Flame detection system

Abstract

To enable a tester to safely and efficiently confirm whether a multi-wavelength type flame detector operates normally or not.SOLUTION: A flame detection system 1 includes a flame detector 11, a disaster prevention reception panel 12 communicatively connected to the flame detector 11, a server device 13 communicatively connected to the disaster prevention reception panel 12, and a tester 14 capable of communicating with the server device 13. The flame detector 11 is, for example, a two wavelength flame detector. In the test mode, the flame detector 11 transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention reception panel 12 when detecting a flame in response to test light emitted from the tester 14. When receiving the flame detection signal from the flame detector 11, the disaster prevention reception panel 12 transmits a notification of flame detection to the server device 13. When receiving the notification of flame detection from the disaster prevention reception panel 12, the server device 13 transmits a reception notification to the tester 14. When receiving the reception notification from the server device 13, the tester 14 notifies the user of the reception of the reception notification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for confirming the normal operation of a flame detector. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to prevent erroneous detection or non-detection of flames due to malfunctions of the flame detector, it is important to test the flame detector at an appropriate frequency to check whether it is operating normally. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for confirming the normal operation of a flame detector.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a tester that can irradiate a fire detector with a test light that simulates radiation from a flame and a test recovery light that restores to normal operation a disaster prevention receiving panel that is operating in alarm mode in response to a fire signal output by the fire detector when the test light is irradiated. With the tester described in Patent Document 1, there is no need for a tester to travel to the location of the disaster prevention receiving panel in order to restore normal operation to a disaster prevention receiving panel that is operating in alarm mode during a fire detector test. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-180580 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Some flame detectors use sensors that output signals with amplitudes corresponding to the light intensities of multiple wavelength bands, and determine the presence or absence of a flame by comparing the ratio of the amplitudes of the signals output by the sensors for those wavelength bands with a threshold. Hereinafter, in this application, such flame detectors will be referred to as "multi-wavelength flame detectors."

[0006] Conventionally, testers used to confirm the normal operation of multi-wavelength flame detectors have been those that have multiple light sources that emit light in different wavelength bands in order to mimic the amplitude ratios of each component in the multiple wavelength bands contained in the light emitted by a flame, and that come into contact with and cover the flame detector window to prevent light from the outside from disrupting these ratios (hereinafter referred to as "contact testers").

[0007] When using a contact tester to test whether a flame detector is functioning properly, the tester must travel to the location of the flame detector to perform the test, which is time-consuming. Furthermore, if the flame detector is installed in a high place, there is a risk that the tester may fall during the test, which is dangerous.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to enable a tester to safely and efficiently check whether a multiple wavelength flame detector is operating normally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a flame detector comprising: a sensor that outputs, for each of a plurality of wavelength bands, a signal with an amplitude corresponding to the intensity of light in that wavelength band; a detection unit that detects a flame based on the result of comparing the ratio of the amplitude of the signal output by the sensor for each of the plurality of wavelength bands with a threshold; and a mode determination unit that determines whether the operating mode of the device is an operation mode or a test mode, wherein when the mode determination unit determines that the device is in the operation mode, the detection unit detects a flame using a threshold for the operation mode, and when the mode determination unit determines that the device is in the test mode, the detection unit determines whether the sensor is normal or not using a threshold for the test mode that is different from the threshold for the operation mode.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides, as a second aspect, a flame detector comprising: a sensor that outputs, for each of a plurality of wavelength bands, a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the intensity of light in that wavelength band; and a mode determination unit that determines whether the operating mode of the device is an operation mode or a test mode, wherein the sensor has an amplifier that increases or decreases the amplitude of the signal generated in response to irradiated light, and the sensor increases or decreases the amplitude of the signal generated in response to irradiated light for each of the plurality of wavelength bands by different increase or decrease rates using the amplifier when the mode determination unit determines that the device is in the operation mode and when the mode determination unit determines that the device is in the test mode, and then outputs the signal; and a detection unit that detects a flame based on the comparison result between the ratio of the amplitude of the signal output by the sensor for each of the plurality of wavelength bands and a threshold value.

[0011] According to the flame detector of the first or second aspect, it is not necessary to irradiate the flame detector with light containing components of multiple wavelength bands with amplitudes in a similar ratio to that of light emitted by a flame in order to test whether the flame detector is operating normally. Therefore, with the flame detector of the first aspect, for example, a test mode threshold is determined based on the ratio of the amplitudes of signals output for each of the multiple wavelength bands by a sensor operating normally when the flame detector is irradiated with light irradiated by a tester from a remote position, and the threshold is set in advance. Furthermore, with the flame detector of the second aspect, for example, an increase / decrease rate for the test mode is determined for each of the multiple wavelength bands based on the ratio of the amplitudes of signals output for each of the multiple wavelength bands by a sensor operating normally when the flame detector is irradiated with light irradiated by a tester from a remote position, and the increase / decrease rate is set in advance. Therefore, it is possible to test the flame detector by irradiating the flame detector with light irradiated by the tester from a remote position.

