Fire detection system including a plurality of mesh-forming detectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fire detection system comprising a plurality of detection devices (2) forming a network covering a monitored area, and a computer platform (3), characterized in that each detection device (2) is configured to acquire an infrared image of the monitored area (1), to detect a local increase in infrared radiation, and to transmit a digital alarm signal to the computer platform (3) if a local increase in infrared radiation is detected.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The field of the invention is that of fire protection system design.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to a fire outbreak detection system. [Background technology]

[0003] For many years now, the risk of fire in scenic natural areas has been increasing exponentially.

[0004] To protect the natural heritage, especially privately or publicly owned forests, it is necessary to prevent these fire risks and to be able to act quickly after the first signs of fire appear.

[0005] To that end, several fire detection solutions exist for monitoring hazardous areas.

[0006] The first solution is to use watchtowers.

[0007] These watchtowers are manned by guards who monitor the natural space with binoculars to detect signs of fire and alert the fire brigade.

[0008] For autonomous surveillance, the observer may be replaced by an optical and / or infrared camera (ie, an optical camera or an infrared camera or both).

[0009] This first solution has a number of disadvantages.

[0010] First, the presence of guards or cameras leads to high operational costs for the solution.

[0011] Indeed, a large number of observers, coupled with the labor costs per hour, make this solution expensive. Moreover, the human factor makes this solution uncertain.

[0012] Furthermore, if security personnel are replaced by cameras, the purchase costs of the cameras and their maintenance (frequent maintenance and cleaning) do not reduce operational costs and may even increase them, all the more so since it remains necessary to mobilize several people to continuously watch the screens transmitting the images from the cameras.

[0013] Moreover, since the monitoring towers are intended to monitor tens of square kilometers, to detect a fire, the fire must be large enough to produce smoke thick enough to be detected at a distance of several kilometers, by which time it is generally already too late to contain the damage caused by the fire. In addition to the vast space to be monitored, other parameters limit the effectiveness of the monitoring towers, such as the sun grazing the ground, twilight or darkness, or a hazy atmosphere due to the presence of pollution, pollen, or dust.

[0014] Finally, when a fire is detected, only the approximate geographic area or region of the fire's location can be determined.

[0015] Accurate identification of the fire localization is therefore necessary prior to the initiation of rescue team intervention at the scene.

[0016] The second solution involves using satellites to transmit images of the area being monitored in real time.

[0017] This second solution ends up being more expensive to apply than the first solution, but on the other hand the fire localization is more accurate.

[0018] However, to be detectable, a fire must be large enough to produce smoke thick enough to be detected at distances of several kilometers. Generally, fires can only be detected by this second solution when they have spread to an area of ​​at least 0.1 hectares (i.e. 1000 square meters).

[0019] Therefore, as with the first solution, by the time a fire is identified it is already too late to limit the damage.

[0020] Also, if there are clouds over the fire, the fire will be obscured and therefore not detectable by satellites.

[0021] A third solution involves the use of flying devices such as helicopters, balloons or drones that fly over the danger zone or area.

[0022] Due to operational complexities (the need for flight plan filing, the maintenance of flight equipment and especially taking into account meteorological conditions), the use of this third solution does not allow optimal or continuous monitoring of hazardous areas.

[0023] Therefore, the use of flight equipment is programmed so that there are periods during each flight where the hazardous areas are not monitored.

[0024] Also, there may be a delay between the moment of fire identification and its reporting, especially in areas that are rough and / or not covered by radio communication means (i.e. in rough areas and / or areas not covered by radio communication means), which may delay the intervention of emergency services and therefore cause damage due to the fire.

[0025] Due to their high costs, these first three solutions are optimally used only during the so-called critical seasons, especially the dry periods which often correspond to summer. In non-critical seasons, these solutions are still used, but more limited or with reduced resources, for example reduced manning of watchtowers.

[0026] Similarly, outside of these so-called critical seasons, monitoring of natural spaces is limited, which increases the risk of destruction by fire.

[0027] A fourth solution is to use a sensor located in the center of the danger area.

[0028] These sensors, installed at precise positions several meters above ground level, make it possible to detect physical parameters, in particular the presence of gases, humidity and / or heat (i.e. humidity or heat or both), which are characteristic of a fire.

[0029] These sensors are linked by communication means to a central control unit enabling an alarm signal to be generated in order to initiate the intervention of emergency services.

[0030] Although cheaper than the previously described solutions, this fourth solution has some drawbacks.

[0031] To operate, the sensor must be powered, and for that purpose, it is coupled to a battery that must be periodically recharged or replaced.

[0032] It therefore requires cumbersome and expensive maintenance interventions. Failure to recharge or replace the batteries renders the sensors unusable, which impairs the effectiveness of the fire detection system.

[0033] Additionally, weather conditions can affect fire detection.

