Fire indication detection system, fire indication detection method, and program

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a fire indication detection system, a fire indication detection method, and a program capable of more quickly detecting an indication of fire before the fire occurs. A fire indication detection system (100) is provided with a plurality of gas sensors (1) and a determination unit. The plurality of gas sensors (1) detects gas generated in a process that leads to a fire. The determination unit uses the detection results from the plurality of gas sensors (1) to determine the presence or absence of an indication before a fire occurs in a facility (A1). The plurality of gas sensors (1) includes one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners of a ceiling (A11) of the facility (A1).

Description

Fire warning system, fire warning method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a fire sign detection system, a fire sign detection method, and a program. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fire sign detection system, a fire sign detection method, and a program that detect signs of a fire.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an alarm device including a fire detection means, a fire state determination means, and an alarm means. The fire detection means detects a fire. The fire state determination means, when detecting a fire by the fire detection means, determines between an early fire state and a full-scale fire state, which is more likely to indicate a fire than the early fire state. The alarm means outputs an early fire alarm when the fire state determination means determines that the fire is in an early fire state, and outputs a full-scale fire alarm when the fire state determination means determines that the fire is in a full-scale fire state. The alarm device is configured so that, after the fire state determination means determines that the fire is in a full-scale fire state, it maintains its determination that the fire is in a full-scale fire state at least until the fire detection means no longer detects a fire.

[0003] The alarm device described in Patent Document 1 can detect a fire, but cannot detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0004] Recently, systems have been provided that are capable of detecting signs of a fire before it occurs, and it is desirable for such systems to detect signs of a fire as early as possible before it occurs.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-92508

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fire sign detection system, a fire sign detection method, and a program that are capable of detecting signs of a fire earlier before the occurrence of the fire.

[0007] A fire sign detection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a fire sign detection system that detects signs of a fire before it occurs in a facility. The fire sign detection system includes a plurality of gas sensors and a determination unit. The plurality of gas sensors detect gases generated in the process leading up to the fire. The determination unit determines whether or not the signs exist using detection results from the plurality of gas sensors. The plurality of gas sensors includes one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners of a ceiling of the facility.

[0008] A fire sign detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a fire sign detection method for detecting signs of a fire before it occurs in a facility. The fire sign detection method includes a determination step of determining whether or not a sign of a fire exists based on detection results of a plurality of gas sensors that detect gases generated in the process leading up to the fire. The plurality of gas sensors includes one or more gas sensors attached to each of four corners of a ceiling of the facility.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the fire sign detection method.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fire sign detection system according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positions at which multiple gas sensors are attached in the fire sign detection system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simulation result of gas distribution in a facility in which the fire sign detection systems according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are used, as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simulation result of gas distribution in a facility in which the fire sign detection systems according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are used, as viewed from the left. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simulation result of gas distribution in a facility in which the fire sign detection systems according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment are used, as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the fire sign detection system according to the first embodiment, in which a sign determination unit determines whether or not a fire sign exists. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the fire sign detection system according to the first embodiment, in which a first airflow generation unit generates an airflow. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed by the fire sign detection system according to the first embodiment, in which a second airflow generation unit generates an airflow. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating positions at which a plurality of gas sensors are attached in a fire warning detection system according to embodiment 2. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating positions at which a plurality of gas sensors are attached in a fire warning detection system according to a modified example of embodiment 2.

[0011] The embodiments and modifications described below are merely examples of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications, and various modifications other than these embodiments and modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present disclosure. The drawings described in the following embodiments and modifications are schematic drawings, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0012] (1) First Embodiment (1-1) Overview Hereinafter, an overview of a fire sign detection system 100 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0013] The fire warning detection system 100 according to the first embodiment is a system that detects signs of a fire before it occurs within a facility A1. In the present disclosure, "detecting signs of a fire before it occurs" refers to detecting the possibility of a fire occurring before it actually occurs. Examples of the facility A1 in which the fire warning detection system 100 according to the first embodiment is used include residential facilities such as apartment buildings or detached houses, and non-residential facilities such as hotels, office buildings, schools, welfare facilities, commercial facilities, theme parks, hospitals, and factories. In the following embodiment, the facility A1 in which the fire warning detection system 100 is used is described as a rectangular box-shaped room (see FIG. 2 ) in which airflow occurs and in which the ceiling A11 and floor A13 are flat. For example, airflow may occur within the facility A1 due to a portion of the wall A12 of the facility A1 being open or due to people moving around within the facility A1.

[0014] 1, the fire sign detection system 100 includes a plurality of gas sensors 1 and a sign determination unit 22. The sign determination unit 22 corresponds to the determination unit in the present disclosure.

[0015] Each of the plurality of gas sensors 1 detects gases generated in the process leading up to a fire. The sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there are signs of a fire before it occurs within the facility A1, using the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors 1. As shown in Fig. 2 , the plurality of gas sensors 1 include one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of a ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0016] Assume now that a fire is about to break out at fire source S1 located at the center of floor A13 of facility A1, as shown in FIG. 3 . When an airflow is generated inside facility A1, gas generated in the process leading to the fire flows along wall A12 toward ceiling A11, as indicated by arrow Ar11. Then, the gas reaching ceiling A11 from wall A12 flows from the edge of ceiling A11 connected to wall A12 toward the center of ceiling A11, as indicated by arrow Ar12. Therefore, in the fire warning detection system 100 of embodiment 1, among the multiple gas sensors 1, one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of ceiling A11 of facility A1 can detect gas generated in the process leading to the fire earlier than gas sensors X2 attached to the center of ceiling A11 of facility A1 (i.e., gas sensors X2 attached to positions other than the four corners of ceiling A11 of facility A1). As a result, the fire sign detection system 100 of the first embodiment has the advantage of being able to detect signs of a fire earlier before it occurs.

