by the acoustic alarm unit 42.

[0063] (Guidance in normal monitoring state) Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a menu guidance display on a normal monitoring screen. As shown in Fig. 3, when the receiver 10 is in a normal monitoring state, a normal monitoring screen 66 is displayed on the display 36. On the normal monitoring screen 66, menu buttons 68, 70, and 72 are displayed in a main area 67. Note that the buttons displayed on the display 36 in this embodiment function as icons that represent uses, functions, etc. with figures, pictures, or simple characters, and also function as operation buttons (tool buttons) that execute corresponding processing operations by touch operation.

[0064] When the guide switch 48 is pressed once (one-touch operation) in this state, menu explanations 68b, 70b are displayed on the screen in a guide area 74 at the bottom of the screen in correspondence with the menu button copies 68a, 70a of the menu buttons 68, 70, respectively.

[0065] Menu description 68b may be, for example, "You can set the start / stop of various devices connected to this system.", and menu description 70b may be, for example, "You can set the stop of area alarms connected to this system."

[0066] When all the menu explanations cannot be displayed in the guidance area 74, they can be displayed by operating the next button 76. Note that the menu explanations may be switched and displayed each time the guide switch 48 is pressed once.

[0067] Also, the main area 67 and the guidance area 74 may be always separate, or the main area 67 may be displayed over the entire display until the guide switch 48 is pressed.

[0068] In the case where the main area 67 is displayed over the entire display until the guide switch 48 is pressed, when the guide switch 48 is pressed, part of the screen becomes the guidance area 74. In this case, part of the main area 67 is hidden, but the main area 67 can be configured to be scrollable independently of the guidance area 74, so that the information can be confirmed.

[0069] The guidance area 74 may also be configured to be scrollable independently of the main area 67. In this case, it is more preferable that the content displayed on the screen of the main area 67 is displayed in the guidance area 74, and the displayed content of the guidance area 74 is switched along with the scrolling of the main area 67. The guidance area 74 can be made invisible by operating the x button on the screen or the like, and the main area 67 can be returned to being displayed on the entire display.

[0070] In addition, by selecting the display contents of the guidance area 74, such as the menu button copy 68a or the menu description 68b, by touch operation or the like, the corresponding portion of the main area 67, such as the menu button 68, may be highlighted by changing the color, frame shape, font, etc., or by generating an arrow from the touch operation location to the menu button, etc.

[0071] (Guidance display for fire simulation in normal monitoring state) Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the guidance display of the fire simulation on the normal monitoring screen. As shown in Fig. 4, during normal monitoring of the receiver 10, a normal monitoring screen 66 is displayed on the display 36 in the same manner as in Fig. 3, and menu buttons 68, 70, and 72 are displayed in a main area 67.

[0072] When the guide switch 48 is pressed and held in this state, a guidance area 74 at the bottom of the screen displays, regardless of the menu buttons 68, 70, and 72 displayed in the main area 67, preset menu information such as a fire simulation guidance 78 for training the user in fire response operations using the receiver 10, as well as a Yes button 78a and a No button 78b, and when the Yes button 78a is operated, a specified fire simulation is started on the screen.

[0073] (Indicator guidance in normal monitoring state) 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the indicator guidance display on the normal monitoring screen. As shown in FIG. 5, during normal monitoring of the receiver 10, the normal A monitoring screen 66 is displayed, with menu buttons 68, 70, and 72 displayed in a main area 67, and in addition, an indicator 80 is displayed at the top of the screen.

[0074] When the user operates the guide switch 48 while the indicator 80 is displayed, an indicator copy 80a and an indicator explanation 80b are displayed in the guidance area 74.

[0075] Here, an indicator 80 is a simple display element that notifies the user of a certain state or condition on the screen, and a predetermined symbol mark (letter, figure, symbol, or a combination of these) is prepared in advance for each display element and displayed as an indicator.