[0034] Indeed, in strong winds, smoke generated by a fire outbreak may be directed towards sensors far from the fire scene.

[0035] Therefore, the location of the fire may be mislabeled and emergency services may be directed to the wrong location.

[0036] Similarly, alarms may be falsely triggered due to false detections.

[0037] For example, smoke from a motor vehicle may be interpreted by the sensors as a fire, which could result in alarms and unnecessary intervention by emergency services. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0038] The present invention has a particular aim to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0039] More precisely, the invention aims to propose a fire outbreak detection system allowing a reliable, rapid, geographically precise and permanent detection of a fire outbreak.

[0040] It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a fire detection system which is simple and inexpensive to use.

[0041] It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a fire outbreak detection system which has increased autonomy and is not dependent on frequent maintenance operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0042] For these and other purposes set out below, - a plurality of detection devices forming a mesh or network of the area to be monitored, each detection device incorporating a recording means capable of storing a unique identifier and including at least one sensor of a physical characteristic of a fire outbreak, a processing unit and a first communication means; - a computer platform including a database associated with the detection devices and listing unique identifiers of all the detection devices, and a second communication means for cooperating with the first communication means to form a communication channel; A fire occurrence detection system comprising: Each sensor of each detection device is an infrared type camera, and each detection device is - The sensor takes infrared images of the monitored area at regular intervals, - detecting a predetermined threshold of infrared level within the first image; - comparing the infrared levels of a second image following the first image to detect localized increases in infrared radiation; - transmitting a digital alarm signal, including a unique identifier of the detection device and the geographic location data stored in the recording means, to the computer platform via the communication channel when a local increase in infrared radiation is detected. The above object is achieved by the present invention, which is directed to a system configured as follows.

[0043] Such a fire detection system makes it possible to accurately and quickly determine whether a fire has occurred.

[0044] In fact, the use of a sensor in the form of an infrared type camera makes it possible to detect abnormal temperature increases within the monitored area even before smoke appears.

[0045] This therefore allows the intervention of emergency services to begin before the fire intensifies and partially destroys the monitored area.

[0046] Furthermore, the intervention area for transmitting the unique identifier of the detection device from which the digital alarm signal originates, as well as its geographical location, can be accurately determined and defined, allowing better guidance of emergency services intervention.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the computer platform further includes at least one display device for displaying the geographic location data of the detection device which emitted the digital alarm signal.

[0048] The display allows the operator to identify the intervention area and coordinate the intervention of the emergency services.

[0049] In this way, the emergency services can load the appropriate equipment for the intervention area to ensure effective firefighting without or almost without the risk of facing unforeseen circumstances due to the geography of the intervention area.

[0050] According to another preferred aspect, each detection device further includes at least one digital camera, and the computer platform is configured to transmit to each detection device that has transmitted the digital alarm signal a request to instantly take a snapshot with the digital camera, and each detection device is configured, upon receiving the request, to take said snapshot and transmit it via the communication channel to the computer platform for display on a display device.

[0051] It is thus possible to carry out a doubt clearance by the detection device in order to confirm or cancel the occurrence of a fire.

[0052] The operator can actually visually determine whether the alarm relates to an actual fire outbreak or, conversely, to, for example, an increase in infrared levels, or the presence of a heat signature, for example, of an animal, person or vehicle with a heat engine moving through the monitored area.

[0053] The purpose of the clearance is to prevent unnecessary emergency team interventions, which are particularly costly and take away material and physical resources from the emergency teams for real activities such as domestic fires or accidents. Moreover, the clearance is necessary to be able to determine the size of the emergency team to be sent to the scene of the fire, and the material means required.

[0054] According to another preferred aspect, each detection device further incorporates or has built-in at least one digital camera, and the processing unit is configured to take snapshots with the digital camera and transmit said snapshots simultaneously with the digital alarm signal via the communication channel to the computer platform for display on the display device.

[0055] This allows an operator to identify a fire outbreak immediately upon receiving a digital alarm signal.

[0056] If necessary, the operator can use the second snapshot to visually confirm the fire outbreak via sending a request from the computer platform.

[0057] This allows rapid initiation of intervention by emergency services in the event of a fire, without the risk of delays due to poor connections.

[0058] According to another preferred embodiment, each detection device incorporates means for moving the respective sensor and / or digital camera (i.e. the respective sensor or the digital camera or both).

[0059] This makes it possible to reduce the number of sensors and digital cameras required to ensure 180° or even 360° scanning of the area monitored by each sensor when the detection devices are installed at the top of a mast.

[0060] In other words, the movement means allows rotating the sensor and / or the digital camera (i.e. the sensor or the digital camera or both) to ensure optimal monitoring of the monitored area.

[0061] Therefore, by reducing the number of sensors and digital cameras, it is possible to reduce the cost of the fire detection system.

