Evacuation support systems and evacuation support methods

Abstract

To provide an evacuation support system and evacuation support method that improves the accuracy of evacuation support. [Solution] The evacuation support system comprises a fire alarm system installed in a facility and having multiple fire detectors capable of detecting fires; a state acquisition unit that acquires state information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility; an evacuation estimation unit that estimates the evacuation behavior of human objects representing persons to be evacuated based on fire-related information including identification information of fire detectors that have detected a fire; the estimation unit sets an obstruction area that hinders the evacuation behavior of persons to be evacuated based on the fire-related information, estimates the evacuation behavior of human objects based on map information of the facility and obstruction area information indicating the obstruction area, and sets human objects whose evacuation behavior is hindered by the obstruction area as decelerating objects whose movement speed is slower than a preset movement speed of persons to be evacuated, or stationary objects that have stopped moving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an evacuation support system and an evacuation support method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a fire breaks out in a building, evacuation actions of evacuation targets in the building are taken along with evacuation support such as emergency broadcasting and evacuation guidance. For the purpose of more accurate evacuation support, an evacuation support system that performs evacuation support based on information such as the location of the fire and the evacuation route is required.

[0003] An evacuation simulation system described in Patent Document 1 is an evacuation simulation system that simulates a disaster evacuation method in a high-rise building using multi-agent simulation technology, and includes a simulation condition input means for inputting conditions for executing the simulation, a database for storing initial value data related to the building, evacuees, and elevators used for evacuation that are the targets of the simulation, an initial value data reading means for reading the initial value data stored in the database, a simulation execution means for executing a simulation provided for each item, and an output means for outputting the executed simulation result.

[0004] An evacuation behavior prediction system described in Patent Document 2 includes an input means for inputting each data of fire scenario data such as the location of the fire outbreak, time data related to the time required to predict the evacuation behavior, fire data related to smoke in the space, space data related to the space and its associated facilities, and human data of a specific evacuee individual, a storage means for storing, calculating, and updating each data, a control means for calculating information related to the position of the evacuee after the next time step based on each data, and an output means for outputting information related to the position of the evacuee.

[0005] The selection system described in Patent Document 3 is a selection system for selecting an instruction area to be instructed to evacuate from among a plurality of target areas when an abnormality occurs, and comprises: acquisition means for acquiring the state of evacuation areas related to persons to be evacuated; estimation means for estimating the congestion status of evacuation areas based on the state of evacuation areas; and selection means for selecting an area other than a predetermined priority instruction area from among a plurality of target areas as an instruction area based on the congestion status.

[0006] The event safety management system described in Patent Document 4 includes: an evaluation criteria input unit into which visitor movement analysis and venue movement analysis are performed; a venue suitability evaluation unit into which venue suitability evaluation elements such as visitor forecast, venue space utilization plan, visitor flow forecast for the venue and surrounding area, and structural conditions inside and around the venue are input and which predicts risks; a first risk determination unit that compares the information input in the evaluation criteria input unit with the information predicted by the venue suitability evaluation unit and determines the risks related to the suitability of the event venue; a modification condition input unit into which the input contents of the evaluation criteria input unit and the venue suitability evaluation unit are modified based on the determination contents of the first risk determination unit; and an evaluation criterion conformity determination unit that determines the risks again based on the contents modified by the modification condition input unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-14878 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-107231 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-98385 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-204981 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, while the evacuation simulation system described in Patent Document 1 and the evacuation behavior prediction system described in Patent Document 2 can provide evacuation support through simulations based on pre-set conditions, it is difficult to perform simulations that take into account the occupancy status of people in each area of ​​a building in the event of an actual fire, and the accuracy of evacuation support may be inferior.

[0009] Furthermore, while the selection system described in Patent Document 3 and the event safety management system described in Patent Document 4 can simulate conditions close to those of an actual fire by estimating congestion levels and predicting visitor flow in the event of an abnormality such as a fire, it is difficult to consider the impact of fire on evacuation behavior, such as the reduction in evacuation speed near the fire site or fire doors, and other factors that hinder evacuation, which may result in lower accuracy in providing evacuation support.

[0010] Based on the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an evacuation support system and an evacuation support method that improve the accuracy of evacuation support. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above problems, this invention proposes the following means. A first aspect of the present invention provides an evacuation support system comprising: a fire alarm system installed in a facility having a plurality of fire detectors capable of detecting fires; a state acquisition unit that acquires state information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility; and an evacuation estimation unit having an estimation unit that estimates the evacuation behavior of human objects representing persons to be evacuated based on identification information of the fire detectors that have detected the fire and the state information, wherein the human objects include at least one of the following: a normal object that can move at a preset speed of movement of the person to be evacuated, a decelerated object that moves at a slower speed than the normal object, or a stationary object that has stopped moving; the estimation unit sets an obstruction area that hinders the evacuation behavior of the person to be evacuated based on the fire-related information, estimates the evacuation behavior of the human objects based on map information of the facility and obstruction area information indicating the obstruction area, and sets the human objects whose evacuation behavior is hindered by the obstruction area as the decelerated object or the stationary object.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention provides an evacuation support system comprising: a fire alarm system installed in a facility having a plurality of fire detectors capable of detecting fire; an evacuation estimation unit having a state acquisition unit that acquires state information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility; fire-related information including identification information of the fire detectors that have detected the fire; an estimation unit that estimates the evacuation behavior of the persons to be evacuated based on the state information; and a generation unit that generates a plurality of temporally consecutive evacuation support images based on the estimation results of the estimation unit, wherein the evacuation support image includes a map area based on map information of the facility, a person object representing the persons to be evacuated, and a fire-affect area where the effects of the fire are expected.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention relates to an evacuation support method for generating an evacuation support image to support the evacuation actions of persons to be evacuated in response to a fire detected by a fire detector installed in a facility, comprising: a state information acquisition step of acquiring state information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility; a specific information acquisition step of acquiring identification information of the fire detector that detected the fire and identification information of the smoke control equipment corresponding to the fire detector that detected the fire; a plot generation step of generating a person object plotting the persons to be evacuated within a map area based on map information of the facility based on the state information; and based on the identification information of the fire detector The system includes a difficulty area setting step, which sets a first area that is difficult for the person to evacuate to pass through, and a second area that the person to evacuate cannot pass through based on the identification information of the smoke control equipment; an estimation step, which estimates the evacuation behavior of the person to evacuate; and an image generation step, which generates an evacuation support image having the person object, the first area, and the second area based on the estimation result in the estimation step, wherein the estimation step sets the person object whose evacuation behavior is hindered by the first area or the second area as a decelerating object whose movement speed is slower than the pre-set movement speed of the person to evacuate, or as a stationary object that has stopped moving. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the evacuation support system and method of the present invention, it is possible to provide an evacuation support system and method that improve the accuracy of evacuation support. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the evacuation support system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram showing the fire alarm system of the evacuation support system. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing the fire relay section of the evacuation support system. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing the evacuation estimation unit of the evacuation support system. [Figure 5] It is a functional block diagram showing the state acquisition unit of the evacuation support system. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of an evacuation support image generated by the evacuation support system. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing another example of the evacuation support image. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another example of the evacuation support image. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of an evacuation support method by the evacuation support system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [Evacuation Support System 100] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the evacuation support system 100. The evacuation support system 100 includes a fire alarm facility 10, a fire relay unit 20, an evacuation estimation unit 30, and a state acquisition unit 40.

[0018] [Fire Alarm Facility 10] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the fire alarm facility 10. The fire alarm facility 10 includes a fire detector 11, a smoke and exhaust facility 12, a repeater 13, and a fire receiver 14.

