Smoke Monitoring System

Abstract

To provide a smoke monitoring system that makes it possible to change sensitivity of a smoke sensor depending on a time even if the smoke sensor does not manage a threshold before and after the sensitivity is changed.SOLUTION: In a smoke monitoring system including: a monitor device; a smoke alarm board connected to the monitor device; and a subordinate smoke sensor connected to the smoke alarm board, the monitor device is configured to transmit a threshold different depending on a time to the smoke sensor via the smoke alarm board. The subordinate smoke sensor has: a storage unit; an acquisition unit that acquires the threshold via the smoke alarm board from the monitor device via the smoke alarm board; a change unit that, when the threshold is newly acquired by the acquisition unit, changes the existing threshold stored in the storage unit to the newly acquired threshold; a measurement unit that measures the density of a smoke; and a transmission unit that transmits a detection result of the smoke indicative of a result of comparing the smoke density with the post-changed threshold stored in the storage unit to the smoke alarm board. The smoke alarm board is configured to output an alarm in accordance with the detection result of the smoke received from the smoke sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a smoke monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are techniques for changing the sensitivity of a fire sensor (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6378042 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4718844 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In both of the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the fire sensor changes the sensitivity independently without relying on other devices. Therefore, the fire sensor needs to store both the threshold value before and after the change and manage the threshold value before and after the change, such as by selecting the threshold value to be used at the current time from among these threshold values.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to change the sensitivity of a smoke sensor over time without the smoke sensor having to manage the threshold values ​​before and after the change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a smoke monitoring system comprising a monitoring device, a smoke alarm panel connected to the monitoring device, and a smoke sensor connected to the smoke alarm panel, wherein the monitoring device transmits a threshold value that varies depending on time to the smoke sensor via the smoke alarm panel, and the smoke sensor has a memory unit, an acquisition unit that acquires the threshold value from the monitoring device via the smoke alarm panel, a change unit that, when the threshold value is newly acquired by the acquisition unit, changes the existing threshold value stored in the memory unit to the newly acquired threshold value, a measurement unit that measures smoke concentration, and a transmission unit that transmits the smoke detection result indicating the result of comparing the smoke concentration with the changed threshold value stored in the memory unit to the smoke alarm panel, and the smoke alarm panel outputs an alarm according to the smoke detection result received from the smoke sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the sensitivity of the smoke sensor can be changed over time without the smoke sensor managing the threshold values ​​before and after the change. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smoke monitoring system according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a monitoring device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smoke alarm panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a dependent smoke sensor. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a stand-alone smoke sensor. [Figure 6] 11 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation for setting a threshold value of an alarm level. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a setting screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a database. [Figure 9] 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation for changing a threshold value of an alarm level. [Figure 10]10 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation for changing a threshold value of an alarm level. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] composition FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smoke monitoring system 10 according to an embodiment. The smoke monitoring system 10 is installed in a fire-prevention object such as a server room, a data center, or a clean room. The smoke monitoring system 10 detects signs of fire by monitoring the state of the ambient air in the fire-prevention object. In this way, detecting signs of fire makes it possible to quickly respond at an early stage.

[0010] The smoke monitoring system 10 includes a monitoring device 100, a plurality of smoke alarm panels 200, a plurality of dependent smoke sensors 300, and a plurality of independent smoke sensors 400. The monitoring device 100, the plurality of smoke alarm panels 200, and the plurality of independent smoke sensors 400 are connected via a first signal line 11 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The plurality of dependent smoke sensors 300 are connected to each smoke alarm panel 200 via a second signal line 12.

[0011] The monitoring device 100 is used to collectively monitor the smoke alarm panel 200 and the slave smoke sensor 300. The monitoring device 100 also manages and controls the thresholds used by the slave smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 to determine the alarm level.

[0012] The smoke alarm panel 200 is a device that outputs an alarm according to the corresponding alarm level determined by the slave smoke sensor 300.

[0013] The dependent smoke sensor 300 is also called a communication type smoke sensor, and is a smoke sensor that is dependent on the smoke alarm panel 200. "Dependent" here means that part of the smoke alarm function is performed by the smoke alarm panel 200. The dependent smoke sensor 300 measures the concentration of surrounding smoke and determines the appropriate alarm level by comparing the measured smoke concentration with an alarm level threshold.