[0062] According to another preferred aspect, each detection device includes a protective housing and an electric battery for powering each sensor, processing unit, first communication means and / or digital camera(s) (i.e. each sensor, processing unit, first communication means and / or digital camera(s)).

[0063] This configuration allows each of the detection devices to be energetically autonomous.

[0064] In this way, installation of the fire detection system is facilitated since there is no need to create a power grid to power the detection device.

[0065] According to another preferred aspect, the housing includes an external support and each device incorporates solar energy collection means for recharging the battery.

[0066] The external support and the solar energy collection means make it possible to further improve the energy autonomy of the detection device, since recharging of the battery can be done continuously in parallel with the operation of the detection device.

[0067] According to another preferred aspect, the solar energy collecting means is in the form of a photosensitive film.

[0068] Such a light-sensitive film ensures that the battery recharges regardless of sunlight conditions.

[0069] In fact, the photosensitive properties of the film allow it to react to the presence of light in order to ensure battery charging without the need for direct exposure to solar radiation.

[0070] The use of photosensitive film also allows the weight of the detection device to be reduced since no supporting structure is required compared to some photovoltaic cells.

[0071] Moreover, it is not uncommon in forests for twigs, pine cones or fruits (e.g. chestnuts) to fall from trees and potentially hit the detection device. A transparent protective cover may be added to the detection device to protect the light-sensitive film.

[0072] According to another preferred aspect, the fire detection system also includes at least one portable computer unit carried by at least one user of the system, each portable computer unit implementing a third communication means for cooperating with the second communication means to form a second communication channel, the portable computer unit further incorporating a display means configured to reproduce information displayed on a display device of the computer platform.

[0073] The portable computer unit allows an operator to keep an eye on potential fire outbreaks away from the computer platform.

[0074] This makes it possible to ensure constant monitoring of the monitored area, for example, without having to resort to a dedicated operator.

[0075] Therefore, individuals or small farmers wishing to monitor a forest area can use their portable computer units to initiate emergency service intervention themselves if they deem it necessary, or to intervene directly at the scene of a fire if they have the capacity to do so.

[0076] The present invention provides a detection device for the above-mentioned fire occurrence detection system, - a protective housing; at least one sensor in the form of an infrared type camera housed in a housing; - a first communication means for cooperating with a remote second communication means; - a processing unit coupled to the sensor and to the first communication means, the processing unit being configured to perform a comparison between two successive images from the sensor; - Means of recording identifiers and geolocation data; The present invention also relates to a detection device comprising:

[0077] Such a detection device enables the use of the above-mentioned fire detection system in a simple, rapid and autonomous manner.

[0078] Indeed, direct image detection and processing by the sensor enables the detection device to transmit a reliable digital alarm signal which can be verified as described above.

[0079] Furthermore, the detection of fire outbreaks through infrared technology allows for the coordination of rapid emergency services intervention to reduce the risk of fire destruction in the monitored area.

[0080] According to another preferred aspect, the detection device further comprises at least one digital camera coupled to the processing unit.

[0081] Digital cameras can be used to verify the veracity of digital alerts and determine whether to initiate emergency team intervention.

[0082] This confirmation can be performed visually by an operator to distinguish between a fire outbreak and the transient heat signature of an animal, person, or material.

[0083] The present invention relates to a method for detecting a fire outbreak in a monitored area by a fire outbreak detection system as described above, comprising the steps of: - installing a plurality of detection devices in a monitored area to define a mesh of the monitored area; - acquiring, by each sensor, thermal images of the area to be monitored at regular intervals; - detecting a predetermined threshold of infrared levels within a first image; - comparing the infrared levels of a second image subsequent to the first image in order to detect a local increase in infrared radiation; - transmitting, if a localized increase in infrared radiation is detected, a digital alert signal including a unique identifier of the detection device and the geographic location data collected in the recording means to the computer platform via the communication channel. The present invention further relates to a method for producing the present invention, comprising the steps of:

[0084] Such a method makes it possible to create an optimized monitoring environment for the area to be monitored.

[0085] In practice, detectors are arranged in a mesh to ensure efficient surveillance coverage.

[0086] The detection of a fire outbreak can thus be performed redundantly by several detection devices, increasing the reliability of the digital alarm signal indicating a fire outbreak.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: - sending a request for a digital camera to take a snapshot for each detection device that has sent a digital alarm signal, said snapshot being transmitted to the computer platform via a communication channel; - Check for the presence of significant characteristics of fire outbreaks on the snapshots The method further includes a so-called doubt clearance step, which consists of:

[0088] Clearing suspicion can avoid unnecessary emergency service intervention.

[0089] In this way, expenditures associated with unnecessary emergency service travel to the scene are eliminated.

[0090] Moreover, the material and physical resources of the rescue forces are kept available for actual needs and are not unnecessarily mobilized due to false alarms.

