Local control panel

Abstract

To provide a site operation panel that enables a manager to perform fire extinguishing work by manual operation by biometrics authentication even there is no dedicated key.SOLUTION: A site operation panel is connected to a sprinkling control panel including a control part that selects one of an automatic water discharge mode and a manual water discharge mode and performing water discharge work. The site operation part further includes: a biometrics authentication part that reads biometrics authentication data of a manager; and a storage part storing an authority imparting table in which a manager to whom operation authority of the manual water discharge mode is imparted and the biometric authentication data of the manager are associated with each other. The control part refers to the authority imparting table, and, when there is data matching the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication part, in the biometric authentication data of the manager stored in advance in the authority imparting table, the control part enables the manual operation from the panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a local operation panel of a fire protection facility, which is a disaster prevention facility that selects either an automatic water discharge mode or a manual water discharge mode to execute a water discharge operation.

Background Art

[0002] In a building or the like, there is a local operation panel installed at a position where the object to be extinguished can be directly monitored and the fire can be extinguished manually. This local operation panel is installed near the protected area.

[0003] This local operation panel is provided in a sprinkler facility or the like having a water discharge type head as a fire protection facility. In this facility, the water discharge mode can be selected in either an automatic or manual mode, and a fire extinguishing operation by water discharge can be performed.

[0004] In the sprinkler facility having this water discharge type head, the fire extinguishing control is performed by a water spray control panel installed in the disaster prevention center. The water spray control panel can select either an automatic water discharge mode in which the fire extinguishing means such as a sprinkler is activated in conjunction with the activation of the fire detection means installed in the protected area, or a manual water discharge mode in which the fire extinguishing means can be remotely operated based on a manual operation from an operation panel provided on the panel surface (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and Non-Patent Document 1).

[0005] Note that the local operation panel provided at the local area of the protected area has the same configuration and function as this water spray control panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Documents

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Nohmi Disaster Prevention Co., Ltd. Homepage, Sprinkler System with Water-Discharge Heads, Nohmi Fire Detection and Extinguishing System NH100 Overview Document (URL: https: / / www.nohmi.co.jp / shoka01 / 021 / rqim3400000018mw-att / TN20291R5.pdf) [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, on-site control panels are installed in locations easily accessible to general visitors using the facility, and not to those with authority over firefighting operations. Therefore, on-site control panels are often housed in enclosures with doors to prevent tampering.

[0009] Furthermore, unlike fire hydrants, the on-site control panel is not intended for operation by the general public; operation of the on-site control panel is performed by the administrator. Therefore, a special key owned by the administrator is required to operate it. In the following explanation, the person with authority over firefighting operations will be referred to as the administrator.

[0010] In the event of a fire, if firefighting operations are to be carried out from the on-site control panel, the manager who becomes aware of the fire must retrieve a special key stored at the disaster prevention center, reach the on-site control panel, and operate it. However, the manager may not always start from the disaster prevention center.

[0011] Furthermore, in the event of a fire, numerous emergency response tasks will be concentrated on the administrator. Therefore, the administrator present at the designated key storage location may not necessarily be able to rush to the on-site control panel near the fire site.

[0012] For example, if a fire broke out while a manager was patrolling the building, and the manager was near the scene of the fire, they would need to manually operate the fire extinguishing equipment, such as opening and closing valves or setting water discharge zones, using the on-site control panel. In such cases, they would need to go to the storage location to retrieve a special key.

[0013] Therefore, in an operation that relies on manual operation using a dedicated key stored in a specific location, inefficient movements are sometimes unavoidable, posing a challenge to a rapid response to fires.

[0014] This disclosure is made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an on-site control panel that allows administrators to perform manual firefighting operations at a desired time using biometric authentication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The field control panel relating to this disclosure is a field control panel connected to a water spraying control panel equipped with a control unit that selects and performs water spraying operations by selecting either an automatic water spraying mode that activates the fire extinguishing means in conjunction with the activation of a fire detection means, or a manual water spraying mode that allows the fire extinguishing means to be remotely operated based on manual operation from the panel. The field control panel further comprises a biometric authentication unit that reads the biometric authentication data of an administrator, a storage unit that stores in advance an authorization granting table that associates an administrator who is granted the authority to operate in manual water spraying mode with the administrator's biometric authentication data, and the control unit refers to the authorization granting table stored in the storage unit, and if the authorization granting table contains data that matches the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit, manual operation from the panel is enabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to obtain an on-site control panel that allows administrators to perform manual firefighting operations at a desired time using biometric authentication. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1]It is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a fire extinguishing system to which the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is applied. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram regarding the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an authorization table stored in the authorization table storage unit of the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram showing a biometric authentication unit and an operation input / output unit provided on the operation panel of the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of a part of the biometric authentication unit and the switching operation input / output unit provided on the operation panel of the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a second authorization table stored in the authorization table storage unit of the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the on-site operation panel of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The on-site operation panel according to the present disclosure is characterized in that, when it can be confirmed by a biometric authentication function that the user is an administrator with specific authority, a manual fire extinguishing operation can be performed.

