Fire spread warning system

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide a fire spread alarm system that can issue an alarm to the appropriate person at the appropriate time, taking into account the point of fire. [Solution] The fire spread alarm system 1 according to this disclosure includes a main control device 10 that calculates a fire spread level, which is the degree to which a fire occurs based on the input fire point FP. The main control device 10 can store user addresses to which alarms entered by each user are to be sent, and issues an alarm corresponding to the fire spread level to user addresses corresponding to addresses in areas where the fire spread level is above a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a spreading fire alarm system that issues an alarm about a spreading fire.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a regional alarm system in which regional alarm devices installed in each residence within a region share information such as a fire detected by another regional alarm device, and each regional alarm device issues an alarm as needed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, a fire spread alarm system can be obtained that can issue an alarm, taking into account the point of fire, to the appropriate person at the appropriate time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a fire spread alarm system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the regional information used by the main control unit. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the alarm activation method of the fire spread alarm system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which fire points have been entered into the regional information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the fire spread alarm system and alarm activation method of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The fire spread warning system described in this disclosure is characterized by its ability to calculate the fire spread level, which is the degree to which a fire is occurring in a jurisdictional area, based on the input fire point, and to issue a fire spread warning to persons associated with areas with a high fire spread level.

[0010] Embodiment 1. The fire spread warning system 1 is a system managed and used by local governments, etc., and is a system that issues warnings based on the occurrence of a fire in the area under the jurisdiction of the local government. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the fire spread warning system 1 according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] The fire spread alarm system 1 comprises a main control unit 10 and a plurality of information terminals 20. The main control unit 10 includes an information processing unit 11, an input / output unit 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0012] The information processing unit 11 is the part that performs calculations. The information processing unit 11 issues an alarm based on the information previously stored in the memory unit 13 and the newly entered location of the fire, i.e., the fire point FP.

[0013] The memory unit 13 is the part that stores information. The memory unit 13 can store any information entered by the operator using an operating device (not shown). Furthermore, it can also store information that the information processing unit 11 determines needs to be stored.

[0014] The memory unit 13 stores programs executed by the information processing unit 11, setting values ​​necessary for the operation of the fire spread alarm system 1, and other similar information. Furthermore, the memory unit 13 also stores regional information 50 and user information corresponding to those who use the fire spread alarm system 1.

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the regional information 50 used by the main control unit 10 in Figure 1. In the main control unit 10, the information processing unit 11 uses the regional information 50 to issue alarms and perform other actions. The regional information 50 includes map information, which is information about the area under the jurisdiction of the fire spread warning system 1, such as the topography of the area, the layout of rivers and roads, the land use status such as whether or not there are forests, vacant lots or buildings, the layout of buildings, and corresponding addresses; building information; and block information.

[0016] That is, the map information includes information such as coastline, rivers, the layout of waterways, and the elevation of land, the layout of roads, the size of roads, and the paving condition of roads. Further, specific examples of the land use status of the map information include, for example, farmland, forest, houses, stores, housing complexes, buildings, factories, vacant land, material storage sites, and the like.

[0017] Building information is information indicating the characteristics of individual buildings. Examples of building information include, for example, the size information of buildings including height, fire resistance information such as whether it is a fire-resistant structure or a wooden building, the type information of buildings such as houses, stores, or factories, the information on the storage of dangerous goods such as those with a high risk of ignition, and when dangerous goods are stored, the type information of the dangerous goods. These information are investigated and input in advance.

[0018] Block information is information indicating the characteristics of each block when the sections surrounded by roads in the map information are regarded as blocks. In FIG. 2, as an example, the blocks of 10 sections are shown with symbols from A to J. Note that in FIG. 2, for the blocks without symbols, corresponding block information exists as long as they are within the area under the jurisdiction of the fire spread warning system 1.

[0019] As one of the block information, for example, information such as the building density calculated and called building density is included as part of the block information.

[0020] Furthermore, the map information may include disaster prevention equipment information, which is the type and location information of disaster prevention equipment such as fire hydrants, fire tanks, fire extinguishers installed by local governments, and disaster prevention warehouses that serve as water sources for fire fighting activities.