[0091] According to another preferred aspect, the method comprises the steps of: - taking a snapshot with a digital camera, said snapshot being transmitted to the computer platform via a communication channel simultaneously with the transmission of the digital alert signal; - Check for the presence of significant characteristics of fire outbreaks on the snapshots The method further includes a so-called doubt clearance step, which consists of:

[0092] Sending snapshots simultaneously with digital alarm signals allows for timely response to initiate emergency intervention.

[0093] In practice, an operator can determine the presence of significant characteristics of a fire outbreak immediately after receiving a digital alarm signal without making an additional connection to the detection device, which could delay the intervention of emergency services if the bandwidth of the communication channel is limited.

[0094] If necessary, this clearance may be followed by a second clearance consisting of issuing a request for a digital camera to take a snapshot for each detection device which has transmitted a digital alarm signal, said snapshot being transmitted to a computer platform via a communication channel for confirmation of the presence on the snapshot of significant characteristics of a fire outbreak.

[0095] According to another preferred aspect, the method further comprises the step of performing measurements of the geographical location of each detection device upon installation within the area to be monitored.

[0096] This allows for smooth processing of digital alarm signals.

[0097] By determining the geographic location of the detection device, it is possible to precisely define the location of the intervention once an alarm has been issued.

[0098] By precisely defining the intervention site, the emergency team can predict which equipment is suitable for the terrain of the intervention site in order to limit the risks that may impede the intervention.

[0099] According to another preferred aspect, during the installing step, the detection device is fixed to a tree located within the monitored area under the leaves of said tree.

[0100] Fixing the detection device in this way therefore ensures effective and rapid detection of a fire outbreak.

[0101] This is because being placed under the tree canopy, or more precisely under the leaves of the trees, allows the detection device to analyze the monitored area without obstructions in order to identify possible fire outbreaks, thus helping to protect the monitored area.

[0102] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0103] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a fire outbreak detection system according to the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a fire outbreak detection system according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a detection device of a fire detection system according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0104] 1 and 2 illustrate diagrammatically a preferred embodiment of a fire outbreak detection system according to the present invention.

[0105] The fire detection system detects the outbreak of a fire within the monitored area 1 in order to avoid the widespread spread of the fire and to enable emergency services to be notified quickly in order to protect the monitored area 1.

[0106] For this purpose, the fire detection system includes a plurality of detection devices 2 and a computer platform 3 for receiving information from the detection devices 2 .

[0107] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, detection devices 2 are arranged in a monitored area 1 so as to form a mesh of the monitored area 1.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 3, each detection device 2 includes: - 4 sensors of physical characteristics of fire occurrence; a processing unit 5; - a first means of communication 6, - recording means 7 for storing a unique identifier of the detection device 2; At least incorporate or have built-in.

[0109] More precisely, each sensor 4 of the physical characteristics of the fire outbreak is in this case a camera of the infrared type.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the computer platform 3 includes: a database 8 relating to the detection devices 2 and in which the unique identifiers of all the detection devices 2 are listed; - Second means of communication 9 and Includes.

[0111] The second communication means 9 are intended to cooperate with the first communication means 6 of the detection device 2 to form a communication channel 10 .

[0112] Each detection device 2 includes at least - acquiring thermal images of the monitored area 1 at regular intervals via a sensor 4; - detecting a predetermined threshold of infrared level within the first image; - comparing the infrared levels of a second image following the first image to detect localized increases in infrared radiation; - if a local increase in infrared radiation is detected, transmitting a digital alarm signal via the communication channel 10 to the computer platform 3, comprising a unique identifier of the detection device 2 and the geographic location data collected in the recording means 7; It is structured as follows.

[0113] For this purpose, the processing unit 5 incorporates a computer making it possible to utilize a clock to determine regular intervals.

[0114] The processing unit 5 also makes it possible to make a comparison between two images from the sensor 4 .

[0115] For this purpose, the processing unit 5 incorporates an algorithm making it possible to represent each image in areas of infrared levels.

[0116] This algorithm makes it possible to extract and determine from the two images the change in the intensity of the infrared radiation and its spatial variation, i.e. the increase in the magnitude of the strong infrared intensity on the second image. This algorithm can carry out this analysis of two successive images incrementally, i.e. between the first and second image, then between the second and third image, then between the third and fourth image, etc. This makes it possible to maintain or not maintain the emission of a digital alarm signal by the detection device 2.

[0117] By way of example and not limitation, a threshold may be exceeded whereby a digital alarm signal may be issued by the detection device 2 if, for images taken during the day, the infrared level corresponds to a temperature of 60° C. or higher, and for images taken at night, the infrared level corresponds to a temperature of 50° C. or higher. The distinction between daytime and nighttime may be made by photosensitivity, or by a manually predefined setting, or by an image time stamp method.

