Monitoring range confirmation system, monitoring direction confirmation system

Abstract

A monitoring range confirmation system (100) is obtained that can confirm whether the fire detector (200) is monitoring correctly. [Solution] The monitoring range confirmation system (100) is a system for confirming whether a fire detector (200) that monitors whether or not a fire has occurred is monitoring a predetermined monitoring range, and comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (1) equipped with a simulated fire generation unit (17) that generates a simulated fire, an aircraft control unit (2) that controls the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1), and notification units (3, 220) that notify when the fire detector (200) detects a fire, and the aircraft control unit (2) controls the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) to fly in the space in the direction that the fire detector (200) is monitoring while a simulated fire is being generated by the simulated fire generation unit (17).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a monitoring range confirmation system and a monitoring direction confirmation system for confirming the monitoring range and monitoring direction of a fire detector. [Background Art]

[0002] A fire detector is generally installed on the ceiling surface of a room to be monitored, and monitors the entire room. On the other hand, there are also fire detectors that monitor a specific direction and a specific range by using a universal mounting base capable of adjusting the monitoring direction.

[0003] Furthermore, there is an inspection device that can easily confirm the monitoring range of a fire detector (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 6-84078 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining an installation method for a fire detector that monitors a specific direction and a specific range.

[0006] When installing the fire detector 200, an operator first fixes the universal mounting base 250 to a wall surface or a ceiling. Next, the operator attaches the fire detector 200 to the universal mounting base 250.

[0007] When adjusting the orientation of the fire detector 200, the operator attaches a visual field checker 500 as shown in FIG. 5 to the fire detector 200.

[0008] The field of view confirmation device 500 is equipped with a laser pointer 510. By visually observing the laser dot, which is the point position of the laser pointer 510, and confirming which position the laser pointer 510 is illuminating, the operator can understand the monitoring range of the fire detector 200.

[0009] The worker adjusts the orientation of the fire detector 200 by rotating the mounting part 251 of the adjustable mounting base 250 so that the laser dot is in the desired position. Once the laser dot is in the desired position, the worker fixes the mounting part 251 in place to prevent rotation and removes the field of view verifier 500 from the fire detector 200.

[0010] Furthermore, if it is necessary to narrow the monitoring range, a field of view adapter can be attached to the fire detector 200.

[0011] Through this series of operations, the fire detector 200 can monitor for the occurrence of a fire within a predetermined monitoring range and direction.

[0012] The worker adjusts the monitoring range and direction of the fire detector 200 in this manner. However, if an external shock or vibration occurs after the adjustment, the mounting part 251 of the adjustable mounting base 250 may rotate, causing the orientation of the fire detector 200 to change from its original orientation.

[0013] Furthermore, if the fire detector 200 continues to be operated without noticing that its orientation has changed from its original direction, the fire detector 200 will not be able to correctly detect a fire even if one occurs in that direction.

[0014] Furthermore, when using the inspection device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to attach the inspection device to the fire detector 200, but the fire detector 200 is often installed in a high place such as near the ceiling. For this reason, it may not be easy to access the fire detector 200 and attach the inspection device.

[0015] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a monitoring range confirmation system and a monitoring direction confirmation system that can easily confirm whether a fire detector is monitoring correctly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] The monitoring range confirmation system relating to this disclosure is a monitoring range confirmation system for confirming whether a fire detector, which monitors whether or not a fire has occurred, is monitoring a predetermined monitoring range, and comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a simulated fire generation unit that generates a simulated fire, an aircraft control unit that controls the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle, and a notification unit that notifies when a fire detector detects a fire, wherein the aircraft control unit controls the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly in the space in the direction monitored by the fire detector while a simulated fire is being generated by the simulated fire generation unit.