[0021] Since the map information includes the address information of each corresponding location, each piece of information included in the regional information 50 is associated with the corresponding address. That is, by searching for a specific address in the regional information 50, it is possible to obtain information on the terrain, land utilization status, and buildings constructed at the corresponding address, as well as information on the roads and rivers adjacent to the corresponding address and the block information of the block including the corresponding address.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. The input / output unit 12 is responsible for the input and output of signals to and from the main control device 10. The information processing unit 11 can communicate information with devices external to the main control device 10 via the input / output unit 12. Also, inputs from an operation device (not shown) used by the operator are transmitted to the information processing unit 11 via the input / output unit 12. Furthermore, the information processing unit 11 can transmit information to the operator by outputting information to a display unit (not shown) via the input / output unit 12.

[0023] The plurality of information terminals 20 are information terminals 20 each possessed by a user of the fire spread warning system 1. Each information terminal 20 has a display screen 21. Examples of the information terminal 20 include portable terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals, and personal computers.

[0024] An alarm application 25 for using the fire spread warning system 1 is installed in each information terminal 20. The administrator of each information terminal 20 can start the alarm application 25 to use the fire spread warning system 1. A smartphone that has started the alarm application 25 can obtain information from the fire spread warning system 1.

[0025] In order to use the fire spread warning system 1, it is necessary for the user to install the alarm application 25 in the information terminal 20 that the user manages and perform user settings as initial settings for the alarm application 25.

[0026] Information entered by the user as user settings is transmitted to the main control unit 10 and stored in the storage unit 13 as user information. Note that user settings can be set and changed at any time as needed by the user, even if not immediately after installing the alarm application 25 on the information terminal 20.

[0027] Each user must enter at least a relevant address as part of their user profile. For example, a user may be someone who lives in an area covered by the fire spread warning system 1, or someone who frequently visits a building in that area, such as for commuting. In other words, a relevant address is, for example, the address of the user's residence, workplace, school, etc.

[0028] If you own and reside in a home in the area in question, you should enter your home address as the relevant address. If you commute to a building located in the area in question, you should enter the company address, which is the same as the building's address, as the relevant address. The entered address will be treated as the user's address.

[0029] In addition to their user address, each user can enter an information address as part of their user settings that allows them to receive information from the fire spread warning system 1.

[0030] An information address that can receive information from the fire spread warning system 1 is at least one of the following: a mobile phone number used for voice call information or SMS (Short Message Service), an email address used for email, or a direct email address used for direct mail on SNS (Social Networking Service). Using an SNS direct email address as an information address means using SNS as an information address.

[0031] By entering an information address, information sent to information terminal 20, as well as any other terminal capable of viewing information sent to information terminal 20, can be received.

[0032] For example, the email address or mobile phone number of the user's spouse or child is registered as an information address. This allows the spouse or child to receive information from the fire spread warning system 1 without having to configure user settings on the information terminal 20 on which the alarm application 25 is installed.

[0033] The information terminal 20 and the main control unit 10 communicate with each other via wired or wireless connection, depending on the user's operation. As a result, the information entered by the user as user settings via the alarm application 25, and the unique ID information that identifies the information terminal 20 on which the specific alarm application 25 is installed, i.e., the user's own information terminal 20, are transmitted to the main control unit 10.

[0034] Here, the information address and ID information transmitted by the alarm application 25 are designated as the user destination. The user destination is a destination to which the main control unit 10 can send any information. The transmission of information from the main control unit 10 to the information address is as described above. Note that SNS is used as the information address, and therefore, SNS can also be used as the user destination.

[0035] The transmission of information from the main control unit 10 to the ID information means that the main control unit 10 transmits information to the information terminal 20 on which the alarm application 25 having the corresponding ID information is installed.

[0036] Furthermore, users may also enter their own name, information about other people residing at the entered address, etc., as user settings. This information about people residing at the entered address is also transmitted to the main control unit 10. As a result, for example, the administrative body managing the fire spread alarm system 1 can accurately identify the people who were residing in the residence, which can be used to assist in rescue and other responses in the event of a fire.

[0037] The information processing unit 11 stores information from the information terminal 20, which is input from the input / output unit 12, in the storage unit 13, associating them with each other. In addition, user information may be stored in the storage unit 13 associating it with an address included in the regional information 50 that matches the user address included in the user information. The information processing unit 11 can transmit information to the user.

[0038] Next, the method for issuing an alarm in the fire spread alarm system 1 will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the alarm issuing method of the fire spread alarm system 1 in Embodiment 1.

[0039] The alarm is issued when at least the main control unit 10 of the fire spread alarm system 1 is activated.

