Fire detector and fire alarm system

Abstract

To obtain a fire detector that blends into its surroundings and remains inconspicuous during normal conditions, yet remains recognizable during a fire.SOLUTION: A fire detector 3 comprising a housing consisting of a main unit and a cover 300, and installed on a mounting surface such as a ceiling includes: a display unit 33 provided over the entire or substantially entire surface of the cover 300; and a storage unit 31 storing, as image data, a normal image having the same or substantially the same color as the installation surface, and a fire image having a color distinguishable from the normal image. The display unit 33 displays the normal image during normal conditions and displays the fire image during a fire.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire detector and a fire alarm system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for providing a display means on part or the entire surface of a fire detector to display information regarding an operation test, or for displaying a color corresponding to the color of the surrounding area of ​​the fire detector to make the fire detector less noticeable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-120546 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fire detector shown in Patent Document 1 has an aesthetic appeal as it can be set to a background color of the installation environment to make it less conspicuous. However, on the other hand, it is difficult to recognize the fire detector when a fire occurs, making it difficult to identify the location of the fire and understand the fire alarm.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a fire detector that blends in with the surrounding environment and is inconspicuous under normal circumstances, but can be recognized in the event of a fire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The fire detector of the present invention has a housing consisting of a main body and a cover, and is installed on an installation surface such as a ceiling.It is equipped with a display unit provided on the entire or almost entire cover, and a memory unit that stores, as image data, a normal image of the same or almost the same color as the installation surface, and a fire image of a color that can be distinguished from the normal image, and the display unit displays the normal image under normal circumstances and the fire image in the event of a fire. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The fire detector of the present invention is inconspicuous under normal circumstances, but can be recognized when a fire occurs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fire alarm system 100 according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating a fire detector 3 according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a time chart showing the operations of the fire receiver 1 and fire detectors 3A to 3C according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing examples of displays on a fire detector 3 according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting a normal image of the fire detector 3 according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated aspects, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments. In addition, in each drawing, components with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0010] (Fire alarm system configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a fire alarm system 100 according to an embodiment. The fire alarm system of this embodiment includes a fire receiver 1 and fire detectors 3A to 3D connected to the fire receiver 1 via a transmission line 2. When it is not necessary to identify the individual fire detectors, they are collectively referred to as a fire detector 3. The fire alarm system 100 of this embodiment also includes a setting device 4, and the fire detectors 3 and the setting device 4 are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication. Note that the number of transmission lines 2 and the number of fire detectors 3 shown in the figure are merely examples and are not limited to those shown. Furthermore, the fire receiver 1 may be connected via the transmission line 2 to smoke prevention and exhaust devices such as fire doors or smoke exhaust devices, or to audio devices such as bells or speakers, directly or via a repeater. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described in which the fire receiver 1 is an R-type fire receiver that transmits information to the fire detectors 3, collects status information from the fire detectors 3, and determines whether a fire has occurred. However, the fire receiver 1 may also be a P-type receiver.

[0011] The fire detector 3 is, for example, a heat detector, a smoke detector, or a flame detector. The fire detector 3 is installed on a ceiling or a wall, detects physical quantities such as the concentration or temperature of smoke generated by a fire, and transmits information including the physical quantities as status information to the fire receiver 1 via the transmission line 2. The fire receiver 1 determines that a fire has occurred when the physical quantity included in the received status information exceeds a fire threshold. In this embodiment, the fire detector 3 will be described as a smoke detector that detects the concentration of smoke.

[0012] The setting device 4 communicates with the fire detector 3 and sets the fire detector 3. The setting device 4 and the fire detector 3 communicate wirelessly using radio wave communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or visible light communication using an LED (Light Emitting Diode). Note that wired communication may be performed using a connecting line, or the function of the setting device 4 may be incorporated into the fire receiver 1, and communication with the fire detector 3 may be performed from the fire receiver 1 via the transmission line 2 to set the fire detector 3.