[0017] Furthermore, the monitoring direction confirmation system relating to this disclosure is a monitoring direction confirmation system for confirming whether a fire detector, which monitors whether or not a fire has occurred, is facing a predetermined monitoring direction, and comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with an imaging unit and an aircraft control unit that controls the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The state in which the fire detector is facing the correct monitoring direction is captured in advance from a specific position as the initial state, and the aircraft control unit controls the imaging unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly to the specific position and capture an image of the fire detector from the specific position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to this disclosure, it is possible to obtain a monitoring range confirmation system and a monitoring direction confirmation system that can easily confirm whether a fire detector is monitoring correctly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This figure shows the monitoring range confirmation system in Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure, as well as the state in which the fire detector is monitoring the object to be monitored. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the monitoring range confirmation system shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating an example of a flight mode when confirming the monitoring range of a fire detector in the unmanned aerial vehicle shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating an example of a flight mode when confirming the monitoring direction of a fire detector in the unmanned aerial vehicle shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining an installation method of a fire detector that monitors a specific direction and a specific range DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the monitoring range confirmation system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings The monitoring range confirmation system according to the present disclosure is a system for confirming the monitoring range and monitoring direction of a fire detector using an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a pseudo fire generation unit and an imaging unit

[0021] The monitoring range confirmation system according to the present disclosure is technically characterized in that it controls the unmanned aerial vehicle to fly through a space in the direction monitored by the fire detector while a pseudo fire is generated by the pseudo fire generation unit. This allows an operator to know at which flight position the fire detector detected the pseudo fire, and as a result, the operator can confirm the monitoring range of the fire detector

[0022] Further, in the present disclosure, when a new fire detector is installed or the direction of the monitoring direction is adjusted, the state of the fire detector at that time is captured as an initial state from a specific position

[0023] The present disclosure is also technically characterized in that, when an abnormality occurs in the fire detector such as when an impact is applied thereto, or during maintenance and inspection, an operator images the fire detector from the same specific position using the unmanned aerial vehicle. This allows the operator to compare the captured image in the initial state with the currently captured image to confirm whether or not the orientation of the fire detector has changed

[0024] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows the monitoring range confirmation system in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure, and also shows the state in which the fire detector is monitoring the object to be monitored.

[0025] The monitoring range confirmation system 100 is a system for confirming whether the fire detector 200 is monitoring a predetermined monitoring range. The monitoring range confirmation system 100 comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle 1 and a remote controller 2, and includes a fire receiver 3 as a notification unit.

[0026] Unmanned aircraft 1 is an aircraft that flies autonomously while maintaining its attitude. Unmanned aircraft 1 communicates wirelessly with remote controller 2 and flies in accordance with instructions from remote controller 2.

[0027] The unmanned aerial vehicle 1 is equipped with an imaging unit 14 and a simulated fire generation unit 17. The imaging unit 14 is a camera that images the area in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1. In order to be able to image not only the area in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 but also other directions, multiple cameras or a single 360-degree camera may be mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 as the imaging unit 14.

[0028] The simulated fire generation unit 17 is a heat source such as a small heater that can be mounted on the unmanned aircraft 1, and emits enough heat to be detected by the fire detector 200.

[0029] The remote controller 2 is an aircraft control unit that controls the operation of the unmanned aircraft 1 based on manual operation by the operator 10. The remote controller 2 is equipped with a display unit 24, which will be described later, and can display the captured images taken by the imaging unit 14 to the operator 10 through the display unit 24.

[0030] The remote controller 2 is a dedicated device specifically designed for operating the unmanned aircraft 1, but it may also be a smartphone, tablet PC, or notebook PC with a predetermined aircraft control program installed.

[0031] The fire alarm receiver 3 is electrically connected to the fire detector 200 via a signal line, and when it receives a fire signal from the fire detector 200, it triggers an alarm, indicating that a fire has occurred.

[0032] In Embodiment 1, the fire alarm receiver 3 also has a function to notify the worker 10 when the fire detector 200 detects a simulated fire. For example, when the fire detector 200 detects a simulated fire, the fire alarm receiver 3 notifies the remote controller 2 or the worker 10's mobile terminal via an external server (not shown).

[0033] The fire detector 200 is a detector that monitors whether or not a fire has occurred, and is, for example, an infrared three-wavelength detector. In Embodiment 1, the fire receiver 3 is installed to monitor whether or not a fire has occurred in the object to be monitored 300.