[0012] In the flame detector according to the first or second aspect, a configuration may be adopted as a third aspect in which the flame detector is provided with a notification unit that notifies the user in a visible manner when the mode determination unit determines that the flame detector is in test mode.

[0013] According to the flame detector of the third aspect, a tester can check whether the flame detector is operating normally even if the tester is far away from the flame detector as long as the flame detector is visible.

[0014] In the flame detector according to any one of the first to third aspects, a fourth aspect may be adopted in which the mode determination unit determines whether the mode is operational mode or test mode based on the signal output by the sensor.

[0015] According to the flame detector of the fourth aspect, the operation mode of the flame detector can be switched by irradiating the flame detector with light having predetermined characteristics from the tester.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides, as a fifth aspect, a flame detection system comprising a flame detector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects and a tester that emits light to determine that the sensor is normal when the flame detector is operating in test mode.

[0017] According to the flame detection system of the fifth aspect, a tester can test whether the flame detector is operating normally by shining the light emitted by the tester onto the flame detector from a distance.

[0018] In a flame detection system according to a fifth aspect, the tester may include a communication unit that wirelessly communicates with one or more of the flame detector, a disaster prevention receiving panel that is communicatively connected to the flame detector, and a server device that is communicatively connected to the disaster prevention receiving panel, and a notification unit that notifies a user, wherein the communication unit receives data from the device with which the wireless communication is being performed indicating that the flame detector has detected a fire when in normal mode, or data indicating that the sensor has been determined to be normal when the flame detector is in test mode, and the notification unit of the tester notifies the user in accordance with the data received by the communication unit.This configuration may also be adopted as a sixth aspect.

[0019] According to the flame detection system of the sixth aspect, the tester can confirm that the flame detector is operating normally by receiving a notification from the tester. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, an examiner can safely and efficiently check whether a multiple wavelength flame detector is operating normally. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a flame detection system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of a flame detector according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the functional configuration of a flame detector according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an amplitude value log table stored in the flame detector according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a status table stored in a flame detector according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of a tester according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of a tester according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a graph showing an emission pattern of light emitted by a tester according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a tester operation screen displayed by a tester according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the functional configuration of a flame detector according to a modified example.

[0022] [Embodiment] A flame detection system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the flame detection system 1. The flame detection system 1 is a system that detects a flame occurring in a tunnel TN.

[0023] The flame detection system 1 includes n flame detectors, i.e., flame detectors 11(1), 11(2), 11(3), ..., 11(n), installed at approximately equal intervals along the direction of vehicle travel inside the tunnel TN. Hereinafter, these n flame detectors will be collectively referred to as flame detectors 11.

[0024] Each flame detector 11 essentially integrates two flame detectors. Specifically, each flame detector 11 integrates a flame detector whose monitoring area is a predetermined area on the right side of the flame detector 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "right flame detector"), and a flame detector whose monitoring area is a predetermined area on the left side of the flame detector 11 (hereinafter referred to as the "left flame detector").

[0025] The tunnel TN is divided into monitoring areas A(1), A(2), A(3), ..., A(n-1). Hereinafter, these (n-1) monitoring areas will be collectively referred to as monitoring area A. Each of the monitoring areas A is monitored by two adjacent flame detectors 11 in an overlapping manner. For example, monitoring area A(1) is monitored by the left flame detector of flame detector 11(1) and the right flame detector of flame detector 11(2). Therefore, even if one of the two adjacent flame detectors 11 fails, monitoring of monitoring area A will not be interrupted unless the other fails at the same time.

[0026] In addition to the flame detectors 11, the flame detection system 1 includes a disaster prevention receiving panel 12 communicatively connected to each of the flame detectors 11, a server device 13 communicatively connected to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, and a tester 14 capable of wireless communication with the server device 13. The tester 14 is a device for irradiating each of the flame detectors 11 with light to test whether it is operating normally.

[0027] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the flame detector 11. The flame detector 11 includes a computer 101, four sensors connected to the computer 101, namely, sensor 111R, sensor 112R, sensor 111L, and sensor 112L, four amplifiers corresponding to the four sensors, namely, amplifier 113R, amplifier 114R, amplifier 113L, and amplifier 114L, and a lamp 115 connected to the computer 101.

[0028] The sensors 111R and 112R are optical sensors for monitoring the monitoring area A on the right side as viewed from the flame detector 11. The sensors 111L and 112L are optical sensors for monitoring the monitoring area A on the left side as viewed from the flame detector 11.

[0029] The sensors 111R and 111L are long wavelength optical sensors that respond with high sensitivity to the long wavelength band emitted by a flame (heat source). For example, optical sensors using pyroelectric elements are used as the sensors 111R and 111L. Hereinafter, the sensors 111R and 111L are collectively referred to as sensors 111.