[0040] <Fire Point Input Process> In step S01, the fire point input process is performed. The fire point input process is the process in which the fire point FP is input to the fire spread alarm system 1.

[0041] When a fire occurs in an area under the jurisdiction of the fire spread alarm system 1, the location where the fire occurred, i.e., the fire point FP, is input to the main control device 10 of the fire spread alarm system 1. The fire point FP is input by an operator using an operating device (not shown) to input the address of the location where the fire occurred as the fire point FP. The fire point FP entered by the operator is grasped by the information processing unit 11 and stored in the storage unit 13. With this, the fire point input process is completed, and the process moves to the next step.

[0042] The fire point FP, i.e., the address where the fire occurred, is determined by contact from fire stations and other fire-fighting facilities in the area under their jurisdiction. Here, the main control unit 10 and the management systems of each fire-fighting facility (not shown) are connected in a way that allows for information communication, and the fire point FP may be electronically transmitted from the management system of each fire-fighting facility and input to the information processing unit 11 of the main control unit 10 via the input / output unit 12.

[0043] <Fire spread level calculation process> Step S02 involves the fire spread level calculation process. This process calculates the degree of fire spread in the area under the jurisdiction based on the fire point FP.

[0044] The information processing unit 11 calculates the fire spread level for the area under its jurisdiction based on the fire point FP, regional information 50, and weather information. The fire spread level is the degree of likelihood of a fire occurring at that location based on the fire point FP.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the fire point FP has been entered in the regional information 50 of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the fire point FP exists in block B. Furthermore, Figure 4 also shows the current wind direction WD.

[0046] The fire spread level is calculated in several stages. In this embodiment 1, the fire spread level is calculated in six stages, from level 0 to level 5. In this case, the higher the level, the higher the probability of fire occurrence based on the fire point FP. That is, when the fire spread level is level 5, the probability of fire occurrence is highest.

[0047] The information processing unit 11 first calculates the level of primary fire spread, which is independent of the block, centered on the fire point FP. Next, it aggregates the levels of primary fire spread by block and calculates the fire spread level.

[0048] For example, even within the same block, the level of primary fire spread may differ at different points within the block. For instance, in Figure 4, even within block B, the level of primary fire spread is calculated to be low upwind of the fire point FP, and high downwind of the fire point FP. Furthermore, regardless of wind direction WD, the level of fire spread may also be considered high when adjacent to the fire point FP.

[0049] Thus, if there are differences in the initial fire spread level within a block, the levels are grouped together within the block and calculated as the fire spread level. One rule for grouping fire spread levels within a block is to adopt the highest initial fire spread level within that block as the fire spread level.

[0050] Specifically, if the primary fire spread level downwind of the fire point FP within Block B is level 5, and the primary fire spread level upwind of the fire point FP is level 3, then the fire spread level in Block B will be calculated as level 5.

[0051] This rule is based on the idea that calculating a higher level of fire spread within a single block ensures greater user safety. In other words, as will be explained later, alarms are triggered in response to fire spread levels exceeding a certain threshold. Therefore, calculating a higher level of fire spread ensures that alarms are triggered reliably.

[0052] The meteorological information considered in calculating the fire spread level includes current and future precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, and atmospheric dryness. It is preferable to divide the area under jurisdiction into as many small sections as possible and use meteorological information corresponding to each section.

[0053] The information processing unit 11 can take weather information into consideration, for example, by adding the logic that the less the precipitation, the greater the wind speed, or the drier the atmosphere, the higher the likelihood of fire spreading based on the fire point FP, and the faster the rate of fire spreading. In addition, the information processing unit 11 can estimate the direction in which the fire will spread from the fire point FP based on the wind direction.

[0054] Considering the wind direction WD as shown in Figure 4, for example, the fire spread level for block A is calculated to be level 2, and the fire spread levels for blocks F and G are calculated to be level 5.

[0055] Regional information 50 considered in calculating the fire spread level includes, for example, the width of roads between blocks, building density, fire resistance performance of buildings, land use, and the presence or absence of hazardous materials. The information processing unit 11 can take regional information into consideration and perform calculations by adding logic such as the fact that the narrower the roads between blocks and the higher the building density, the higher the possibility of fire spreading based on the fire point FP, and the faster the rate of fire spread.