[0019] The fire alarm facility 10 is a facility installed in a facility. The facilities where the fire alarm facility 10 is installed include buildings for residential use such as residential buildings, in addition to buildings not for residential use such as offices, schools, and hospitals. Also, the facilities where the fire alarm facility 10 is installed widely include various care facilities, commercial facilities, public facilities, etc.

[0020] The fire detector 11 is a device installed within the facility that detects heat, smoke, and flames that occur as a result of signs of or occurrence of a fire. In this embodiment, "signs of fire" refers to the state before a fire occurs. For example, "signs of fire" is a state in which the change in physical quantities associated with a fire, such as smoke or heat, is small compared to "occurrence of a fire." "Occurrence of a fire" is a state in which the change in physical quantities associated with a fire, such as smoke or heat, is large, and when a fire occurs in a facility, evacuation guidance is mainly carried out for people who are required to evacuate within the facility.

[0021] In the following explanation, changes in physical quantities associated with a fire, such as smoke or heat, are greater than those caused by the "occurrence of a fire," and the impact of a fire that is expected to render the surrounding area impassable will be referred to as "significant impact of fire."

[0022] Furthermore, the state in which the fire detector 11 detects "signs of fire" or "occurrence of fire" is defined as "a state in which the amount detected by the fire detector 11 based on smoke or heat satisfies the first predetermined condition," and the state in which the fire detector 11 detects the aforementioned "significant impact due to fire" is defined as "a state in which the amount detected by the fire detector 11 based on smoke or heat satisfies the second predetermined condition."

[0023] The smoke control and exhaust equipment 12 is a device such as a fire door or shutter that is installed within the facility and operates when a fire occurs to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. The fire alarm system 10 has, for example, multiple fire detectors 11 and multiple smoke control and exhaust equipment 12. When a fire detector 11 detects a fire, the fire alarm system 10 activates the smoke control and exhaust equipment 12 corresponding to the fire detector 11 that detected the fire, thereby preventing the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire.

[0024] The repeater 13 is a device that relays the connection between the smoke control equipment 12 and the fire alarm receiver 14. In this embodiment, one smoke control equipment 12 is connected to one repeater 13. Therefore, the fire alarm system 10 in this embodiment has multiple repeaters 13 corresponding to multiple smoke control equipment 12. Note that multiple smoke control equipment 12 may be connected to a single repeater 13.

[0025] The fire alarm receiver 14 comprises an acquisition unit 1, a storage unit 2, a determination unit 3, and an output unit 4. The fire alarm receiver 14 is connected to a plurality of fire detectors 11 and a plurality of repeaters 13 via transmission lines.

[0026] The fire alarm receiver 14 is a program-executable computer having a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading programs, a storage unit 2 capable of storing programs and data, and an input / output control unit (such as an acquisition unit 1 and an output unit 4). The functions of the fire alarm receiver 14 are realized by the processor executing a program provided to the fire alarm receiver 14.

[0027] The acquisition unit 1 acquires the detection result of the fire detector 11 and an identifier (address) that identifies the fire detector 11 from which the detection result was acquired, via a transmission line connecting the fire detector 11 and the fire alarm receiver 14.

[0028] The acquisition unit 1 may acquire the detection result and identifier of the fire detector 11 via a relay (not shown) that relays the connection between the fire detector 11 and the fire alarm receiver 14. The acquisition unit 1 transmits the acquired detection result and identifier of the fire detector 11 to the determination unit 3. The determination unit 3 will be described later.

[0029] The memory unit 2 stores information (fire detector information) that associates the identifier of each fire detector 11 in the fire alarm system 10 with the location information of each fire detector 11. The location information of the fire detector 11 is, for example, information indicating the building, district, and floor number of the building in which the fire detector 11 is installed within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed.

[0030] Furthermore, the memory unit 2 stores information (smoke control equipment information) that associates the identifier of each smoke control equipment 12 possessed by the fire alarm system 10 with the location information of each smoke control equipment 12. The location information of the smoke control equipment 12 refers to information such as the building, district, and floor number of the building in which the smoke control equipment 12 is installed within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed.

[0031] The determination unit 3 acquires the detection result from the fire detector 11 from the acquisition unit 1 and the fire detector information described above from the storage unit 2. Based on the information acquired from the acquisition unit 1 and the storage unit 2, the determination unit 3 determines the status of the fire. For example, based on the information acquired from the acquisition unit 1 and the storage unit 2, the determination unit 3 determines whether the result detected by the fire detector 11 is a sign of a fire or an actual fire has occurred.

[0032] When the determination unit 3 determines that a fire has occurred, it transmits an operation instruction to the smoke control equipment 12 corresponding to the fire detector 11 that detected the fire to the output unit 4. At this time, the determination unit 3 may also transmit to the output unit 4 fire detector information, including the identifier and location information of the fire detector 11 that detected the fire, and smoke control equipment information, including the identifier and location information of the smoke control equipment 12 corresponding to the fire detector 11 that detected the fire.

[0033] The output unit 4 transmits the signal acquired from the determination unit 3 to a predetermined repeater 13 via a transmission line connecting the fire alarm receiver 14 and the repeater 13. Specifically, the output unit 4 transmits an operation instruction for the smoke control equipment 12 to the repeater 13 corresponding to the smoke control equipment 12.

[0034] The repeater 13 transmits the signal acquired from the output unit 4 to the smoke control equipment 12 corresponding to the repeater 13. In this way, the operation instructions for operating the smoke control equipment 12 are transmitted from the determination unit 3 to the smoke control equipment 12 via the output unit 4 and the repeater 13.

[0035] Upon receiving an operation instruction from the fire alarm receiver 14 via the repeater 13, the smoke control equipment 12 performs a pre-set operation. For example, if the smoke control equipment 12 is a fire door or shutter, it operates upon receiving an operation instruction from the fire alarm receiver 14, sealing off the passage or other area where the smoke control equipment 12 is installed.

[0036] The fire alarm system 10 can control the operation of the smoke control system 12, thereby switching the area where the smoke control system 12 is installed between a state where persons who need to evacuate can pass through and a state where persons who need to evacuate cannot pass through.

[0037] Furthermore, when the determination unit 3 determines that the result detected by the fire detector 11 is a sign of fire, it may transmit an operation instruction to the output unit 4 for the smoke control equipment 12 corresponding to the fire detector 11 that detected the sign of fire, thereby activating the smoke control equipment 12.

[0038] In this way, when a fire detector 11 detects a sign or occurrence of a fire, the fire alarm system 10 detects the sign or occurrence of a fire using the determination unit 3, and activates the smoke control and exhaust equipment 12 corresponding to the fire detector 11 that detected the sign or occurrence of the fire, thereby preventing the spread of smoke and flames caused by the sign or occurrence of a fire.

[0039] [Fire Relay Unit 20] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the fire relay unit 20. The fire relay unit 20 acquires predetermined information from the fire alarm system 10 in response to signs of fire or the occurrence of fire detected by the fire alarm system 10, and transmits signals based on the acquired information to the evacuation estimation unit 30 and the status acquisition unit 40.

[0040] The fire relay unit 20 comprises an input / output unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The fire relay unit 20 is connected to the fire alarm system 10, the evacuation estimation unit 30, and the status acquisition unit 40 by wired or wireless connection. If the fire relay unit 20 is connected to each device via wireless communication, it may include a communication unit such as a communication module that enables wireless communication. Alternatively, the fire relay unit 20 may be connected to each device via a wide-area communication network, or, for example, a cloud-based service.

[0041] The fire relay unit 20 is a program-executable computer having a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading programs, a storage unit 22 capable of storing programs and data, and an input / output control unit (input / output unit 21). The functions of the fire relay unit 20 are realized by the processor executing the program provided to the fire relay unit 20.