[0014] The independent smoke sensor 400 is also called a stand-alone type smoke sensor, and is a smoke sensor that operates independently without requiring the smoke alarm panel 200. Here, "operates independently" means that the smoke alarm function can be realized without relying on other devices. The independent smoke sensor 400 measures the concentration of smoke in the surroundings, determines the corresponding alarm level by comparing the measured smoke concentration with the alarm level threshold, and outputs an alarm according to the determined alarm level.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the monitoring device 100. For example, a general-purpose computer is used as the monitoring device 100. The monitoring device 100 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, an operation unit 104, and a display unit 105. The various units of the monitoring device 100 are connected via a bus.

[0016] The control unit 101 is a processor that controls each part of the device and performs various processes. The control unit 101 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 102 is a memory that stores programs and various data for implementing the functions of the device. The data stored in the storage unit 102 includes a database 121. The storage unit 102 includes, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for connecting the device to the first signal line 11. The communication unit 103 is used to communicate with other devices connected via the first signal line 11. The operation unit 104 is used to operate the device. The operation unit 104 includes, for example, a mouse and a keyboard. The display unit 105 displays various information. The display unit 105 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0017] The control unit 101 functions as a clock unit 111 and a transmission unit 112. These functions are realized by the control unit 101 executing a program stored in the storage unit 102 and the control unit 101 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the monitoring device 100. Alternatively, the clock unit 111 may be realized by a physical timer.

[0018] The timer unit 111 measures time. The transmitter unit 112 transmits a threshold value used to determine the alarm level to the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400 via the smoke alarm panel 200. The threshold value transmitted from the transmitter unit 112 varies depending on the time. The threshold value transmitted from the transmitter unit 112 may also vary depending on the time and the day of the week. The multiple alarm levels indicate that the smoke concentration is equal to or higher than different threshold values.

[0019] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smoke alarm panel 200. The smoke alarm panel 200 includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, a first communication unit 203, a second communication unit 204, an operation unit 205, a display unit 206, a sound output unit 207, and a reporting circuit 208. The various units of the smoke alarm panel 200 are connected via a bus.

[0020] The control unit 201, the storage unit 202, the first communication unit 203, the operation unit 205, and the display unit 206 are basically the same as the control unit 101, the storage unit 102, the communication unit 103, the operation unit 104, and the display unit 105 of the monitoring device 100, respectively. However, the operation unit 205 includes, for example, an operation button. The display unit 206 includes, for example, a 7-segment display and an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The second communication unit 204 is a communication interface for connecting the device itself to the second signal line 12. The second communication unit 204 is used to communicate with another device connected via the second signal line 12. The sound output unit 207 outputs sound. The sound output unit 207 includes, for example, a speaker.

[0021] The report transfer circuit 208 transfers a report to an external device (not shown) when an alarm occurs. The report transfer circuit 208 includes a plurality of relays. Each relay includes a contact. In one example, the report transfer circuit 208 includes a first relay to a third relay. The first relay to the third relay include a first contact to a third contact, respectively. The first contact to the third contact are assigned alarm levels, for example, "alarm 1" to "alarm 3", as triggers for report transfer.

[0022] The control unit 201 functions as a transfer unit 211, a receiving unit 212, and an output unit 213. These functions are realized by the control unit 201 executing a program stored in the storage unit 202, and the control unit 201 performing calculations or controlling each part of the smoke alarm panel 200.

[0023] The transfer unit 211 transfers data between the monitoring device 100 and the dependent smoke sensor 300. The receiving unit 212 receives a smoke detection result from the dependent smoke sensor 300. The output unit 213 outputs an alarm according to the smoke detection result received by the receiving unit 212. This alarm output includes at least one of a display on the display unit 206, a sound output from the sound output unit 207, and a report from the report transfer circuit 208.

[0024] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the dependent smoke sensor 300. The dependent smoke sensor 300 includes a control unit 301, a storage unit 302, a communication unit 303, and a smoke detection unit 304. The respective units of the dependent smoke sensor 300 are connected via a bus.

[0025] The control unit 301, the memory unit 302, and the communication unit 303 are basically similar to the control unit 101, the memory unit 102, and the second communication unit 204 of the smoke alarm panel 200, respectively, of the monitoring device 100.

[0026] The smoke detection unit 304 sucks in the surrounding air and measures the smoke concentration. In this way, the smoke detection unit 304 detects smoke present in the surrounding air. The smoke concentration that the smoke detection unit 304 can measure ranges from 0.0001% / m to 20.0% / m, for example. For example, a total scattered light method or a two-light receiving method is used to detect smoke. However, the method of detecting smoke is not limited to these methods, and other methods may be used. The smoke detection unit 304 is an example of a "measurement unit" according to the present invention.

[0027] The control unit 301 functions as an acquisition unit 311, a change unit 312, a determination unit 313, and a transmission unit 314. These functions are realized by the control unit 301 executing a program stored in the storage unit 302, and the control unit 301 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the dependent smoke sensor 300.