[0076] The indicators in this embodiment show events that occur in the normal monitoring state of the receiver 10, and the types of indicators include signal line fault information, printer printing status, changes in receiver setting data, equipment fault information, equipment fault prediction information, switch warnings that have been set to stopped, etc., and indicators using different symbol marks corresponding to each event are prepared in advance and stored in memory.

[0077] 5 indicates the printing status of the printer 56, for example, and indicates, for example, normal printing or printing stopped by the color-coded display of the indicator 80. If the indicator 80 indicates that the printer is abnormal, for example, that printing has stopped, guidance information such as "The printer is set to stop printing" is displayed on the screen in the indicator explanation 80b.

[0078] [Fire Event Guidance] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition of the fire alarm screen when a fire event occurs. This screen transition is executed under the control of the fire alarm control unit 46 provided in the receiver 10.

[0079] (Guidance in the event of a fire) As shown in FIG. 6, when a fire event occurs due to the receiver 10 receiving a fire detection signal from the analog fire detector 14, the fire alarm control unit 46 displays a fire alarm screen 82 on the display 36 and, at the same time, causes the audible alarm unit 42 to output a main audible alarm.

[0080] A main sound stop guidance button 82a is displayed as the operation button for the first fire response operation on the initially displayed fire alarm screen 82. The main sound stop guidance button 82a is information that is the subject of guidance, and therefore the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the guide switch 48 to flash to prompt the operation.

[0081] When the user operates the flashing guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 displays the following fire alarm screen 84 on the display 36. In addition to on-site confirmation guidance 84a, which is the fire response action, the fire alarm screen 84 displays a fire outbreak button 84b and a non-fire button 84c as operation buttons for inputting the on-site confirmation results. The fire outbreak button 84b and non-fire button 84c are information that are the subject of guidance, and for this reason the fire alarm control unit 46 flashes the guide switch 48 to encourage operation.

[0082] When the user operates the blinking guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs audio guidance indicating the operation of the fire button 84b and the non-fire button 84c. For example, this audio guidance may be "In case of fire, press the fire button. Guidance for when a fire occurs will be displayed. In case of non-fire, press the non-fire button. Guidance for when a non-fire occurs will be displayed." When the audio guidance is output, the guide switch 48 goes out.

[0083] (Guidance for when a fire is confirmed) When a user who has gone to the scene confirms a fire, the user touches the fire outbreak button 84b on the fire alarm screen 84, which causes the fire alarm control unit 46 to display the next fire alarm screen 86 on the display 36. On the fire alarm screen 86, operation guidance 86a for the fire determination switch 50 provided on the panel surface of Fig. 2 is displayed as a fire response operation. Since the operation guidance 86a for the fire determination switch 50 is information that is the subject of guidance, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the guide switch 48 to flash to encourage operation.

[0084] When a user operates the flashing guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs a voice message indicating the operation of the fire determination switch 50. For example, this voice message may read, "When the fire determination switch is pressed, the devices that are in the start-up cutoff and report transfer stopped state will return to an operable state, and an alarm will sound within the building to inform the user of a fire."

[0085] When the fire determination switch 50 is operated, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the display 36 to display the following fire alarm screen 88. The fire alarm screen 88 displays operation completion guidance 88a for the fire determination switch 50 and a fire response reference button 88b. Since the fire response reference button 88b is information that is the subject of the guidance, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the guide switch 48 to flash to prompt operation.

[0086] When the user operates the flashing guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs a voice guidance indicating the operation content of the fire response reference button 88b. For example, this voice guidance may be "When you press the fire response reference button, the response method in the event of a fire will be displayed."

[0087] When the user touches the fire response reference button 88b on the fire alarm screen 88, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the next fire alarm screen 90 to be displayed on the display 36. The fire alarm screen 90 displays the fire guidance "Take the following measures and touch when complete" and displays the fire response buttons 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d. Because the fire response buttons 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d are information that is the subject of the guidance, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the guide switch 48 to flash to encourage operation.

[0088] When the user operates the blinking guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs voice guidance indicating the operation of the fire response buttons 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d. For example, this voice guidance may be, "When you press each response button, a processed mark will be displayed. Please remain calm and take action one by one." Following this voice guidance, the user can efficiently and reliably proceed with all the necessary fire response measures.