[0042] The input / output unit 21 can acquire various information from the output unit 4 of the fire alarm receiver 14. For example, when the determination unit 3 of the fire alarm receiver 14 detects a sign or occurrence of a fire, it transmits information indicating that a sign of a fire has been detected (fire sign information), information indicating that a fire has occurred (fire occurrence information), or information indicating that a serious impact from the fire has been detected (serious fire impact information) to the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20 via the output unit 4.

[0043] At this time, the determination unit 3 transmits identification information (address information) including the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the signs or occurrence of a fire to the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20 via the output unit 4.

[0044] The storage unit 22 stores information relating the fire detector 11 to the smoke control equipment 12 that corresponds to the fire detector 11. The storage unit 22 also stores the smoke control equipment information mentioned above. The input / output unit 21 retrieves the smoke control equipment information of the smoke control equipment 12 that corresponds to the fire detector 11 from the storage unit 22, based on the identification information of the fire detector 11 that detected the signs or occurrence of a fire, which was obtained from the fire alarm system 10.

[0045] [Evacuation estimation section 30] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the evacuation estimation unit 30. The evacuation estimation unit 30 comprises an input / output unit 31, an estimation unit 32, a generation unit 33, and a display unit 34.

[0046] The evacuation estimation unit 30 is connected to the fire relay unit 20 and the status acquisition unit 40 via a wired connection, wireless connection, or wide-area communication network. When the evacuation estimation unit 30 is connected to the fire relay unit 20 and the status acquisition unit 40 by wireless communication, it may be equipped with a communication unit such as a communication module that enables wireless communication. Alternatively, the evacuation estimation unit 30 may be connected to each device by a wide-area communication network, or it may be a service on the cloud, for example.

[0047] The evacuation estimation unit 30 is a program-executable computer having a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading programs, a storage unit capable of storing programs and data, and an input / output control unit (input / output unit 31). The functions of the evacuation estimation unit 30 are realized by the processor executing the program provided to the evacuation estimation unit 30.

[0048] The evacuation estimation unit 30 is a device that performs an evacuation simulation in a facility where a fire alarm system 10 is installed, based on information acquired from the fire relay unit 20 and the status acquisition unit 40, and outputs the evacuation simulation results. The evacuation simulation is a simulation to estimate the evacuation behavior of persons who are subject to evacuation within a facility where a fire alarm system 10 is installed.

[0049] The input / output unit 31 acquires various information from the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20. Based on the information acquired from the fire relay unit 20, the input / output unit 31 transmits a signal (estimation start signal) to the estimation unit 32 instructing it to execute the evacuation simulation.

[0050] The estimation unit 32 is capable of performing an evacuation simulation. Based on the estimation start signal received from the input / output unit 31, the estimation unit 32 prepares to start the evacuation simulation. Once the preparation for starting the evacuation simulation is complete, the estimation unit 32 transmits a standby signal to the fire relay unit 20 via the input / output unit 31. Details of the evacuation simulation performed by the estimation unit 32, the generation unit 33, and the display unit 34 will be described later.

[0051] [Status acquisition unit 40] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the state acquisition unit 40. The state acquisition unit 40 comprises an input / output unit 41, a determination unit 42, and an acquisition device 43.

[0052] The status acquisition unit 40 is connected to the fire relay unit 20 and the evacuation estimation unit 30 by wired or wireless connection. When the status acquisition unit 40 is connected to the fire relay unit 20 and the evacuation estimation unit 30 by wireless communication, it may be equipped with a communication unit such as a communication module that enables wireless communication.

[0053] The state acquisition unit 40 is a program-executable computer having a processor such as a CPU, a memory capable of reading programs, a storage unit capable of storing programs and data, and an input / output control unit (input / output unit 41). The functions of the state acquisition unit 40 are realized by the processor executing the program provided to the state acquisition unit 40.

[0054] The status acquisition unit 40 is a device that acquires the number and location of people to be evacuated in each area of ​​the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed, based on information acquired from the fire relay unit 20.

[0055] The input / output unit 41 receives a status acquisition request signal from the fire relay unit 20, which has received a standby signal from the estimation unit 32. Based on the status acquisition request signal received from the fire relay unit 20, the input / output unit 41 acquires the number and location of persons to be evacuated in each area of ​​the facility from the determination unit 42. Details of the determination unit 42 will be described later.

[0056] The acquisition device 43 acquires information that forms the basis for the decision unit 42 to acquire the number and location of persons to be evacuated in each area of ​​the facility, and transmits the acquired information to the decision unit 42. The acquisition device 43 is, for example, a camera capable of taking pictures of the surroundings.

[0057] The status acquisition unit 40 includes, for example, a plurality of acquisition devices 43. The plurality of acquisition devices 43 are installed in each area within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed. The status acquisition unit 40 may use, for example, surveillance cameras or security cameras installed in each room within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed as acquisition devices 43.

[0058] The input / output unit 41 acquires the number and location of persons to be evacuated in each area of ​​the facility from the determination unit 42. At this time, the determination unit 42 acquires information (status information) that associates each area of ​​the facility with the number of persons to be evacuated in each area, based on the images or video acquired from the acquisition device 43, and transmits the status information of the facility to the input / output unit 41. The status information includes location information of persons to be evacuated based on the images or video acquired by the acquisition device 43.

[0059] The information that the decision unit 42 uses to acquire the number and location of people to be evacuated is not limited to images captured by a camera, but may also be acquired by a motion sensor. In this case, the decision unit 42 acquires the results sensed by the acquisition device 43, which is a motion sensor, and acquires status information based on the sensing results of the acquisition device 43.

[0060] Furthermore, the information that the judgment unit 42 uses to determine the number of people and their locations within the facility may be obtained by contactless communication means (such as RFID) provided on employee ID cards if the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed is an office building and the people to be evacuated have employee ID cards. For example, each area within the facility may be equipped with an acquisition device 43 that can communicate with the contactless communication means provided on the employee ID card. In this case, the judgment unit 42 acquires status information based on the information obtained by communicating between the acquisition device 43 and the contactless communication means.

[0061] The status information acquired by the determination unit 42 is transmitted to the input / output unit 31 of the evacuation estimation unit 30 via the input / output unit 41. The estimation unit 32 acquires the status information acquired by the input / output unit 31.

[0062] The storage unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30 has pre-stored map information of the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed, the aforementioned fire detector information, the aforementioned smoke control and exhaust equipment information, and walking speed information of the people to be evacuated. The estimation unit 32 performs an evacuation simulation based on this information.

[0063] The generation unit 33 generates image information (images or videos) based on the simulation results of the evacuation simulation performed by the estimation unit 32, and outputs the generated image information to the display unit 34.

[0064] The display unit 34 is a display device such as a screen. The display unit 34 displays the image information generated by the generation unit 33. The display unit 34 may also be the display of a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet located outside the evacuation support system 100.

[0065] If the display unit 34 is a terminal device located outside the evacuation support system 100, the evacuation estimation unit 30 transmits the image information generated by the generation unit 33 to the terminal device and displays it on the terminal device's display.

[0066] [Evacuation support image G1] In the following explanation, the image information generated by the generation unit 33 based on the evacuation simulation results performed by the estimation unit 32 will be referred to as "evacuation support images." Figure 6 shows an example of an evacuation support image G1 generated by the generation unit 33.

[0067] The evacuation support image G1 comprises a map area M, a human object P, and an obstruction area R.

[0068] Map area M is an area that shows map information within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed. The evacuation estimation unit 30 generates map area M in the evacuation support image G1 based on map information pre-stored in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30. Map area M displays, for example, the locations of walls, stairs, elevators, etc., within the facility. In the evacuation support image G1, human objects P and obstruction areas R are placed on map area M.

