Disaster prevention system

Abstract

To make it easy to hear an alarm sound outputted in a disaster prevention system.SOLUTION: In a disaster prevention system 1, a fire receiver 20 includes a storage part 22, a setting part 212, and a sound output part 26. The storage unit 22 stores voice data indicating the alarm voice. The setting unit 212 sets a playback speed for each event according to a user's operation. When an event occurs, the sound output unit 26 outputs an alarm sound by reproducing sound data corresponding to the occurring event at a reproduction speed set for the occurring event.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a disaster prevention system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an alarm device that allows the playback speed of sound to be changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-224910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In disaster prevention systems, when an event such as a fire occurs, an alarm sound is output from a fire receiver or a central control panel. However, because the playback speed of the alarm sound in disaster prevention systems is constant, it can be difficult for some people to hear. In addition, the appropriate playback speed of the alarm sound may vary depending on the event that has occurred.

[0005] The present invention aims to make it easier to hear the warning voice output from a disaster prevention system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a disaster prevention system comprising: a memory unit that stores audio data indicating an alarm sound; a setting unit that sets a playback speed for each event in response to a user's operation; and an audio output unit that, when an event occurs, plays back the audio data corresponding to the event that has occurred at the playback speed set for the event that has occurred and outputs the alarm sound. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the warning sound outputted from the disaster prevention system becomes easier to hear. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a disaster prevention system. [Figure 2] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of warning sounds for each event. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation for setting the playback speed of the warning sound. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions of screens used to set the playback speed of the warning sound. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a setting table. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when an event occurs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a disaster prevention system 1. The disaster prevention system 1 outputs an alarm when an abnormality such as a fire or gas leak occurs. The disaster prevention system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and a fire receiver 20. The fire receiver 20 and the plurality of terminal devices 10 are connected via a line L.

[0010] The terminal device 10 is a device connected to the fire receiver 20 via a line L. In the event of a fire or gas leak, the terminal device 10 performs operations such as detecting the fire or gas leak, reporting, fire and smoke prevention, and alarming. The terminal device 10 includes, for example, fire detectors, gas detectors, fire doors, and fire shutters, as well as other fire and smoke prevention equipment. When a fire occurs, the fire detector detects the fire and transmits a fire signal to the fire receiver 20. When a gas leak occurs, the gas detector detects gas and transmits a detection signal to the fire receiver 20. When a fire occurs, the fire and smoke prevention equipment activates and transmits an activation signal to the fire receiver 20. Note that the terminal device 10 is not limited to the devices exemplified here, and may include other devices such as a transmitter and an audio device.

[0011] The fire receiver 20 is installed in a location such as a disaster prevention center where a monitor is stationed. In this embodiment, the user of the fire receiver 20 is the monitor. When an event occurs, the fire receiver 20 outputs an alarm sound to notify the user of the event by sound. These events include "fire," "gas leak," "terminal activation," and "equipment abnormality." The "fire" event occurs when a fire detector detects a fire. The "gas leak" event occurs when a gas detector detects gas. The "terminal activation" event occurs when a fire or smoke prevention device is activated. The "equipment abnormality" event occurs when an equipment abnormality occurs in the terminal device 10 or the fire receiver 20, such as a malfunction or battery removal. For example, the fire receiver 20 has an automatic test function and detects equipment abnormalities by periodically checking the status of the terminal device 10 and the fire receiver 20. The fire receiver 20 also has a function to adjust the playback speed of the alarm sound. The fire receiver 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and an audio output unit 26. The control unit 21 is connected to the memory unit 22, the communication unit 23, the operation unit 24, the display unit 25, and the audio output unit 26 via a bus.

[0012] The control unit 21 controls each unit of the fire receiver 20. The control unit 21 includes a processor such as a CPU. The memory unit 22 stores programs for realizing the functions of the fire receiver 20 and various data including audio data indicating an alarm sound. The memory unit 22 includes memories such as RAM and EEPROM. The communication unit 23 communicates with the terminal device 10 via the line L. For example, when a fire occurs, the communication unit 23 receives a fire signal from a fire detector. When a gas leak occurs, the communication unit 23 receives a detection signal from the gas detector. When fire and smoke prevention equipment is activated, the communication unit 23 receives an activation signal from the fire and smoke prevention equipment.