[0030] The sensors 112R and 112L are short wavelength optical sensors that respond with high sensitivity to the short wavelength band emitted by the flame (heat source). For example, optical sensors using photodiodes are used as the sensors 112R and 112L. Hereinafter, the sensors 112R and 112L are collectively referred to as sensors 112.

[0031] Amplifier 113R is connected between computer 101 and sensor 111R and increases or decreases the amplitude of the signal generated by sensor 111R in response to light. Amplifier 114R is connected between computer 101 and sensor 112R and increases or decreases the amplitude of the signal generated by sensor 112R in response to light. Amplifier 113L is connected between computer 101 and sensor 111L and increases or decreases the amplitude of the signal generated by sensor 111L in response to light. Amplifier 114L is connected between computer 101 and sensor 112L and increases or decreases the amplitude of the signal generated by sensor 112R in response to light.

[0032] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the signal output from the sensor 111 or the sensor 112 refers to the signal output from the sensor 111 or the sensor 112 and amplified or decreased by the amplifier 113 or the amplifier 114.

[0033] The lamp 115 emits light under the control of the computer 101. The lamp 115 can emit light in two colors, for example, blue and red, and can emit light in either a steady or flashing manner for each of these colors.

[0034] The computer 101 includes a processor 1011 that processes data according to a program, a memory 1012 that stores various data including programs, an input / output interface 1013 that receives signal input from four sensors via four amplifiers and outputs control signals to a lamp 115, and a communication interface 1014 that communicates data with the disaster prevention receiving panel 12.

[0035] In addition to the components shown in Figure 2, the flame detector 11 also has components such as an A / D converter that converts the analog signals output by the four sensors into digital signals. However, since these components are unrelated to the features of the present invention, they are omitted from Figure 2 and will not be described in the following explanation.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the flame detector 11. That is, the processor 1011 of the computer 101 executes processing according to the program according to this embodiment, thereby realizing the flame detector 11 equipped with a determination device indicated by reference numeral 116 in Fig. 3. The functional configuration of the determination device 116 will be described below.

[0037] Determination device 116 includes determination device 116R that determines whether flame is detected using signals output from sensors 111R and 112R, and determination device 116L that determines whether flame is detected using signals output from sensors 111L and 112L. Since determination device 116R and determination device 116L have a common configuration, the configuration of determination device 116R will be described below as an example, and a description of the configuration of determination device 116L will be omitted.

[0038] Determination device 116R includes storage unit 1161R, acquisition unit 1162R, mode determination unit 1163R, detection unit 1164R, transmission unit 1165R, notification control unit 1166R, and timer 1167R.

[0039] The storage unit 1161R is realized by the memory 1012 that operates under the control of the processor 1011. The storage unit 1161R stores various data. The data stored in the storage unit 1161R includes an amplitude value log table and a status table.

[0040] 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an amplitude value log table. An amplitude value log table is prepared for each of sensors 111R and 112R, and stores the amplitude values ​​of signals output from those sensors together with the times at which the signals were output.

[0041] 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the status table. The status table is a table for holding data indicating the operation mode of the flame detector 11 and data indicating whether or not a flame is detected.

[0042] Continuing with the explanation of the functional configuration (FIG. 3) of the flame detector 11, the acquisition unit 1162R is realized by the input / output interface 1013 that operates under the control of the processor 1011. The acquisition unit 1162R continuously acquires the signal output from the sensor 111R and the signal output from the sensor 112R, and stores the amplitude values ​​of these acquired signals in an amplitude value log table in the storage unit 1161R.

[0043] The mode determination unit 1163R is realized by the processor 1011. The flame detector 11 operates in either a normal mode, which is an operation mode for monitoring for the occurrence of a flame, or a test mode, which is an operation mode for self-diagnosing whether the flame detector 11 is operating normally. The mode determination unit 1163R determines which operation mode the flame detector 11 is in. Specifically, the mode determination unit 1163R determines that the operation mode of the flame detector 11 has switched from the normal mode to the test mode when the amplitude values ​​of the signals output from the sensors 111 and 112 change over time according to a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the mode determination unit 1163R determines that the operation mode of the flame detector 11 has switched from the test mode to the normal mode when a predetermined time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed since the operation mode switched from the normal mode to the test mode. The mode determination unit 1163R identifies the current operation mode of the flame detector 11 based on these determinations, and stores data indicating the identified operation mode in the status table of the storage unit 1161.

[0044] The detection unit 1164R is realized by the processor 1011. When the detection unit 1164R determines that the amplitude value of the signal output from the sensor 111R and the amplitude value of the signal output from the sensor 112R satisfy a predetermined condition, the detection unit 1164R stores data indicating that a flame has been detected in a status table of the storage unit 1161R.