[0028] The acquisition unit 311 acquires a threshold value used for determining an alarm level from the monitoring device 100 via the smoke alarm panel 200. When the acquisition unit 311 acquires a new threshold value, the change unit 312 changes the existing threshold value stored in the storage unit 302 to the newly acquired threshold value. The determination unit 313 compares the smoke concentration measured by the smoke detection unit 304 with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 302 to determine an appropriate alarm level from among a plurality of alarm levels. In one example, the plurality of alarm levels are three levels of alarm levels, "alarm 1" to "alarm 3". "alarm 1" is the lowest alarm level. "alarm 2" is the second lowest alarm level. "alarm 3" is the highest alarm level. When the smoke concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold value of the alarm level "alarm 1", the determination unit 313 determines that the alarm level corresponds to "alarm 1". When the smoke concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold value of the alarm level "alarm 2", the determination unit 313 determines that the alarm level corresponds to "alarm 2". If the smoke concentration is equal to or greater than the threshold for the alarm level of "Alarm 3", the determination unit 313 determines that the alarm level corresponds to "Alarm 3". The transmission unit 314 transmits a smoke detection result indicating the determination result of the determination unit 313 to the smoke alarm panel 200.

[0029] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400. The stand-alone smoke sensor 400 includes a control unit 401, a storage unit 402, a communication unit 403, a smoke detection unit 404, an operation unit 405, a display unit 406, a sound output unit 407, and a reporting circuit 408. The individual units of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 are connected via a bus.

[0030] The control unit 401, memory unit 402, communication unit 403, smoke detection unit 404, operation unit 405, display unit 406, sound output unit 407, and alarm circuit 408 are basically similar to the control unit 101, memory unit 102, communication unit 103 of the monitoring device 100, the smoke detection unit 304 of the dependent smoke sensor 300, the operation unit 205, display unit 206, sound output unit 207, and alarm circuit 208 of the smoke alarm panel 200, respectively.

[0031] The control unit 401 functions as an acquisition unit 411, a change unit 412, a determination unit 413, and an output unit 414. These functions are realized by the control unit 401 executing a program stored in the storage unit 402, and the control unit 401 performing calculations or controlling each unit of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400.

[0032] The acquisition unit 411 acquires a threshold value used for determining an alarm level from the monitoring device 100. The change unit 412, like the change unit 312 of the dependent smoke sensor 300, changes the existing threshold value stored in the memory unit 402 to the newly acquired threshold value when the acquisition unit 411 acquires a new threshold value. The determination unit 413, like the determination unit 313 of the dependent smoke sensor 300, determines a corresponding alarm level from among a plurality of alarm levels by comparing the concentration of smoke measured by the smoke detection unit 404 with the threshold value stored in the memory unit 402. The output unit 414 outputs an alarm according to the determination result of the determination unit 413. This alarm output includes at least one of the display on the display unit 406, the output of a sound from the sound output unit 407, and the transmission of a signal from the signal transmission circuit 408.

[0033] operation Initial Setup 6 is a sequence chart showing an example of an operation for setting a threshold value of an alarm level. This operation is performed, for example, before starting to use the smoke monitoring system 10.

[0034] In step S11, an operator uses the operation unit 104 of the monitoring device 100 to perform an operation for setting thresholds for a plurality of alarm levels.

[0035] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen 150. The setting screen 150 accepts an operation to set alarm level thresholds "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" to be used in the daytime (hereinafter also referred to as "daytime thresholds") and alarm level thresholds "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" to be used in the nighttime (hereinafter also referred to as "nighttime thresholds") for each of the multiple dependent smoke sensors 300 and the multiple independent smoke sensors 400. These thresholds can be set in the range of 0.01 to 20.0% / m. Note that the shaded areas in the figure indicate grayed-out items. Input operations cannot be performed on items displayed in grayed-out.

[0036] For example, when setting the daytime thresholds for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" used by the dependent smoke sensor 300A to 0.08% / m, 0.14% / m, and 0.18% / m, respectively, the worker inputs these thresholds into input areas 151 labeled "Day 1" to "Day 3" corresponding to the dependent smoke sensor 300A, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0037] In addition, the threshold value used by the dependent smoke sensor 300A may be different between daytime and nighttime. For example, since there are more people in daytime than at night, smoke caused by people such as dust is more likely to be generated. Therefore, if the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 is increased, erroneous detection of smoke is more likely to occur. Therefore, in order to reduce the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 in daytime, the daytime threshold value may be larger than the nighttime threshold value. On the other hand, since there are fewer people in nighttime than daytime, smoke caused by people such as dust is less likely to be generated. Therefore, even if the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 is increased, erroneous detection of smoke is less likely to occur. Therefore, in order to increase the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400, the nighttime threshold value may be smaller than the daytime threshold value.