[0017] (1-2) Detailed Configuration (1-2-1) Fire Sign Detection System Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the fire sign detection system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0018] The fire sign detection system 100 is a system that detects signs of a fire before it occurs within the facility A1. That is, the fire sign detection system 100 is a system that determines whether or not there are signs of a fire that may occur within the facility A1 before it occurs within the facility A1.

[0019] 1, the fire warning detection system 100 includes a plurality of gas sensors 1, a control unit 2, a first airflow generating unit 3, a second airflow generating unit 4, an operation unit 5, and an alarm unit 6. Each of the first airflow generating unit 3 and the second airflow generating unit 4 corresponds to the airflow generating unit of the present disclosure.

[0020] It is not necessary that all of the components of the fire sign detection system 100 are provided in the facility A1 in which the fire sign detection system 100 is used. In other words, some of the components of the fire sign detection system 100 may be provided in the facility A1, and some of the components of the fire sign detection system 100 may be provided in a facility other than the facility A1. For example, the control unit 2 of the fire sign detection system 100 may be provided in a facility other than the facility A1.

[0021] (Control Unit) The control unit 2 can be realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the control unit 2 (including the acquisition unit 21 and the sign determination unit 22 described below) functions as the control unit 2 by having the one or more processors execute a program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system. The computer system has, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but it may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0022] The control unit 2 performs overall control of the fire warning detection system 100. As shown in Fig. 1 , the control unit 2 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of gas sensors 1, the first airflow generating unit 3, the second airflow generating unit 4, the operation unit 5, and the notification unit 6. The control unit 2 acquires detection results from each of the plurality of gas sensors 1. The control unit 2 acquires information including information that the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input.

[0023] Furthermore, the control unit 2 determines whether the conditions for the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow are satisfied, and controls the first airflow generation unit 3. More specifically, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow, and whether the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input. When the control unit 2 determines that a predetermined time has passed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow, or that information including the reception of an external operation input has been obtained from the operation unit 5, the control unit 2 controls the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 2 determines whether the second airflow generating unit 4 satisfies the conditions for generating an airflow, and controls the second airflow generating unit 4. More specifically, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the plurality of gas sensors 1. When the control unit 2 determines that a predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the plurality of gas sensors 1, the control unit 2 controls the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 along the floor A13 of the facility A1.

[0025] 1, the control unit 2 includes an acquisition unit 21 and a sign determination unit 22. The sign determination unit 22 corresponds to the determination unit of the present disclosure.

[0026] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the detection results output from each of the multiple gas sensors 1. The sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, using the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. That is, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a fire occurring within the facility A1, based on the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. When the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, the control unit 2 controls the notification unit 6 to issue a notification that a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 has been detected.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the fire sign detection system 100 includes a plurality of gas sensors 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the sign determination unit 22 determine whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 based on the detection results output from all of the plurality of gas sensors 1. However, this increases the processing load on the sign determination unit 22. Therefore, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors 1, the detection results of one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 as a priority. More specifically, among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors 1, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors 1, the detection results of one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 as a priority over one or more gas sensors X2 (details of which will be described later) attached to positions other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 as a priority. This configuration advantageously reduces the processing load on the sign determination unit 22 while enabling the determination of whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1.

[0028] The sign determination unit 22 may determine the presence or absence of a fire sign by giving the highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor X1 that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of making it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire sign while further reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0029] (Gas Sensor) Each of the multiple gas sensors 1 detects a gas generated in the process leading to a fire. Each of the multiple gas sensors 1 outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount (e.g., concentration) of the detected gas to the control unit 2 as a detection result. Each of the multiple gas sensors 1 is, for example, a sensor that converts the amount (e.g., concentration) of the detected gas into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal to the control unit 2 as a detection result. The gas generated in the process leading to a fire includes, for example, at least one of hydrogen chloride gas, ammonia gas, carbon monoxide gas, and formaldehyde gas. Note that each of the multiple gas sensors 1 may be an electrochemical gas sensor or an infrared gas sensor.

[0030] The plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. In the first embodiment, the plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 and one or more gas sensors X2 attached to positions on the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 that are different from the four corners.

[0031] In the first embodiment, one gas sensor X1 is attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. Of the multiple gas sensors 1, the gas sensor X2, which is attached at a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, is attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0032] The number of the plurality of gas sensors 1 in the first embodiment is five. The five gas sensors 1 include four gas sensors 1 (gas sensor X1) attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, and one gas sensor 1 (gas sensor X2) attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0033] More specifically, four of the five gas sensors 1 correspond one-to-one to the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 and are attached to the corresponding corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. In other words, four of the five gas sensors 1 are gas sensors X1 attached to the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0034] On the other hand, one of the five gas sensors 1 is attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. In other words, one of the five gas sensors 1 is not the gas sensor X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, but the gas sensor X2 attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0035] (First Airflow Generating Unit) The first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 periodically or when the operating unit 5 receives an external operation input. The first airflow generating unit 3 of the first embodiment generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 based on the control content of the control unit 2. More specifically, in the first embodiment, when the control unit 2 receives information from the operating unit 5 indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the first airflow generating unit 3 last generated an airflow or that an external operation input has been received, the control unit 2 controls the first airflow generating unit 3 to generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1, and the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow based on the control content of the control unit 2. With the above configuration, gas generated in the process leading to a fire flows toward the wall A12 and then tends to flow along the wall A12 toward the ceiling A11. As a result, the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners can more easily detect gas, which prevents accurate detection of signs of a fire before it occurs. That is, the fire sign detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0036] The first airflow generating unit 3 is, for example, a fan having a plurality of blades (rotating blades) and a motor. The fan is installed inside the facility A1 so that, when the plurality of blades are rotating, an airflow is generated along the floor A13 of the facility A1. In the first airflow generating unit 3, the motor is operated based on the control content of the control unit 2, and the plurality of blades rotate in conjunction with the motor. As a result, the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1.