[0045] Examples of conditions used by the detector 1164R to determine whether a flame has been detected are shown below. (Condition 1) The amplitude value of the signal output from the sensor 111R is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1. (Condition 2) The amplitude value of the signal output from the sensor 112R is equal to or greater than the threshold value T2. (Condition 3) The ratio of the amplitude value of the signal output from the sensor 111R to the amplitude value of the signal output from the sensor 112R is equal to or greater than a threshold T3 and equal to or less than a threshold T4 (however, T3 <T4)である。

[0046] The detection unit 1164R determines that a flame is occurring when all of the above conditions 1 to 3 have been met a predetermined number of times or more within a past predetermined length of time (for example, 10 seconds).

[0047] The detection unit 1164R determines whether a flame is detected using thresholds T1 to T4 that vary depending on the operation mode of the flame detector 11. Hereinafter, the thresholds T1 to T4 used in the normal mode will be referred to as a threshold group Tn, and the thresholds T1 to T4 used in the test mode will be referred to as a threshold group Tt.

[0048] The threshold value set Tn is a threshold value set determined according to the amplitude values ​​of the signals output by the sensors 111 and 112 in response to light emitted by a flame occurring at a position distant from the flame detector 11. On the other hand, the threshold value set Tt is a threshold value set determined according to the amplitude values ​​of the signals output by the sensors 111 and 112 in response to light emitted by the tester 14 at a position distant from the flame detector 11.

[0049] The transmitting unit 1165R is realized by the communication interface 1014 that operates under the control of the processor 1011. The transmitting unit 1165R continuously transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 while data indicating that a flame has been detected is stored in the status table.

[0050] The notification control unit 1166R is realized by the processor 1011. The notification control unit 1166R causes the lamp 115 to emit light in one of the following four modes based on the data stored in the status table. Blue light: Normal mode, no flame detected Red light: Normal mode, flame detection Blue flashing: Test mode, no flame detected Red flashing: Test mode, flame detected

[0051] The timer 1167R is implemented by the processor 1011. The timer 1167R continuously measures the elapsed time from a reference time, identifies the current time, and generates a time signal indicating the identified current time. The time information stored in the amplitude value log table is the time indicated by the time signal generated by the timer 1167R at the time the acquisition unit 1162R acquired the signal output from the sensor 111R or the sensor 112R. The time signal generated by the timer 1167R is also used to determine the timing at which the mode determination unit 1163R switches from the test mode to the normal mode.

[0052] The disaster prevention receiving panel 12 (Fig. 1) that constitutes the flame detection system 1 is installed inside the tunnel TN, and when it receives a flame detection signal from the flame detector 11, it warns people in the vicinity by displaying and sounding an alarm, and also sends a notification that a flame has been detected to the server device 13. The disaster prevention receiving panel 12 is a typical disaster prevention receiving panel, so its description will be omitted.

[0053] The server device 13 is installed in a location away from the tunnel TN and allows the administrator of the flame detection system 1 to remotely check the results of flame detection by the flame detector 11 and remotely operate the disaster prevention receiving panel 12. The hardware of the server device 13 is a general computer, so a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the functions of the server device 13 are similar to those of general server devices installed in disaster prevention centers, fire departments, etc., so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] 6 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the tester 14. The tester 14 includes a computer 104, a light 141 connected to the computer 104, and a touch screen 142 connected to the computer 104.

[0055] The light 141 includes a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and a condenser lens, and emits light under the control of the computer 104 .

[0056] The touch screen 142 includes a display such as a liquid crystal display and a touch panel stacked on the display, and displays images and the like under the control of the computer 104 and accepts touch operations by the user.

[0057] The computer 104 includes a processor 1041 that processes data according to a program, a memory 1042 that stores various data including the program, an input / output interface 1043 that outputs control signals to the light 141, and a communication interface 1044 that performs wireless data communication with the server device 13.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the tester 14. That is, the processor 1041 of the computer 104 executes processing according to the program of this embodiment, thereby realizing the tester 14 having a control device indicated by reference numeral 143 in Fig. 7. The functional configuration of the control device 143 will be described below.

[0059] The control device 143 includes a storage unit 1431 , an operation reception unit 1432 , a light emission control unit 1433 , a transmission / reception unit 1434 , and a display control unit 1435 .

[0060] The storage unit 1431 is realized by the memory 1042 that operates under the control of the processor 1041. The storage unit 1431 stores various data. The data stored in the storage unit 1431 includes light emission pattern data that indicates the light emission pattern of the light 141. The light 141 emits light in two light emission modes: a mode switching light emission pattern and a test light emission pattern. The light emission pattern data is data that indicates these light emission patterns.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a graph showing light emission patterns. FIG. 8(a) shows a switching light emission pattern. The switching light emission pattern is a light emission pattern for switching the operating mode of the flame detector 11 from the normal mode to the test mode. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the switching light emission pattern is a light emission pattern whose intensity changes regularly over time. Note that the light emission pattern shown in the graph of FIG. 8(a) is just one example, and any light emission pattern may be used as the switching light emission pattern as long as the light emission pattern changes intensity according to an artificial rule that does not occur naturally.