[0038] When different alarm level thresholds are used by the dependent smoke sensor 300A for daytime and nighttime periods, the worker first selects to set the night thresholds used by the dependent smoke sensor 300A, for example, by checking the check box 152 labeled "night setting" corresponding to the dependent smoke sensor 300A, as shown in Fig. 7. Next, when starting to use the day threshold from 9:00 and the night threshold from 17:00, the worker inputs "9:00", the time to change to the day threshold (hereinafter also referred to as "day change time") in the input field 153 labeled "day start", and "17:00", the time to change to the night threshold (hereinafter also referred to as "night change time") in the input field 153 labeled "night start". Then, when setting the night thresholds for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" used by the dependent smoke sensor 300A to 0.06% / m, 0.12% / m, and 0.16% / m, respectively, the worker inputs these thresholds into the input areas 151, "Night 1" to "Night 3," corresponding to the dependent smoke sensor 300A.

[0039] The worker also performs an operation to set thresholds for the other dependent smoke sensors 300 and independent smoke sensors 400. The number of people around and the time of day when people are around differ depending on the installation location of the dependent smoke sensors 300 and independent smoke sensors 400. Therefore, the daytime threshold, nighttime threshold, daytime change time, and nighttime change time may be different for each dependent smoke sensor 300 or independent smoke sensor 400.

[0040] Furthermore, for certain days of the week, the daytime threshold value may not be used, and the nighttime threshold value may be set to be used all the time. For example, if the fire prevention object is a cultural property open to the public and is closed on certain days of the week, there will be few people on those days. Therefore, the nighttime threshold value may be used all the time for those days of the week. For example, if the nighttime threshold value is to be used on Saturdays and Sundays, the checkbox 154 "Saturday" and the checkbox 154 "Sunday" are checked to select Saturdays and Sundays.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 6, in step S12, the monitoring device 100 stores in the database 121 the setting information corresponding to the operation performed in step S11.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the database 121. The database 121 includes databases 121a and 121b. The database 121a includes an identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400, a time period, a change time, and thresholds of alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3". For example, assume that the night thresholds are set for the dependent smoke sensor 300A, the change time in the day is 9:00, the change time in the night is 17:00, the day thresholds of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are 0.08% / m, 0.14% / m, and 0.18% / m, respectively, and the night thresholds are 0.06% / m, 0.12% / m, and 0.16% / m, respectively. In this case, the database 121a stores the change time in the day "9:00" and the change time in the night "17:00" in association with the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300A. The daytime change time "9:00" is associated with and stored as the daytime thresholds "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" for the warning levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3". The nighttime change time "17:00" is associated with and stored as the nighttime thresholds "0.06", "0.12", and "0.16" for the warning levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3".

[0043] If the night threshold value has not been set, only the day threshold value is stored, and the day change time, night change time, and night threshold value are not stored.

[0044] Database 121b stores the daytime change time and evening change time used on a day of the week in association with the day of the week for which the always-night threshold is used. For example, if the days of the week for which the always-night threshold is used are Saturday and Sunday, database 121b stores the days of the week "Saturday" and "Sunday." Database 121b also stores information for "invalidating" the daytime change time and an evening change time of "0:00." This indicates that for the days of the week stored in database 121b, the daytime change time stored in database 121a is invalidated and all evening change times are changed to 0:00 AM.

[0045] Returning to Fig. 6, in step S13, the transmission unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 transmits the thresholds set for each dependent smoke sensor 300 via the smoke alarm panel 200. Specifically, the transmission unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 transmits the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the set threshold to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the dependent smoke sensor 300 is connected. When the transfer unit 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 receives the identifier and threshold from the monitoring device 100, it transmits the threshold to the dependent smoke sensor 300 identified by the identifier. The dependent smoke sensor 300 receives the threshold from the smoke alarm panel 200.

[0046] At this time, if the night threshold is not set, the day threshold is transmitted. On the other hand, if the night threshold is set, the threshold of the time zone to which the current time belongs is transmitted. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a day threshold and a night threshold are set in the dependent smoke sensor 300A. In this case, if the current time measured by the clock unit 111 belongs to the daytime zone, the day threshold is transmitted. On the other hand, if the current time measured by the clock unit 111 belongs to the nighttime zone, the night threshold is transmitted.

[0047] In step S14, each of the slave smoke sensors 300 stores the received threshold value in the memory unit 302.