[0034] The fire detector 200 is equipped with a fire detection unit 210 and an indicator light 220.

[0035] The fire detection unit 210 is composed of three light-receiving elements, each of which senses infrared radiation of a different wavelength. The fire detection unit 210 monitors a field of view of 50 degrees from the central axis C, and if a fire occurs within this range, it detects it and outputs a fire signal to the fire receiver 3.

[0036] The indicator light 220 is a light-emitting element that lights up red when the fire detection unit 210 detects a fire.

[0037] The monitored objects 300 are highly flammable materials or equipment, such as wood, paper, other combustible materials, containers filled with highly volatile liquids, and electrical equipment.

[0038] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the monitoring range confirmation system 100 shown in Figure 1.

[0039] In Figure 2, the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 comprises a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, a storage unit 13, an imaging unit 14, an illumination unit 15, an autonomous flight control unit 16, and a simulated fire generation unit 17.

[0040] The communication unit 11 communicates wirelessly with the remote controller 2. In this embodiment 1, the communication unit 11 communicates data in a specific frequency band such as the 2.4GHz band.

[0041] The control unit 12 has a configuration that includes an arithmetic processing unit, a main memory, and an interface for controlling various hardware. The control unit 12 performs various arithmetic processing and controls various hardware within the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 according to commands from the remote controller 2.

[0042] The memory unit 13 is a secondary memory device that stores programs, parameters, and other information for flying the unmanned aerial vehicle 1. The memory unit 13 also records images captured by the imaging unit 14 during flight and records operation logs.

[0043] The imaging unit 14 captures images of the area in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 in the direction of travel. As mentioned above, if multiple cameras or 360-degree cameras are used as the imaging unit 14, images can be captured in various directions simultaneously.

[0044] The illumination unit 15 is an LED light, which turns on when the captured image becomes unclear due to insufficient light.

[0045] The autonomous flight control unit 16 is a module that controls the unmanned aircraft 1 so that it can autonomously maintain its attitude during flight. The autonomous flight control unit 16 consists of an inertial measurement unit, a rotor motor, an autonomous control circuit, and the like. The autonomous control circuit includes at least a motor driver circuit that controls the rotor motor based on acceleration values, angular velocity values, etc., measured by the inertial measurement unit.

[0046] As described above, the simulated fire generation unit 17 is a heat source and generates a simulated fire in order to trigger the fire detector 200.

[0047] The remote controller 2 comprises a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a storage unit 23, a display unit 24, and an operation unit 25.

[0048] The communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 using a frequency band such as the 2.4GHz band.

[0049] The control unit 22 includes a processing unit, main memory, etc., and controls various hardware within the remote controller 2.

[0050] The memory unit 23 stores control programs, parameters, and other necessary data. The memory unit 23 also stores captured images transmitted from the unmanned aerial vehicle 1.

[0051] The display unit 24 includes a liquid crystal monitor and displays the captured images transmitted from the unmanned aerial vehicle 1.

[0052] The control unit 25 is a functional unit that receives manual input from the operator 10 and includes an operating stick. The control unit 25 performs various controls on the unmanned aerial vehicle 1, such as flight control and imaging operations, in response to the manual input from the operator 10.

[0053] In Embodiment 1, the display unit 24 is configured to be integrated with the remote controller 2, but a dedicated monitor separate from the remote controller 2 may be provided as the display unit 24.

[0054] Figure 3 illustrates the flight pattern of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 when checking the monitoring range of the fire detector 200.

[0055] The remote controller 2 remotely turns on the simulated fire generation unit 17 of the unmanned aircraft 1 based on the operator 10's actions. Alternatively, the operator 10 may turn on the simulated fire generation unit 17 by directly operating a physical switch provided on the unit.

[0056] Next, the remote controller 2 controls the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to fly in the space in the direction monitored by the fire detector 200, based on the operator 10's actions. This flight control causes the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to fly in the space between the monitored object 300 and the fire detector 200, as shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Based on the operator's (10) commands, the unmanned aircraft 1 flies in all directions relative to the fire detector 200, including up, down, left, and right, and moves closer to and further away from the fire detector 200.