[0069] The human object P indicates the location of the person to be evacuated within the facility. The evacuation estimation unit 30 generates the human object P in the evacuation support image G1 and plots it on the map area M based on the state information acquired by the state acquisition unit 40 and the walking speed information of the person to be evacuated which is stored in advance in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30.

[0070] The obstruction region R is an area on the map region M that hinders the evacuation actions of persons subject to evacuation, and comprises a first region R1 that is difficult for persons subject to evacuation to pass through, and a second region R2 that is impossible for persons subject to evacuation to pass through.

[0071] The first area R1 indicates an area that is difficult for evacuees to pass through (a difficult-to-pass area). The first area R1 shown in Figure 6 is, for example, an area where a fire detector 11 that has detected signs or occurrence of a fire is installed, and is displayed on the map area M as a polygon or circle centered on the location where the fire detector 11 is installed.

[0072] The evacuation estimation unit 30 sets up a first region R1 on the map region M based on map information, fire detector information which associates the identifier and location information of the fire detector 11, and identification information which includes the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the precursor or occurrence of a fire.

[0073] Map information and fire detector information are pre-stored in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30. The evacuation estimation unit 30 acquires identification information of fire detectors 11 that have detected signs or occurrence of fire from the fire alarm system 10 via the fire relay unit 20.

[0074] The first region R1 is a predetermined area near the fire detector 11 that has detected signs or occurrence of a fire. People who need to evacuate will have their evacuation actions delayed due to the effects of smoke and heat from the fire. Therefore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the first region R1 as an area that will be difficult for people to pass through and performs an evacuation simulation.

[0075] The second area R2 represents an area that is inaccessible to those who need to evacuate (an impassable area). As shown in Figure 6, the second area R2 is, for example, the area where smoke control equipment 12 is installed, which was activated when a fire detector 11 detected signs or occurrence of a fire. This area is displayed on the map area M as a polygon or circle centered on the location where the smoke control equipment 12 is installed.

[0076] The evacuation estimation unit 30 sets up a second region R2 on the map region M based on map information, smoke control equipment information which associates the identifier and location information of the smoke control equipment 12, and identification information which includes the identifier of the activated smoke control equipment 12.

[0077] Map information and smoke control equipment information are pre-stored in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30. The evacuation estimation unit 30 obtains identification information of the activated smoke control equipment 12 from the fire alarm system 10 via the fire relay unit 20.

[0078] The second region R2 is a predetermined area near the activated smoke control equipment 12. The smoke control equipment 12 is, for example, equipment such as a fire door or shutter, which seals off a predetermined section within the facility when activated. When evacuating, persons to be evacuated cannot pass through passages etc. that are sealed off by the smoke control equipment 12. Therefore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the second region R2 as an area that persons to be evacuated cannot pass through and performs an evacuation simulation. The evacuation estimation unit 30 may also set the second region R2 as an area where movement from the inside to the outside is possible, but entry from the outside to the inside is impossible.

[0079] Furthermore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 may set the second region R2, which is an area that persons to be evacuated cannot pass through (an impassable area), as a region that indicates a predetermined range near the fire detector 11 that detected a serious fire impact.

[0080] When setting a second area R2 as a predetermined range near a fire detector 11 that has detected a serious fire impact, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the second area R2 on the map area M based on map information, fire detector information which associates the identifier and location information of the fire detector 11, and identification information which includes the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected a serious fire impact. The second area R2, which indicates the predetermined range near the fire detector 11 that detected a serious fire impact, is displayed on the map area M as a polygon or circle centered on the location where the fire detector 11 that detected a serious fire impact is installed.

[0081] Map information and fire detector information are pre-stored in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30. The evacuation estimation unit 30 obtains identification information of fire detectors 11 that have detected a serious fire impact from the fire alarm system 10 via the fire relay unit 20.

[0082] When setting the second region R2 as a predetermined area near the fire detector 11 that detected a serious fire impact, the second region R2 is an area that represents a predetermined area near the fire detector 11 that detected a serious fire impact. At this time, it is assumed that persons to be evacuated will be unable to move due to the effects of smoke and heat from the fire, and that it will be impossible for them to enter the said region (second region R2). Therefore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the second region R2 as an area that persons to be evacuated cannot pass through and performs an evacuation simulation. The evacuation estimation unit 30 may also set the second region R2 as an area where movement from the inside to the outside is possible, but entry from the outside to the inside is impossible.

[0083] Thus, the second area R2 is defined as an area where evacuees cannot pass due to the effects of the activated smoke control and exhaust equipment 12, as well as smoke and heat from the fire.

[0084] The evacuation estimation unit 30 sets an area where the effects of a fire are expected (fire-affected area). The obstruction area R, which includes the first area R1 and the second area R2 described above, is an example of a fire-affected area set by the evacuation estimation unit 30.

[0085] The human object P includes a normal object P1, a decelerating object P2, and a stationary object P3. In the evacuation support image G1, the normal object P1, the decelerating object P2, and the stationary object P3 are plotted as objects that have the same shape but different colors from each other.

[0086] Normally, object P1 represents a person who can be evacuated at a walking speed pre-stored in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30. Normally, object P1 is displayed in white, for example.

[0087] The deceleration object P2 indicates a person to be evacuated who is moving at a speed slower than the walking speed pre-stored in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30. The deceleration object P2 is displayed in blue, for example.

[0088] A stationary object P3 indicates a person to be evacuated who is stationary and not walking. Stationary object P3 is displayed in red, for example. A stationary object P3 does not need to be strictly stationary; it may indicate a person to be evacuated who is moving slightly at a slower speed than a decelerating object P2.

[0089] The evacuation estimation unit 30 calculates the movement speed and movement route of the person to be evacuated and estimates the movement status of the person to be evacuated based on the state information acquired by the state acquisition unit 40 and the walking speed information of the person to be evacuated that is stored in advance in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30.

[0090] The evacuation estimation unit 30 estimates the movement status of evacuees at predetermined time intervals and generates evacuation support images G1 that continuously show the estimated movement status of evacuees. For example, the evacuation estimation unit 30 estimates the movement status of evacuees every 0.2 seconds and generates evacuation support images G1, generates a video by connecting the evacuation support images G1 every 0.2 seconds and displays it on the display unit 34.

[0091] The evacuation estimation unit 30 may display multiple evacuation support images G1 in a time-series arrangement horizontally or vertically on the display unit 34 without generating a video, or it may display multiple evacuation support images G1 intermittently on the display unit 34 in a time-series arrangement.

[0092] The movement patterns of persons to be evacuated, as estimated by the evacuation estimation unit 30, represent the movement patterns of persons to be evacuated when signs or occurrences of a fire are detected within a facility where a fire alarm system 10 is installed, and when they take evacuation action to evacuate to designated locations within the facility or to evacuation sites outside the facility.

[0093] The evacuation estimation unit 30 obtains the number of people to be evacuated in each area of ​​the facility by acquiring state information from the state acquisition unit 40. Based on the state information, the evacuation estimation unit 30 estimates the movement speed and route of people to be evacuated when they move to the evacuation site, and generates an evacuation support image G1 that includes a person object P showing the movement status of the people to be evacuated.

[0094] When evacuating to a designated evacuation site, individuals will, for example, reduce their walking speed if there are multiple other evacuees nearby to avoid collisions. Furthermore, to avoid collisions with obstacles such as walls, evacuees will change their direction of movement as needed as they move towards the evacuation site. When changing direction, evacuees will reduce their walking speed. These individuals, whose walking speed has decreased, are plotted as decelerating objects P2 within the human object P on the evacuation support image G1.