[0062] Fig. 8(b) shows a test light emission pattern. As shown in Fig. 8(b), the test light emission pattern is a light emission pattern in which the intensity changes between constant amplitudes at constant short time intervals.

[0063] The explanation of the functional configuration of the control device 143 (FIG. 7) continues. The operation reception unit 1432 is realized by the processor 1041. The operation reception unit 1432 acquires a signal corresponding to a user's touch operation on the touch screen 142 from the touch screen 142, generates data indicating the user's operation indicated by the acquired signal, and stores the data in the storage unit 1431. The data generated by the operation reception unit 1432 is used by the light emission control unit 1433, the display control unit 1435, etc.

[0064] The light emission control unit 1433 is realized by the processor 1041. In response to a user operation accepted by the operation accepting unit 1432, the light emission control unit 1433 instructs the light 141 to turn off, to emit light according to a switching light emission pattern, or to emit light according to a test light emission pattern.

[0065] The transmitting / receiving unit 1434 is realized by the communication interface 1044 that operates under the control of the processor 1041. The transmitting / receiving unit 1434 performs data communication with the server device 13. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 1434 transmits to the server device 13 identification information (such as the name) of the tunnel TN in which the flame detector 11 being tested is installed. Furthermore, when the flame detector 11 detects a flame during the test and transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, the transmitting / receiving unit 1434 receives from the server device 13 a reception notification indicating that the server device 13 has received a notification of the flame detection from the disaster prevention receiving panel 12.

[0066] The display control unit 1435 is realized by the processor 1041. The display control unit 1435 causes the touch screen 142 to display various types of information.

[0067] 9 is a diagram illustrating a screen (hereinafter referred to as a "tester operation screen") displayed by touch screen 142 in accordance with instructions from display control unit 1435. The operation of flame detection system 1 will be described below with reference to the tester operation screen shown in FIG.

[0068] The tester turns on the power to the tester 14 in the tunnel TN. When the power is turned on, the touch screen 142 of the tester 14 displays the tester operation screen shown in Figure 9(a). The tester operation screen includes the following items: "Connection status with server," "Facility name," "Light status," and "Response from server."

[0069] The item "Connection status with server" indicates the status of the communication connection between the tester 14 and the server device 13, and accepts operations to change the status of the communication connection. If the communication connection between the tester 14 and the server device 13 is disconnected, this item displays "Disconnect" with a "Connect" button to the right of it. By touching the "Connect" button, the tester can instruct the tester 14 to establish a communication connection with the server device 13. If the communication connection between the tester 14 and the server device 13 is established, this item displays "Connect" with a "Disconnect" button to the right of it. By touching the "Disconnect" button, the tester can instruct the tester 14 to disconnect the communication connection with the server device 13.

[0070] The "facility name" field is used by the tester 14 to input the name (identification information) of the facility where the flame detector 11 on which the tester is to perform an operational test is installed. The tester enters the name of the tunnel TN in the text box for this field and then touches the "OK" button. The facility name entered in this field is transmitted to the server device 13. As a result, while the server device 13 is connected to the tester 14, if any of the flame detectors 11 installed in the tunnel TN transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, and the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 notifies the server device 13 of the flame detection in response, the server device 13 can transmit a reception notification to the tester 14.

[0071] The "Light Emission Status" item indicates the emission status of the light 141 and accepts operations to change the emission status. When the tester 14 is not emitting light, this item displays "Off," with a "Switching Emission" button and a "Test Emission" button displayed to the right. When the tester 14 is emitting light according to the switching emission pattern, this item displays "Switching Emission" with a "Off" button and a "Test Emission" button displayed to the right. When the tester 14 is emitting light according to the test emission pattern, this item displays "Test Emission" with a "Off" button and a "Switching Emission" button displayed to the right. The tester can change the emission status of the light 141 by touching one of the buttons displayed in this item.

[0072] The "Response from Server" item indicates whether a receipt notification has been received from the server device 13. A "Reset" button is displayed next to this item. The tester touches this "Reset" button before starting an operation test of any of the flame detectors 11. This causes this item to display "None." After that, the tester performs a test operation for any of the flame detectors 11, and the flame detector 11 transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12. The disaster prevention receiving panel 12 then transmits a flame detection notification to the server device 13, and the server device 13 then transmits a flame detection notification to the tester 14. This display allows the tester to confirm whether the flame detector 11 being tested is operating normally, and whether the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 normally transmits a flame detection notification to the server device 13 when a flame is detected.