[0056] Furthermore, if a building is made of wood, there is a possibility of fire spreading, and the rate of fire spreading will be faster. Conversely, if a building has a fire-resistant structure, the possibility of fire spreading will be lower, and the rate of fire spreading will be slower. The presence of open spaces will reduce the building density and thus the possibility of fire spreading, while the presence of buildings storing flammable materials will increase the possibility of fire spreading.

[0057] The information processing unit 11 calculates the overall fire spread level for the area under its jurisdiction from the input fire point FP information, thus completing the fire spread level calculation process, and the process moves on to the next step.

[0058] In addition to calculations based on weather information, the fire spread level can also be calculated by performing fire spread simulations and determining the expected fire spread area and fire spread level for each period of time, i.e., for each elapsed time. For example, it is possible to calculate the fire spread area after 30 minutes, after 1 hour, and after 2 hours, and then calculate the fire spread level corresponding to that fire spread area, i.e., according to the elapsed time.

[0059] When the extent and level of fire spread change, it is preferable to re-run the simulation based on the changed state and recalculate the extent and level of fire spread. In other words, it is preferable to rerun the simulation in accordance with the passage of time and the changes in the extent of fire spread.

[0060] In fire spread simulations, the time it takes for fire to spread from the fire point (FP) to adjacent buildings is often calculated. In this case, the simulation is conducted according to weather information and the condition of the buildings. The fire spread time, extent, and level in the simulation depend on factors such as the size of the buildings, the distance between buildings, and the structure of the buildings. If a fire stop line, such as a road or open space, is located within the fire spread area, the fire may stop spreading.

[0061] <Notification process> Step S03 involves the alarm activation process. This process involves issuing an alarm based at least on the current fire spread level.

[0062] The information processing unit 11 issues an alarm to users associated with addresses in the corresponding block, based on the fire spread level calculated for each block. In other words, the information processing unit 11 issues an alarm to users who have residences or other buildings in blocks where the calculated fire spread level exceeds a predetermined threshold, according to that fire spread level.

[0063] For example, let's consider a case where the current fire spread level in Block B is calculated to be level 5, and the fire spread level in Block A is calculated to be level 2. In this case, the information processing unit 11 determines from the information stored in the storage unit 13 that the threshold fire spread level for issuing an alarm is level 3. That is, an alarm is issued when the fire spread level is level 3 or higher. Note that this threshold can be set as appropriate.

[0064] Since the fire spread level in Block B is level 5, which is above the threshold, the information processing unit 11 determines that it will issue an alarm for Block B corresponding to fire spread level 5. The information processing unit 11 can determine the addresses included in each block from the regional information 50.

[0065] Therefore, the information processing unit 11 extracts addresses included in block B from the regional information 50. These extracted addresses are designated as alarm activation addresses. In other words, the information processing unit 11 extracts the addresses of the areas corresponding to the calculated fire spread level from the regional information 50 and identifies them as alarm activation addresses.

[0066] Next, the information processing unit 11 searches for user addresses that correspond to the alarm-issuing addresses, which are addresses included in block B. The information processing unit 11 grasps and obtains user destinations associated with the user addresses that have been found and extracted. If user information is stored in association with an address included in the regional information 50 that matches the user address included in the user information, the system can grasp the alarm-issuing address and obtain the user destination associated with that address at the same time.

[0067] The information processing unit 11 issues an alarm corresponding to fire spread level 5 to the destination indicated by the acquired user destination. The alarm may include a specific message, such as, "A fire has broken out. Please evacuate immediately."

[0068] Furthermore, if the fire spread level is Level 4, a less urgent message such as "A fire has broken out nearby. Please evacuate immediately." may be used compared to the message used for Level 5.

[0069] If the fire spread level is level 3, a less urgent message such as "Please be careful of fire" may be used compared to the message used for fire spread level 4.

[0070] On the other hand, since the fire spread level in Block A is Level 2, no alarms will be issued to user addresses associated with user addresses located in Block A, or to user addresses associated with addresses included in Regional Information 50.

[0071] Here, an alert is issued when the fire spread level is 3 or higher, but alerts may be categorized according to their urgency. That is, alert levels such as a full alert for high urgency and a warning for lower urgency may be set. Specifically, for example, when the fire spread level is 2 or 3, a warning as a warning may be issued, and when it is 4 or higher, a full alert may be issued. In such cases, it is advisable to use alert messages that correspond to the full alert and warning levels.