[0118] According to a first embodiment of the fire outbreak detection system illustrated by FIG. 1, each detection device 2 communicates directly with the computer platform 3 .

[0119] In other words, the communication channel 10 is divided into as many channels as there are detection devices 2 included in the fire detection system.

[0120] According to a second embodiment of the fire outbreak detection system illustrated by FIG. 2, each detection device 2 communicates indirectly with a computer platform 3 .

[0121] More specifically, the fire detection system includes a gateway P that splits the communication channel 10 into two parts.

[0122] Each of the detection devices 2 communicates directly with a gateway P which forms an interface with the computer platform 3 .

[0123] This arrangement makes it possible to limit the required range of the first communication means 6 and thus reduce the energy consumption of the detection device 2. Likewise, this arrangement makes it possible for detection devices 2 that are located outside the range of existing communication networks to still transmit digital alarm signals to the computer platform 3.

[0124] In this way, the gateway P, which may be coupled to an existing power network, only needs to have long-range communication means to complete the communication channel 10. As a non-limiting example, the gateway P may use the Internet network to communicate with the computer platform 3.

[0125] This reduces the overall energy consumption of the fire detection system and allows it to be used in remote areas where powering from the national grid is difficult or even impossible.

[0126] Furthermore, even if one of the detection devices 2 is outside the communication range of the gateway P or computer platform 3, the mesh or network formation ensures connection with other detection devices 2, thereby ensuring the transmission of potential digital alarm signals to the computer platform 3 or gateway P.

[0127] This therefore enables the detection device 2 to maintain surveillance of the monitored area 1 even if it is far away from the gateway P or the computer platform 3 .

[0128] 1 and 2, the computer platform 3 further includes at least one display device 11 for displaying the geographic location information data of the detection device 2 that emitted the digital alarm signal.

[0129] Using the display device 11, a user can verify the authenticity of the digital alarm signal, ie whether or not there is a fire in the monitored area 1.

[0130] For this purpose, each detection device 2 furthermore incorporates at least one digital camera 12 .

[0131] The computer platform 3 is then configured to transmit, towards each detection device 2, a request to take a snapshot by means of the digital camera 12 via the communication channel 10 along which the digital alarm signal was transmitted.

[0132] For this purpose, the computer platform 3 includes a dedicated communication interface enabling a user to interact with the detection device 2 of the fire outbreak detection system.

[0133] Each detector 12 is therefore configured, upon receiving a request, to execute said snapshot and transmit it via the communication channel 10 to the computer platform 3 for display on the display device 11 .

[0134] In other words, when a digital alarm signal is emitted by at least one of the detection devices 2, a user can visually confirm the presence of a fire outbreak in the monitored area 1 and, if necessary, initiate the intervention of an emergency team to avoid the fire spreading.

[0135] This prevents the presence of an animal with a heat signature detected as a localized increase in infrared radiation within the monitored area 1, or any other phenomenon, from being interpreted as a fire outbreak and leading to unjustified intervention by emergency teams.

[0136] Indeed, the unwarranted intervention of emergency teams results in significant expenditure and mobilization of resources that could otherwise be allocated to legitimate interventions.

[0137] However, according to a variant, the processing unit 5 can be configured to operate the digital camera 12 immediately after detection of a fire outbreak so as to transmit a neutralising snapshot simultaneously with the transmission of the digital alarm signal.

[0138] A request is then initiated to confirm the first conclusion drawn from the observation of the image transmitted together with the digital alert signal.

[0139] With reference to FIG. 3, the detection device 2 comprises a protective housing 13 in which the processing unit 5, the first communication means 6 and the recording means 7 are accommodated.

[0140] The detection device 2 further comprises a case 14 mechanically coupled to the housing 13 and within which the or each sensor 4 and / or each digital camera 12 is housed.

[0141] The case 14 is connected to the housing 13 via an arm 15 .

[0142] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the housing 13 houses the means of movement of each of the sensors 4 and the digital camera 12 .

[0143] The movement means takes the form of motor means 16 to which the arm 15 is connected.

[0144] This allows the case 14 to be rotated via the arm 15 about the axis of rotation about which the arm 15 extends.

[0145] This allows the imaging angle of the sensor 4 and the digital camera 12 to be varied in order to ensure a reliable scan of the area 1 to be monitored.

[0146] According to a first variant, the detection device 2 comprises a single sensor 4 and a single camera 12 .

[0147] The case 14 is movable to allow the sensor 4 and digital camera 12 to be rotated to scan the area to be monitored.

[0148] In this case, the sensor 4 and the digital camera 12 have an aperture angle for image capture between 120° and 180°, or even between 10° and 180°.

[0149] According to a second variant, the sensor 4 and the digital camera each have an aperture angle of less than 180°, for example of the order of 60°.

[0150] In this case, the case 14 houses three sensors 4 and three digital cameras, each angularly arranged at 60°. In this way, all the sensors 4 and the digital cameras 12 allow the scanning of the area 1 to be monitored over 180°.