[0013] The operation unit 24 is used to operate the fire receiver 20. The operation unit 24 includes, for example, a touch panel. The display unit 25 displays various information. The display unit 25 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display. When an event occurs, the audio output unit 26 reproduces audio data corresponding to the event and outputs an alarm sound. The audio output unit 26 includes, for example, a voice synthesis circuit that reproduces the audio data and a speaker that outputs the alarm sound.

[0014] The control unit 21 functions as a display control unit 211, a setting unit 212, and an alarm control unit 213. These functions are realized by the control unit 21 executing a program stored in the storage unit 22, performing calculations, or controlling each unit of the fire receiver 20. Note that at least some of the functions of the control unit 21 may be realized by a hardware module such as an electronic circuit.

[0015] The display control unit 211 displays a screen used for setting the playback speed of the warning sound on the display unit 25. The user performs an operation to set the playback speed of the warning sound via this screen.

[0016] The setting unit 212 sets the playback speed of the warning sound for each event through a user's operation via a screen displayed on the display unit 25. The setting unit 212 may further set the playback speed of the warning sound for each user. In the initial state, the playback speed is set to a standard playback speed. The standard playback speed is an example of a predetermined playback speed according to the present invention. The user may set the playback speed slower or faster than the standard playback speed. For example, elderly people may find it difficult to hear the warning sound if the playback speed is too fast. Therefore, in this case, the user may set the playback speed slower than the standard playback speed.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating alarm sounds for each event. The alarm sound in the event of a fire notifies the user of a fire. The alarm sound in the event of a fire includes a beep sound and a voice message saying, "A fire has occurred. Please check the site." The alarm sound in the event of a gas leak notifies the user of a gas leak. The alarm sound in the event of a gas leak includes a beep sound and a voice message saying, "A gas leak has occurred. Please check the site." The alarm sound in the event of a terminal activation notifies the user of the operation of fire and smoke prevention equipment. The alarm sound in the event of a terminal activation includes a buzz sound and a voice message saying, "The terminal device has been activated. Please check the site." The alarm sound in the event of an equipment abnormality notifies the user of an equipment abnormality in the terminal device 10 or the fire receiver 20. The alarm sound in the event of an equipment abnormality includes a buzz sound and a voice message saying, "An abnormality has occurred." As described above, since the content of the warning sound differs depending on the event, it may be easier to hear the sound by slowing down or speeding up the playback speed depending on the content of the warning sound. Therefore, the user may change the playback speed of the warning sound depending on the event based on the content of the warning sound.

[0018] When an event occurs, the alarm control unit 213 causes the audio output unit 26 to output an audio alarm corresponding to the event at a playback speed set for the event by the setting unit 212. Specifically, when an event occurs, the alarm control unit 213 acquires audio data corresponding to the event from the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 stores fire audio data indicating an audio alarm in the event of a fire, gas leak audio data indicating an audio alarm in the event of a gas leak, terminal operation audio data indicating an audio alarm in the event of a terminal operation, and equipment abnormality audio data indicating an audio alarm in the event of an equipment abnormality. The fire audio data, gas leak audio data, terminal operation audio data, and equipment abnormality audio data are audio data corresponding to the events "fire," "gas leak," "terminal operation," and "equipment abnormality," respectively. The alarm control unit 213 supplies the acquired audio data together with audio parameters to the audio output unit 26. The audio parameters include the playback speed set for the event that occurred by the setting unit 212. The audio output unit 26 reproduces the audio data supplied from the alarm control unit 213 in accordance with the audio parameters to output an audio alarm. As a result, an alarm sound corresponding to the event that has occurred is output from the sound output unit 26 at the playback speed set for that event.