[0019] Embodiment 1. First, a fire extinguishing system to which the on-site operation panel according to the present disclosure is applied will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a fire extinguishing system to which the on-site operation panel according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is applied. The fire protection target in FIG. 1 is divided into three sections A, B, and C.

[0020] Each compartment is equipped with a fire detector 3, a fire detection system dedicated to the fire suppression system, and a fixed fire suppression head 4, a fire suppression device. In a building subject to fire protection, units for fire suppression, such as compartments A, B, and C, are called protected compartments.

[0021] The fixed head 4 is connected to a pipe. A remotely operated valve 5 is provided at the base end of the pipe, and a pressurized water supply device 6, consisting of a pump, water tank, etc., is provided on its primary side.

[0022] Furthermore, in a location close to the fire-protected building where a person can directly monitor it, a local control panel 7 is installed that has functions such as controlling the opening and closing of the remote control valve 5 in order to manually operate the fire extinguishing system remotely.

[0023] Furthermore, the building is equipped with fire detectors 1 and 2 for an automatic fire alarm system, which have a warning zone that includes the protected area. Fire detectors 1 and 2 are connected via signal lines to a fire alarm receiver 8 located in a centralized control facility such as a disaster prevention center.

[0024] The fire detector 2 shown in Figure 1 is a type of fire detector called a photoelectric separate-type detector, which is divided into a light-receiving unit 2a and a light-emitting unit 2b, and monitors for fires between the light-receiving unit 2a and the light-emitting unit 2b.

[0025] Meanwhile, a fire extinguishing system control panel 10 (hereinafter referred to as the fire extinguishing system control panel) installed in a centralized management facility such as a disaster prevention center is connected to a fire detector 3 dedicated to the fire extinguishing system via a signal line. Furthermore, this fire extinguishing system control panel 10 is connected via signal lines to a fire alarm receiver 8, a local operation panel 7, and a pump control panel 9, respectively.

[0026] The pump control panel 9 is installed in the fire pump room together with the pressurized water supply device 6. Note that Figure 1 shows an example of a fire extinguishing system; the number of fire detectors and compartments will be changed depending on the size of the building. Furthermore, in addition to the fixed head 4, movable heads or other types of fire extinguishing devices may also be used.

[0027] The fire extinguishing system control panel 10 can receive fire signals from the fire receiver 8 and fire signals from the fire detector 3 dedicated to the fire extinguishing system. When a protected area where the fire detector 3 dedicated to the fire extinguishing system has been activated is included in a protected area where the fire detector 1 or 2 for the automatic fire alarm system, which is the source of the fire signal transmitted via the fire receiver 8, has been activated, the fire extinguishing system control panel 10 executes control to automatically extinguish the fire in the protected area.

[0028] In this type of automatic fire alarm system, the operation of a fire detector 1 or 2 and a fire detector 3 dedicated to the fire extinguishing system, which triggers an AND condition, opens a remotely operated valve and automatically discharges water. This mode is called the automatic water discharge mode.

[0029] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing system control panel 10 and the on-site operation panel 7 are equipped with a function that allows fire extinguishing to be performed manually. This is called the manual water discharge mode. In particular, as mentioned above, the on-site operation panel 7 is installed in a location that can be easily accessed by an unspecified number of people other than those with authority over fire extinguishing operations, such as general visitors using the facility.

[0030] Therefore, in this disclosure, in order to enhance the convenience of the on-site control panel 7 for the administrator, a function has been added that allows the administrator to perform fire extinguishing operations manually at the desired time without the need for a special key. Accordingly, the functions of the on-site control panel 7 included in the fire extinguishing system shown in Figure 1 will be explained in detail.

[0031] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the on-site control panel 7 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. In Figure 2, the on-site control panel 7 is shown connected to the fire extinguishing system control panel 10, consistent with the configuration in Figure 1.

[0032] The on-site control panel 7 shown in Figure 2 comprises a biometric authentication unit 71, an operation input / output unit 72, an authorization grant table storage unit 73, and a control unit 74. The control unit 74 also has an input / output control function 74a and a mode switching function 74b.