[0048] In step S15, the transmitting unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 transmits the thresholds set in each stand-alone smoke sensor 400. At this time, similar to step S13 described above, if a night threshold is not set, a day threshold is transmitted. On the other hand, if a night threshold is set, a threshold for the time period to which the current time belongs is transmitted. The acquiring unit 411 of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 receives the thresholds from the monitoring device 100.

[0049] In step S16, each independent smoke sensor 400 stores the received threshold value in the memory unit 402.

[0050] The process of step S13 and the process of step S15 described above may be performed in parallel, or the process of step S15 may be performed before the process of step S13.

[0051] Threshold change action 9 and 10 are sequence charts showing an example of an operation for changing the threshold value of the alarm level. This operation is started when the change time set in at least one of the slave smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 arrives.

[0052] In step S21, the transmission unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 refers to the database 121 in the storage unit 102 to determine whether or not the change time set in at least one of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 has arrived. For example, if the current time measured by the timing unit 111 does not correspond to any of the change times included in the database 121 shown in Fig. 8, this indicates that no change time has arrived (NO in step S21). In this case, the determination in step S21 is repeated until the change time arrives.

[0053] On the other hand, for example, when the current time measured by the timing unit 111 reaches 5 p.m., it is determined that the night change time for the dependent smoke sensor 300A included in the database 121 shown in FIG. 8 has arrived (the determination in step S21 is YES), and processing proceeds to step S22.

[0054] In step S22, the transmission unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 determines whether the sensor for which the threshold value is to be changed is the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400. For example, when the nighttime change time for the dependent smoke sensor 300A arrives, it is determined that the sensor for which the threshold value is to be changed is the dependent smoke sensor 300 (the determination in step S22 is "dependent smoke sensor"). In this case, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0055] In step S23, the transmission unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 transmits the changed threshold to the target dependent smoke sensor 300 via the smoke alarm panel 200. Specifically, the transmission unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 transmits the identifier of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the changed threshold to the smoke alarm panel 200 to which the target dependent smoke sensor 300 is connected. When the transfer unit 211 of the smoke alarm panel 200 receives the identifier and the changed threshold from the monitoring device 100, it transmits the changed threshold to the dependent smoke sensor 300 identified by this identifier. The acquisition unit 311 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 receives the changed threshold from the smoke alarm panel 200. In the example shown in FIG. 8, at 17:00, the night thresholds "0.06", "0.12", and "0.16" of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are transmitted to the dependent smoke sensor 300A.

[0056] In step S24, the change unit 312 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 changes the thresholds stored in the memory unit 302 to the newly received changed thresholds. For example, the daytime thresholds "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are stored in the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300A. These thresholds are rewritten to the nighttime thresholds "0.06", "0.12", and "0.16" for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3". As a result, the daytime thresholds for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are deleted from the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300A, and only the nighttime thresholds for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are stored in the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300A.

[0057] In another example, when the current time measured by the timer unit 111 becomes 18:00, it is determined in step S21 described above that the night change time for the independent smoke sensor 400A included in the database 121 shown in Fig. 8 has arrived (determination in step S21 is YES). In this case, in the following step S22, it is determined that the subject of the threshold change is the independent smoke sensor 400 (determination in step S22 is "independent smoke sensor"). In this case, the process proceeds to step S31 shown in Fig. 10.

[0058] In step S31, the transmitting unit 112 of the monitoring device 100 transmits the changed thresholds to the target stand-alone smoke sensor 400. The acquiring unit 411 of the stand-alone smoke sensor 400 receives the changed thresholds from the monitoring device 100. In the example shown in Fig. 8, at 6 p.m., the night thresholds "0.05", "0.11", and "0.15" for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" are transmitted to the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A.

[0059] In step S32, the change unit 412 of the independent smoke sensor 400 changes the thresholds stored in the memory unit 402 to the newly received changed thresholds. For example, the daytime thresholds "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are stored in the memory unit 402 of the independent smoke sensor 400A. These thresholds are rewritten to the nighttime thresholds "0.05", "0.11", and "0.15" of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3". As a result, the daytime thresholds of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are deleted from the memory unit 402 of the independent smoke sensor 400A, and only the nighttime thresholds of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are stored in the memory unit 402 of the independent smoke sensor 400A.

[0060] In this way, the above-mentioned processing is performed each time the change time stored in database 121a arrives. In the example shown in Fig. 8, when the daytime change time of "9:00" arrives, the daytime thresholds "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" are transmitted from the monitoring device 100 to the slave smoke sensor 300A via the smoke alarm panel 200. Then, in the slave smoke sensor 300A, the nighttime thresholds for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" stored in the memory unit 302 are rewritten to the daytime thresholds.