[0013] (Configuration of fire receiver) The fire receiving device 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, an alarm unit 12, and a transmission unit 13. The control unit 10 controls the alarm unit 12 and the transmission unit 13.

[0014] The control unit 10 compares the physical quantity contained in the status information collected by the transmission unit 13 from the fire detector 3 with a fire threshold, and determines that a fire has occurred when the physical quantity exceeds the fire threshold. When the control unit 10 determines that a fire or abnormality has occurred, it issues a notification of the occurrence of a fire or abnormality via the alarm unit 12. The control unit 10 also causes the transmission unit 13 to transmit a control command to the fire detector 3.

[0015] The memory unit 11 stores data used for the control of each unit by the control unit 10. The memory unit 11 stores a table (not shown) that associates information indicating the installation locations of the fire detectors 3 with the fire detectors 3 connected to the transmission line 2 based on addresses. The memory unit 11 also stores the fire detectors 3 that are to be activated in conjunction with each other when a fire is detected in each fire detector 3, in association with each other.

[0016] Based on the control of the control unit 10, the alarm unit 13 displays a representative display that a fire has occurred, displays the fire detector 3 in which the fire has occurred, and also displays a message to that effect when it receives a notification of an abnormality from the fire detector 3. The alarm unit 13 notifies of the occurrence of a fire or an abnormality by display means such as a light-emitting element such as an LED or a liquid crystal display, or audio output means such as a buzzer or a speaker.

[0017] The transmission unit 13 communicates with the fire detectors 3 via the transmission line 2. To collect status information, the transmission unit 13 performs polling based on the addresses of the fire detectors 3 and collects status information from each of the fire detectors 3. The polling may be point polling, in which each fire detector 3 is polled individually, or group polling, in which multiple fire detectors 3 are divided into groups based on their addresses, called on a group basis, and the called fire detectors 3 in the group transmit status information at the timing assigned based on their addresses.

[0018] (Configuration of fire detectors) The fire detector 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a detection unit 32, a display unit 33, a transmission unit 34, and a communication unit 35. The control unit 30 controls each unit.

[0019] The control unit 30 generates status information including the concentration of smoke detected by the detection unit 32 and the occurrence of an abnormality, and transmits the information to the fire receiving device 1 via the transmission unit 34. The control unit 30 also causes the display unit 33 to display the image data stored in the memory unit 31.

[0020] The memory unit 31 stores data used for the control of each unit by the control unit 10. The memory unit 11 stores the address of the device itself and image data to be displayed on the display unit 33. The image data stored includes at least a normal image to be displayed on the display unit 33 under normal circumstances and a fire image to be displayed on the display unit 33 in the event of a fire. Other images that may be stored include an abnormal image to be displayed on the display unit 33 when an abnormality occurs and a linked image to be displayed by linked control from the fire control panel 1.

[0021] The detector 32 detects the concentration of smoke as a physical quantity based on the amount of light reflected by smoke particles received by the light receiver by emitting light from a light-emitting unit (not shown). The detector 32 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the light-emitting unit when the amount of light received under normal conditions gradually decreases, and determines that an abnormality has occurred due to contamination of the detector when the amount of light received under normal conditions gradually increases.

[0022] The display unit 33 is provided so as to cover the entire outside of the housing of the fire detector 3 shown in Fig. 2. The display unit 33 displays an image under the control of the control unit 30. The display unit 33 can be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, or the like, but it is preferable that the display unit 33 is a device that continues to display even when the power supply is cut off.

[0023] The external appearance of the fire detector 3 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. The fire detector 3 is covered with a cover 300. The cover 300 is made up of a flange 301, a top surface 302, and a plurality of ribs 303 connecting the flange 301 and the top surface 302. The spaces between the plurality of ribs 303 form openings for introducing smoke into the detection unit 32 provided inside the fire detector 3. The openings are provided with insect screens 310 for preventing dust and insects from entering the detection unit 32.