[0072] In this way, the main control device 10 determines the need to issue an alarm for the entire area under its jurisdiction, and if an alarm is necessary, it issues an alarm corresponding to the fire spread level. This completes the alarm issuance process, and the series of alarm issuance methods for the fire spread alarm system 1 is finished.

[0073] The main control unit 10 may also continuously transmit information about the fire point FP and the area corresponding to each fire spread level to each information terminal 20. Upon receiving this information, the information terminal 20 displays this information on its display screen 21.

[0074] When the alarm application 25 is running, this information is displayed on the map shown on the display screen 21. Furthermore, the user's address may also be displayed on the map.

[0075] Furthermore, the main control unit 10 may also transmit weather information. The information terminal 20 that receives the weather information may also display the weather information on its display screen 21 along with the map. For example, if the wind direction WD is displayed on the display screen 21, the user can evacuate while avoiding the downwind side of the fire point FP.

[0076] Furthermore, the map displayed on screen 21 may show the location and type of each disaster prevention equipment based on the disaster prevention equipment information. Disaster prevention equipment may also be displayed on the map using symbols corresponding to its type, allowing users to identify each piece of equipment. For example, symbols for fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and disaster prevention warehouses may be displayed at their respective locations on the map. This allows users to quickly identify the location of necessary disaster prevention equipment, such as fire extinguishers, and use this information to aid in disaster prevention activities such as initial fire suppression.

[0077] Furthermore, the information processing unit 11 calculates only the current fire spread level and issues an alarm corresponding to that fire spread level. However, the information processing unit 11 may also calculate the fire spread level after a set period, such as 15 minutes or 30 minutes later. It may also issue an alarm corresponding to the fire spread level after that set period at an appropriate time based on that set period.

[0078] For example, the information processing unit 11 calculates the current fire spread level as level 5 in block B where the fire point FP is located, and the current fire spread level as level 4 in blocks C, F, and G downwind of block B. At the same time, the information processing unit 11 calculates the fire spread level in blocks B, C, F, and G 15 minutes later, which is set as level 5.

[0079] In such cases, for example, an alarm corresponding to a fire spread level of 5 may be issued for blocks B, C, F, and G after 15 minutes. The timing of the alarm corresponding to the fire spread level after the set period can be appropriately selected based on the set period.

[0080] For example, issuing an alarm earlier than the set period can better ensure user safety, but it is also necessary to carefully consider the possibility of causing confusion by issuing an alarm too early.

[0081] Furthermore, the fire spread alarm system 1's alarm activation method involves constantly monitoring the input of the fire point FP. Therefore, in the flow of the fire spread alarm activation method of the fire spread alarm system 1, the fire point input process in step S01 is always performed.

[0082] In other words, if information from the fire department indicates that the fire point FP has disappeared, meaning the fire at the fire point FP has been extinguished, then in step S01, it is entered that there are no new fire points FP, i.e., no fire points FP. As a result, in step S02, the fire spread level for each block may be calculated as level 0. In other words, the fire has been extinguished and there is no possibility of it spreading.

[0083] In this case, in step S03, an alarm may be issued for blocks where an alarm was triggered in the recent past, indicating that the fire has been extinguished and the area is now safe. In this case, when the fire spread level is calculated in the fire spread level calculation step of step S02, the information processing unit 11 stores the fire spread level of each block as history in the storage unit 13.

[0084] Based on this history of fire spread levels, the information processing unit 11 monitors whether the fire spread level in each block has fallen from above a threshold to below a threshold. Based on this monitoring, the information processing unit 11 may issue an alarm if the fire spread level falls below the threshold for triggering an alarm.

[0085] For example, if the fire spread level in a certain block drops from level 4 to level 0, the information processing unit 11 may issue an alarm message such as "The fire has been extinguished." This informs users that the fire has been extinguished, allowing them to return to their normal lives.

[0086] Furthermore, if the fire spread level in a certain block decreases from level 5 to level 2 as a result of step S02, a message such as "The fire is being extinguished, but please continue to be vigilant" may be issued. In this way, even if the fire spread level falls below the threshold for triggering an alarm, an alarm can still be issued for a block that has already received an alarm.

[0087] This allows users to determine that even though the fire appears to be extinguished, caution is still necessary, and to continue to be vigilant.