[0019] 2.Operation 2-1. Setting the alarm sound playback speed 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation for setting the playback speed of the warning sound. This process is started when the user performs an operation to instruct setting of the playback speed of the warning sound while the menu screen 250 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0020] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the menu screen 250. The menu screen 250 includes a setting switch 251 used for an operation to instruct setting of the playback speed of the alarm sound. The fire receiving device 20 waits until the setting switch 251 is pressed (determination in step S11 is NO). When the user presses the setting switch 251 using the operation unit 24 (determination in step S11 is YES), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0021] In step S12, the fire receiver 20 selects an event for which the playback speed of the alarm sound is to be set in response to an operation by the user. Specifically, when the setting switch 251 is pressed, the display control unit 211 displays a setting screen on the display unit 25. The setting screen is used to select an event.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating screen transitions of a screen used to set the playback speed of an alarm sound. The setting screen includes event switches 252a to 252d, a save / load switch 253, and a playback condition switch 254. The event switches 252a to 252d are operation images used to select events, namely, "fire," "gas leak," "terminal activation," and "device abnormality," respectively. The user selects the event for which the playback speed of the alarm sound is to be set by pressing one of the event switches 252a to 252d using the operation unit 24. The setting unit 212 selects the event for which the playback speed of the alarm sound is to be set in accordance with the user's operation. For example, to set the playback speed of an alarm sound to be output in the event of a fire, the user presses the event switch 252a using the operation unit 24. When the event switch 252a is pressed, the setting unit 212 selects the event for which the playback speed of the alarm sound is to be set.

[0023] 3, in step S13, the fire receiver 20 sets the playback speed of the alarm sound for the event selected in step S12 in response to a user operation. Specifically, when any of the event switches 252a to 252d is pressed, the display control unit 211 displays a detailed setting screen on the display unit 25. The detailed setting screen is used to select the playback speed of the alarm sound.

[0024] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the detail setting screen includes playback speed switches 255a to 255g. The playback speed switches 255a to 255g are operation images used to select a playback speed of 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, or 2 times the reference playback speed, respectively. Note that 1.0 is the reference playback speed. The user presses one of the playback speed switches 255a to 255g via the operation unit 24 to select the playback speed of the alarm sound for the event selected in step S12. The setting unit 212 sets the playback speed of the alarm sound for the selected event in response to the user's operation. For example, to set the playback speed of the alarm sound output in the event of a fire to 0.5 times the reference playback speed, the user presses the playback speed switch 255a via the operation unit 24. When the playback speed switch 255a is pressed, the setting unit 212 sets the playback speed of the alarm sound for the event "fire" to 0.5 times the standard playback speed.

[0025] Furthermore, the playback speed of the alarm sound can be set for each user. At a disaster prevention center, for example, monitors are rotated between daytime and nighttime, so the users of the fire receiver 20 are not always the same. Also, the playback speed that is easy to hear may differ depending on the user. By setting the playback speed of the alarm sound for each user, each user of the fire receiver 20 can individually set a playback speed that is easy to hear for them. In this case, the user, for example, inputs their user ID using the operation unit 24 and then performs the operation to set the playback speed of the alarm sound described above. The setting unit 212 sets the playback speed of the alarm sound for the user ID input by the user and the selected event.

[0026] Returning to FIG. 3 , in step S14, the fire receiver 20 outputs the alarm sound corresponding to the event selected in step S12 at the playback speed set in step S13 for the purpose of confirming the playback speed. This output of the alarm sound for confirmation is performed when one of the playback speed switches 255a to 255g is pressed. For example, assume that the playback speed of the alarm sound output in the event of a fire is set to 0.5 times the reference playback speed. In this case, the alarm control unit 213 reads and acquires sound data in the event of a fire from the storage unit 22. The alarm control unit 213 then supplies the acquired sound data in the event of a fire together with sound parameters to the sound output unit 26. The sound parameters include a playback speed 0.5 times the reference playback speed and a volume lower than the reference volume. The reference volume is the volume of the alarm sound output when a fire actually occurs. A volume lower than the reference volume is, for example, a volume that can be heard by a user who sets the playback speed of the alarm sound, but is not very audible to people around.

[0027] The audio output unit 26 plays back the fire sound data supplied from the alarm control unit 213 in accordance with the audio parameters, and outputs an alarm sound. In this example, the audio output unit 26 plays back the fire sound data at a playback speed 0.5 times the standard playback speed and at a volume lower than the standard volume, and outputs an alarm sound. This allows the user to check the set playback speed. Furthermore, the volume of the alarm sound output for confirmation is lower than the volume of the alarm sound output when a fire actually occurs, which prevents people in the vicinity from mistaking that an actual event has occurred. If the user checks the playback speed and wants to change it to another playback speed, the user can change the playback speed by pressing one of the other playback speed switches 255b to 255g on the operation unit 24.

