Emergency building information modeling and analytics system for risk assessment

Abstract

This invention involves a Building Information Modeling system and device for the purpose of risk assessment and predicting collapse time in emergency situations. It comprises of a central control pane, multiple sensors, a storage medium, a power supply source and a computer software. The sensors gather and store data regarding the presense and the number of people in the building, any changes in temperature or the angle of the columns, walls or ceiling. The software provides graphs and visuals of this database and transmits vital information to rescue teams during or after the collapse.The database is then analyzed in order to assess damage, predict collapse time and minimize casualty numbers in case of emergencies.

Description

Emergency Building Information Modeling and Analytics System for Risk Assessment

[0001] One of the key elements in emergency response procedures is minimizing the casualty numbers and collateral damage. However, in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake or a fire, it is difficult to access accurate information regarding the structure of the building and the people inside. The innovation at hand involves a Building Information Modeling system along with a device designed specifically to perform risk assessment and predict the collapse time during emergency situations. This system is contains several key components, including a central control panel, a variety of sensors, a storage medium, a power supply source, and specialized computer software.

[0002] The primary function of the sensors is to collect and archive crucial data regarding the presence and number of individuals within the building, as well as any fluctuations in temperature or angles of the columns, walls, or ceiling. This data is then transferred to the central control panel for analysis. The computer software plays a critical role in processing this information, generating detailed graphs and visual representations of the data which are essential for decision-making during rescue operations.

[0003] Through this system, rescue teams are provided with real-time updates and actionable insights before, during, and after a building collapse occurs. The information obtained from the sensors is carefully analyzed to assess the extent of damage, accurately predict the collapse time, and ultimately, minimize the number of casualties in emergency scenarios. This cutting-edge technology enhances overall safety measures and response efforts in the event of an emergency.

[0004] G06F30 / 13 – G06Q10 / 0635 – G06Q50 / 08

[0005] EP2415036

[0006] FIRST RESPONDER DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM BASED ON BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL (BIM)

[0007] A first responder support system is disclosed. The first responder support system includes a plurality of sensors deployed within a building, such that each of the plurality of sensors is configured to communicate an environmental condition, an emergency control module in communication with the plurality of sensors deployed within the building, the emergency control module is configured to receive the environmental conditions provide by the plurality of sensors, a modeling module configured to receive a building information model and to generate a building representation, and a responder support module in communication with the emergency control module and the modeling module and configured to generate an interactive rescue plan based on the building representation and the received environmental conditions.

[0008] This interactive BIM based rescue plan has a similar function to that of our claimed system in emergency situations. However, this method uses a different array of sensors for gathering data, features no storage medium and does not help predict the time of collapse like ours does.

[0009] CN215416329

[0010] BUILDING MONITORING SYSTEM BASED ON BIM

[0011] The utility model relates to the technical field of building monitoring, and discloses a building monitoring system based on BIM (Building Information Modeling), which is characterized by comprising a building management system and a monitoring management system, the building management system comprises an intelligent device, a signal acquisition unit, an alarm unit, a garage management unit, a fire emergency unit, a central processor and an access control gate which are connected with the Ethernet. The alarm unit comprises a fire alarm subunit and an access control alarm subunit. The signal acquisition unit comprises a smoke sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and a gas concentration sensor; the fire-fighting emergency unit comprises a smoke exhaust unit, an evacuation unit and a fire extinguishing unit; the monitoring management system comprises a BIM model component and a BIM operation and maintenance management platform, and the BIM model component is connected with the firewall II and the BIM operation and maintenance management platform. According to the utility model, the efficiency and the quality of building operation and maintenance can be improved, and the functions of visualization, intelligentization and the like in the building operation and maintenance stage are realized.

[0012] This mentioned system is BIM based and shares similarities with our system in terms of monitoring mechanisms, but in case of emergency situations, it acts only as an alarm and does not provide a communication module with the rescue teams. Moreover, it does not store and utilize data to detect human presence or predict damage.

[0013] US20130169817A1

[0014] Method and system for enabling smart building rescue

[0015] The present invention is directed to providing a method and system that enables a first responder firefighter to take command of a building having a potential fire event. Using the method and system herein, the firefighter is able to clearly signal and guide the safe evacuation of that building. Also mounted in the building are signal arrays that are controlled and triggered by the firefighter to clearly delineate a safe and efficient evacuation route from the building. Room signal stations are provided and can be shown to the first responder firefighter to help prioritize the rescue of a building and allows for interaction and communication between an occupant and a firefighter in order to facilitate or enable more efficient and safer rescue.