[0037] (Second Airflow Generating Unit) The second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 when a predetermined period of time has continued during which one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners have not detected any gas. The second airflow generating unit 4 of the first embodiment generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 based on the control content of the control unit 2. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the control unit 2 controls the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 when a predetermined period of time has continued during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the multiple gas sensors 1, and the second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow based on the control content of the control unit 2. This configuration has the effect of preventing a situation in which one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners fail to detect gas that is actually generated in the process leading to a fire inside the facility A1. In other words, the fire sign detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0038] The second airflow generating unit 4 is, for example, a fan having a plurality of blades (rotating blades) and a motor. The fan is installed inside the facility A1 so that, when the plurality of blades are rotating, an airflow is generated along the floor A13 of the facility A1. In the second airflow generating unit 4, the motor is operated based on the control content of the control unit 2, and the plurality of blades rotate in conjunction with the motor. As a result, the second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1.

[0039] In the first embodiment, the first airflow generation unit 3 and the second airflow generation unit 4 are separate devices. That is, the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment includes a fan serving as the first airflow generation unit 3 and a fan serving as the second airflow generation unit 4.

[0040] (Operation Unit) The operation unit 5 accepts an external operation input (for example, an operation input by a user or the like) that causes the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow along the floor surface A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1. The operation unit 5 outputs information including the fact that the external operation input has been accepted to the control unit 2.

[0041] As an example, the operation unit 5 is a remote control device (so-called remote controller) that is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 2 and transmits information including the reception of an external operation input to the control unit 2. The operation unit 5 may be a dedicated terminal device installed in the facility A1. The operation unit 5 may also be an input device (e.g., a keyboard) provided on a computer or the like installed in the facility A1 or a facility different from the facility A1.

[0042] (Notification Unit) The notification unit 6 issues a notification that a sign of a fire is detected before it breaks out within the facility A1. The notification unit 6 in the first embodiment issues a notification based on the control content of the control unit 2. More specifically, in the first embodiment, when the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is a sign of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1, the control unit 2 controls the notification unit 6 to issue a notification that a sign of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1 has been detected, and the notification unit 6 issues a notification based on the control content of the control unit 2.

[0043] As an example, the alarm unit 6 may issue an alarm by outputting an alarm sound or by linking with other devices (e.g., emergency broadcast equipment) via a communication function, thereby notifying that it has detected signs of a fire occurring within facility A1.

[0044] (1-2-2) Simulation Next, an example of the results of a simulation of gas distribution when a fire is about to break out within facility A1 in which the fire precursor detection system 100 of embodiment 1 is used will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0045] In the above simulation, it is assumed that a fire is about to break out at fire source S1 located at the center of floor A13 inside facility A1, where obstacles Ob1 to Ob3 are installed, and an airflow is being generated inside facility A1 toward wall A12. More specifically, the airflow generated inside facility A1 flows from left wall A12 toward right wall A12. Obstacles Ob1 to Ob3 here are, for example, furniture installed in facility A1.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the results of the above simulation as viewed from the front. During the process leading to the fire, gas generated at fire source S1 flows along floor A13 toward right-side wall A12, as indicated by arrow Ar11, and then along right-side wall A12 toward ceiling A11. The gas that reaches ceiling A11 from wall A12 flows from the edge of ceiling A11 connected to wall A12 toward the center of ceiling A11, as indicated by arrow Ar12. Meanwhile, gas generated at fire source S1 is less likely to flow toward the center of ceiling A11 directly above fire source S1. In other words, when an airflow is generated toward wall A12 inside facility A1, gas generated at fire source S1 does not flow the shortest distance from floor A13 toward ceiling A11, but rather flows along right-side wall A12 from floor A13 toward ceiling A11. In this disclosure, "flowing along the right wall surface A12" means flowing without separating from the right wall surface A12. Similarly, "flowing along the floor surface A13" means flowing without separating from the floor surface A13.

[0047] 4 shows the results of the above simulation as viewed from the left. In the process leading up to the fire, gas generated at the fire source S1 flows along the front wall surface A12 and the rear wall surface A12 toward the ceiling A11.

[0048] 5 shows the results of the above simulation when viewed from above. The gas that has flowed to the ceiling A11 flows along the rear wall surface A12 toward the left wall surface A12, as indicated by arrow Ar21. The gas that has flowed to the ceiling A11 flows along the front wall surface A12 toward the left wall surface A12, as indicated by arrow Ar22. For this reason, the gas that has flowed to the ceiling A11 is unlikely to flow to the center of the ceiling A11.

[0049] From the above, the above simulation reveals that when an airflow is generated inside facility A1 toward wall A12, the gas generated at fire source S1 in the process leading to a fire is less likely to flow to the center of ceiling A11 but is more likely to flow to the four corners of ceiling A11.

[0050] Therefore, in the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment, among the multiple gas sensors 1, the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 can detect gases generated in the process leading up to a fire earlier than the gas sensor X2 attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. As a result, the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment has the advantage of being able to detect warning signs of a fire earlier.