[0028] In step S15, the fire receiver 20 determines whether or not setting of the playback speed of the alarm sound has been completed. Specifically, after the playback speed has been set in the above-mentioned step S13, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display the above-mentioned setting screen again. When setting the playback speed of the alarm sound for an event other than the event selected in step S12, the user selects another event by pressing one of the event switches 252a to 252d using the operation unit 24. When one of the event switches 252a to 252d is pressed, the fire receiver 20 determines that setting of the playback speed of the alarm sound has not been completed (NO in step S15). In this case, the process returns to the above-mentioned step S12.

[0029] Returning to step S12, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display the above-mentioned detailed setting screen again. The setting unit 212 sets the playback speed of the alarm sound for another newly selected event in response to a user operation via the detailed setting screen. By repeating this process, the user can set the playback speed of the alarm sound for each of the events "fire," "gas leak," "terminal operation," and "equipment abnormality." At this time, the user may vary the playback speed depending on the event. Note that if there is an event for which the user has not set the playback speed of the alarm sound, the setting unit 212 sets a standard playback speed for that event.

[0030] On the other hand, when the setting of the playback speed of the alarm sound is completed, the user presses the save / load switch 253 shown in Fig. 5 on the setting screen described above. When the save / load switch 253 is pressed, the display control unit 211 displays a save / load selection screen on the display unit 25. This save / load selection screen includes a save switch 256 and a load switch 257. Next, the user presses the save switch 256 using the operation unit 24. When the save switch 256 is pressed, the fire control device 20 determines that the setting of the playback speed of the alarm sound is completed (the determination in step S15 is YES). In this case, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0031] In step S16, the setting unit 212 saves setting information indicating the setting made in step S13 in the storage unit 22. Specifically, when the save switch 256 is pressed, the setting unit 212 stores the playback speed set in step S13 for each event in the setting table 222. The setting table 222 is stored in the storage unit 22.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the setting table 222. The setting table 222 includes setting information indicating settings made by each user. The setting information includes a user ID, a setting ID, an event name, and a playback speed. The user ID is information for identifying the user who set the playback speed of the warning sound. Note that if the playback speed of the warning sound is not set for each user, the user ID does not need to be stored. The setting ID is information for uniquely identifying the setting information of the playback speed of the warning sound. The event name is information for uniquely identifying the event for which the playback speed of the warning sound is set. The playback speed is the playback speed of the warning sound.

[0033] For example, suppose a user with a user ID of "User A" sets playback speeds of 0.5, 0.5, 0.75, and 0.75 times the reference playback speed for events "fire," "gas leak," "terminal activation," and "equipment abnormality," respectively. If the setting ID for this setting is "Setting A," as shown in FIG. 6, the setting table 222 stores the user ID "User A," the setting ID "Setting A," the event name "fire" and playback speed "0.5," the event name "gas leak" and playback speed "0.5," the event name "terminal activation" and playback speed "0.75," and the event name "equipment abnormality" and playback speed "0.75." In this way, the setting information includes the playback speeds set for multiple events, "fire," "gas leak," "terminal activation," and "equipment abnormality," all together.

[0034] When multiple users perform an operation to set the playback speed of the warning sound, the setting unit 212 sets the playback speed of the warning sound for each user and stores it for each user in the setting table 222. In this case, the multiple users may each set a different playback speed.

[0035] In step S17, the fire receiver 20 sets the playback conditions for the alarm sound in response to the user's operation. The alarm sound is repeatedly output until a switch for stopping the sound is pressed. The playback conditions indicate the repeat playback speed when the alarm sound is repeatedly played back. Specifically, after the setting information is saved in the above-mentioned step S16, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display the above-mentioned setting screen again. To set the playback conditions for the alarm sound, the user presses the playback condition switch 254 shown in FIG. 5 using the operation unit 24. When the playback condition switch 254 is pressed, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display the playback condition screen. The playback condition screen is used to set the playback conditions. The playback condition screen includes playback condition switches 259a to 259c. The playback condition switches 259a to 259c are operation images used to select the standard playback condition, the first alternating playback condition, and the second alternating playback condition, respectively.