[0095] Furthermore, when multiple evacuees enter a narrow passageway, they may stop in place and wait their turn to enter the passageway. These evacuees who stop without moving are plotted as stationary objects P3 in the evacuation support image G1, among the human objects P.

[0096] Furthermore, evacuees whose evacuation actions are hindered by the first domain R1 or the second domain R2 are forced to slow down their walking speed or stop moving. Therefore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets human object P whose evacuation actions are hindered by the first domain R1 or the second domain R2 as deceleration object P2 or stagnation object P3.

[0097] Specifically, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets human object P within the first region R1 as deceleration object P2. The evacuation estimation unit 30 also sets human object P within the second region R2 as either deceleration object P2 or stagnation object P3. Furthermore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 performs estimations by considering the boundary portion of the second region R2 as a pseudo-wall, and based on its relationship with the general wall and other human object P, sets human object P near the boundary portion outside the second region R2 as either deceleration object P2 or stagnation object P3, as described above.

[0098] In this way, the evacuation estimation unit 30 can perform a simulation to estimate the deceleration and stagnation that will occur to evacuees when the fire detector 11 detects signs or occurrence of a fire and the evacuees take evacuation action. Furthermore, since the evacuation estimation unit 30 can perform a simulation to estimate the deceleration and stagnation that will occur to evacuees whose evacuation action is hindered by the obstruction region R, it can perform a simulation that is more in line with the actual situation.

[0099] By checking the evacuation support image G1 displayed on the display unit 34, the user can confirm whether or not deceleration or stagnation will occur among those being evacuated. Furthermore, by checking the evacuation support image G1 displayed on the display unit 34, the user can identify the locations where deceleration or stagnation among those being evacuated may occur. In the event of an actual fire within the facility, the user can use the information displayed on the evacuation support image G1 as a reference to provide efficient evacuation support, such as guiding those being evacuated.

[0100] [Evacuation support image G2] Figure 7 shows the evacuation support image G2 generated by the evacuation estimation unit 30. The evacuation support image G2 shown in Figure 7 is an example of image information generated by the generation unit 33 based on the evacuation simulation results performed by the estimation unit 32.

[0101] The evacuation support image G2 comprises a map area M, a human object P, a partition area BR, a reference point C, and an obstruction area RA. The evacuation support image G2 is a Voronoi diagram divided by multiple partition areas BR.

[0102] The partitioned area BR is a Voronoi region in the Voronoi diagram. The reference point C is a generator point in the Voronoi diagram. In this embodiment, the reference point C is a point indicating the location of a fire detector 11 installed within the facility.

[0103] Multiple fire detectors 11 are installed within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed. Therefore, the evacuation support image G2 is provided with multiple reference points C corresponding to each fire detector 11 and multiple compartment areas BR corresponding to each reference point C.

[0104] When the evacuation estimation unit 30 generates the Voronoi-mapped evacuation support image G2 illustrated in Figure 7, it sets walls W that reach the ceiling in the map area M as the boundary (Voronoi boundary) of the partition area BR. Information indicating whether or not the walls reach the ceiling is stored in advance, for example, in the memory unit of the evacuation estimation unit 30.

[0105] Traditionally, fire detectors are installed in appropriate locations according to the shape of the building space in which they are installed. Therefore, the distance between adjacent fire detectors may not be constant. When a fire (including its precursors) occurs, the fire detector closest to the source of the fire is primarily responsible for detecting it.

[0106] In other words, when a fire detector detects a fire, the fire is occurring within the area shared with the nearest fire detector. As illustrated in the evacuation support image G2 in Figure 7, by plotting the map area M using a Voronoi diagram and dividing it, the divided area BR is set within the evacuation support image G2 as the area shared with the nearest fire detector 11.

[0107] The inhibitory region RA has a first region RA1 and a second region RA2. The first area RA1 is a compartment area BR among several compartment areas BR, with the fire detector 11 that detected the precursor of a fire, the occurrence of a fire, or a serious fire impact as the reference point BR. The first area RA1 is displayed in a different color (for example, red) from other compartment areas BR in the evacuation support image G2.

[0108] Based on map information, fire detector information, and identification information of fire detectors 11 that detected signs of fire, the occurrence of a fire, or a serious fire impact, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets as the first area RA1 among multiple area BRs, the area BR where the fire detector 11 that detected signs of fire, the occurrence of a fire, or a serious fire impact is the reference point C.

[0109] The first area RA1, for example, indicates an area that is difficult for evacuees to pass through (a difficult-to-pass area). The first area RA1 may also indicate an area that is impossible for evacuees to pass through (an impassable area), or it may indicate a damaged area.

[0110] The first area RA1 may be defined by the type of object detected by the fire detector 11. For example, if the object detected by the fire detector 11 is a sign of fire, it may be defined as a damaged area; if the object detected by the fire detector 11 is a fire, it may be defined as a difficult-to-pass area; and if the object detected by the fire detector 11 is a serious fire, it may be defined as an impassable area.

[0111] A disaster-stricken area is, for example, an area where evacuation is not hindered for those who are subject to evacuation, but where they continue to be exposed to smoke from a fire. Those subject to evacuation who remain in the disaster-stricken area for a predetermined period of time are at risk of death or injury due to smoke exposure.

[0112] The evacuation estimation unit 30 may cause a predetermined amount of damage to be accumulated in the human object P located in the first region RA1, and the total amount of damage accumulated in the human object P may be shown in the evacuation support image G2. For example, a predetermined amount of damage is accumulated per unit time in the human object P located in the first region RA1. By checking the evacuation support image G2, the user can confirm whether or not there is a possibility that the person to be evacuated may suffer serious damage. The evacuation estimation unit 30 may increase the amount of damage per unit time in the order of damaged area, difficult-to-pass area, and impassable area.

[0113] Since the location of a fire is equally likely to be one of the locations within the same compartment area BR as the nearest fire detector 11, by setting the compartment area BR, with the fire detector 11 that detected the precursor or occurrence of the fire as reference point C, as the first area RA1 indicating the affected area, more accurate evacuation support can be provided.

[0114] The second area RA2 indicates an area that is inaccessible to those being evacuated (an impassable area). As shown in Figure 7, the second area RA2 indicates an area such as a passageway that has been sealed off by smoke control equipment 12 that has been activated when a fire detector 11 has detected signs or occurrence of a fire.

[0115] By adding a second region RA2, which indicates a passage sealed off by the smoke control equipment 12, to the evacuation support image G2, it is possible to obtain simulation results that are more realistic compared to, for example, the impassable area shown as a polygon, such as the second region R2 shown in Figure 6.

[0116] The evacuation estimation unit 30 sets a person object P whose evacuation action is hindered by the first region RA1 or the second region RA2 as a deceleration object P2 or a stagnant object P3.

[0117] [Evacuation support image G3] Figure 8 shows an evacuation support image G3 generated by the evacuation estimation unit 30. The evacuation support image G3 shown in Figure 8 is an example of image information generated by the generation unit 33 based on the evacuation simulation results performed by the estimation unit 32.

[0118] The evacuation support image G3 comprises a map area M, a human object P, a first area R1, a second area R2, and a risk display section D.

[0119] The risk display unit D indicates the degree of risk that persons subject to evacuation in the area may be unable to escape in time. The evacuation estimation unit 30 places the risk display unit D in areas where the movement of persons subject to evacuation to the evacuation site may be hindered, for example, by a first area R1 (difficult-to-pass area) containing a fire detector 11 that has detected signs or occurrence of fire, or a second area R2 (impassable area) containing an activated smoke control and exhaust system 12, and where persons subject to evacuation may be unable to move to the evacuation site.