[0016] This mentioned invention contains similar software and hardware componants to our claimed system and focuses on interactive and efficient evacuation, but the function is limited to fire emergencies while ours is about any event that could cause the building to collapse.

[0017] CN114999081

[0018] BUILDING AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY EVACUATION INDICATION SYSTEM

[0019] The invention discloses a building automatic emergency evacuation indication system, which is characterized by comprising a main controller, a power supply module, a storage module, an information acquisition module and an indication device module, the power supply module, the storage module, the information acquisition module and the indicating device module are respectively connected with the main controller through data lines or in a wireless manner. The building automatic emergency evacuation indication system disclosed by the invention is high in intelligent degree, can quickly, accurately, safely and effectively carry out emergency evacuation, provides route indication and emergency illumination for personnel evacuation and escape in a fire scene, and provides convenience for subsequent fire suppression and personnel rescue.

[0020] The above mentioned system uses similar modules and methods of data collecting as our claimed invention, but there are differences in their overall function. While our system provides real-time data and communication for first responders, this one focuses on guided evacuation only in case of fire. Also, the hardware componants in our design use Ethernet connections whereas this system works wireless. Not to mention this design does not provide collapse prediction analytics.

[0021] This patent introduces a system that utilizes Building Information Modeling for optimal risk assessment in emergency situations and consists of a hardware module with multiple sensors, a power source, and a central control panel, along with computer software and storage. The hardware module requires power to operate the central panel and sensors, which communicate via RS485 platform to create a database. Two types of CMOS sensors are designed: one detects and transmits the number of people, while the other detects human presence. There also sensors that detect changes in temperature and the angle of the columns, walls and ceilings in order to predict collapse time. The central control panel can connect up to 32 sensors and provides real-time analytics regarding damage assessment and potential casualties to the rescue teams. Computer software displays people's status graphically on a building plan, aiding rescue efforts during emergencies.

[0022] When it comes to post-clamity risk management, there are numerous ways to improve upob existing methods. Common safety measures usually focus on alarm systems and PLC notifiers. However, such measures prove inadequate in times of danger since devices such as fire alarm and PLC are destroyed during the accident. Moreover, PLC notification and control of the device cannot be connected to the rescue device in real time after or during the accident. This can hinder real-time access to information for aid groups and first responders.

[0023] Information regarding the building collapse analysis system can help the rescue team investigate the cause of the accident at the very beginning and take action in the most efficient way possible to minimize casuality rates. After the accident has occurred, the rescue team need access to accurate data on the number of people in the building at the time of the accident. With reliable and quick access to a building information modeling system, the rescuers reach the injured faster or have the current coordinates of the people in the building. This will optimize risk-management in a way that helps protect both the victims and the rescuers while minimizing collateral damage.Solution of Problem

[0024] The claimed system that can achieve optimal efficiency in risk management by utilizing Building Information Modeling in times of crisis includes a hardware module with various sensors, a power source and a central control panel as well as a computer software and a storage medium.

[0025] The hardware module needs a power supply to support the central control panel and the sensors. It also requires communication with sensors, which is done through the rs485 platform, wherein the number or presence of people and information is recorded. The hardware module has a display to show the areas of human presence, as well as the possible errors of the device. There are also buttons and hard-coded keys to change the settings of the device in a way that ensures system security.

[0026] The hardware module features an alarm and USB port. It has the ability to communicate with the computer and its various modules, which is done through the rs232 protocol, and information is transferred in coded form. After the data transmission, the information is stored in the memory. There is an Ethernet connection that provides wireless radio connection for communication with the rescuers when the building is damaged. This feature is designed so that even with the collapse of the buildings, it can maintain the connection with the rescue team that are present in the surrounding area.

[0027] The second part of the hardware is the design of the sensors to communicate with the mentioned control panel. These sensors are designed in two different classes:

[0028] In the first type image processing technology and CMOS sensors are used, which are connected to an image processing unit and run an object detection algorithm. After obtaining the image and processing it, the sensor detects people and transmits the number of people in the form of rs485 serial data packets to the coordinated protocol specific to the central control device.

[0029] The second type does not recognize the number of people, but only recognizes that people are present in the place. This information is then transmitted through serial packets of rs485 and the coordinated protocol of the central control device.

[0030] The central control device can connect up to 32 sensors to one master, which can be expanded. Each sensor has a unique hardware address that can be set by setting a dip switch. The sensors can be installed inside the walls and the columns of the building in order to track any changes in their temperature, structure and angle, that might indicate a fire, an earthquake or any other safety risk.