[0073] As described above, when the tester 14 is powered on, it displays a tester operation screen such as that shown in FIG. 9( a). The tester first touches the "Connect" button under "Connection Status with Server" to establish a communication connection between the tester 14 and the server device 13. Next, the tester enters the name of the tunnel TN in the "Facility Name" text box and touches the "OK" button. In response to touching this "OK" button, the transceiver unit 1434 transmits the name of the tunnel TN to the server device 13. The server device 13 stores the name of the tunnel TN transmitted from the tester 14 together with the identification information of the tester 14 that transmitted it. In this state, the tester 14 displays a tester operation screen such as that shown in FIG. 9( b).

[0074] Next, the tester approaches the flame detector 11(1), for example, and touches the "Switch Light" button under "Light Emission Status" to change the light emission state. As a result, the tester operation screen shown in Figure 9(c) is displayed on the tester 14. The tester then shines the light emitted by the tester 14 in that state onto the flame detector 11(1).

[0075] The flame detector 11(1) operates in normal mode until it receives light from the tester 14. Normally, it does not detect a flame, and so the lamp 115 is lit blue. In this state, when the flame detector 11(1) receives light from the tester 14 according to the switching light emission pattern, data indicating a change over time according to the switching light emission pattern (see FIG. 8(a)) is stored in the amplitude value log table. When the mode determination unit 1163 detects that the data being stored in the amplitude value log table indicates a change over time according to the switching light emission pattern, it writes data indicating that the current operating mode is test mode into the status table. In response, the notification control unit 1166 causes the lamp 115 to flash blue.

[0076] The tester sees that lamp 115 is flashing blue and confirms that flame detector 11(1) is operating in test mode, then touches the "Test Light" button under "Light Lighting Status" on the tester operation screen to change the lighting status. As a result, the tester operation screen shown in Figure 9(d) is displayed on tester 14. The tester then shines the light emitted by tester 14 in that status onto flame detector 11(1).

[0077] When the flame detector 11(1) is irradiated with light conforming to the test light emission pattern from the tester 14, data conforming to the test light emission pattern (see FIG. 8(b)), i.e., data indicating amplitude values ​​whose intensity changes between constant amplitudes at constant short time intervals over time, is stored in the amplitude value log table. The detection unit 1164 determines whether the sensors 111 and 112 are operating normally based on whether the amplitude values ​​of the signals output by the sensors 111 and 112 indicated by the data stored in the amplitude value log table satisfy predetermined conditions for flame detection using the test mode threshold value set Tt.

[0078] If the sensors 111 and 112 are operating normally, the predetermined conditions for flame detection are met. As a result, the detection unit 1164 writes data indicating that a flame has been detected into the status table. In response, the notification control unit 1166 causes the lamp 115 to flash red. The test personnel can see that the lamp 115 is flashing red and confirm that the flame detector 11(1) is operating normally. Furthermore, when the data indicating that a flame has been detected is written into the status table, the transmission unit 1165 transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12.

[0079] In addition, when the flame detector 11 is operating in test mode, the flame detection signal sent from the flame detector 11 to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 does not serve as a signal indicating that a flame has been detected, but rather as a signal indicating that the flame detector 11 is operating normally.

[0080] When the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 receives a flame detection signal transmitted from the flame detector 11(1), it issues a visual and audible alarm and transmits a flame detection notification to the server device 13. This notification includes the name of the tunnel TN in which the flame detector 11(1) is installed. When the server device 13 receives the flame detection notification transmitted from the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, it detects that the name of the tunnel TN included in the notification is stored along with the identification information of the tester 14, and transmits a reception notification to the tester 14. The tester 14 receives the reception notification transmitted from the server device 13. In response, the tester 14 displays a tester operation screen in which "Yes" is displayed in the "Response from Server" field, as shown in Figure 9(e). This display allows the tester to confirm that the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 and the server device 13 are operating normally.

[0081] When the tester confirms that the flame detector 11(1), the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, and the server device 13 are operating normally, the tester stops irradiating the flame detector 11(1) with the light of the test light pattern. In response, the detection unit 1164 stops flame detection and writes data indicating that no flame has been detected to the status table. Accordingly, the notification control unit 1166 causes the lamp 115 to flash blue. Next, the tester touches the "Turn Off" button under "Light Emission Status" on the tester operation screen to stop the light from the tester 14. The tester also touches the "Reset" button under "Response from Server." In this state, the tester operation screen shown in FIG. 9(b) is displayed on the tester 14.

[0082] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode was switched from normal mode to test mode, the mode determination unit 1163 of the flame detector 11(1) writes data indicating that the current operation mode is normal mode into the status table. Accordingly, the notification control unit 1166 turns on the lamp 115 in blue. This indicates that a series of test operations related to the flame detector 11(1) has been completed.

[0083] The tester repeats the same test procedure as described above for each flame detector 11 for which the test procedure has not yet been completed.

[0084] According to the above-described flame detection system 1, a tester can check from a remote location whether the flame detector 11 is operating normally. This allows the tester to efficiently and safely perform an operation test of the flame detector 11.