[0051] (1-2-3) Fire Sign Detection Method Next, a fire sign detection method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. The fire sign detection method according to the first embodiment is realized, for example, by the above-described fire sign detection system 100. The fire sign detection method according to the first embodiment is a fire sign detection method that detects signs of a fire before it occurs within facility A1.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6, the fire sign detection method includes a detection step S11, an acquisition step S12, a sign determination step S13, and a notification step S14. The sign determination step S13 corresponds to the determination step in the present disclosure. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is an example, and one or more steps may be included in addition to the detection step S11, the acquisition step S12, the sign determination step S13, and the notification step S14 shown in Fig. 6.

[0053] In a detection step S11, each of the plurality of gas sensors 1, including one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, detects gas generated in the process leading to a fire. In the detection step S11, each of the plurality of gas sensors 1 outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount (e.g., concentration) of the detected gas as a detection result to the control unit 2. Thereafter, in an acquisition step S12, the acquisition unit 21 of the control unit 2 acquires the detection results output from each of the plurality of gas sensors 1.

[0054] Then, in a sign determination step S13, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, using the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21 in the acquisition step S12. That is, in the sign determination step S13, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, using the detection results of the multiple gas sensors 1, including one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. In the sign determination step S13, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a fire occurring within the facility A1, based on the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. If the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 (S13: Yes), the notification unit 6 performs a notification step S14 to notify that a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 has been detected. More specifically, in the notification step S14, the control unit 2 controls the notification unit 6 to issue a notification that a sign of a fire has been detected within the facility A1, and the notification unit 6 issues the notification based on the control content described above by the control unit 2. On the other hand, if the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is no sign of a fire within the facility A1 (S13: No), each of the multiple gas sensors 1, including one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, again detects gases generated in the process leading up to the fire (S11).

[0055] In the sign determination step S13 of the first embodiment, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire before it occurs within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors 1, the detection results of one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not there is a sign of a fire while reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0056] In the sign determination step S13 of the first embodiment, the sign determination unit 22 may determine the presence or absence of a fire sign by giving highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor X1 that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of making it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire sign while further reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0057] 7, the fire warning detection method further includes a first condition determination step S21 and a first airflow generating step S22. The first airflow generating step S22 corresponds to the airflow generating step of the present disclosure. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and one or more steps may be included in addition to the first condition determination step S21 and the first airflow generating step S22 shown in FIG.

[0058] In the first condition determination step S21, the control unit 2 determines whether the condition for the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow is satisfied. First, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S211). If the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (S211: Yes), the control unit 2 performs the first airflow generation step S22. On the other hand, if the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow (S211: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input (S212). More specifically, if the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow (S211: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the operation unit 5 has received information indicating that the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input (S212). If the control unit 2 determines that the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input, i.e., that the operation unit 5 has acquired information including the fact that the operation input has been received from the outside (S212: Yes), the control unit 2 performs the first airflow generating step S22. On the other hand, if the control unit 2 determines that the operation unit 5 has not received an external operation input, i.e., that the operation unit 5 has not acquired information including the fact that the operation input has been received from the outside (S212: No), the control unit 2 performs the first condition determining step S21 again (S211).

[0059] In the first airflow generating step S22, the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1. More specifically, in the first airflow generating step S22, the control unit 2 controls the first airflow generating unit 3 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1, and the first airflow generating unit 3 generates the airflow based on the above control content of the control unit 2. That is, in the first airflow generating step S22, the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1 periodically or when the operation unit 5 receives an operation input from outside.

[0060] 8, the fire warning detection method further includes a second condition determination step S31 and a second airflow generating step S32. The second airflow generating step S32 corresponds to the airflow generating step of the present disclosure. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and one or more steps may be included in addition to the second condition determination step S31 and the second airflow generating step S32 shown in FIG.

[0061] In the second condition determination step S31, the control unit 2 determines whether the condition for the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow is satisfied. More specifically, in the second condition determination step S31, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the plurality of gas sensors 1. If the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the plurality of gas sensors 1 (S31: Yes), the control unit 2 performs the second airflow generating step S32. On the other hand, if the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined period of time has not passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the plurality of gas sensors 1 (S31: No), the control unit 2 performs the second condition determination step S31 again.

[0062] In the second airflow generating step S32, the second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1. More specifically, in the second airflow generating step S32, the control unit 2 controls the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1, and the second airflow generating unit 4 generates the airflow based on the above control content of the control unit 2. That is, in the second airflow generating step S32, an airflow that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1 is generated inside the facility A1 when the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners do not detect gas for a predetermined period of time.

[0063] (1-3) Effects In the fire warning detection system 100 of embodiment 1, the multiple gas sensors 1 include one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. According to this configuration, among the multiple gas sensors 1, the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 can detect gases generated in the process leading up to a fire earlier than the gas sensor X2 attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. As a result, the fire warning detection system 100 of embodiment 1 has the advantage of being able to detect warning signs of a fire earlier.

[0064] In the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment, the warning determination unit 22 determines whether or not there are warning signs of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors 1, the detection results of one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not there are warning signs of a fire while reducing the processing load on the warning determination unit 22.

[0065] In the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment, the warning determination unit 22 may determine the presence or absence of a fire warning by giving highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor X1 that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of making it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire warning while further reducing the processing load on the warning determination unit 22.