[0024] The cover 300 has a display unit 33 provided at least on the flange 301 and the top surface 302, and images are displayed on the entire fire detector 3. It is desirable that the rib 303 also has a display unit 33. The fire detector 3 can also be a thin type with a flat top cover that does not protrude and is parallel to the ground surface. In the case of a thin type, the only visible area is the top surface, and the display unit 33 can be provided on the entire top surface.

[0025] The transmission unit 34 communicates with the fire control signal receiver 1 via the transmission line 2. When the transmission unit 34 receives polling from the fire control signal receiver 1, it transmits the status information generated by the control unit 30.

[0026] The communication unit 35 communicates with the setting device 4 and causes the control unit 30 to store image data sent from the setting device 4 in the storage unit 31 .

[0027] (Configuration of the setting device) The setting device 4 includes a control unit 40, an imaging unit 41, an analysis unit 42, and a communication unit 43. The control unit 30 controls each unit.

[0028] When an operation unit (not shown) is operated, the control unit 40 causes the photographing unit 41 to photograph an image. The control unit 40 causes the analysis unit 42 to analyze the photographed image and create image data based on the analysis data.

[0029] The photographing unit 41 is, for example, a CCD camera, and takes photographs under the control of the control unit 40.

[0030] The analysis unit 42 performs image analysis on the image captured by the image capturing unit 41, recognizes the fire detector 3 included in the image, and determines the color of its surroundings (background).

[0031] The communication unit 43 transmits image data to the fire detector 3 under the control of the control unit 40. When the communication unit 43 establishes communication with the communication unit 35 of the fire detector 3, the communication unit 43 may receive the address of the fire detector 3 with which it is communicating.

[0032] (Operation of fire receivers and fire detectors) FIG. 3 is a time chart showing the operation of the fire receiver 1 and fire detectors 3A to 3C according to this embodiment. The fire receiver 1 and fire detector 3 communicate using group polling, and the fire detectors 3A to 3C are described as belonging to the same group. The fire detector 3A and the fire detector 3B are described as being set to operate in conjunction with each other in the event of a fire. The fire detector 3 is set to display a normal image on the display unit 33 in a color that is the same as or similar to the color of the ceiling or wall on which it is installed, as described later, so as to be inconspicuous. FIG. 4(A) shows a fire detector 3 installed on a ceiling surface surrounded by brown, displaying a brown normal image on the display unit 33. The fire detector 3 is inconspicuous because it displays the same color as its surroundings on the display unit 33.

[0033] The fire detectors 3A to 3C each detect a physical quantity at their own timing (step S1). The fire receiver 1 starts group polling to collect status information at a predetermined timing (step S2) and transmits a status information request to the fire detectors 3A to 3C (step S3). Upon receiving the status information request, the fire detectors 3A to 3C measure the assigned timing based on their own addresses as a return process (step S4), and return the status information at the assigned timing (step S5).

[0034] When the fire receiver 1 receives the status information from the fire detectors 3A to 3C, it performs a status determination (step S6). The fire receiver 1 determines whether the status information includes data indicating an abnormality, and whether the physical quantity included in the status information exceeds a fire threshold. If the determination result indicates that neither an abnormality nor a fire has occurred in any of the fire detectors 3, the process returns to step S2.

[0035] If the fire control signal receiver 1 determines in step S6 that an abnormality has occurred, it proceeds to step S10 to perform processing for when an abnormality has occurred. If the fire control signal receiver 1 determines in step S6 that a fire has occurred, it proceeds to step 20. If the fire control signal receiver 1 determines that both an abnormality and a fire have occurred, it performs processing for both steps 10 and 20.

[0036] If the fire receiver 1 determines in step 6 that an abnormality has occurred, it issues an alarm of the abnormality via the alarm unit 12 (step S10). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fire detector 3C has transmitted data indicating the occurrence of an abnormality. As an alarm of the abnormality, the fire receiver 1 displays information indicating the address and installation location of the fire detector 3C (for example, the second floor office), and also outputs a voice to notify the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0037] Furthermore, the fire receiver 1 transmits an abnormality image display command to the fire detector 3C to display an abnormality image (step S11). Upon receiving the abnormality display command, the fire detector 3C displays the abnormality image stored in the memory unit 31 on the display unit 33 (step S12). For example, the fire detector 3C displays a blue abnormality image on the display unit 33.