[0085] [Variations] The above-described embodiment is a specific example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Examples of such modifications are shown below. Note that two or more of the following modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0086] (1) The flame detector 11 provided in the flame detection system 1 described above is a dual-wavelength flame detector, but the number of wavelength bands used by the flame detector provided in the flame detection system 1 to detect a flame may be three or more.

[0087] (2) In the above-described flame detection system 1, when the flame detector 11 determines that the conditions for detecting a flame are met while operating in the test mode, it transmits the same flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 as in the normal mode. Alternatively, when the flame detector 11 determines that the conditions for detecting a flame are met while operating in the test mode, it may transmit a signal different from the flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12. In this case, the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 can distinguish between whether a flame has actually been detected and whether the flame detector 11 has been determined to be operating normally during the test, and therefore can perform an operation different from that which would be performed if a flame were actually detected.

[0088] (3) In the flame detection system 1 described above, the amplitude values ​​of the signals output by the sensors 111 and 112 are used to determine whether the operation mode of the flame detector 11 is the normal mode or the test mode. Other information may also be used to determine whether the operation mode of the flame detector 11 is the normal mode or the test mode. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the flame detector 11 is provided with a sensor that is sensitive to light in a wavelength band different from that of the sensors 111 and 112, the tester 14 is provided with a light that irradiates light in the wavelength band to which the sensor is sensitive, and the operation mode of the flame detector 11 is switched to the test mode by irradiating the flame detector 11 with the light. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which the flame detector 11 is provided with a communication interface that wirelessly communicates with the tester 14, and the tester 14 sends a signal to the flame detector 11 via wireless communication to switch the operation mode of the flame detector 11 to the test mode.

[0089] (4) The tester 14 included in the flame detection system 1 described above communicates wirelessly with the server device 13. Alternatively, or in addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the tester 14 communicates wirelessly with at least one of the flame detector 11 and the disaster prevention receiving panel 12. When the tester 14 communicates wirelessly with the flame detector 11, as described in the above modification (3), the tester 14 can instruct the flame detector 11 to switch its operating mode. In addition, the flame detector 11 can notify the tester 14 of the determination result as to whether the flame detector 11 is operating normally.

[0090] Furthermore, when the tester 14 communicates wirelessly with the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, the tester 14 can notify the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 of the start and end of a test. Also, the tester 14 can be notified that the disaster prevention receiving panel 12 has received a flame detection signal from the flame detector 11 during a test.

[0091] (5) The tester 14 included in the flame detection system 1 described above has the function of irradiating the flame detector 11 with light, as well as the function of a terminal device that wirelessly communicates with the server device 13. The tester 14 may not have the function of wirelessly communicating with the server device 13, and a terminal device other than the tester 14 may wirelessly communicate with the server device 13. For example, a tester carries a mobile terminal device capable of wireless communication, such as a smartphone, connects the mobile terminal device to the server device 13, enters the name of the tunnel TN, and transmits the name to the server device 13. The tester then uses the tester 14 to irradiate the flame detector 11 with light. When the flame detector 11 transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, the server device 13 sends a reception notification to the mobile terminal device, which is displayed on the mobile terminal device. This configuration also allows the tester to confirm that the flame detector 11, the disaster prevention receiving panel 12, and the server device 13 are operating normally.

[0092] (6) The flame detector 11 provided in the flame detection system 1 described above monitors the space inside the tunnel TN, but the area monitored by the flame detection system 1 is not limited to the inside of the tunnel. For example, the flame detector 11 may monitor a space inside a factory where there is a risk of a flame occurring.

[0093] (7) The flame detector 11 provided in the above-described flame detection system 1 includes a right flame detector and a left flame detector, but the flame detector 11 may also be a monocular flame detector that monitors only one area.

[0094] (8) Flame detector 11 included in the above-described flame detection system 1 determines flame detection using different sets of thresholds in normal mode and test mode. Alternatively, flame detector 11 may be configured to use different ratios between the normal mode and test mode between the gain / loss ratio used by amplifier 113 when increasing / decreasing the amplitude of the signal generated by sensor 111 and the gain / loss ratio used by amplifier 114 when increasing / decreasing the amplitude of the signal generated by sensor 112. For example, in normal mode, amplifier 113 and amplifier 114 both amplify the signal by R1, while in test mode, amplifier 113 amplifies the signal by R2 and amplifier 114 amplifies the signal by R3 (where R2≠R3). In this case, the ratio of the increase / decrease rates of the amplifiers 113 and 114 in the normal mode is R1:R1=1:1, but the ratio of the increase / decrease rates of the amplifiers 113 and 114 in the test mode is R2:R3≠1:1.

[0095] The same threshold values ​​are used to determine whether a flame is detected in either the normal mode or the test mode. Here, R2 and R3 are increase / decrease rates determined so that the conditions for determining whether a flame is detected are met by the signals output from the sensors 111 and 112 to the determination device 116 in response to the light emitted by the light 141 of the tester 14.