[0066] Furthermore, the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment includes a first airflow generating unit 3 that generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 periodically or when the operation unit 5 receives an external operation input. With this configuration, gas generated in the process leading to a fire flows toward the wall A12 and then flows toward the ceiling A11 along the wall A12. This has the effect of making it easier for the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners to detect gas. Accurate detection of signs of a fire before it occurs is suppressed. In other words, the fire warning detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0067] Furthermore, the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment includes a second airflow generating unit 4 that generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 when the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners do not detect any gas for a predetermined period of time. This configuration effectively prevents a situation in which the one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners fail to detect any gas that may be generated in the process leading to a fire, even though the gas is actually being generated inside the facility A1. In other words, the fire warning detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect warning signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0068] (1-4) Modifications of Embodiment 1 The above-described embodiment 1 is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment 1 can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the fire sign detection system 100 according to the above-described embodiment 1 may be embodied in the above-described fire sign detection method, (computer) program, or non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded. A program according to one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-described fire sign detection method. Such a program has the advantage of enabling earlier detection of signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0069] The following are examples of modifications of the above-described embodiment 1. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0070] The entity executing the fire warning detection system 100 or the fire warning detection method of the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the memory of the computer system to realize the functions of the fire warning detection system 100 or the fire warning detection method of the present disclosure. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided by being stored on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integration (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integration (ULSIs). Furthermore, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a logic device capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be employed as a processor. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0071] Furthermore, it is not essential for the fire sign detection system 100 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the fire sign detection system 100 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the fire sign detection system 100, for example, the functions of the control unit 2, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0072] In the first embodiment described above, the gas sensor X2, which is one of the plurality of gas sensors 1 and is attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, is attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. However, the gas sensor X2, which is one of the plurality of gas sensors 1 and is attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, may be attached to a wall A12 of the facility A1.

[0073] In the above-described first embodiment, the plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 and one or more gas sensors X2 attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. However, the plurality of gas sensors 1 may include one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, but may not include one or more gas sensors X2 attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. That is, all of the plurality of gas sensors 1 may be attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0074] As an example, the number of gas sensors 1 may be four, and each of the four gas sensors 1 may correspond one-to-one to one of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, and may be attached to a corresponding one of the four corners.

[0075] In the above-described first embodiment, one gas sensor X1 is attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. However, one or more gas sensors X1 may be attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0076] In the first embodiment described above, the number of the gas sensors 1 is five, but may be six or more. As an example, among the six or more gas sensors 1, the gas sensor X2, which is attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1, is attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 or to a wall A12 of the facility A1.

[0077] In the first embodiment described above, the first airflow generation unit 3 and the second airflow generation unit 4 are separate devices, but they may be the same device. That is, the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment may include a fan that functions as both the first airflow generation unit 3 and the second airflow generation unit 4. In other words, the second airflow generation unit 4 may further generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 periodically or when the operation unit 5 receives an external operation input. Similarly, the first airflow generation unit 3 may further generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 when one or more gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners do not detect gas for a predetermined period of time. The above configuration has the advantage of simplifying the configuration of the fire warning detection system 100.

[0078] In the above-described first embodiment, the first airflow generation unit 3 is a fan having a plurality of blades (rotating blades) and a motor. However, the mechanism for generating the airflow is not limited as long as the first airflow generation unit 3 can generate an airflow along the floor surface A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1.

[0079] Similarly, in the above-described first embodiment, the second airflow generation unit 4 is a fan having a plurality of blades (rotating blades) and a motor. However, the mechanism for generating the airflow is not limited as long as the second airflow generation unit 4 can generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1.

[0080] (2) Second Embodiment (2-1) Overview Hereinafter, an overview of a fire sign detection system 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 9. FIG.

[0081] The fire sign detection system 100 according to the second embodiment is a system that detects signs of a fire before it occurs within a facility A1.

[0082] 1, the fire sign detection system 100 includes a plurality of gas sensors 1 and a sign determination unit 22. The sign determination unit 22 corresponds to the determination unit in the present disclosure.

[0083] Each of the plurality of gas sensors 1 detects gases generated in the process leading up to a fire. The sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there are signs of a fire before it occurs within the facility A1, using the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors 1. As shown in Fig. 9 , the plurality of gas sensors 1 include one or more gas sensors X3 attached to a wall surface A12 of the facility A1.

[0084] Assume that a fire is about to break out at fire source S1 located at the center of floor A13 of facility A1, as shown in FIG. 3 . When airflow occurs within facility A1, gas generated during the process leading to the fire flows along wall A12 toward ceiling A11, as indicated by arrow Ar11. Then, the gas reaching ceiling A11 from wall A12 flows from the edge of ceiling A11 connected to wall A12 toward the center of ceiling A11, as indicated by arrow Ar12. Therefore, in the fire warning detection system 100 of embodiment 2, among the multiple gas sensors 1, one or more gas sensors X3 attached to wall A12 of facility A1 can detect gas generated during the process leading to the fire earlier than gas sensor X2 attached to the center of ceiling A11 of facility A1 (i.e., gas sensor X2 attached at a position other than wall A12 of facility A1). As a result, the fire warning detection system 100 of embodiment 2 has the advantage of being able to detect signs of a fire earlier.

[0085] (2-2) Detailed Configuration (2-2-1) Fire Sign Detection System Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the fire sign detection system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 to 9. FIG.

[0086] The fire sign detection system 100 is a system that detects signs of a fire before it occurs within the facility A1. That is, the fire sign detection system 100 is a system that determines whether or not there are signs of a fire that may occur within the facility A1 before it occurs within the facility A1.

[0087] 1, the fire warning detection system 100 includes a plurality of gas sensors 1, a control unit 2, a first airflow generating unit 3, a second airflow generating unit 4, an operation unit 5, and an alarm unit 6. Each of the first airflow generating unit 3 and the second airflow generating unit 4 corresponds to the airflow generating unit of the present disclosure.