[0033] Among these components, the main components related to the new functions that can be realized by the on-site control panel 7 according to this embodiment 1 are the biometric authentication unit 71, the authorization table storage unit 73, and the mode switching function 74b. Therefore, these functions will be described in detail.

[0034] The operation input / output unit 72 and the input / output control function 74a are substantially the same as those described in Patent Document 1 or Non-Patent Document 1, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0035] The biometric authentication unit 71 reads the administrator's biometric authentication data. Examples of biometric authentication data include facial recognition data and fingerprint recognition data that can be used to identify the administrator.

[0036] An operation panel is provided in a position recessed from the front of the main door of the on-site control panel 7. The operation input / output unit 72 is located on this operation panel and serves as a human interface that displays output to the administrator and accepts operation input from the administrator.

[0037] Switching between automatic and manual water discharge modes is also performed manually using this operation input / output unit 72, but the details will be described later with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0038] The authorization table storage unit 73 corresponds to a storage unit in which an authorization table is pre-stored, which associates administrators who are granted operational authority in manual water discharge mode with the administrators' biometric authentication data.

[0039] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an authorization table stored in the authorization table storage unit 73 of the on-site control panel 7 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The authorization table stores biometric authentication data for each administrator, associated with each administrator to whom operation rights for the operation input / output unit 72 provided on the operation panel of the on-site control panel 7 are granted.

[0040] The input / output control function 74a within the control unit 74 communicates with the fire extinguishing system control panel 10 and performs appropriate input / output control according to the situation via the operation input / output unit 72. The input / output control function 74a also performs input / output control related to the operation input / output unit 72.

[0041] The mode switching function 74b within the control unit 74 utilizes the biometric authentication unit 71 and the authorization table storage unit to enable the administrator to operate the on-site control panel 7 based on the biometric authentication result.

[0042] Furthermore, if necessary, the system may be configured to allow switching from automatic water discharge mode to manual water discharge mode. However, normally, the switching of the water discharge mode is performed by a mode switching signal from the fire extinguishing system control panel 10.

[0043] For example, when the AND condition of the above-mentioned detectors is met in the fire extinguishing system control panel 10, a water discharge start timer (not shown) is activated to begin the countdown to start water discharge. After the countdown ends, the remote control valve for the area is automatically opened, water discharge begins, and at the same time, the system automatically switches to manual mode.

[0044] Specifically, the mode switching function 74b refers to the authorization table pre-stored in the authorization table storage unit 73 and determines whether the administrator's biometric authentication data stored in the authorization table contains data that matches the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit 71.

[0045] Furthermore, the mode switching function 74b enables manual operation by the administrator using the operation input / output unit 72 without requiring a dedicated key, if data matching the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit 71 is pre-registered in the authorization table.

[0046] Furthermore, when the fire extinguishing system control panel 10 is set to manual mode, the on-site operation panel 7 can be operated by switching the panel operation from disabled to enabled by operating the key switch with a dedicated key. However, even without operating the dedicated key, if the administrator operating the panel is determined to be a person registered in the authorization table storage unit through biometric authentication, the on-site operation panel can also be operated in the same way.

[0047] Thus, the on-site control panel 7 related to this disclosure has a technical feature in that, by utilizing a biometric authentication function using the biometric authentication unit 71, if it is confirmed through biometric authentication that the user is an administrator with specific privileges, firefighting operations can be performed manually without using a special key. Therefore, this technical feature will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

[0048] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a biometric authentication unit 71 and an operation input / output unit 72 provided on the operation panel of a field control panel 7 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. An acrylic door 7a is provided on the panel surface of the field control panel 7 as a panel door to protect the operation panel. When the acrylic door 7a is open, the administrator can operate the operation input / output unit 72.

[0049] In this first embodiment, the on-site control panel 7 is equipped with an operation input / output unit 72 and a biometric authentication unit 71 on its control panel. In Figure 4, the portion of the operation input / output unit 72 used for switching between automatic water discharge mode and manual water discharge mode is shown as the switching operation input / output unit 720. Figure 4 also illustrates a case where the biometric authentication unit 71 is located near the switching operation input / output unit 720.

[0050] Figure 5 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing the biometric authentication unit 71 and the switching operation input / output unit 720 provided on the operation panel of the on-site control panel 7 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The switching operation input / output unit 720 is provided with a key switch 721 that enables manual operation of the remotely controlled object. The key switch 721 is designed so that a dedicated key 721a, which is paired with the key switch 721, can be inserted into it.

[0051] In Figure 5, when the keyhole of the key switch 721 is facing upwards to the right, it means that the automatic water discharge mode is selected, and when the keyhole of the key switch 721 is facing downwards to the right, it means that the manual water discharge mode is selected.