[0036] The standard playback condition is a condition under which audio data is repeatedly played back at a set playback speed. The first alternating playback condition is a condition under which audio data is repeatedly played back alternately between a standard playback speed and a set playback speed. The second alternating playback condition is a condition under which, when different playback speeds are set by a user for a single event, audio data is played back alternately using two playback speeds selected from the set playback speeds. The two playback speeds used in the second alternating playback condition may be selected, for example, by a user operation, or may be selected according to a predetermined rule, such as the fastest and slowest playback speeds. A disaster prevention center may have multiple monitors. The first and second alternating playback conditions are established taking into account the case where the fire receiver 20 is used by multiple people. The setting unit 212 sets the playback conditions for the alarm sound in response to a user operation via the playback condition screen. For example, when the playback condition switch 259a is pressed, the setting unit 212 sets the standard playback conditions. Note that the processing of step S17 is not necessarily performed. If the user does not set the playback conditions for the warning sound, the standard playback conditions will be used.

[0037] In step S18, the fire receiver 20 loads the setting information saved in step S16 in response to a user operation. Specifically, after the playback conditions are set in step S17 described above, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display the setting screen described above again. To load the saved setting information, the user presses the save / load switch 253 using the operation unit 24. When the save / load switch 253 is pressed, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display the save / load selection screen described above again. Subsequently, the user presses the load switch 257 using the operation unit 24. When the load switch 257 is pressed, the display control unit 211 causes the display unit 25 to display a setting list screen. This setting list screen is used to select setting information to be enabled from the setting information saved in the storage unit 22.

[0038] For example, if the setting table 222 includes setting IDs such as "Setting A," "Setting B," and "Setting C," the setting list screen includes setting switches 258a to 258c. The setting switches 258a to 258c are operation images used to select setting information with setting IDs "Setting A," "Setting B," and "Setting C," respectively. The setting unit 212 reads and enables the setting information in response to a user's operation. For example, to enable setting information with setting ID "Setting A," the user presses setting switch 258a via the operation unit 24. When setting switch 258a is pressed, the setting unit 212 reads the setting information with setting ID "Setting A" from the setting information stored in the setting table 222. As a result, the setting information with setting ID "Setting A" becomes enabled. When the setting information with setting ID "Setting A" becomes enabled, the setting information with setting ID "Setting A" is used, and setting information with other setting IDs is not used. The setting unit 212 also reads the playback conditions set in step S17 as setting information.

[0039] Furthermore, if the playback speed is set for each user, the process of step S18 may be performed each time a new user at the disaster prevention center is installed, in order to validate the setting information of the current user at the disaster prevention center. In this case, when a new user at the disaster prevention center is installed, the new user performs an operation to load their own setting information. At this time, a user switch for each user may be included on the menu screen 250 so that the user can easily load their own setting information. This user switch is an operation image used to select the user's setting information. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, if the setting table 222 includes user IDs "User A" and "User B," the menu screen 250 includes a user switch for "User A" and a user switch for "User B." The user selects and loads their own setting information by pressing the user switch corresponding to their setting information using the operation unit 24. For example, a user with the user ID "User A" presses the user switch for "User A" using the operation unit 24. When the user switch for "User A" is pressed, the setting unit 212 reads the setting information including the user ID "User A." This enables the setting information of the current user at the disaster prevention center to be valid.

[0040] 2-2. Behavior when an event occurs 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation when an event occurs. This operation is started when the event occurs.

[0041] In step S21, the alarm control unit 213 determines whether an event has occurred. If no event has occurred, the alarm control unit 213 waits until an event occurs (NO in step S21). On the other hand, if any of the events "fire," "gas leak," "terminal activation," and "equipment abnormality" has occurred, the alarm control unit 213 determines that an event has occurred (YES in step S21). For example, if a fire signal is received from a fire detector, the alarm control unit 213 determines that the event "fire" has occurred. If a detection signal is received from a gas detector, the alarm control unit 213 determines that the event "gas leak" has occurred. If an activation signal is received from a fire / smoke prevention device, the alarm control unit 213 determines that the event "terminal activation" has occurred. If the terminal device 10 does not respond during a periodic automatic test or if an equipment abnormality is detected in the fire receiver 20, the alarm control unit 213 determines that the event "equipment abnormality" has occurred. In this way, if it is determined that an event has occurred, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0042] In step S22, the alarm control unit 213 reads and acquires, from the storage unit 22, audio data corresponding to the event determined in step S21 and the playback speed set for this event. For example, if a fire has occurred, the alarm control unit 213 reads and acquires audio data for the fire from the storage unit 22. The alarm control unit 213 also reads and acquires, from the setting table 222, the playback speed set for the event "fire." For example, if the setting information for the setting ID "Setting A" included in the setting table 222 shown in FIG. 6 is valid, the alarm control unit 213 acquires a playback speed that is "0.5 times" the standard playback speed associated with the setting ID "Setting A" and the event name "fire." The alarm control unit 213 then supplies the acquired audio data for the fire together with audio parameters to the audio output unit 26. The audio parameters include a playback speed that is 0.5 times the standard playback speed.