[0088] It is not necessary that all of the components of the fire sign detection system 100 are provided in the facility A1 in which the fire sign detection system 100 is used. In other words, some of the components of the fire sign detection system 100 may be provided in the facility A1, and some of the components of the fire sign detection system 100 may be provided in a facility other than the facility A1. For example, the control unit 2 of the fire sign detection system 100 may be provided in a facility other than the facility A1.

[0089] (Control Unit) The control unit 2 can be realized, for example, by a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories. That is, the control unit 2 (including the acquisition unit 21 and the sign determination unit 22 described below) functions as the control unit 2 by having the one or more processors execute a program recorded in one or more memories of the computer system. The computer system has, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the function by executing the program. Here, the program is pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, but it may also be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be provided recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card.

[0090] The control unit 2 performs overall control of the fire warning detection system 100. As shown in Fig. 1 , the control unit 2 is electrically connected to each of the plurality of gas sensors 1, the first airflow generating unit 3, the second airflow generating unit 4, the operation unit 5, and the notification unit 6. The control unit 2 acquires detection results from each of the plurality of gas sensors 1. The control unit 2 acquires information including information that the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input.

[0091] Furthermore, the control unit 2 determines whether the conditions for the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow are satisfied, and controls the first airflow generation unit 3. More specifically, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow, and whether the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input. When the control unit 2 determines that a predetermined time has passed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow, or that information including the reception of an external operation input has been obtained from the operation unit 5, the control unit 2 controls the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 2 determines whether the second airflow generation unit 4 satisfies the conditions for generating an airflow, and controls the second airflow generation unit 4. More specifically, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 among the multiple gas sensors 1. When the control unit 2 determines that a predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 among the multiple gas sensors 1, the control unit 2 controls the second airflow generation unit 4 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that flows along the floor surface A13 of the facility A1.

[0093] 1, the control unit 2 includes an acquisition unit 21 and a sign determination unit 22. The sign determination unit 22 corresponds to the determination unit of the present disclosure.

[0094] The acquisition unit 21 acquires the detection results output from each of the multiple gas sensors 1. The sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, using the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. That is, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a fire occurring within the facility A1, based on the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. When the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, the control unit 2 controls the notification unit 6 to issue a notification that a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 has been detected.

[0095] In the second embodiment, the fire sign detection system 100 includes a plurality of gas sensors 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the sign determination unit 22 determine whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 based on the detection results output from all of the plurality of gas sensors 1. However, this increases the processing load on the sign determination unit 22. Therefore, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results from the plurality of gas sensors 1, the detection results from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. More specifically, among the detection results from the plurality of gas sensors 1, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results from the plurality of gas sensors 1, the detection results from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1 by using, among the detection results from the plurality of gas sensors 1, the detection results from one or more gas sensors X2 (details of which will be described later) attached to a position other than the wall A12 of the facility A1. This configuration advantageously reduces the processing load on the sign determination unit 22 while enabling the determination of whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1.

[0096] The sign determination unit 22 may determine the presence or absence of a fire sign by giving the highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor X3 that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of making it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire sign while further reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0097] (Gas Sensor) Each of the multiple gas sensors 1 detects a gas generated in the process leading to a fire. Each of the multiple gas sensors 1 outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount (e.g., concentration) of the detected gas to the control unit 2 as a detection result. Each of the multiple gas sensors 1 is, for example, a sensor that converts the amount (e.g., concentration) of the detected gas into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal to the control unit 2 as a detection result. The gas generated in the process leading to a fire includes, for example, at least one of hydrogen chloride gas, ammonia gas, carbon monoxide gas, and formaldehyde gas. Note that each of the multiple gas sensors 1 may be an electrochemical gas sensor or an infrared gas sensor.

[0098] The plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X3 attached to a wall surface A12 of the facility A1. In the second embodiment, the plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1 and one or more gas sensors X2 attached to a position different from the wall surface A12 of the facility A1. The gas sensor X2 attached to a position different from the wall surface A12 of the facility A1 among the plurality of gas sensors 1 is attached to a central portion of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0099] The number of the plurality of gas sensors 1 in the second embodiment is three. The three gas sensors 1 are two gas sensors 1 (gas sensor X3) attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1 and one gas sensor 1 (gas sensor X2) attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0100] More specifically, one of the two gas sensors 1 is attached to the left wall A12 of the facility A1, and the other of the two gas sensors 1 is attached to the right wall A12 of the facility A1. Two of the three gas sensors 1 is gas sensor X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. That is, one of the two gas sensors X3 is attached to the left wall A12 of the facility A1, and the other of the two gas sensors X3 is attached to the right wall A12 of the facility A1.

[0101] On the other hand, one of the three gas sensors 1 is attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. In other words, one of the three gas sensors 1 is not the gas sensor X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1, but the gas sensor X2 attached to a position different from the wall A12 of the facility A1.

[0102] (First Airflow Generating Unit) The first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 periodically or when the operating unit 5 receives an external operation input. The first airflow generating unit 3 of the second embodiment generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 based on the control content of the control unit 2. More specifically, in the second embodiment, when the control unit 2 receives information from the operating unit 5 indicating that a predetermined time has elapsed since the first airflow generating unit 3 last generated an airflow or that an external operation input has been received, the control unit 2 controls the first airflow generating unit 3 to generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1, and the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow based on the control content of the control unit 2. With the above configuration, gas generated in the process leading to a fire flows toward the wall A12 and then tends to flow along the wall A12 toward the ceiling A11. As a result, one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 can more easily detect gas. Accurate detection of signs of a fire before it occurs is suppressed. In other words, the fire sign detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0103] The first airflow generating unit 3 is, for example, a fan having a plurality of blades (rotating blades) and a motor. The fan is installed inside the facility A1 so that, when the plurality of blades are rotating, an airflow is generated along the floor A13 of the facility A1. In the first airflow generating unit 3, the motor is operated based on the control content of the control unit 2, and the plurality of blades rotate in conjunction with the motor. As a result, the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1.