[0052] When the dedicated key 721a is not inserted into the key switch 721, the automatic water discharge mode is always selected, and the disabled indicator light 722, which indicates that operation is impossible, is illuminated. In other words, while the disabled indicator light 722 is illuminated, manual operation is prohibited, and the input / output control function 74a in the control unit 74 controls the system so that remote operation by the operation input / output unit 72 cannot be performed.

[0053] On the other hand, if the administrator wants to switch to manual water discharge mode, they insert the dedicated key 721a into the key switch 721 and rotate it approximately 90 degrees clockwise. As a result, the input / output control function 74a in the control unit 74 turns off the disabled indicator light 722 and turns on the enabled indicator light 723, enabling remote operation by the operation input / output unit 72.

[0054] Furthermore, the key switch 721 is configured such that the dedicated key 721a cannot be attached or detached when the remotely controlled object is in an operating position where it can be manually operated. Without the dedicated key 721a, manual operation is not possible, thus ensuring that manual operation of the remotely controlled object is reliably prohibited under normal circumstances.

[0055] In this way, administrators have traditionally been able to perform water discharge operations by selecting either an automatic water discharge mode, which activates the fire extinguishing means in conjunction with the activation of the fire detection means, or a manual water discharge mode, which allows for remote control of the fire extinguishing means based on manual operation from the control panel, using a dedicated key 721a.

[0056] In contrast, the field control panel 7 according to this embodiment 1 is further equipped with a biometric authentication unit 71 in addition to the switching operation input / output unit 720 that conventional field control panels have. As a result, when switching from automatic water discharge mode to manual water discharge mode, it is possible to use the biometric authentication unit 71 instead of using a dedicated key 721a.

[0057] In other words, if biometric authentication data is pre-registered in the authorization table and an administrator with specific permissions has been granted, they can immediately perform manual firefighting operations based on the verification results from the biometric authentication function, without having to use a special key.

[0058] As a result, this improves the inefficient operation that previously allowed manual operation only with a dedicated key 721a stored in a specific location. It also allows an authorized administrator to quickly perform initial fire suppression by manually opening the remote control valve 5 in manual mode at the scene, for example, when the fire detection system is activated and the water discharge timer is counting.

[0059] Furthermore, by allowing manual operation based on biometric authentication only for administrators whose biometric authentication data has been pre-registered, manual operation by general visitors using the facility can be prohibited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the on-site control panel installed near the protected area from being operated by anyone other than the administrator, thereby achieving both improved convenience for administrators and enhanced security.

[0060] Furthermore, let me provide some additional information regarding the authorization table. The authorization table shown in Figure 3 linked the administrator's name with their biometric authentication data. However, the authorization table available for use with the on-site control panel 7 related to this disclosure is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0061] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a second authorization table stored in the authorization table storage unit 73 of the field control panel 7 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. The second authorization table is pre-stored in association with each administrator to whom operation rights of the operation input / output unit 72 provided on the operation panel of the field control panel 7 are granted, along with biometric authentication data for each administrator, and further associated with the specific tasks to which authority is granted to the administrator.

[0062] Figure 6 shows the following two tasks as part of the work: Task X: A task that can be performed as long as the need for water discharge is confirmed. Task Y: A task requiring skill and proficiency.

[0063] Specific examples of task X include stopping the timer, starting water discharge, and stopping water discharge, while specific examples of task Y include changing the water discharge area and changing the nozzle direction.

[0064] Further explanation is provided regarding the timer stop included in task X and the change in the water discharge area included in task Y.

[0065] When a fire is detected, water is discharged from the water sprayer heads, but not "immediately." Instead, a "timer" is activated, and water is discharged after, for example, 100 seconds. During these 100 seconds, the administrator goes to the site where the fire detector was activated to check if it is a real fire.

[0066] Furthermore, if it is not a true fire, the timer is stopped by pressing a timer stop switch (not shown) on the on-site control panel 7, thereby preventing the transmission of an open signal to the remote control valve 5 and preventing water discharge. Therefore, stopping such a timer is also included in the operational task X, which can be performed as long as the need for water discharge is confirmed.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1 above, if multiple protected areas A to C are provided, it is possible for a fire to occur across multiple protected areas. In such cases where a fire occurs across multiple protected areas, the task of changing the protected area to one that has not been sprayed with water by the automatic water discharge mode and then spraying water by the manual water discharge mode constitutes a change in the water discharge area, and is included in task Y as a task that can only be performed by skilled personnel.