[0058] Due to the flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1, the fire detector 200 may or may not detect a simulated fire depending on the flight position of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1. In other words, if the flight position of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 is within the monitoring range of the fire detector 200, the fire detector 200 will detect a simulated fire, but if it is outside the monitoring range, the fire detector 200 will not detect a simulated fire.

[0059] When the fire detector 200 detects a simulated fire, it outputs a fire signal to the fire receiver 3, and the fire receiver 3 notifies the worker 10 of the detection of the simulated fire via the remote controller 2 or portable terminal.

[0060] The worker 10 can determine whether or not a simulated fire is detected at any of the flight positions based on whether or not this notification is received, and can confirm the monitoring range of the fire detector 200.

[0061] Furthermore, since the fire detector 200 illuminates the indicator light 220 when it detects a simulated fire, the worker 10 can also confirm the monitoring range of the fire detector 200 by determining whether or not the indicator light 220 is lit. In this case, the indicator light 220 of the fire detector 200 functions as a notification unit.

[0062] Figure 3 illustrates a method for confirming the monitoring range of the fire detector 200 using the simulated fire generation unit 17. In contrast, by using the imaging unit 14, the monitoring range confirmation system 100 can also function as a monitoring direction confirmation system for confirming the monitoring direction of the fire detector 200.

[0063] Figure 4 illustrates the flight pattern of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 when confirming the monitoring direction of the fire detector 200.

[0064] To confirm the monitoring direction of the fire detector 200, the state of the fire detector 200 when it is facing the correct monitoring direction is captured in advance from a specific position P using the imaging unit 14 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 or another imaging device, as the initial state. For reasons described later, it is desirable that this specific position P be a high location closer to the ceiling than to the floor.

[0065] Subsequently, if the fire detector 200 malfunctions due to impact, vibration, etc., or during inspection or maintenance, the remote controller 2 will fly the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to a specific location P based on the operator 10's instructions. At this time, the operator 10 can fly the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to the specific location P while checking the image captured in advance as an initial state.

[0066] The remote controller 2 then controls the imaging unit 14 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to image the fire detector 200 from the specific location P.

[0067] By comparing the image of the initial state with the image taken this time, worker 10 can confirm whether or not the orientation of the fire detector 200 has changed from the initial state.

[0068] When imaging from a position approximately human height, even if imaging was initially possible from a certain position, it may become impossible to image from that position later due to the installation of equipment or other reasons. On the other hand, when the imaging position is at a high elevation away from the floor, even if equipment is installed later, as long as no equipment reaching the height of the imaging position is installed, it will not interfere with imaging, and imaging can be performed from the same position. In order to obtain such high reproducibility, in Embodiment 1, an unmanned aerial vehicle 1 is used to image from a high elevation.

[0069] The features of this monitoring range confirmation system 100 can be summarized as follows, and it will be able to achieve its intended effects.

[0070] The monitoring range confirmation system 100 is a system for confirming whether a fire detector 200, which monitors whether or not a fire has occurred, is monitoring a predetermined monitoring range. The monitoring range confirmation system 100 includes an unmanned aerial vehicle 1 equipped with a simulated fire generation unit 17 that generates a simulated fire, and a remote controller 2 that controls the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1. The monitoring range confirmation system 100 also includes a fire receiver 3 or an indicator light 220 that notifies when the fire detector 200 detects a fire.

[0071] The remote controller 2 controls the unmanned aircraft 1 to fly in the direction monitored by the fire detector 200 while a simulated fire is occurring due to the simulated fire generation unit 17.

[0072] This allows worker 10 to know the current monitoring range of the fire detector 200 by checking for a notification from the fire receiver 3 or the illumination of the indicator light 220. In other words, worker 10 can confirm through the monitoring range confirmation system 100 whether the fire detector 200 is correctly monitoring the predetermined monitoring range.

[0073] Furthermore, the fire detector 200 is installed to monitor whether or not a fire has occurred in the monitored object 300 located within the monitoring range. The remote controller 2 controls the unmanned aircraft 1 to fly in the space between the monitored object 300 and the fire detector 200 while a simulated fire is occurring due to the simulated fire generation unit 17.