[0151] In this case, motor drive of the case 14 relative to the housing 13 is not essential.

[0152] However, in the event of a suspicion clearance, in particular in order to refine, if necessary, the image taking by means of the digital camera 12, the detection device 2 may carry motor means 16 making it possible to rotate the case relative to the housing 13.

[0153] Generally, depending on the opening angle of each sensor 4 and each digital camera 12, the number of sensors 4 and digital cameras 12 is selected to enable a 180° scanning of the area to be monitored by the detection device 2, complemented, if necessary, by the addition of motor means 16 enabling rotation of the case 14.

[0154] In other words, if the number of sensors 4 and digital cameras 12 and their respective apertures do not allow a 180° scanning of the monitored area 1, the detection device 2 is provided with motor means 6 that allow pivoting of the case 14, thereby increasing the scanning angle range of the detection device 2.

[0155] Still referring to FIG. 3, the detection device 2 has an external support 17 extending radially around the housing 13 and supporting solar energy collection means 18 in order to make it energetically autonomous.

[0156] To that end, the detection device 2 incorporates an electric battery 19 housed in a housing 13 and connected to the various elements of the detection device 2, i.e. the or each sensor 4, the processing unit 5, the first communication means 6, the recording means 7 or each digital camera 12 and, if necessary, to a collection means 18 for discharging it to the motor means 16.

[0157] The solar energy collecting means 18 may take the form of, for example, a photosensitive film, making it possible to obtain brightness or luminosity in places where the sun's rays do not reach directly, such as, for example, in forests, under the tree canopy and more particularly under the leaves of trees.

[0158] According to a variant, the housing 13 has a transparent area behind which the photovoltaic cells are placed. Reflectors may be placed on either side of each photovoltaic cell in order to amplify the light emission and thus maximize the production of electrical energy that is stored in the battery 19.

[0159] Other energy harvesting means may also be provided to power the device's battery 19. By way of example, this other harvesting means may exploit wind energy.

[0160] To further improve the effectiveness of the detection device 2, the case 14 may further include a secondary sensor 20 that allows the detection of physical phenomena of fire occurrence such as external temperature, humidity, particulate levels in the air, carbon levels, and oxygen levels.

[0161] Additionally, each detector 2 may incorporate a back-up battery S for powering the detector 2 in the event that the battery 19 fails or cannot be recharged.

[0162] In this case, each detection device 2 may also include ad-hoc detection means for failure of the battery 19 or malfunction of the recharging of the battery 19 .

[0163] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fire outbreak detection system further comprises at least one portable computer unit 21 incorporating a third communication means 22 and a display means 23 .

[0164] The third communication means 22 are arranged to cooperate with the second communication means 9 of the computer platform 3 to form a second communication channel 24 .

[0165] In this manner, a user may remotely interact or interact with the computer platform 3 via the portable computer unit 21 when the user does not have direct access to the computer platform 3 .

[0166] The portable computing unit 21 may in particular take the form of a computer, a smartphone or for example a digital tablet.

[0167] The display means 23 of the portable computer unit 21 is arranged to reproduce the information displayed on the display device 11 of the computer platform 3 .

[0168] The portable computer unit 21 may also incorporate an information processing application making it possible to remotely send requests for taking snapshots by the digital camera 12 or to control the computer platform 3 to send said requests.

[0169] The detection of a fire outbreak is performed using the method for implementing the fire outbreak detection system described above.

[0170] This method is - installing a plurality of detection devices 2 in the area to be monitored 1 in order to define a mesh of the area to be monitored 1; - acquiring, at regular intervals, thermal images of the area to be monitored 1 via each sensor 4; - detecting a predetermined threshold of infrared level in a first image; - comparing the infrared levels of a second image subsequent to the first image in order to detect a local increase in infrared radiation; - transmitting a digital alarm signal via the communication channel 10 to the computer platform 3 if a local increase in infrared radiation is detected. Includes.

[0171] As described above, to confirm the authenticity of a fire outbreak, the method includes: - sending a request for a snapshot to be taken by the digital camera 12 to each detection device 2 which has sent a digital alarm signal, said snapshot being transmitted to the computer platform 3 via the communication channel 10; - Check for the presence of significant characteristics of fire outbreaks on the snapshots The method further includes a so-called doubt clearance step, which consists of:

[0172] This verification step is performed visually, for example by an operator who analyzes the image to detect flames or smoke.

[0173] In case of a suspect clearance, the operator is able to detect an animal, or any other phenomenon, whose thermal signature causes a local increase in infrared levels between two successive images.

[0174] In this case, the neutralization operation involves characterizing the presence of an increase in infrared levels between two successive images as being related to the presence of an animal or any other phenomenon, not a fire, so the operator does not initiate the dispatch of emergency services.