[0120] The evacuation estimation unit 30 displays, for example, the degree of risk of a person being unable to evacuate in time on the risk display unit D as a percentage. The risk display unit D illustrated in Figure 8 has a first risk display unit D1 and a second risk display unit D2.

[0121] The first risk indicator D1 shows an area where the risk of being unable to escape in time is 10%. The second risk indicator D2 shows an area where the risk of being unable to escape in time is 30%. The first risk indicator D1 and the second risk indicator D2, which have different degrees of risk of being unable to escape in time, may be displayed in different colors, for example.

[0122] The risk display unit D may indicate the degree of risk of human object P congestion. For example, the evacuation estimation unit 30 provides a risk display unit D indicating the congestion risk in areas of the map area M where multiple stagnant objects P3 exist. In this case, the risk display unit D will display, for example, "30% congestion risk." The numerical value indicating the degree of congestion risk displayed in the risk display unit D is calculated, for example, based on the number of stagnant objects P3 present in a predetermined area.

[0123] If the number of people trapped (e.g., trapped object P3) in the area where the risk display unit D is provided does not decrease over time, the evacuation estimation unit 30 changes the numerical value indicating the degree of the risk of trapped people displayed in the risk display unit D to a larger number and displays it in the risk display unit D.

[0124] The evacuation estimation unit 30 may again acquire status information from the status acquisition unit 40, run the evacuation simulation by the estimation unit 32 again, and update the display content of the risk display unit D based on the simulation results of the re-run evacuation simulation. For example, if the evacuation estimation unit 30 determines, as a result of running the simulation again, that the number of people trapped has not decreased, it will update the risk of trapped people to a higher value.

[0125] The evacuation estimation unit 30 may expand the area of ​​the first region R1 as time passes and update the display position and display area of ​​the risk display unit D based on the expanded first region R1. When a fire occurs, the smoke from the fire becomes denser and spreads over a wider area as time passes. The evacuation estimation unit 30 expands the area of ​​the first region R1 as time passes, thereby changing the area of ​​the first region R1 at a rate of change close to the actual changes in smoke density and diffusion range.

[0126] The evacuation estimation unit 30 expands the first region R1 and runs the evacuation simulation again. At this time, the evacuation estimation unit 30 expands the first region R1 on the evacuation support image G3 by, for example, increasing the diameter of the first region R1, which is represented by a circle.

[0127] If the evacuation estimation unit 30 performs an evacuation simulation with the first region R1 expanded and the risk of delayed evacuation or congestion is not eliminated, it updates the risk display unit D, etc., to display on the evacuation support image G3 that the risk (risk of delayed evacuation or congestion) has not been eliminated.

[0128] By checking the risk display unit D, which indicates the risk of delayed evacuation or the risk of congestion, users can identify areas where risk may occur and the level of risk, thereby efficiently understanding the evacuation situation.

[0129] [Evacuation support method] Next, we will explain the evacuation support methods using the evacuation support system 100. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an evacuation support method using the evacuation support system 100.

[0130] [Step S1] When the evacuation support system 100 is activated, it performs step S1 (standby process). In step S1, the evacuation support system 100 remains in a standby state after being activated.

[0131] [Step S2] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S2 (fire determination step). In step S2, the evacuation support system 100 determines whether or not signs of a fire have been detected within the facility where the fire alarm equipment 10 is installed.

[0132] When the evacuation support system 100 determines that no signs of fire have been detected, it returns to step S1 and continues in standby mode. For example, the evacuation support system 100 determines that no signs of fire have been detected when the fire detector 11 has not detected any signs of fire.

[0133] In step S2, when the fire detector 11 detects signs of a fire, the acquisition unit 1 of the fire receiver 14 acquires the detection result of the fire detector 11 and the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the signs of a fire, and transmits them to the determination unit 3.

[0134] The determination unit 3 detects signs of fire based on the information acquired from the acquisition unit 1. The fire alarm system 10, for example, does not activate the smoke control and exhaust system 12 when it detects signs of fire. When the evacuation support system 100 determines that it has detected signs of fire, it proceeds to step S3.

[0135] [Step S3] In step S3 (fire information transmission step), the fire alarm system 10 transmits fire precursor information to the fire relay unit 20. The fire precursor information includes at least information indicating that a fire precursor has been detected, and information including the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the fire precursor. The fire precursor information is transmitted from the output unit 4 of the fire receiver 14 to the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20.

[0136] [Step S4] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S4 (estimated start instruction step). In step S4, the fire relay unit 20 transmits an estimated start signal to the evacuation estimation unit 30, instructing it to perform the evacuation simulation. The estimated start signal is transmitted from the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20 to the input / output unit 31 of the evacuation estimation unit 30, and then from the input / output unit 31 to the estimation unit 32.

[0137] [Step S5] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S5 (startup preparation step). In step S5, the estimation unit 32 prepares to start up in order to execute the evacuation simulation.

[0138] [Step S6] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S6 (preparation determination step). In step S6, the evacuation estimation unit 30 determines whether or not the preparation for starting up to execute the evacuation simulation is complete. If the evacuation estimation unit 30 determines that the preparation for starting up is not complete, it returns to step S5 and continues the preparation for starting up. If the evacuation support system 100 determines that the preparation for starting up the evacuation estimation unit 30 is complete, it proceeds to step S7.

[0139] [Step S7] In step S7 (standby signal transmission step), the evacuation estimation unit 30 transmits a standby signal to the fire relay unit 20. The standby signal is transmitted from the input / output unit 31 of the evacuation estimation unit 30 to the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20.

[0140] [Step S8] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S8 (status acquisition request step). In step S8, the fire relay unit 20 transmits a status acquisition request signal to the status acquisition unit 40. The status acquisition request signal is transmitted from the input / output unit 21 of the fire relay unit 20 to the input / output unit 41 of the status acquisition unit 40.

[0141] [Step S9] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S9 (status information acquisition step). In step S9, the status acquisition unit 40 acquires status information including the number and location of evacuees. The status acquisition unit 40 acquires status information based on images acquired by an acquisition device 43, such as a camera.

[0142] [Step S10] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S10 (status information transmission step). In step S10, the status acquisition unit 40 transmits the status information acquired in step S9 to the evacuation estimation unit 30. The status information is transmitted from the input / output unit 41 of the status acquisition unit 40 to the input / output unit 31 of the evacuation estimation unit 30. The status information may also be transmitted from the status acquisition unit 40 to the evacuation estimation unit 30 via the fire relay unit 20.

[0143] [Step S11] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S11 (plot generation step). In step S11, the evacuation estimation unit 30 plots the human object P on the map area M based on the acquired status information. The map area M on which the human object P is plotted shows a map of the facility where the fire alarm equipment 10 is installed. The map area M is generated based on map information pre-stored in the evacuation estimation unit 30.

[0144] [Step S12] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S12 (identification information acquisition step). In step S12, the fire relay unit 20 transmits identification information (identification information) to the evacuation estimation unit 30, which identifies the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the signs of fire.

[0145] Note that the order of steps S11 and S12 is not limited to this; the evacuation support system 100 may perform step S12 before step S11.

[0146] [Step S13] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S13 (difficult area setting step). In step S13, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the first area R1 on the map area M based on the acquired specific information. The first area R1 is an area that is difficult for human object P to pass through and is an area near the fire detector 11 that detected signs of fire.

[0147] Furthermore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 pre-stores smoke control equipment information, which associates the identifier of the smoke control equipment 12 with location information. Based on the fire detector information and the smoke control equipment information, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the area near the fire detector 11 that detected the signs of fire and the corresponding smoke control equipment 12 as a second area R2 on the map area M, where human object P cannot pass.