[0088] Furthermore, if new fire points (FPs) are discovered due to the spread of the fire, the new FPs and existing FPs are entered in step S01. As a result, in step S02, the fire spread level, taking the new FPs into account, is calculated. Subsequently, as described above, steps S03 onwards are executed, and an alarm is issued.

[0089] Furthermore, the input of the fire point FP may also be based on notifications from the user. The fire point FP may be input to the main control unit 10 when the user notifies the address of the location where the fire is occurring, which is the fire point FP, using an information terminal 20 on which the alarm application 25 is installed.

[0090] Notifications of ignition points (FPs) from users who have entered their address in the user settings on the information terminal 20 are considered highly reliable. Furthermore, if a user of the information terminal 20 has entered their own name, the names of their family members, or their mobile phone number as an information address into the main control unit 10 as part of their user settings, the ignition points (FPs) notified by that user can be judged to be even more reliable.

[0091] Therefore, for users who provide such highly reliable information, a flag indicating that they are providing highly reliable information may be stored in association with the user's user information. That is, a fire point FP can be input to the main control unit 10 from the information terminal 20 of a user who has this flag attached.

[0092] Furthermore, information on fire points (FP) from trustworthy individuals in the community, such as local leaders or local fire brigade members, can be considered highly reliable. Therefore, trustworthy individuals in such communities may use the alarm application 25 in an authorized mode with special privileges.

[0093] In other words, an information terminal 20 in authorized mode with the installed alarm application 25, or in other words, an information terminal 20 granted special privileges, can input the fire point FP to the main control unit 10. On the other hand, if the alarm application 25 installed on the information terminal 20 is not in authorized mode, it cannot input the fire point FP to the main control unit 10. As a result, the main control unit 10 can obtain highly reliable fire point FP information.

[0094] Alternatively, information on the fire point (FP) can be obtained from information on social media. In this case, it is necessary to extract highly reliable information on the fire point from a large amount of information on social media and determine the corresponding address. In this case, AI or similar tools can be used to judge the reliability of the information and determine the fire point (FP), i.e., the occurrence of the fire, and the address of the location where the fire is occurring.

[0095] Furthermore, in order to obtain information on the ignition point FP from information on social media, it may be possible to collaborate with a service that assesses the credibility of information on social media. Using such a service, highly credible information on social media may be extracted, and the ignition point FP may be obtained from that extracted information.

[0096] In other words, an analysis system capable of analyzing information on social media to determine the occurrence of a fire, identify the fire source (FP), and recognize the fire point may be connected to the main control unit 10 in a manner that allows for information communication. The fire point (FP) may be electronically transmitted from the analysis system and input to the information processing unit 11 of the main control unit 10 via the input / output unit 12. In other words, social media may be used to input the fire point (FP) to the main control unit 10.

[0097] The fire spread level is calculated for each block. However, this is not the only way. For example, in the area under its jurisdiction, the information processing unit 11 may calculate the fire spread level based on the initial fire spread level, that is, a fire spread level that is not calculated by grouping by block. In this case, the area that will receive an alarm is the area corresponding to a fire spread level above a threshold.

[0098] Furthermore, the threshold for the fire spread level that triggers the alarm can be set as appropriate. For example, the threshold can be set to the lowest fire spread level or lower. In other words, it is possible to issue alarms corresponding to all fire spread levels. Specifically, even if the fire spread level is level 0, an alarm such as "No fire has occurred" can be issued to the relevant user.

[0099] The information processing unit 11 issues an alarm to the area corresponding to such a fire spread level. When calculating the fire spread level for each block, if one block includes a large area, such as a vast park or pond, the initial fire spread level may differ drastically even within a single block. In such cases, instead of calculating the fire spread level for each block, the initial fire spread level can be used as the fire spread level, and an alarm can be issued to the area corresponding to that fire spread level. This allows for a more accurate alarm to be issued, protecting the safety of users.

[0100] The fire spread alarm system 1 in Embodiment 1 includes a main control device 10 that calculates the fire spread level, which is the degree to which a fire is likely to occur, based on the input fire point FP. The main control device 10 can also store user addresses to which alarms are to be sent, and issues an alarm corresponding to the fire spread level to user addresses corresponding to addresses in areas where the fire spread level is above a threshold. This ensures that alarms are issued only to users associated with areas where the fire spread level calculated based on the fire point FP is above a threshold. Therefore, alarms that take the fire point into consideration can be issued to the appropriate people at the appropriate time. In particular, in densely populated residential areas, it is possible to predict the occurrence of a fire due to fire spread and issue a warning. Therefore, the initial response after a fire breaks out by everyone, including local residents, is improved, the possibility of initial fire suppression is increased, and the spread of fire can be prevented more effectively.