[0061] Furthermore, when the daytime change time of "10:00" arrives, the daytime thresholds of "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" are transmitted from the monitoring device 100 to the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A. Then, in the stand-alone smoke sensor 400A, the nighttime thresholds for the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" stored in the memory unit 402 are rewritten to the daytime thresholds.

[0062] Next, an operation performed on a day of the week that is the target of the setting using the night threshold value at all times will be described. When the specific day of the week stored in the database 121b shown in FIG. 8 arrives, the daytime change time stored in the database 121a becomes invalid, and the nighttime change time is changed to 0:00 a.m. In the example shown in FIG. 8, when 0:00 a.m. on Saturday or Sunday arrives, the determination in step S21 shown in FIG. 9 becomes YES, and processing from step S22 onwards is performed. Nighttime threshold values ​​of alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" are transmitted to each of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 in which the night threshold value is set. Then, in each of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400, the threshold value stored in the storage unit 302 or 402 is changed to the night threshold value. Since the daytime change time is invalid on the specific day of the week, the night threshold value is stored in the storage unit 302 or 402 all day long. When the specific day of the week ends, the threshold value change operation described above is performed again according to the change time stored in the database 121a.

[0063] Alarm action Next, a description will be given of the alarm operation of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the smoke alarm panel 200. The smoke detection unit 304 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 measures the concentration of surrounding smoke at a predetermined time interval. The determination unit 313 compares the concentration of smoke measured by the smoke detection unit 304 with a threshold value stored in the memory unit 302 to determine the corresponding alarm level.

[0064] Here, the thresholds stored in the memory unit 302 may differ between daytime and nighttime due to the above-mentioned threshold change operation. Here, the dependent smoke sensor 300A is taken as an example for explanation. For example, during the daytime, the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300A stores daytime thresholds of "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3". On the other hand, during the nighttime, the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300A stores nighttime thresholds of "0.06", "0.12", and "0.16" for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3".

[0065] In this example, during the daytime, when the smoke concentration reaches 0.08% / m, it is determined that the warning level is "Alarm 1." On the other hand, during the nighttime, when the smoke concentration reaches 0.06% / m, it is determined that the warning level is "Alarm 1." As a result, the warning level is determined to be "Alarm 1" even at a lower smoke concentration during the night than during the day, and the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300A becomes high.

[0066] The transmitting unit 314 of the dependent smoke sensor 300 transmits the smoke detection result, including the smoke concentration measured by the smoke detection unit 304 and alarm information indicating the corresponding alarm level, to the smoke alarm panel 200. The receiving unit 212 of the smoke alarm panel 200 receives the smoke detection result from the dependent smoke sensor 300. The output unit 213 outputs an alarm according to the received smoke detection result. For example, if the smoke detection result includes alarm information, the output unit 213 causes the display unit 206 to display an alarm according to the alarm level indicated by the alarm information, the sound output unit 207 to output an alarm sound, and the report is transferred from the report transfer circuit 208 to external equipment.

[0067] Next, a description will be given of the alarm operation of the independent smoke sensor 400. The smoke detection unit 404 of the independent smoke sensor 400 measures the concentration of surrounding smoke at a predetermined time interval, similar to the smoke detection unit 304 of the dependent smoke sensor 300. The determination unit 413, similar to the determination unit 313 of the dependent smoke sensor 300, compares the concentration of smoke measured by the smoke detection unit 404 with a threshold value stored in the memory unit 402 to determine the corresponding alarm level.

[0068] Here, the thresholds stored in the memory unit 402 may be different between daytime and nighttime due to the above-mentioned threshold change operation, similar to the thresholds stored in the memory unit 302 of the dependent smoke sensor 300. Here, the independent smoke sensor 400A is taken as an example for explanation. For example, in the daytime, the memory unit 402 of the independent smoke sensor 400A stores daytime thresholds of "0.08", "0.14", and "0.18" for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3". On the other hand, in the nighttime, the memory unit 402 of the independent smoke sensor 400 stores nighttime thresholds of "0.05", "0.11", and "0.15" for the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3".

[0069] In this example, during the daytime, when the smoke concentration reaches 0.08% / m, it is determined that the warning level is "Alarm 1." On the other hand, during the nighttime, when the smoke concentration reaches 0.05% / m, it is determined that the warning level is "Alarm 1." Therefore, a lower smoke concentration during the nighttime than during the daytime is determined to be the warning level of "Alarm 1," and the sensitivity of the independent smoke sensor 400A becomes high.