[0148] When step S13 is performed, the evacuation estimation unit 30 has information indicating the map area M, the person object P, the first area R1, and the second area R2. The information indicating the person object P includes position information that the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets as the initial position of the person object P when it performs the evacuation simulation.

[0149] [Step S14] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S14 (estimation step). In step S14, the evacuation estimation unit 30 performs an evacuation simulation. Specifically, the estimation unit 32 performs a simulation to estimate the evacuation behavior of a person object P from its initial position to a predetermined evacuation site.

[0150] In the evacuation simulation, the estimation unit 32 categorizes human objects P into normal objects P1, decelerating objects P2, or stationary objects P3 based on walking speed.

[0151] The estimation unit 32 performs an evacuation simulation using, for example, an inference model (trained model) generated by machine learning using training data. The estimation unit 32 may also perform the evacuation simulation using algorithms other than the inference model, or it may perform the evacuation simulation by performing calculations using predetermined functions set in advance.

[0152] [Step S15] Next, the evacuation support system 100 performs step S15 (image generation process). In step S15, the estimation unit 32 transmits the simulation results of the evacuation simulation performed in step S14 to the generation unit 33. The generation unit 33 generates image information based on the simulation results from the estimation unit 32.

[0153] The generation unit 33 transmits the generated image information to the display unit 34. The display unit 34 displays the acquired image information. The image information displayed by the display unit 34 is, for example, the evacuation support image G1 shown in Figure 6, the evacuation support image G2 shown in Figure 7, and the evacuation support image G3 shown in Figure 8.

[0154] By viewing evacuation support image G1 (or G2, G3), users can confirm evacuation simulation results that are relevant to the current situation at the early stages of a fire. Users of the evacuation support system 100 are, for example, disaster prevention center personnel. By generating and displaying evacuation support image G1 with the evacuation support system 100, it becomes possible to efficiently dispatch disaster prevention center personnel to the fire scene.

[0155] Furthermore, although the smoke control and exhaust system 12 of the fire alarm system 10 is not activated in the evacuation support method described above, the evacuation estimation unit 30 performs an evacuation simulation based on the assumption that the smoke control and exhaust system 12 is activated by setting the second region R2.

[0156] The evacuation support system 100 can perform evacuation simulations that take into account the effects of smoke control equipment 12, which is not actually operating during the fire warning stage. Therefore, by using the evacuation support system 100, disaster prevention center personnel can be dispatched to the fire site before congestion of evacuees occurs due to the activation of smoke control equipment 12. This allows for evacuation guidance before congestion of evacuees occurs, and enables effective countermeasures against fire warnings.

[0157] The flowchart in Figure 9 shows the evacuation support method when the fire detector 11 detects signs of a fire, but the basic principles of the evacuation support method when the fire detector 11 detects the occurrence of a fire are the same.

[0158] For example, when a fire detector 11 detects the occurrence of a fire, in step S2, the evacuation support system 100 determines whether or not a fire has been detected within the facility where the fire alarm system 10 is installed. When the fire alarm system 10 detects the occurrence of a fire, it activates the smoke control and exhaust system 12 that corresponds to the fire detector 11 that detected the fire.

[0159] Furthermore, in step S3, the fire alarm system 10 transmits fire occurrence information to the fire relay unit 20, which includes information indicating that a fire has been detected and the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the fire.

[0160] Furthermore, in step S12, the fire relay unit 20 transmits to the evacuation estimation unit 30 specific information (first specific information) that identifies the identifier of the fire detector 11 that detected the fire, and specific information (second specific information) that identifies the identifier of the smoke control equipment 12 that corresponds to the fire detector 11 that detected the fire.

[0161] Furthermore, in step S13, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the first area R1 on the map area M based on the first specified information described above, and sets the second area R2 on the map area M based on the second specified information. The basic part of the evacuation support method when the fire detector 11 detects a serious fire impact is also the same.

[0162] The evacuation support system 100 may, for example, perform an evacuation simulation when it detects signs of a fire, and then perform another evacuation simulation when it detects the occurrence of a fire. It may also perform another evacuation simulation when it detects a significant impact from the fire. By performing evacuation simulations each time the fire situation progresses, the evacuation support system 100 can perform evacuation simulations that are appropriate to the fire situation each time.

[0163] The evacuation support system 100 of this embodiment includes a fire alarm system 10 installed in a facility and having a plurality of fire detectors 11 capable of detecting fire (including signs of fire, the occurrence of fire, or serious fire effects); a state acquisition unit 40 that acquires state information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility; and an evacuation estimation unit 30 having an estimation unit 32 that estimates the evacuation behavior of a person object P representing a person to be evacuated based on fire-related information including identification information of a fire detector 11 that has detected a fire and the state information.

[0164] The human object P includes at least one of the following: a normal object P1 that can move at a predetermined movement speed of the person to be evacuated, a decelerated object P2 that moves slower than the normal object P1, or a stationary object P3 that has stopped moving.

[0165] The estimation unit 32 sets obstruction areas R and RA that hinder the evacuation actions of persons to be evacuated based on fire-related information, and estimates the evacuation actions of human objects P based on the facility's map information and the obstruction area information indicating the obstruction areas R and RA. The estimation unit 32 also sets human objects P whose evacuation actions are hindered by the obstruction areas R and RA as deceleration objects P2 or stagnation objects P3.

[0166] The evacuation support method of this embodiment includes: a state information acquisition step S9 for acquiring state information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility; a specific information acquisition step S12 for acquiring identification information of a fire detector 11 that detected a fire and identification information of a smoke control and exhaust equipment 12 corresponding to the fire detector 11 that detected a fire; a plot generation step S11 for generating person objects P plotted within a map area M based on map information of the facility based on the state information; a difficult area setting step S13 for setting first areas R1 and RA1 that are difficult for persons to pass through based on the identification information of the fire detector 11 and second areas R2 and RA2 that are impassable for persons to pass through based on the identification information of the smoke control and exhaust equipment 12; an estimation step S14 for estimating the evacuation behavior of persons to be evacuated; and an image generation step S15 for generating evacuation support images G1, G2, and G3 having person objects P, first areas R1 and RA1, and second areas R2 and RA2, based on the estimation results in the estimation step S14.

[0167] In estimation step S14, a person object P whose evacuation behavior is hindered by the first region R1, RA1 or the second region R2, RA2 is set as a decelerating object P2 whose movement speed is slower than the pre-set movement speed of the person to be evacuated, or as a stationary object P3 whose movement has stopped.

[0168] According to this evacuation support system 100 and evacuation support method, by setting obstruction areas R and RA (first area R1, RA1 or second area R2, RA2), and setting human object P whose evacuation behavior is obstructed by the obstruction areas R and RA as deceleration object P2 or stagnation object P3, it is possible to consider the impact of fire on the evacuation behavior of those to be evacuated and to perform an evacuation simulation that is in line with the actual situation. Therefore, it is possible to provide an evacuation support system 100 and evacuation support method that improve the accuracy of evacuation support.

[0169] Furthermore, the evacuation estimation unit 30 has a generation unit 33 that generates an evacuation support image G1 (or G2, G3) based on the estimation results of the estimation unit 32. The evacuation support images G1, G2, and G3 include a map area M based on the map information of the facility, a person object P indicating the person to be evacuated, and a fire impact area where the effects of the fire are expected.

[0170] By generating evacuation support images G1, G2, and G3 based on evacuation simulations that closely reflect real-world situations, users such as disaster prevention center personnel can easily grasp predictions regarding the slowing down or stopping of evacuees' movements, enabling efficient evacuation guidance.

[0171] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included. Furthermore, the components shown in the above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the evacuation estimation unit 30 sets the start of the evacuation simulation as the start of the evacuation of the human object P, but the configuration of the evacuation estimation unit 30 is not limited to this. The evacuation estimation unit may also set the human object P to start evacuating after a predetermined time has elapsed in the evacuation simulation.