[0043] In step S23, the audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data acquired in step S22 at the playback speed included in the audio parameters to output an alarm sound. In this example, the audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data in the event of a fire at a playback speed 0.5 times the standard playback speed to output an alarm sound.

[0044] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the alarm sound in the event of a fire includes a "beep" alert sound and a voice message saying, "A fire has broken out. Please check the site." More specifically, the voice output unit 26 plays back the alert sound portion at a playback speed specified by law. On the other hand, the voice output unit 26 plays back the voice message portion at a playback speed that is 0.5 times the set standard playback speed. Similarly, for the alarm sound in the event of a gas leak, an alarm sound when a terminal is activated, and an alarm sound in the event of an equipment abnormality, the voice output unit 26 plays back the alert sound portion at a playback speed specified by law and plays back the voice message portion at a set playback speed.

[0045] When the standard playback conditions are set, the audio output unit 26 repeatedly plays back the audio data at the set playback speed. In this example, the audio output unit 26 repeatedly plays back the audio data in the event of a fire at a playback speed 0.5 times the standard playback speed.

[0046] When the first alternate playback condition is set, the audio output unit 26 repeatedly plays back audio data by alternating between the standard playback speed and the set playback speed. In this example, the audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data during a fire at the standard playback speed during the first playback. The audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data during a fire at a playback speed that is 0.5 times the standard playback speed during the second playback. The audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data during a fire at the standard playback speed during the third playback, as with the first playback. In this way, the audio output unit 26 alternates between playing back audio data at the standard playback speed and playing back audio data at the set playback speed.

[0047] When the second alternating playback condition is set, the audio output unit 26 plays back audio data alternately using two different playback speeds set by multiple users for the event that has occurred. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a playback speed of 0.5 times the standard playback speed is set for the event "fire" by a user with a user ID of "user A," and a playback speed of 1.25 times the standard playback speed is set for the event "fire" by a user with a user ID of "user B." For example, when these two playback speeds are selected for the event "fire," the audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data during the fire at a playback speed of 0.5 times the standard playback speed set by the user with a user ID of "user A" during the first playback. The audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data during the fire at a playback speed of 1.25 times the standard playback speed set by the user with a user ID of "user B" during the second playback. The audio output unit 26 plays back the audio data during the fire at a playback speed of 0.5 times the standard playback speed set by the user with a user ID of "user A" during the third playback, as in the first playback. In this way, the audio output unit 26 alternately plays back audio data at one playback speed set for the event "fire" and at another playback speed.

[0048] According to the above-described embodiment, the alarm sound is output at a playback speed set by the user, making the alarm sound output by the disaster prevention system 1 easier to hear. This prevents delays in initial response and arrival at the scene in an emergency due to inaudible alarm sounds. Furthermore, since the alarm sound output by the disaster prevention system 1 is easier to hear, information can be more reliably conveyed to users in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, by enabling the setting information of the current user of the fire receiver 20, the alarm sound is output at a playback speed set by the current user, making it easier for the current user to hear the alarm sound. Furthermore, when the first alternating playback condition is set, the alarm sound can be output at both a playback speed that is generally easy to hear and a playback speed that is easy for the user to hear. Furthermore, when the second alternating playback condition is set, the alarm sound can be output at a playback speed that is easy for multiple users to hear. Furthermore, the alarm sound output for confirmation when setting the playback speed of the alarm sound is lower in volume than the alarm sound output in response to the occurrence of an event. This prevents people around the user from mistaking the playback speed for an event, allowing the user who set the playback speed to check the set playback speed.