[0089] (Guidance for when no fire is confirmed) If a user who follows the guidance on the fire alarm screen 84 goes to the scene and confirms that there is no fire, touches the non-fire button 84c on the fire alarm screen 84, and the fire alarm control unit 46 displays the next fire alarm screen 92 on the display 36. The fire alarm screen 92 displays guidance 92a on the non-fire confirmation result and a non-fire response reference button 92b. Because the non-fire response reference button 92b is information that is the subject of the guidance, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the guide switch 48 to flash to encourage operation.

[0090] When the user operates the flashing guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs a voice message indicating the operation of the non-fire response reference button 92b. For example, this voice message may be "Press the non-fire response button to display the response method in the event of a non-fire."

[0091] When the user touches the non-fire response reference button 92b on the fire alarm screen 92, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the display 36 to display the next fire alarm screen 94. The non-fire guidance "Please take the following action" is displayed, and the non-fire response buttons 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d are displayed. Since the non-fire response buttons 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d are information that is the subject of guidance, the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the guide switch 48 to flash to prompt the user to operate them.

[0092] When the user operates the flashing guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs a voice guidance indicating the response operation of the non-fire response buttons 94a, 94b, 94c, and 94d. For example, this voice guidance may be "Press each response button to display details of the response method."

[0093] If the user wishes to restore the receiver 10, the user touches the non-fire response button 94b on the fire alarm screen 94, which is labeled “Restore receiver,” and the fire alarm control unit 46 causes the display 36 to display the next fire alarm screen 96.

[0094] In addition to the guidance "Please take the following action", the fire alarm screen 96 displays recovery guidance 96a, which includes a recovery explanation 96b. The recovery explanation 96b may be, for example, "When non-fire causes have been removed, pressing the recovery switch will return the system to normal."

[0095] Since the restoration guidance 96a is the information to be provided as guidance, the fire alarm control unit 46 urges the user to operate the guide switch 48 by flashing it. When the user operates the guide switch 48, the fire alarm control unit 46 outputs a voice message having the same content as the restoration explanation 96b. As described above, the restoration switch is located on the inside of the small door 55 in FIG. 2.

[0096] Due to the coordination between the transition of the fire alarm screen when a fire event occurs and the audio output of guidance indicating fire response operations and fire response actions by operating the guide switch 48, even if the user is placed in a situation where extreme tension is caused by the occurrence of a fire event and the fire alarm is output, and the user does not know what to do when necessary operations or actions must be taken quickly, by operating the guide switch 48 provided on the receiver panel, guidance on the fire response operations and fire response actions required at that time is output as audio, and the user can correctly understand the operation to stop the main sound, confirmation of the scene, the operation to confirm the fire and the fire response actions when a fire is confirmed on the scene, and the non-fire response operations when a non-fire is confirmed on the scene, and can take action quickly and reliably.

[0097] [Guidance for distributed systems] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a distributed system composed of a receiver and a relay panel. When the facility to be monitored is large-scale, such as being divided into multiple buildings, as shown in Fig. 7, a relay panel 100 is installed for each building, for example, for a receiver 10 installed in a disaster prevention center, and the receivers 10 and the relay panel 100 are communicatively connected by a network line 106 such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0098] Receiver 10 is the same as that shown in Fig. 1, whereas relay panel 100 has a configuration that excludes operation and display functions including display 36, display unit 38, operation unit 40 and audio alarm unit 42 from receiver 10 in Fig. 1, and is otherwise basically the same as receiver 10, with terminal devices including analog fire detectors 14 connected to signal lines 102 drawn out to the alert area in the same way as receiver 10. Also, corresponding to fire alarm control unit 46 of receiver 10, relay panel 100 is provided with the function of relay panel control unit 104.

[0099] When the guide switch 48 is operated during normal monitoring mode in which the display 36 is displaying information from the relay panel 100 required for fire monitoring, the fire alarm control unit 46 of the receiver 10 performs control to display on the screen specific information that is the subject of the guidance being displayed on the display 36, such as guidance information corresponding to a menu or indicator.