[0038] If the fire receiver 1 determines in step 6 that a fire has occurred, it issues a fire alarm using the alarm unit 12 (step S20). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the fire detector 3A has transmitted data indicating the occurrence of an abnormality. To issue the fire alarm, the fire receiver 1 displays information indicating the address and installation location of the fire detector 3A (for example, conference room A on the first floor), and also outputs a sound to notify the user of the occurrence of a fire.

[0039] The fire receiver 1 also transmits a fire display command to the fire detector 3A to display a fire image (step S21). Upon receiving the fire display command, the fire detector 3A displays the fire image stored in the memory unit 31 on the display unit 33 (step S22). FIG. 4(B) is a diagram showing a fire detector 3 installed on a brown ceiling surface displaying a red fire image on the display unit 33. Because the fire detector 3 displays a color on the display unit 33 that is different from the surrounding area, its presence can be recognized, and people in the vicinity can be notified that a fire has occurred.

[0040] The fire receiver 1 also transmits a linked display command to the fire detector 3B, which is set to operate in conjunction with the fire detector 3A, to display a linked image (step S23). Upon receiving the linked display command, the fire detector 3B displays the linked image stored in the storage unit 31 on the display unit 33 (step S24). For example, the fire detector 3A displays an orange linked screen on the display unit.

[0041] As described above, the fire detector 3 normally displays a normal image on the display unit 33 that is the same or a similar color as the surroundings, so it blends in with the surrounding environment and is unnoticeable, but when a fire or abnormality occurs, a fire image or abnormality image that is distinguishable from the normal image is displayed on the display unit 33, so people in the vicinity can be notified that a fire or abnormality has occurred. In addition, when a fire occurs, a linked image is displayed on the display unit 33 by fire detectors 3 that are set to be linked, so people in the vicinity can know that a fire has occurred in another location.

[0042] (Fire detector settings) The setting of the fire detector 3 is performed using a setting device 4. The setting device 4 can transfer any image to the fire detector 3 and set a normal image, a fire image, an abnormality image, a linked image, etc. In this embodiment, the setting of a normal image to make the fire detector 3 less noticeable will be described.

[0043] 5 is a flowchart showing the process of setting a normal image of a fire detector 3 according to an embodiment. When a photographing switch (not shown) is operated, the setting device 4 causes the photographing unit 41 to photograph an image (step S100). The analysis unit 42 analyzes the photographed image and determines whether the fire detector 3 is included (step S101). If the fire detector 3 is included in the photographed image, the color of the pixels surrounding the photographed fire detector 3 is detected (step S102). If the fire detector 3 is not included in the photographed image or cannot be detected, the color that is most prevalent among all pixels in the photographed image is detected (step S103).

[0044] Based on the color detected by the analysis unit 42, the control unit 40 creates a normal image that displays the entire display unit 33 of the fire detector 3 in the detected color (step S104). After creating the normal image, the control unit 40 transmits the normal image to the fire detector 3 via the communication unit 43 (step S105).

[0045] As described above, the normal image of the fire detector 3 is created by detecting the color of the surrounding area of ​​the fire detector 3 using the setting device 4, so that the fire detector 3 can be made inconspicuous under normal circumstances.

[0046] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, the fire detector 3 has been described as being connected to the fire receiver 1, but the fire detector 3 can also be a residential alarm device that has a battery and an alarm unit and operates independently. In the case of a residential alarm device, the fire detector 3 determines by itself whether a fire or abnormality has occurred and displays the result on the display unit 33.