[0049] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be implemented by modifying it as in the following modifications. The following modifications may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0050] 3-1. Variation 1 In the above-described embodiment, the fire receiver 20 may include an acceleration button and a deceleration button used to adjust the playback speed during playback of audio data. Specifically, the acceleration button and the deceleration button are displayed on the display unit 25 during playback of audio data. The acceleration button is an operation image used to increase the playback speed during playback of audio data. When the acceleration button is pressed once, the playback speed increases by one step. When the acceleration button is pressed and held down, the playback speed increases continuously. The deceleration button is an operation image used to decrease the playback speed during playback of audio data. When the deceleration button is pressed once, the playback speed decreases by one step. When the deceleration button is pressed and held down, the playback speed decreases continuously. Note that both the acceleration button and the deceleration button do not necessarily have to be provided, and only one of them may be provided. For example, only the acceleration button may be provided to prioritize obtaining all information quickly. On the other hand, only the deceleration button may be provided to prioritize ease of listening.

[0051] For example, suppose the playback speed in the valid setting information is 0.75 times the reference playback speed. If the user presses the accelerate button once while audio data is being played back at 0.75 times the reference playback speed, the audio output unit 26 changes the playback speed of the audio data from 0.75 times the reference playback speed to a playback speed that is one step faster, i.e., 1.0 times the reference playback speed. The audio output unit 26 then plays back the currently played audio data at the changed reference playback speed from the middle of the audio data. On the other hand, if the user presses the decelerate button once while the audio data is being played back at 0.75 times the reference playback speed, the audio data is changed to a playback speed that is one step slower, i.e., 0.5 times the reference playback speed. The audio output unit 26 then plays back the currently played audio data at the changed 0.5 times the reference playback speed from the middle of the audio data. According to this modification, when an event actually occurs, if the user feels that he or she wants to make the playback speed of the alarm sound "faster" or "slower," the user can intuitively operate the speed.

[0052] 3-2. Variation 2 In the above-described embodiment, the fire receiver 20 may vary the playback speed of the alarm sound when a first signal indicating the occurrence of an event is received from the terminal device 10 and when a second or subsequent signal is received. For example, when a first fire signal is received from a fire detector, the audio output unit 26 plays back the fire audio data at a standard playback speed. On the other hand, when a second fire signal is received from the fire detector, the audio output unit 26 plays back the fire audio data at a set playback speed. According to this modification, the alarm sound can be output for the first signal at a playback speed that is generally easy to hear, and for the second and subsequent signals at playback speeds that are easy for the user to hear.

[0053] 3-3. Variation 3 In the above-described embodiment, the fire receiver 20 may output multiple types of alarms simultaneously. For example, if a fire and a gas leak occur simultaneously, the audio output unit 26 alternately outputs an audio alarm for the fire and an audio alarm for the gas leak. In this case, the fire receiver 20 may vary the playback speed of the alarm audio depending on the number of events occurring simultaneously. For example, the audio output unit 26 may play back audio data at a faster playback speed as the number of events occurring simultaneously increases. Note that the simultaneous occurrence of events here does not mean that the events do not occur at the same time, as long as the periods from the occurrence of the events to their recovery overlap. According to this modification, the alarm audio can be output at a playback speed appropriate for the number of events occurring simultaneously.

[0054] 3-4. Variation 4 In the above-described embodiment, the fire receiver 20 may further be able to set the playback speed for each type of terminal device 10. For example, for an event called "device abnormality," the fire receiver 20 may be able to set different playback speeds depending on whether the device abnormality is a fire detector, a gas detector, or a fire / smoke prevention device. According to this modification, the alarm sound can be output at a playback speed appropriate for the type of terminal device 10 that is the target of the event.

[0055] 3-5. Variation 5 In the above-described embodiment, the fire receiver 20 may be configured to allow the playback speed to be set for each phrase or word of the voice message of the alarm sound. In this case, the voice message of the alarm sound is displayed on the display unit 25. The user selects a phrase or word using the operation unit 24 and sets the playback speed for the selected phrase or word. According to this modification, the alarm sound can be output at a playback speed appropriate for the phrase or word of the voice message.

[0056] 3-6. Variation 6 In the above-described embodiment, the second alternating playback condition is not necessarily limited to a condition that audio data is played back alternately using two playback speeds set by the user. For example, if three or more different playback speeds are set for one event by multiple users, the audio output unit 26 may repeatedly play back the audio data using the three or more playback speeds in turn. Even with the configuration according to this modification, it is possible to output an alarm sound at a playback speed that is easy for multiple users to hear.