[0100] In addition, when a fire event occurs in the relay panel 100 and a fire alarm is output, the fire alarm control unit 46 of the receiver 10 displays a guidance screen for the main sound stop operation, and when the main sound stop operation is performed, displays a guidance screen displaying on-site confirmation guidance, a fire outbreak button, and a non-fire button, and when the fire outbreak button is operated, displays a guidance screen displaying guidance for the fire confirmation operation, and when the fire confirmation operation is performed, displays a guidance screen displaying guidance for predetermined fire response actions, while when the non-fire button is operated, displays a guidance screen displaying guidance for predetermined non-fire response actions, and further, when the guide switch 48 is operated while each guidance screen is displayed, causes the acoustic alarm unit 42 to output the guidance displayed on each guidance screen as sound.

[0101] This enables the user to correctly understand the content of the information on the relay panel 100 displayed on the screen, the response operations, and actions, etc., through the guidance information, enabling the user to quickly and reliably perform response operations and actions on the relay panel 100.

[0102] [Modifications of the present invention] (P-type receiver) The above embodiment takes as an example a fire alarm system in which an R-type fire detector is connected via a signal line from an R-type receiver, but similarly, for a fire alarm system in which an addressable fire detector with a transmission function and an address can be set on the detector line drawn from a P-type receiver, a guide switch as a hardware switch is provided close to the display on the receiver panel, and when information related to the receiver's fire monitoring is displayed on the display, when the user operates the guide switch, guidance information such as an explanation of the information displayed on the screen and action guides is displayed on the screen, and the user can correctly understand the information displayed on the screen through the guidance information and perform the required operations and response actions quickly and reliably.

[0103] (others) Furthermore, the present invention includes appropriate modifications that do not impair the objects and advantages of the present invention, and is not limited to the numerical values ​​shown in the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 10: Receiver 12, 12-1 to 12-3: Signal lines 14: Analog fire detector 16: Repeater 17: Sensor line 18: On-off fire detector 20: Transmitter 22: Addressable transmitter 24: Smoke prevention equipment 26: Main CPU 28-1 to 28-3: Sub-CPU board 30-1 to 30-3: Sub CPU 32-1 to 32-3: Transmission section 34: Serial transfer bus 36: Display 38: Display section 40:Operation unit 42: Acoustic alarm section 44:Transfer Department 46: Fire alarm control unit 48: Guide switch 50: Fire termination switch 52: Main sound stop switch 54: District sound pause switch 56: Printer 58: Fire representative light 60: Gas leak indicator light 62: Acoustic hole 64: Telephone microphone 66: Normal monitoring screen 68, 70, 72: Menu buttons 74: Guidance Area 78: Fire Simulation Guidance 80: Indicator 80a: Indicator copy 80b: Indicator description 82,84,86,88,90,92,94,96: Fire alarm screen 82a: Main sound stop guidance button 84b: Fire start button 84c: Non-fire button 88b: Fire prevention reference button 90a~90d: Fire emergency button 92b: Non-fire reference button 94a~94d: Non-fire emergency buttons 96a: Recovery Guidance 100: Broadcast board 104: Relay panel control unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A fire alarm system that monitors fires by connecting a fire detector to a receiver, The receiver includes: a display means for displaying predetermined information required for fire monitoring on a screen; A guide operation means having an illumination function; a control means for displaying, on a screen, guidance information corresponding to the predetermined information displayed on the screen by the display means when the guide operation means is operated; Equipped with The control means activating the illumination function when the guidance information displayed on the screen is information that is a guidance target; When the guidance information is displayed on the screen during a fire outbreak and the guide operation means is operated while the illumination function is activated, guidance information different from the guidance information being displayed on the screen is displayed on the screen; A fire alarm system characterized in that when the guide operation means is operated while the different guidance information is displayed on the screen and the illumination function is activated, voice guidance corresponding to the different guidance information being displayed on the screen is output.

Images