[0104] (Second Airflow Generating Unit) The second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 when a predetermined period of time has continued during which one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 have not detected any gas. The second airflow generating unit 4 of the second embodiment generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 based on the control content of the control unit 2. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the control unit 2 controls the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 when a predetermined period of time has continued during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 among the multiple gas sensors 1, and the second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow based on the control content of the control unit 2. The above configuration has the effect of preventing a situation in which one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 fail to detect gases that are actually generated in the process leading to a fire inside the facility A1. In other words, the fire warning detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect warning signs of a fire before they occur.

[0105] The second airflow generating unit 4 is, for example, a fan having a plurality of blades (rotating blades) and a motor. The fan is installed inside the facility A1 so that, when the plurality of blades are rotating, an airflow is generated along the floor A13 of the facility A1. In the second airflow generating unit 4, the motor is operated based on the control content of the control unit 2, and the plurality of blades rotate in conjunction with the motor. As a result, the second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1.

[0106] In the second embodiment, the first airflow generation unit 3 and the second airflow generation unit 4 are separate devices. That is, the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment includes a fan serving as the first airflow generation unit 3 and a fan serving as the second airflow generation unit 4.

[0107] (Operation Unit) The operation unit 5 accepts an external operation input (for example, an operation input by a user or the like) that causes the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow along the floor surface A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1. The operation unit 5 outputs information including the fact that the external operation input has been accepted to the control unit 2.

[0108] As an example, the operation unit 5 is a remote control device (so-called remote controller) that is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 2 and transmits information including the reception of an external operation input to the control unit 2. The operation unit 5 may be a dedicated terminal device installed in the facility A1. The operation unit 5 may also be an input device (e.g., a keyboard) provided on a computer or the like installed in the facility A1 or a facility different from the facility A1.

[0109] (Notification Unit) The notification unit 6 issues a notification that a sign of a fire is detected before it breaks out within the facility A1. The notification unit 6 of the second embodiment issues a notification based on the control content of the control unit 2. More specifically, in the second embodiment, when the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is a sign of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1, the control unit 2 controls the notification unit 6 to issue a notification that a sign of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1 has been detected, and the notification unit 6 issues a notification based on the control content of the control unit 2.

[0110] As an example, the alarm unit 6 may issue an alarm by outputting an alarm sound or by linking with other devices (e.g., emergency broadcast equipment) via a communication function, thereby notifying that it has detected signs of a fire occurring within facility A1.

[0111] (2-2-2) Simulation Next, an example of the results of a simulation of gas distribution when a fire is about to break out within facility A1 in which the fire precursor detection system 100 of embodiment 2 is used will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0112] In the above simulation, it is assumed that a fire is about to break out at fire source S1 located at the center of floor A13 inside facility A1, where obstacles Ob1 to Ob3 are installed, and an airflow is being generated inside facility A1 toward wall A12. More specifically, the airflow generated inside facility A1 flows from left wall A12 toward right wall A12. Obstacles Ob1 to Ob3 here are, for example, furniture installed in facility A1.

[0113] Figure 3 shows the results of the above simulation as viewed from the front. During the process leading to the fire, gas generated at fire source S1 flows along floor A13 toward right-side wall A12, as indicated by arrow Ar11, and then along right-side wall A12 toward ceiling A11. The gas that reaches ceiling A11 from wall A12 flows from the edge of ceiling A11 connected to wall A12 toward the center of ceiling A11, as indicated by arrow Ar12. Meanwhile, gas generated at fire source S1 is less likely to flow toward the center of ceiling A11 directly above fire source S1. In other words, when an airflow is generated toward wall A12 inside facility A1, gas generated at fire source S1 does not flow the shortest distance from floor A13 toward ceiling A11, but rather flows along right-side wall A12 from floor A13 toward ceiling A11.

[0114] 4 shows the results of the above simulation as viewed from the left. In the process leading up to the fire, gas generated at the fire source S1 flows along the front wall surface A12 and the rear wall surface A12 toward the ceiling A11.

[0115] 5 shows the results of the above simulation when viewed from above. The gas that has flowed to the ceiling A11 flows along the rear wall surface A12 toward the left wall surface A12, as indicated by arrow Ar21. The gas that has flowed to the ceiling A11 flows along the front wall surface A12 toward the left wall surface A12, as indicated by arrow Ar22. For this reason, the gas that has flowed to the ceiling A11 is unlikely to flow to the center of the ceiling A11.

[0116] From the above, the above simulation reveals that when an airflow is generated inside facility A1 toward wall A12, the gas generated at fire source S1 in the process leading to a fire is less likely to flow toward the center of ceiling A11 but is more likely to flow toward wall A12.

[0117] Therefore, in the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment, among the multiple gas sensors 1, the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1 can detect gases generated in the process leading up to a fire earlier than the gas sensor X2 attached to the center part of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. As a result, the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment has the advantage of being able to detect warning signs of a fire earlier.

[0118] (2-2-3) Fire Sign Detection Method Next, a fire sign detection method according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8. The fire sign detection method according to embodiment 2 is realized, for example, by the above-described fire sign detection system 100. The fire sign detection method according to embodiment 2 is a fire sign detection method that detects signs of a fire before it occurs within facility A1.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 6, the fire sign detection method includes a detection step S11, an acquisition step S12, a sign determination step S13, and a notification step S14. The sign determination step S13 corresponds to the determination step in the present disclosure. Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 is an example, and one or more steps may be included in addition to the detection step S11, the acquisition step S12, the sign determination step S13, and the notification step S14 shown in Fig. 6.