[0057] 3-7. Variation 7 In the above-described embodiment, the content of the warning sound is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the warning sound may include information such as the name of the terminal device 10 that is the target of the event that has occurred, the date and time of the event, and the location where the event has occurred. The content of the warning sound may be any content as long as it notifies the user that an event has occurred.

[0058] 3-8. Variation 8 In the above-described embodiment, the fire receiver 20 is not limited to one equipped with an LCD display and a touch panel. For example, the display unit 25 of the fire receiver 20 may include a display means such as a 7-segment display or LED instead of an LCD display. Furthermore, the operation unit 24 of the fire receiver 20 may include an operation means such as a hardware operation switch instead of a touch panel. Note that the term "switch" may also be referred to as a button, key, or the like. In this case, the operation for setting the playback speed of the alarm sound is performed using an operation means such as a hardware operation switch. Even in the configuration related to this modification, the playback speed of the alarm sound can be set by operation by the user.

[0059] 3-9. Variation 9 In the above-described embodiment, when a general operation panel is connected to the fire receiver 20, the general operation panel may have a function of outputting an alarm sound and a function of adjusting the playback speed of the alarm sound, instead of or in addition to the fire receiver 20. In this case, the general operation panel has the same configuration as the fire receiver 20. A user operates the general operation panel to set the playback speed of the alarm sound. In addition, an interlocking button may be provided on the general operation panel, and when the interlocking button is pressed, setting information indicating the setting made on the general operation panel may also be applied to the fire receiver 20. Specifically, when the interlocking button is pressed, valid setting information stored in the general operation panel is transmitted to the fire receiver 20 and stored in the memory unit 22 of the fire receiver 20. The setting unit 212 of the fire receiver 20 reads this setting information. In the configuration according to this modification, the playback speed of the alarm sound is set by the user, making the alarm sound output from the disaster prevention system 1 easier to hear.

[0060] 3-10. Variation 10 In the above-described embodiment, the configurations of the disaster prevention system 1, the terminal device 10, and the fire receiver 20 are not limited to the above-described examples, and may be configured to include one or more of the above-described devices or components, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices or components. For example, the audio output unit 26 of the fire receiver 20 may have the alarm control unit 213 and the memory unit 22. Furthermore, the operations of the disaster prevention system 1, the terminal device 10, and the fire receiver 20 are not limited to the above-described examples, and the order of their operation procedures may be changed or some operation procedures may be omitted, as long as there is no contradiction.

[0061] 3-11. Variation 11 Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having operational steps performed in at least one of the disaster prevention system 1, the terminal device 10, and the fire receiver 20. Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the terminal device 10 or the fire receiver 20. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided by downloading via the Internet or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1: Disaster prevention system, 10: Terminal device, 20: Fire receiver, 21: Control unit, 22: Storage unit, 23: Communication unit, 24: Operation unit, 25: Display unit, 26: Audio output unit, 211: Display control unit, 212: Setting unit, 213: Alarm control unit

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores voice data indicating an alarm voice; a setting unit that sets the playback speed for each event in response to a user's operation; an audio output unit that, when an event occurs, reproduces the audio data corresponding to the occurred event at the reproduction speed set for the occurred event and outputs the warning audio; A disaster prevention system comprising:

2. The setting unit further sets the playback speed for each user, The audio output unit reproduces the audio data at the reproduction speed set for the event that occurred and the current user.

2. The disaster prevention system according to claim 1.

3. The audio output unit repeatedly plays back the audio data using a plurality of playback speeds set for the event that has occurred and a plurality of users in turn.

3. The disaster prevention system according to claim 2.

4. The audio output unit repeatedly plays back the audio data alternately using a predetermined playback speed and the playback speed set for the event that has occurred.

2. The disaster prevention system according to claim 1.

5. When the playback speed is set, the audio output unit plays the audio data corresponding to the event for which the playback speed is set at a volume lower than the volume of the audio data played in response to the occurrence of the event.

2. The disaster prevention system according to claim 1.

6. 2. The disaster prevention system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of an acceleration button used to increase the playback speed during playback of the audio data and a deceleration button used to decrease the playback speed.

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