[0031] The next part of the device is the module that accompanies the rescue team, which has the ability to communicate with the central control panel in order to receive the latest information about the incident and the number of people in real time with the presence of rescuers at the scene of the accident.

[0032] By entering the access code, information related to the building is provided to the rescuer. This information which includes the temperature, the angle of the columns, the angle of the ceiling, the number of occupants and their exact location is uploaded into the database and can be used to calculate collapse time and damage extent.

[0033] Finally, the computer software has the ability to communicate graphically and display the status of people on the building plan. Depending on the type of sensors installed in each room, information regarding the mere presence of the people or the exact number of the people in each area is visible on the software graphics. This data is transmitted to the central panel and communicated to the rescue team in case of emergency.Advantage Effects of the Invention

[0034] Reducing the research time for emergency response personnel

[0035] Providing information to the rescue team at the scene of the accident

[0036] Sending a signal even after the building collapses

[0037] Transmitting and storing data on the number of people on each floor

[0038] Predicting the time of collapse

[0039] Showing the stability status of the columns and the whole building

[0040] Accessing reliable analytics promptly

[0041] Connecting to different networks and simple installation process

[0042] Showing the presence and the number of people through the computer software

[0043] Shows the first part of the flowchart for the system.

[0044] Shows the second part of the flowchart for the system.

[0045] Shows the third part of the flowchart for the system.

[0046] Captures the initial part of the system's process. Once the hardware and software modules are installed in the building, the sensors are activated and start gathering data on the temperature, the structural angle of the ceiling and columns and the number of the people present on each floor and each room. The sensors detect the presence of people and count the number of people present in each unit. The data is then sorted into a time-based table where it can be examined.

[0047] Captures the second part of the process, wherein the data is sorted according to the information regarding the structural changes happening to the building at the time of the accident, for instance any changes in the angle of the ceiling. The damage occurring to each part of the building is assessed and and sorted into a time-based table in order to calculate potential hazards, locate further damage and predict collapse time. These analytics are then transmitted to the rescue team in the form of graphics and visuals on the building map so they can locate the people and safely evacuate the premises.

[0048] Displays the final part of the flowchart for this system wherein the data gathered by the temperature sensors on each floor is used to generate visuals and drawings that show potential danger zones. These drawings show areas where further accidents might occur in the event of a fire or explosions. This data is then transmitted to the first responder's radio transceiver that aids post-collapse communication and real-time data collection in case the sensors' wired connections are damaged.Examples

[0049] The invention is a system of risk management based on Building Information Modeling in critical situations, wherein multiple sensors are connected to the central control device by four wires. Two of the wires are used for power supply and the other two are used to send information to the central control device. Through an Ethernet cable, the central control panel can be connected to a computer with any operating system and the software specific to this device can be installed in order to receive all the information on the computer. Once the device is activated, the operator can easily see the status and number of people in the building on the screen.

[0050] The angle sensors are mounted on the columns and the ceiling. Temperature sensors are also installed in each floor or room. Each of the sensors has its own unique address in the network that can be connected to the central control device. The configuration of each feature must be activated in the central control device, to access the information. The data is then transmitted to the modules available to the members of the rescue team on the scene so that they can operate efficienly with a minimized casualty rate.

[0051] This invention may be very widely used in all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, since it provides vital information regarding the probability and time of the collapse of the building as well as the number of the occupants in a timely fashion and minimizes response time for emergency personnel.

Claims

An emergency Building Information Modeling system is designed for the purpose of risk assessment and analytics report in the event of a disaster that causes collapse.According to claim 1, the system comprises of software and hardware modules that include a central control panel, multiple sensors, a power supply, a computer readble storage medium and uses RS-485 setup.According to claim 2, the hardware includes CMOS sensors that detect the presence of people and their number using image processing and infrared, and store the data to communicate to rescue teams .According to claim 2, the hardware includes angle sensors that detect changes in the angle of walls, columns and the ceiling and collect the data to analyze damage and predict building collapse time.According to claim 2, the hardware includes temperature sensors on walls and columns that detect heat changes in case of fire and store the data to assess damage and predict collapse time.According to claim 2, the software can be installed on tablet or computer to access the database for each floor and analytical reports during or after collapse.According to claim 2, the software provides graphics and visuals for the data regarding the ceiling and column angles, the temperature and the number of people present on each floor to aid the rescue team.

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