[0173] Furthermore, the evacuation estimation unit may configure human objects P to begin evacuating at predetermined timings for each predetermined region. For example, the evacuation estimation unit may configure it so that only human objects P located in the first region R1, RA1 or the second region R2, RA2 begin evacuating at the start of the evacuation simulation, while human objects P in other regions begin evacuating after a predetermined time has elapsed. This makes it possible to reproduce the voluntary evacuation actions of individuals who have themselves grasped the effects of the fire, as well as the evacuation actions of individuals who have begun evacuating due to emergency broadcasts or the like.

[0174] Furthermore, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the evacuation simulation, without receiving identification information of the fire detector 11 from the input / output unit 31, the first region R1, RA1 or the second region R2, RA2 may be added to virtually assume the spread of the fire, and the human object P located in the added first region R1, RA1 or second region R2, RA2 may be set to begin evacuation at that point.

[0175] It is conceivable that multiple fire detectors 11 may detect signs of a fire, the occurrence of a fire, or a serious fire-related impact. When multiple fire detectors 11 detect signs of a fire, the occurrence of a fire, or a serious fire-related impact, multiple first regions R1, RA1 or second regions R2, RA2 are set based on the identification signal of each fire detector 11, the detected object, and the smoke control and exhaust equipment 12 that operates in conjunction with them.

[0176] "The amount of smoke or heat detected by the fire detector 11 satisfies the first predetermined condition" refers to the state in which the fire detector 11 detects a "precursor to fire" or "the occurrence of a fire," and "the amount of smoke or heat detected by the fire detector 11 satisfies the second predetermined condition" refers to the state in which the fire detector 11 detects a "significant impact due to fire." However, the states in which the first and second predetermined conditions are met are not limited to these.

[0177] The first predetermined condition may be set under conditions different from the detection amount based on smoke or heat detected by the fire detector 11, which is considered to be a "precursor to fire" or "occurrence of fire." Alternatively, the second predetermined condition may be set to the same condition as "occurrence of fire," provided that the detection amount is greater than that of the first predetermined condition. For example, the first predetermined condition may be set to the same condition as "precursor to fire," and the second predetermined condition may be set to the same condition as "occurrence of fire."

[0178] The programs for the fire alarm receiver 14, fire relay unit 20, evacuation estimation unit 30, and status acquisition unit 40 are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The programs recorded on this recording medium are loaded into a computer system and executed. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" may also include those that dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, and those that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside the computer system that acts as a server or client in such cases. Furthermore, the above programs may be for implementing a part of the functions described above, or they may be able to implement the above functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, or they may be implemented using programmable logic devices such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0179] 100 Evacuation Support Systems 10. Fire alarm system 11 Fire detector 12 Smoke prevention equipment 30 Evacuation Estimation Department 32 Estimation part 33 Generation part 40 State acquisition unit G1, G2, G3 Evacuation Support Images M Map Area P Human Object P1 Normal Object P2 deceleration object P3 Stagnant Object R, RA inhibition region R1, RA1 first area R2, RA2 second area BR partition area D Risk Display Section S9 Status information acquisition process S11 Plot generation process S12 Specific information acquisition process S13 Difficult area setting process S14 Estimation process S15 Image generation process

Claims

1. The fire alarm system installed within the facility has multiple fire detectors capable of detecting fires, A status acquisition unit that acquires status information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the aforementioned facility, An evacuation estimation unit has an estimation unit that estimates the evacuation behavior of a person object representing a person to be evacuated, based on fire-related information including identification information of the fire detector that detected the fire and the status information. Equipped with, The aforementioned person object includes at least one of the following: a normal object that can move at a predetermined speed of movement of the person to be evacuated, a decelerated object that moves at a slower speed than the normal object, or a stationary object that has stopped moving. The estimation unit, Based on the aforementioned fire-related information, an obstruction area is set that hinders the evacuation actions of the persons subject to evacuation. Based on the map information of the facility and the obstruction area information indicating the obstruction area, the evacuation behavior of the human object is estimated. The human object whose evacuation action is hindered by the obstruction region is set as the deceleration object or the stagnation object. Evacuation support system.

2. The obstruction region comprises a first region through which the person to be evacuated has difficulty passing, and a second region through which the person to be evacuated cannot pass. The evacuation support system according to claim 1.

3. The estimation unit, In the fire detector, the first region is set based on the identification information of the fire detector whose detected amount based on the detected smoke or heat satisfies the first predetermined condition. In the fire detector, the second region is set based on the identification information of the fire detector that satisfies a second predetermined condition in which the amount detected based on the detected smoke or heat is greater than the first predetermined condition. The evacuation support system according to claim 2.

4. The fire alarm system includes smoke control and exhaust equipment installed in conjunction with the fire detectors. The smoke control and exhaust system is capable of switching between a state in which the area within the facility where the smoke control and exhaust system is installed is passable to the persons to be evacuated and a state in which the persons to be evacuated are not passable. The estimation unit, The second region is set based on the identification information of the fire detector that detected the fire and the corresponding smoke control equipment. The evacuation support system according to claim 2.

5. The evacuation estimation unit stores multiple partition regions that divide the map area based on the map information of the facility into multiple Voronoi regions, The estimation unit sets the partitioned area containing the fire detector that detected the fire as the obstruction area, among the plurality of partitioned areas. The evacuation support system according to claim 1.

6. The evacuation estimation unit performs risk estimation to indicate areas where there is a high risk of the person to be evacuated being delayed or where the person to be evacuated is likely to remain trapped, and displays the risk estimation results. An evacuation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The estimation unit, The system is configured to allow the evacuation action of the human object to be initiated at any point in time during the estimation of evacuation action. When it is assumed that the amount of smoke or heat detected by the fire detector meets a predetermined condition, the evacuation action of the person object located in the area corresponding to the fire detector whose detected amount meets the predetermined condition is initiated. An evacuation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The fire alarm system installed within the facility has multiple fire detectors capable of detecting fires, A status acquisition unit that acquires status information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the aforementioned facility, An evacuation estimation unit having: an estimation unit that estimates the evacuation behavior of persons to be evacuated based on fire-related information including identification information of the fire detector that detected the fire and the status information; and a generation unit that generates a plurality of temporally consecutive evacuation support images based on the estimation results of the estimation unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned evacuation support image is A map area based on the map information of the aforementioned facility, A person object representing the person to be evacuated, The fire-affected area where the effects of the aforementioned fire are expected, including, Evacuation support system.

9. An evacuation support method that generates evacuation support images to assist the evacuation actions of persons who are to be evacuated in response to a fire detected by a fire detector installed in a facility, A status information acquisition step, which acquires status information including the number and location of persons to be evacuated within the facility, A specific information acquisition step that acquires identification information of the fire detector that detected the fire and identification information of the smoke control equipment corresponding to the fire detector that detected the fire, A plot generation step is to generate a human object plotting the evacuation target person within a map area based on the map information of the facility, based on the status information. A difficult area setting step involves setting a first area that is difficult for the person to evacuate to pass through based on the identification information of the fire detector, and setting a second area that is impossible for the person to evacuate to pass through based on the identification information of the smoke control equipment, The estimation process for estimating the evacuation behavior of the persons to be evacuated, An image generation step that generates the evacuation support image having the human object, the first region and the second region based on the estimation results in the estimation step, Equipped with, The estimation step involves setting the human object whose evacuation action is hindered by the first or second region as a decelerating object whose movement speed is slower than the predetermined movement speed of the person to be evacuated, or as a stationary object whose movement has stopped. Evacuation support methods.

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