[0047] (Variation 2) In this embodiment, the setting device 4 creates a normal image from a single captured image. However, multiple normal images including time information may be created based on multiple captured images taken at predetermined intervals. The time information may be automatically or manually added, indicating the time of capture. The fire detector 3 switches between multiple normal images based on the time information. The fire detector 3 may switch between normal images by measuring time based on a timer, and may also be configured to receive standard radio waves to correct its own timer. The fire detector 3 may also receive time information from the fire receiver 1 via the transmission line 2 and switch between normal images. This allows the normal image to be switched and displayed in accordance with the surrounding conditions of the fire detector 3, which change over time, such as changes in brightness and lighting duration, thereby making the fire detector 3 less conspicuous.

[0048] (Variation 3) In this embodiment, the setting device 4 analyzes the colors contained in the captured image to create a normal image. However, if the created normal image and a fire image are similar and indistinguishable, a fire image may be simultaneously created. Red generally indicates a fire. Therefore, a case where the default fire image is red will be described as an example. If the color surrounding the fire detector 3 is red or a reddish color as a result of analyzing the colors contained in the video image, the setting device 4 creates a yellow fire image and transmits it to the fire detector 3. The fire detector 3 displays a red normal image during normal operation and a yellow fire image during a fire. In this way, if the normal image is similar to the fire image, simultaneously creating a fire image that can be distinguished from the normal image makes the fire detector 3 stand out and can be identified (recognized) during a fire. Note that if the surroundings of the fire detector 3 are brown, a normal person can distinguish the difference between brown and red, but people with color vision deficiencies cannot. Therefore, if the surroundings of the fire detector 3 are brown and the normal image is brown, displaying the fire image in yellow allows people with color vision deficiencies to recognize the fire detector 3 during a fire. In addition to fire images, if it is difficult to distinguish between normal images and abnormal images or linked images, images that can distinguish these images may also be created at the same time.

[0049] (Variation 4) The setting device 4 can set images created on a tablet or PC, images obtained from the internet, etc., in the fire detector 3. For example, in a video museum that exhibits videos, it is possible to display a video that matches the video that is normally on display. Also, in an aquarium, it is possible to display an image of fish swimming. In addition to normal images, it is also possible to set fire images, abnormality images, linked images, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 fire receiver, 2 transmission line, 3 (3A to 3D) fire detector, 4 setting device, 10 control unit, 11 memory unit, 12 alarm unit, 13 transmission unit, 30 control unit, 31 memory unit, 32 detection unit, 33 display unit, 34 transmission unit, 35 communication unit, 40 control unit, 41 photography unit, 42 analysis unit, 43 communication unit, 100 fire alarm system, 300 cover, 301 flange, 302 top surface, 303 rib, 310 insect screen.

Claims

1. A fire detector that has a housing consisting of a main body and a cover and is installed on an installation surface such as a ceiling, a display unit provided on the entire or substantially entire cover; A storage unit is provided which stores, as image data, a normal image having a color identical or substantially identical to that of the installation surface and a fire image having a color distinguishable from the normal image, The display unit displays the normal image during normal times and the fire image during a fire. fire detector.

2. The fire detector according to claim 1; a setting device for setting the image data; Fire alarm system.

3. the setting unit includes an imaging unit, an analysis unit, and a communication unit; the analysis unit creates a normal image based on the image captured by the imaging unit, The communication unit transmits the created normal image to a fire detector. The fire alarm system according to claim 2 .

4. If the captured image includes an image of a fire detector, the analysis unit detects the color of the periphery of the image of the fire detector, and if the captured image does not include an image of a fire detector, the analysis unit detects the most prevalent color in the entire image and creates a normal image in which the detected color is displayed on the entire display unit. The fire alarm system according to claim 3.

5. When the created normal image is similar to the fire image or cannot be distinguished by a person with color vision impairment, the setting device creates a fire image that can be distinguished from the created normal image and transmits it to the fire detector. The fire alarm system according to claim 4.

6. The storage unit stores linked images as image data, The display unit displays the linked image when another fire detector detects a fire.

2. The fire detector of claim 1.

7. The fire detector according to claim 6; a fire receiver connected to the fire detector, The fire detector displays an image on the display unit based on a control command from the fire receiver. Fire alarm system.

Images