[0101] In the fire spread alarm system 1 of Embodiment 1, the main control device 10 can store the user address and user destination entered by each user, searches for user addresses corresponding to addresses in areas where the fire spread level exceeds a threshold, identifies the user destination associated with the searched user address, and issues an alarm to the identified user destination. As a result, the alarm is issued to the destination specified by the user. Therefore, for example, a user can specify a destination that can receive the alarm on their smartphone. Thus, the user can receive the alarm more reliably and ensure their safety.

[0102] The fire spread alarm system 1 in Embodiment 1 is further equipped with one or more information terminals 20. Each information terminal 20 transmits the user's address and the user's destination, entered by the corresponding user, to the main control unit 10. This allows users to set information for the fire spread alarm system 1 using their smartphones, which they are familiar with using as information terminals 20. Therefore, users can easily set up the fire spread alarm system 1. Thus, an increase in the number of users of the fire spread alarm system 1 can be expected.

[0103] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, the fire spread level is calculated based on regional information 50, which includes map information of the area under its jurisdiction and information indicating the characteristics of buildings, and weather information input to the main control device 10. This makes it possible to calculate a more accurate fire spread level. Therefore, more accurate warnings can be issued. Thus, safer measures can be taken for disaster prevention in the region.

[0104] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, the regional information 50 further includes block information that indicates the characteristics of each block when the area surrounded by roads in the map information is defined as a block. Furthermore, the fire spread level is calculated by grouping the information for each block. This makes it clear which areas have been warned, allowing for measures such as alerting residents of neighboring houses. Consequently, regional disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient.

[0105] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, SNS is used for inputting the fire point FP to the main control device 10 and for at least one of the user destinations. This allows information from an unspecified number of SNS users to be used. Therefore, the fire point FP can be input to the main control device 10 earlier. Thus, local disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient. In addition, information is sent to the direct mail of the SNS to people who commonly use SNS. Therefore, information from the fire spread warning system 1 can be obtained through services that are frequently used on a daily basis. Thus, even in emergencies, information from the fire spread warning system 1 will not be missed, and warnings will be more reliably transmitted to users.

[0106] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, the input of fire point FP to the main control device 10 includes input from workers, input from fire-fighting facilities, input from each information terminal 20, and input from an analysis system that analyzes information on social media. As a result, fire point FP can be input to the main control device 10 more quickly by receiving input from various information sources. Therefore, regional disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient.

[0107] In the fire spread alarm system 1 of Embodiment 1, the user recipient is at least one of the following: unique ID information, email address, mobile phone number, and SNS direct email address. This increases the flexibility of the alarm recipient. Therefore, the recipient can be set according to the user's convenience. Thus, the alarm can be delivered to the user more reliably without burdening the user.

[0108] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, at least one information terminal 20 can input fire point FP information to the main control unit 10, while at least one information terminal 20 cannot input fire point FP information to the main control unit 10. This allows fire point FP to be input to the main control unit 10 from only specific information terminals 20. Therefore, by having local leaders or local fire brigade members carry specific information terminals 20, fire point FP can be input to the main control unit 10 more quickly. Thus, local disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient. Furthermore, even if the fire spreads from the initial fire and the number of fire points FP increases, fire point FP can be input sequentially from the chaotic scene. Thus, local disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient.

[0109] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, when the relevant names and mobile phone numbers of each user are entered into the main control unit 10 via the corresponding information terminal 20, the corresponding information terminal 20 can input fire point FP information to the main control unit 10. This ensures that highly reliable fire point FP information is entered. Therefore, it becomes possible for users to quickly input more reliable fire point FP information into the main control unit 10. Thus, regional disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient.

[0110] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, an information terminal 20 granted special privileges can input fire point FP information to the main control unit 10. This ensures that fire point FP information is entered with higher reliability than that entered by a specific user. Consequently, specific users can input fire point FP information to the main control unit 10 more quickly and with greater reliability. Therefore, regional disaster prevention measures can be made more efficient.