[0070] The output unit 414 of the independent smoke sensor 400 outputs an alarm according to the corresponding alarm level. For example, when it is determined that any alarm level is met, the output unit 414 displays an alarm corresponding to the alarm level on the display unit 406, outputs an alarm sound from the sound output unit 407, and transmits a report from the report transmission circuit 408 to an external device.

[0071] According to the above-described embodiment, a threshold value that varies with time is transmitted from the monitoring device 100 to the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400, and the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400 determines an alarm level using this threshold value, so that the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 can be changed with time. This allows the sensitivity to be set to an appropriate level for the time. For example, by increasing the threshold value during daytime hours when there are many people, erroneous determination of the alarm level of the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400 can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, if threshold values ​​that vary depending on the time and day of the week are transmitted from the monitoring device 100 to the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400, and the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400 uses these threshold values ​​to determine the alarm level, the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 can be changed depending on the time and day of the week. This allows the sensitivity to be set to an appropriate level for the time and day of the week. For example, on days when there are fewer people, a lower threshold value can be used to trigger an alarm at a lower smoke concentration.

[0073] Furthermore, since multiple thresholds used to determine the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" are transmitted collectively from the monitoring device 100 to the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400, the multiple thresholds used to determine the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" can be changed collectively in the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400.

[0074] Furthermore, when the time to change is reached, the monitoring device 100 transmits the changed threshold to the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400, and only the threshold currently used is stored in the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400, so that the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 do not need to manage the thresholds before and after the change. The dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 only need to determine the alarm level using the currently stored threshold, and do not need to perform processing such as determining whether the time to change has arrived or selecting the threshold to be used at the current time from the night threshold and the day threshold, thereby reducing the processing load. Furthermore, since only the threshold currently used is stored in the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400, the storage capacity is reduced compared to the case where both the day threshold and the night threshold are stored. Furthermore, since the alarm level thresholds used in multiple dependent smoke sensors 300 and multiple independent smoke sensors 400 can be set collectively in the monitoring device 100, the setting effort is reduced compared to setting these thresholds individually.

[0075] Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The above-described embodiment may be modified as in the following modified examples. The embodiment and the modified examples may be used in combination, or may be switched depending on the implementation. Similarly, the following modified examples may be used in combination, or may be switched depending on the implementation.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the threshold value used to determine the alarm level of the dependent smoke sensor 300 or the independent smoke sensor 400 may vary depending on the weather or season. For example, when morning mist or fog occurs, the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 may erroneously determine the alarm level. Therefore, when morning mist or fog occurs, the threshold value used by the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 to determine the alarm level may be changed to a larger value in order to lower the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400. Specifically, the monitoring device 100 obtains a weather forecast from an external weather server device. When the weather forecast indicates that morning mist or fog will occur in a specific time period on a specific date, the monitoring device 100 uses the start time of this date and time period as the daytime change time. For example, if the weather forecast indicates that morning mist will occur from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM on March 1, the daytime change time for all dependent smoke sensors 300 and independent smoke sensors 400 for which nighttime thresholds are set is changed to 5:00 AM on March 1. Then, when the changed daytime change time of 5:00 AM on March 1 arrives, the monitoring device 100 transmits daytime thresholds of alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" to these dependent smoke sensors 300 and independent smoke sensors 400. As a result, the thresholds used on a specific date and in a specific time period when morning mist or fog is likely to occur are greater than the nighttime thresholds used in the same time period for other weather conditions.

[0077] Also, morning mist and fog are more likely to occur in winter than in summer. Therefore, for a specific time period in winter, the thresholds used by the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400 to determine the alarm level may be changed to be larger in order to lower the sensitivity of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400. Specifically, the monitoring device 100 may change the daytime change time for all the dependent smoke sensors 300 and the independent smoke sensors 400 for which the nighttime thresholds are set to, for example, 5:00 a.m. in winter. In this case, when the changed daytime change time of 5:00 a.m. arrives in winter, the monitoring device 100 transmits the daytime thresholds of the alarm levels "Alarm 1" to "Alarm 3" to the dependent smoke sensors 300 and the independent smoke sensors 400. As a result, the thresholds used in a specific time period in winter are larger than the nighttime thresholds used in the same time period in other seasons.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, a day may be divided into three or more time periods, and the threshold value may be changed. For example, if the disaster prevention target is a cultural property open to the public, a day may be divided into a first time period in which only staff are present, a second time period in which staff and the public are present, and a third time period in which no one is present, and a different threshold value may be used for each time period.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the night threshold may be used all the time on a holiday. In this modification, the worker checks the check box 154 for "Holiday" on the setting screen 150 shown in FIG. 7 and performs an operation to specify the date of the holiday. In response to this operation, the database 121b stores information for setting the daytime change time to "invalid" and the date of the specified holiday in association with the nighttime change time of "0:00". As a result, when 0:00 a.m. arrives on the specified holiday, the monitoring device 100 transmits night thresholds of the alarm levels "alarm 1" to "alarm 3" to the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400, in which the night thresholds are set. Then, in each of the dependent smoke sensor 300 and the independent smoke sensor 400, the thresholds stored in the storage unit 302 or 402 are changed to the night thresholds, and the night thresholds are used all day on the specified holiday.