[0096] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of a flame detector 11 according to this modification. The flame detector 11 shown in Fig. 10 includes setting units 1168R and 1168L in addition to the components included in the flame detector 11 according to the embodiment described above. Hereinafter, these will be collectively referred to as "setting unit 1168."

[0097] When data indicating that the current operation mode is the normal mode is stored in the status table, setting unit 1168 sets an increase / decrease rate R1 for amplifiers 113 and 114. In accordance with this setting, amplifier 113 increases / decreases the signal generated by sensor 111 by increase / decrease rate R1, and amplifier 114 increases / decreases the signal generated by sensor 112 by increase / decrease rate R1.

[0098] On the other hand, when data indicating that the current operation mode is the test mode is stored in the status table, setting unit 1168 sets an increase / decrease amplitude rate R2 for amplifier 113 and an increase / decrease amplitude rate R3 for amplifier 114. In accordance with this setting, amplifier 113 increases / decreases the signal generated by sensor 111 by the increase / decrease amplitude rate R2, and amplifier 114 increases / decreases the signal generated by sensor 112 by the increase / decrease amplitude rate R3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...flame detection system, 11...flame detector, 12...disaster prevention receiving panel, 13...server device, 14...tester, 101...computer, 104...computer, 111...sensor, 112...sensor, 113...amplifier, 114...amplifier, 115...lamp, 116...determination device, 141...light, 142...touch screen, 143...control device, 1011...processor, 1012...memory, 1013...input / output interface, 1014...communication Interface, 1041...processor, 1042...memory, 1043...input / output interface, 1044...communication interface, 1161...storage unit, 1162...acquisition unit, 1163...mode determination unit, 1164...detection unit, 1165...transmission unit, 1166...notification control unit, 1167...timing unit, 1168...setting unit, 1431...storage unit, 1432...operation reception unit, 1433...light emission control unit, 1434...transmission / reception unit, 1435...display control unit.

Claims

1. A disaster prevention system including a plurality of flame detectors, a disaster prevention receiving panel communicatively connected to the plurality of flame detectors, a server device communicatively connected to the disaster prevention receiving panel, and a terminal device communicable with the server device; Each of the plurality of flame detectors includes a sensor that outputs a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the intensity of light, a detection unit that detects a flame based on the signal output by the sensor, and a transmission unit that transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel when the detection unit detects a flame in response to irradiation with light for testing whether the device itself is operating normally. The disaster prevention receiving panel includes a receiving unit that receives a flame detection signal transmitted by the flame detector, and a transmitting unit that transmits a notification of a flame detection to the server device when the receiving unit of the disaster prevention receiving panel receives the flame detection signal, The server device includes a receiving unit that receives a notification of fire detection transmitted from the disaster prevention receiving panel, and a transmitting unit that transmits a reception notification to the terminal device when the receiving unit of the server device receives the notification of fire detection, the terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives a reception notification transmitted by the server device, and a notifying unit that notifies a user that the reception notification has been received when the receiving unit of the terminal device has received the reception notification; the transmitting unit of the terminal device transmits to the server device identification information of locations where the plurality of flame detectors are installed; the receiving unit of the server device receives identification information of locations where the plurality of flame detectors are installed, the identification information being transmitted from the terminal device; When the receiving unit of the server device receives a notification of a flame detection from the disaster prevention receiving panel that is communicatively connected to the plurality of flame detectors installed at the location identified by the identification information, the transmitting unit of the server device transmits a reception notification to the terminal device that is the sender of the identification information. Flame detection system.

2. A flame detector, a disaster prevention receiving panel communicatively connected to the flame detector, a server device communicatively connected to the disaster prevention receiving panel, and a terminal device communicable with the server device, the terminal device is provided with a light for emitting light to test whether the flame detector operates normally; The flame detector includes a sensor that outputs a signal having an amplitude corresponding to the intensity of light, a detection unit that detects a flame based on the signal output by the sensor, and a transmission unit that transmits a flame detection signal to the disaster prevention receiving panel when the detection unit detects a flame in response to irradiation of light from the light, The disaster prevention receiving panel includes a receiving unit that receives a flame detection signal transmitted by the flame detector, and a transmitting unit that transmits a notification of a flame detection to the server device when the receiving unit of the disaster prevention receiving panel receives the flame detection signal, The server device includes a receiving unit that receives a notification of fire detection transmitted from the disaster prevention receiving panel, and a transmitting unit that transmits a reception notification to the terminal device when the receiving unit of the server device receives the notification of fire detection, The terminal device includes a receiving unit that receives a reception notification transmitted by the server device, and a notifying unit that notifies a user that the reception notification has been received when the receiving unit of the terminal device receives the reception notification. Flame detection system.

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