[0111] In the fire spread alarm system 1 of Embodiment 1, the threshold can be set to a level below the lowest level of fire spread. This enables the system to issue alarms corresponding to all fire spread levels, including level 0. Therefore, all users can accurately determine whether or not they need to evacuate their homes, even if they only hear rumors of a fire. Thus, users can respond to a fire without being misled by inaccurate information.

[0112] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, the main control device 10 calculates a new fire spread level based on the fire point FP and any new fire point FPs input in addition to the existing fire point FP. This allows for accurate calculation of the fire spread level and the issuance of an alarm based on that level, even if, for example, the fire spreads and the number of fire points FPs increases. Therefore, safer measures can be taken for disaster prevention in the region.

[0113] In the fire spread warning system 1 of Embodiment 1, the main control device 10 also calculates the fire spread level after a set period and issues an alarm corresponding to the calculated fire spread level after the set period at a time based on the set period. This makes it possible to implement safety measures that anticipate events after the set period. Therefore, safer measures can be taken for disaster prevention in the region.

[0114] In the fire spread alarm system 1 of Embodiment 1, each information terminal 20 has a display screen 21. The main control device 10 transmits information about the fire point FP and the area corresponding to the calculated fire spread level to each information terminal 20. Each information terminal 20 then displays the received information about the fire point FP and the area corresponding to the fire spread level on the display screen 21. This allows users to understand the location of the fire and the area where the alarm has been issued. Therefore, users can evacuate while avoiding the fire point FP and areas with high fire spread levels.

[0115] The alarm activation method in Embodiment 1 includes a fire point input step in which the fire point FP is input to the main control device 10 of the fire spread alarm system 1 disclosed in Embodiment 1. Following the fire point input step, it includes a fire spread level calculation step in which the degree of fire spread, which is the degree to which a fire occurs, is calculated based on the fire point FP. Furthermore, following the fire spread level calculation step, it includes an activation step in which an alarm corresponding to the fire spread level is issued to user addresses corresponding to areas where the fire spread level is above a threshold. This ensures that alarms are issued only to users associated with areas where the fire spread level is calculated to be above a threshold based on the fire point FP. Therefore, alarms considering the fire point can be issued to the appropriate person at the appropriate time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 1 Fire spread alarm system, 10 Main control unit, 11 Information processing unit, 12 Input / output unit, 13 Storage unit, 20 Information terminal, 21 Display screen, 25 Alarm application, 50 Regional information, FP Fire point, WD Wind direction.

Claims

1. It is equipped with a main control unit that calculates the fire spread level, which is the degree to which a fire will occur based on the input fire point. The main control unit can store user addresses that each user has entered as destinations for alarms, and issues the alarm corresponding to the fire spread level to the user addresses that correspond to the addresses in areas where the fire spread level is above a threshold. Fire spread warning system.

2. The main control device can store the user address and user destination entered by each user, searches for the user address corresponding to the address in the area where the fire spread level is above a threshold, identifies the user destination associated with the searched user address, and issues the alarm to the identified user destination. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 1.

3. It is further equipped with one or more information terminals, Each information terminal transmits the user's address and the user's destination entered by the corresponding user to the main control unit. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned fire spread level is calculated based on map information, which is map information of the area under jurisdiction, regional information including information indicating the characteristics of buildings, and weather information input to the main control unit. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned regional information further includes block information that indicates the characteristics of each block when the area surrounded by roads in the aforementioned map information is defined as a block. The aforementioned fire spread level is calculated by combining the data for each block. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 4.

6. The input of the firing point to the main control device and at least one of the user destinations utilize SNS. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 5.

7. When the name and mobile phone number of each user are entered into the main control unit via the corresponding information terminal, the corresponding information terminal can input the fire point information into the main control unit. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 3.

8. The information terminal, which has been granted special privileges, can input the information about the fire point to the main control unit. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 3.

9. The threshold can be set to a level below the lowest level of the fire spread. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 1.

10. The main control device calculates a new fire spread level based on the aforementioned fire point and a new fire point that has been input in addition to the aforementioned fire point. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 1.

11. The main control unit also calculates the fire spread level after the set period and issues an alarm corresponding to the calculated fire spread level after the set period at a time based on the set period. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 1.

12. Each of the aforementioned information terminals has a display screen, The main control unit transmits the fire point and the information of the area corresponding to the calculated fire spread level to each of the information terminals. Each of the aforementioned information terminals displays the received information on the fire point and the area corresponding to the fire spread level on the display screen. The fire spread alarm system according to claim 3.

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