[0175] Upon installation of each detection device 2 within the area 1 to be monitored, a step is carried out consisting of performing a geolocation measurement of each detection device 2 .

[0176] In other words, when a detection device is placed within the monitored area 1, its position is reported.

[0177] This positioning can be performed automatically if the detection device is equipped with a GPS module capable of recording the position or geographical location measurement of the detection device in recording means 7, or manually.

[0178] In this case, the operator installing the detection device 2 uses a GPS beacon, or any suitable geographical location measuring device, and records or manually obtains the coordinates of the geographical location measurement of the device in the recording means 7 via an ad hoc interface.

[0179] In this way, when the detection device 2 transmits an alarm signal via the first communication channel 10 towards the computer platform 3, the information processing unit transmits on the one hand its unique identifier and, on the other hand, the coordinates of its geographical location so as to enable the operator to initiate a specific emergency response, so that the information processing unit can display the detection device 2 and its positioning.

[0180] During installation, the detection device 2 is fixed directly to a tree located in the area 1 to be monitored, under the leaves of the tree.

[0181] Alternatively, each detection device 2 may be coupled to a pole and erected in the area 1 to be monitored.

[0182] In this case, each detection device 2 is arranged at the top of the corresponding pillar.

[0183] To allow 360° detection, each detection device 2 may include multiple sensors 4 and digital cameras 12 according to their respective opening angles.

[0184] Alternatively, each detection device 2 may include a single sensor 4 and a single digital camera 12, in which case motor means 16 enable the sensor 4 and digital camera 12 to rotate to ensure 360° monitoring.

[0185] By way of example and not limitation, the detection devices 2 are typically positioned at a distance of 50m to 200m apart from each other.

[0186] However, the distance between two detection devices 3 may be more than 200 m, in which case the first communication means 6 is selected depending on the distance between the detection devices 2 and depending on the access to the communication standard and protocol by all detection devices 2 of the fire detection system.

[0187] The fire detection system described above, and the method of its implementation, allows for rapid and accurate identification of fire outbreaks within a monitored area and, if necessary, initiation of emergency team intervention.

[0188] In other words, doubt clearance allows the operator to verify that the digital alarm signal is indeed related to a fire outbreak and not to the presence of an animal, person or motor vehicle, or any other phenomenon that may emit heat locally and temporarily.

[0189] Thus, an operator can verify the occurrence of a fire and initiate the intervention of emergency services only if necessary.

[0190] In this way, this can discourage unjustified emergency service interventions that result in high costs and large resource mobilization that can adversely affect justified interventions.

[0191] Other features and advantages of the above-described fire detection system may also be mentioned.

[0192] Firstly, energy management can be optimized through the use of very low consumption components.

[0193] Secondly, when the primary function is not in use, for example when communication between the computer platform 2 and the detection device 2 is interrupted, the primary function may be put on hold.

[0194] Additionally, less energy consuming communication techniques can be used in the fire detection system.

[0195] Also, to form the battery 19, one may choose to use a highly efficient, low self-discharge accumulator.

[0196] Finally, the communication between the computer platform 3 and the detection device 2 or the portable computer unit 21, i.e. the establishment of the first communication channel 10 and the second communication channel 24, can make use of technologies and protocols such as, but not exhaustive, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE M1, Bluetooth® or Wifi®, which are known and allow communication with low energy consumption.

[0197] A communication network between the various detection devices 2 installed in the monitored area 1 is also provided to realize additional paths allowing information to be transmitted by relaying the information via the various detection devices 2 to a gateway P or a computer platform 3.

[0198] The analysis of the infrared images can be carried out digitally by the processing unit 5 of each detection device 2, i.e. automatically, using calculation tools that make it possible to detect, between two images, the changes in the mean, standard deviation, derivative or integral of the infrared radiation present on the images.

[0199] The processing unit 5 also enables each detection device 2 to carry out self-learning that makes it possible to refine the detection of fire outbreaks.

[0200] In fact, each detection device 2 transmits a digital alarm signal to the computer platform 3, and in case a clearance makes it possible to refute the hypothesis of a fire outbreak, the processing unit 5 and the recording means 7 can incorporate the characteristic data that caused the transmission of the digital alarm signal in order to limit the transmission of new alarms with respect to similar detection shapes of local increases in infrared levels.

[0201] In other words, this makes it possible to identify the presence of animals, people, motor vehicles, or any other phenomenon that may be interpreted as a fire outbreak.

[0202] The database 8 of the computer platform 3 also makes it possible to gradually record the various digital alarm signals in order to generate statistics and, for example, to identify the most dangerous locations or to make it possible to recognize or identify potential malfunctions of the detection device 2 causing constant but false alarms.

[0203] Furthermore, these statistics make it possible to identify areas of the animal's passage route and, for example, migration flows or changes in any other environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, particulate levels or carbon dioxide levels.