[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the monitoring device 100 may be used as a setting tool. In this case, the monitoring device 100 may be, for example, a portable computer carried by an operator. The monitoring device 100 is individually connected to the smoke alarm panel 200, the dependent smoke sensor 300, or the independent smoke sensor 400 via a third signal line such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable. When connected to a destination device via the third signal line, the monitoring device 100 exchanges various data with the destination device via the third signal line.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the number of alarm levels is not limited to three. The number of alarm levels may be two, or may be four or more.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration of the setting screen 150 displayed on the monitoring device 100 is not limited to the above-described example. The setting screen 150 may have any configuration as long as it accepts an operation to set a threshold value. This configuration includes color, arrangement, shape, components, and screen transitions. For example, the setting screen 150 may be configured to include an operation image different from the operation image described in the above-described embodiment, or may be configured not to include some operation images.

[0083] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the configuration of the smoke monitoring system 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. The smoke monitoring system 10 may be configured to include one or more of the above-mentioned devices, or may be configured to not include some of the devices. For example, the smoke monitoring system 10 may include only the monitoring device 100, the smoke alarm panel 200, and the dependent smoke sensor 300. Alternatively, the smoke monitoring system 10 may include only the monitoring device 100 and the independent smoke sensor 400. In addition, the entity having the function of the smoke monitoring system 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the operation of the smoke monitoring system 10 is not limited to the above-described example. The order of the processing steps of the smoke monitoring system 10 may be changed as long as there is no contradiction. In addition, some of the processing steps of the smoke monitoring system 10 may be omitted.

[0085] Another aspect of the present invention may provide a method having processing steps performed in at least one of the smoke monitoring system 10, the monitoring device 100, the smoke alarm panel 200, the dependent smoke sensor 300, and the independent smoke sensor 400. Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention may provide a program executed in the monitoring device 100, the smoke alarm panel 200, the dependent smoke sensor 300, or the independent smoke sensor 400. This program may be provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, or may be provided by downloading via the Internet or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10: smoke monitoring system, 100: monitoring device, 111: timing unit, 112: transmission unit, 200: smoke alarm panel, 211: transfer unit, 212: reception unit, 213: output unit, 300: dependent smoke sensor, 302: storage unit, 304: smoke detection unit, 311: acquisition unit, 312: change unit, 313: judgment unit, 314: transmission unit, 400: independent smoke sensor, 402: storage unit, 404: smoke detection unit, 411: acquisition unit, 412: change unit, 413: judgment unit, 414: output unit

Claims

1. A monitoring device, a smoke alarm panel connected to the monitoring device, and a smoke sensor connected to the smoke alarm panel, The monitoring device transmits a threshold value for a time period to which the current time belongs, among threshold values ​​that vary depending on time, to the smoke sensor via the smoke alarm panel; The smoke sensor includes: A storage unit; an acquisition unit that acquires the threshold value from the monitoring device via the smoke alarm panel; a change unit that changes an existing threshold stored in the storage unit to the newly acquired threshold when the acquisition unit newly acquires the threshold; A measurement unit that measures smoke concentration; a transmission unit that transmits to the smoke alarm panel the smoke detection result indicating a result of comparing the concentration of the smoke with the changed threshold value stored in the memory unit; The smoke alarm panel outputs an alarm according to the smoke detection result received from the smoke sensor. Smoke monitoring system.

2. A monitoring device and a smoke sensor connected to the monitoring device, The monitoring device transmits a threshold value for a time period to which a current time belongs, among the threshold values ​​that vary depending on time, to the smoke sensor; The smoke sensor includes: A storage unit; an acquisition unit that acquires the threshold value from the monitoring device; a change unit that changes an existing threshold stored in the storage unit to the newly acquired threshold when the acquisition unit newly acquires the threshold; A measurement unit that measures smoke concentration; an output unit that outputs an alarm according to a result of comparing the concentration of the smoke with the changed threshold value stored in the memory unit; Smoke monitoring system.

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