[0068] The second authorization table shown in Figure 6 illustrates a case where Ichiro Nomi, who is an expert, is granted authorization for both tasks X and Y, while Jiro Nomi and Saburo Nomi, who are not experts, are granted authorization for task X only.

[0069] The mode switching function 74b in the control unit 74 refers to a second authorization table pre-stored in the authorization table storage unit 73 and determines whether the administrator's biometric authentication data stored in the second authorization table contains data that matches the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit 71.

[0070] Furthermore, the mode switching function 74b enables manual operation using the operation input / output unit 72 without requiring operation with a dedicated key 721a, if data matching the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit 71 is pre-registered in the second authorization table.

[0071] Furthermore, the administrator who gains the ability to operate the system can switch from automatic water discharge mode to manual water discharge mode, or vice versa.

[0072] However, when enabling manual operation, the mode switching function 74b controls the system so that only manual operations related to tasks for which the administrator who has performed biometric authentication has been granted permission by the second permission granting table are permitted.

[0073] As a result, by utilizing the biometric authentication function using the biometric authentication unit 71, if it is confirmed through biometric authentication that the person is an administrator with specific privileges, it becomes possible to perform manual fire extinguishing operations limited to the tasks for which the administrator has been granted authority, without having to perform operations using a dedicated key 721a.

[0074] Tasks X and Y are merely examples; other examples include granting authority regarding specific tasks only to individuals with special qualifications.

[0075] In other words, by pre-registering each administrator in the second authorization table, it is possible to restrict the types of manual operations to which they should be granted permissions, thus avoiding the risk of inexperienced administrators performing unfamiliar tasks manually.

[0076] Furthermore, a switch for returning to automatic water discharge mode after switching to manual water discharge mode using the biometric authentication unit 71 can be provided on the control panel adjacent to the biometric authentication unit 71. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the system could return to automatic water discharge mode after a certain period of time has elapsed since switching to manual water discharge mode using the biometric authentication unit 71.

[0077] Furthermore, after switching to manual water discharge mode using the biometric authentication unit 71, it is possible to return to automatic water discharge mode by performing an operation with the dedicated key 721a.

[0078] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, the on-site control panel installed near a protected area where general visitors and other users of the facility pass through is configured such that, if it is confirmed by biometric authentication that the user is an administrator with specific privileges, firefighting operations can be performed manually without using a special key.

[0079] As a result, it is possible to achieve both improved convenience for administrators performing manual operations and enhanced security by prohibiting manual operations by unauthorized individuals.

[0080] Furthermore, by utilizing the authorization table, it is possible to limit the types of tasks that can be authorized for manual operation for each authorized user. As a result, when granting manual operation based on biometric authentication, each administrator can be allowed to perform manual operations only related to appropriate tasks, preventing them from mistakenly performing unfamiliar manual operations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1, 2, 3 Fire detectors (fire detection means), 4 Fixed head (fire extinguishing means), 5 Remote control valve, 6 Pressurized water supply device, 7 On-site control panel, 7a Acrylic door, 8 Fire receiver, 9 Pump control panel, 10 Fire extinguishing system control panel, 71 Biometric authentication unit, 72 Operation input / output unit, 73 Authorization granting table storage unit, 74 Control unit, 74a Input / output control function, 74b Mode switching function, 720 Switching operation input / output unit, 721 Key switch, 721a Dedicated key, 722 Unavailable indicator light, 723 Available indicator light, A~C Protected compartments.

Claims

1. A field control panel connected to a water spraying control panel, which is equipped with a control unit that selects either an automatic water discharge mode that activates a fire extinguishing means in conjunction with the activation of a fire detection means, or a manual water discharge mode that allows the fire extinguishing means to be remotely controlled based on manual operation from the control panel, to perform water discharge work, A biometric authentication unit that reads the administrator's biometric authentication data, A storage unit pre-stores an authorization table that associates an administrator who grants the authority to operate in the manual water discharge mode with the administrator's biometric authentication data. Furthermore, The control unit refers to the authorization table stored in the storage unit, and if the authorization table contains biometric authentication data of the administrator that matches the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit, it enables manual operation from the control panel. On-site control panel.

2. The control unit, by switching with a dedicated key, selects either the automatic water discharge mode or the manual water discharge mode to perform the water discharge operation. The on-site control panel according to claim 1.

3. The authorization table stores the administrator, the administrator's biometric authentication data, and further associates the tasks for which the administrator is granted authorization. The control unit refers to the authorization table stored in the storage unit, and if the authorization table contains biometric authentication data of the administrator that matches the biometric authentication data read by the biometric authentication unit, it enables manual operations limited to the tasks for which the administrator has been authorized according to the authorization table. The field control panel according to claim 1 or 2.

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