[0204] The computer platform 3 via the first communication channel 10 also makes it possible to talk or interact with each detection device 2 placed within the monitored area 1 in order to modify its operating parameters or simply perform updates thereof.

[0205] This operation may also be performed remotely from the computer unit 21 via the computer platform 3 .

Claims

1. a plurality of detection devices (2) forming a mesh of the area to be monitored (1), each detection device (2) incorporating a recording means (7) capable of storing a unique identifier, and including at least one sensor (4) of a physical characteristic of a fire occurrence, a processing unit (5), and a first communication means (6); a computer platform (3) including a database (8) associated with said detection devices (2) and listing said unique identifiers of all detection devices (2), and second communication means (9) for cooperating with said first communication means (6) to form a communication channel (10); A fire detection system comprising: a system in which each sensor (4) of each detection device (2) is an infrared type camera, and each detection device (2) is configured to acquire infrared images of the monitored area (1) at regular intervals using said sensor (4), detect a predetermined threshold of infrared levels from a first image, compare the infrared levels in a second image following the first image to detect a local increase in infrared radiation, and, if a local increase in infrared radiation is detected, transmit a digital alarm signal to the computer platform (3) via the communication channel (10) comprising the unique identifier of said detection device (2) and the geographical location data collected in said recording means (7).

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer platform (3) further comprises at least one display device (11) for displaying the geographic location information data of the detection device (2) that emitted the digital alarm signal.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each detection device (2) further includes at least one digital camera (12), and wherein the computer platform (3) is configured to send a request for the digital camera (12) to take a snapshot to each detection device (2) that has sent the digital alarm signal, and each detection device (2) is configured to take the snapshot upon receiving the request, transmit it to the computer platform (3) via the communication channel (10), and display it on the display device (11).

4. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each detection device (2) further includes at least one digital camera (12), and the processing unit (5) is configured to take snapshots with the digital camera (12) and transmit the snapshots to the computer platform (3) via the communication channel (10) simultaneously with the digital alarm signal for display on the display device (11).

5. 5. A system according to claim 4, characterized in that each detection device (2) incorporates means of movement of each sensor (4) and / or digital camera (12).

6. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that each detection device (2) comprises a protective housing (13) and an electric battery (19) for powering each sensor (4), the processing unit (5), the first communication means (6) and / or the digital camera (12).

7. 7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing (13) includes an external support (17) and each detection device (2) incorporates solar energy collection means (18) for recharging the battery (19).

8. 8. A system according to claim 7, characterized in that said solar energy collecting means (18) are in the form of a photosensitive film.

9. 3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also includes at least one portable computer unit (21) carried by at least one user of the system, each portable computer unit (21) incorporating third communication means (22) for cooperating with said second communication means (9) to form a second communication channel (24), and said portable computer unit (21) further incorporating display means (23) arranged to reproduce information displayed on said display device (11) of said computer platform (3).

10. a protective housing (13); at least one sensor (4) housed within said housing (13), in the form of an infrared type camera; a first communication means (6) for cooperating with a remote second communication means (9); a processing unit (5) coupled to said sensor (4) and said first communication means (6) and configured to perform a comparison between two successive images from said sensor (4); a means for recording identifiers and geographic location data (7); Detecting device (2) for a fire outbreak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

11. 11. The detection device according to claim 10, further comprising at least one digital camera (12) coupled to said processing unit (5).

12. - installing a plurality of detection devices (2) in a monitored area (1) to define a mesh of the monitored area (1); acquiring infrared images of the area to be monitored (1) at regular intervals via each sensor (4); detecting a predetermined threshold of infrared levels from the first image; comparing infrared levels in a second image subsequent to the first image to detect a local increase in infrared radiation; transmitting a digital alarm signal containing a unique identifier of said detection device (2) and the geographic location data collected in said recording means (7) to said computer platform (3) via said communication channel (10) if a local increase in infrared radiation is detected; 2. A method for detecting a fire outbreak in a monitored area (1) by means of a fire outbreak detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:

13. sending a request for a snapshot to be taken by said digital camera (12) to each detection device (2) that has sent a digital alarm signal, said snapshot being transmitted to said computer platform via said communication channel (10); Identifying the presence of significant fire characteristics on the snapshot 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising a so-called doubt-clearing step, which consists of:

14. taking a snapshot with the digital camera (12), and transmitting the snapshot to the computer platform via the communication channel (10) simultaneously with the transmission of the digital alert signal; Identifying the presence of significant fire characteristics on the snapshot 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising a so-called doubt-clearing step, which consists of:

15. 13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises the step of taking a geographical location measurement of each detection device (2) upon installation within the area to be monitored (1).

16. 13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that during the installing step, the detection device (2) is fixed to a tree located in the monitored area (1) under the leaves of the tree.

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