[0074] This allows the worker 10 to confirm, through the monitoring range confirmation system 100, whether the fire detector 200 is correctly monitoring a specific object.

[0075] Furthermore, the monitoring range confirmation system 100 can also be provided as a monitoring direction confirmation system. Such a monitoring direction confirmation system is a system for confirming whether or not the fire detector 200 is facing a predetermined monitoring direction.

[0076] Furthermore, in this monitoring direction confirmation system, the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 is equipped with an imaging unit 14. The fire detector 200 is initially imaged from a specific position P, showing its state when it is correctly facing a predetermined monitoring direction.

[0077] The remote controller 2 flies the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to a specific location P. Then, the remote controller 2 controls the imaging unit 14 of the unmanned aerial vehicle 1 to image the fire detector 200 from the specific location P.

[0078] This allows worker 10 to determine whether the monitoring direction of the fire detector 200 has changed from its initial state by comparing the image of the initial state captured in advance with the image of the currently captured state. In other words, worker 10 can confirm through the monitoring direction confirmation system whether the fire detector 200 is monitoring correctly.

[0079] Furthermore, by using the monitoring range confirmation system 100 of Embodiment 1 or the monitoring direction confirmation system described above, the monitoring range and monitoring direction of the fire detector 200 can be easily confirmed without attaching the field of view confirmation device 500 to the fire detector 200. In addition, when installing a new fire detector 200, the monitoring range confirmation system 100 can be used to set the monitoring range and monitoring direction without attaching the field of view confirmation device 500. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1 Unmanned aircraft, 2 Remote controller (aircraft control unit), 3 Fire receiver (notification unit), 10 Operator, 11, 21 Communication unit, 12, 22 Control unit, 13, 23 Memory unit, 14 Imaging unit, 15 Lighting unit, 16 Autonomous flight control unit, 17 Simulated fire generation unit, 24 Display unit, 25 Operation unit, 100 Monitoring range confirmation system, 200 Fire detector, 210 Fire detection unit, 220 Confirmation light (notification unit), 250 Flexible mounting base, 251 Mounting unit, 300 Object to be monitored, 500 Field of view confirmation device, 510 Laser pointer, C Central axis, P Specific position.

Claims

1. A monitoring range confirmation system for verifying whether a fire detector, which monitors whether or not a fire has occurred, is monitoring a predetermined monitoring range, An unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a simulated fire generating unit that generates a simulated fire, A flight control unit that controls the operation of the aforementioned unmanned aerial vehicle, The fire detector includes a notification unit that notifies when it detects a fire, It has, The aircraft control unit controls the unmanned aircraft to fly in the direction monitored by the fire detector when a simulated fire is occurring due to the simulated fire generation unit. Monitoring range confirmation system.

2. The fire detector is installed to monitor whether or not a fire has occurred in the object to be monitored located within the monitoring range. The aircraft control unit controls the unmanned aircraft to fly in the space between the monitored object and the fire detector while a simulated fire is occurring due to the simulated fire generation unit. The monitoring range confirmation system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with an imaging unit, The aforementioned fire detector has its initial state, which is captured from a specific location beforehand, when it is correctly facing the predetermined monitoring direction. The aforementioned aircraft control unit, The unmanned aircraft is flown to the aforementioned specific location, The imaging unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle is controlled to image the fire detector from the specified location. The monitoring range confirmation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A monitoring direction confirmation system for confirming whether a fire detector, which monitors whether or not a fire has occurred, is facing a predetermined monitoring direction, An unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with an imaging unit, A flight control unit that controls the operation of the aforementioned unmanned aerial vehicle, It has, The fire detector has its initial state, when it is facing the correct monitoring direction, captured in a pre-recorded image from a specific location. The aforementioned aircraft control unit, The unmanned aircraft is flown to the aforementioned specific location, The imaging unit of the unmanned aerial vehicle is controlled to image the fire detector from the specified location. Monitoring direction confirmation system.

Images