[0120] In a detection step S11, each of the plurality of gas sensors 1, including one or more gas sensors X3 attached to a wall surface A12 of the facility A1, detects a gas generated in the process leading to a fire. In the detection step S11, each of the plurality of gas sensors 1 outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount (e.g., concentration) of the detected gas as a detection result to the control unit 2. Thereafter, in an acquisition step S12, the acquisition unit 21 of the control unit 2 acquires the detection result output from each of the plurality of gas sensors 1.

[0121] Then, in the sign determination step S13, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, using the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21 in the acquisition step S12. That is, in the sign determination step S13, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1, using the detection results of the multiple gas sensors 1, including one or more gas sensors X3, attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1. In the sign determination step S13, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a possibility of a fire occurring within the facility A1, based on the detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 21. If the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 (S13: Yes), the notification unit 6 performs a notification step S14 to notify that a sign of a fire occurring within the facility A1 has been detected. More specifically, in the notification step S14, the control unit 2 controls the notification unit 6 to issue a notification that a sign of a fire has been detected within the facility A1, and the notification unit 6 issues the notification based on the control content described above by the control unit 2. On the other hand, if the sign determination unit 22 determines that there is no sign of a fire within the facility A1 (S13: No), each of the multiple gas sensors 1, including the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1, again detects gases generated in the process leading up to the fire (S11).

[0122] In the sign determination step S13 of the second embodiment, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there is a sign of a fire before it occurs within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors 1, the detection results of the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not there is a sign of a fire while reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0123] In the sign determination step S13 of the second embodiment, the sign determination unit 22 may determine the presence or absence of a fire sign by giving the highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor X3 that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of making it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire sign while further reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0124] 7, the fire warning detection method further includes a first condition determination step S21 and a first airflow generating step S22. The first airflow generating step S22 corresponds to the airflow generating step of the present disclosure. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is an example, and one or more steps may be included in addition to the first condition determination step S21 and the first airflow generating step S22 shown in FIG.

[0125] In the first condition determination step S21, the control unit 2 determines whether the condition for the first airflow generation unit 3 to generate an airflow is satisfied. First, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S211). If the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (S211: Yes), the control unit 2 performs the first airflow generation step S22. On the other hand, if the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow (S211: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input (S212). More specifically, if the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the first airflow generation unit 3 last generated an airflow (S211: No), the control unit 2 determines whether the operation unit 5 has received information indicating that the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input (S212). If the control unit 2 determines that the operation unit 5 has received an external operation input, i.e., that the operation unit 5 has acquired information including the fact that the operation input has been received from the outside (S212: Yes), the control unit 2 performs the first airflow generating step S22. On the other hand, if the control unit 2 determines that the operation unit 5 has not received an external operation input, i.e., that the operation unit 5 has not acquired information including the fact that the operation input has been received from the outside (S212: No), the control unit 2 performs the first condition determining step S21 again (S211).

[0126] In the first airflow generating step S22, the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1. More specifically, in the first airflow generating step S22, the control unit 2 controls the first airflow generating unit 3 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1, and the first airflow generating unit 3 generates the airflow based on the above control content of the control unit 2. That is, in the first airflow generating step S22, the first airflow generating unit 3 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor surface A13 of the facility A1 periodically or when the operation unit 5 receives an operation input from outside.

[0127] 8, the fire warning detection method further includes a second condition determination step S31 and a second airflow generating step S32. The second airflow generating step S32 corresponds to the airflow generating step of the present disclosure. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is an example, and one or more steps may be included in addition to the second condition determination step S31 and the second airflow generating step S32 shown in FIG.

[0128] In the second condition determination step S31, the control unit 2 determines whether the condition for the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow is satisfied. More specifically, in the second condition determination step S31, the control unit 2 determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 among the multiple gas sensors 1. If the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined period of time has passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 among the multiple gas sensors 1 (S31: Yes), the control unit 2 performs the second airflow generating step S32. On the other hand, if the control unit 2 determines that the predetermined period of time has not passed during which no detection results have been obtained from one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 among the multiple gas sensors 1 (S31: No), the control unit 2 performs the second condition determination step S31 again.

[0129] In the second airflow generating step S32, the second airflow generating unit 4 generates an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1. More specifically, in the second airflow generating step S32, the control unit 2 controls the second airflow generating unit 4 to generate an airflow inside the facility A1 that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1, and the second airflow generating unit 4 generates the airflow based on the control content of the control unit 2. That is, in the second airflow generating step S32, an airflow that follows the floor A13 of the facility A1 is generated inside the facility A1 when the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 do not detect gas for a predetermined period of time.

[0130] (2-3) Effects In the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment, the plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. According to this configuration, among the plurality of gas sensors 1, the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1 can detect gases generated in the process leading up to a fire earlier than the gas sensor X2 attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. As a result, the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment has the advantage of being able to detect warning signs of a fire earlier.

[0131] In the fire sign detection system 100 of the second embodiment, the sign determination unit 22 determines whether or not there are signs of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1 by using, among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors 1, the detection results of one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of being able to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire before it breaks out within the facility A1 while reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0132] In the fire sign detection system 100 of the second embodiment, the sign determination unit 22 may determine the presence or absence of a fire sign by giving highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor X3 that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1. This configuration has the advantage of making it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fire sign while further reducing the processing load on the sign determination unit 22.

[0133] Furthermore, the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment includes a first airflow generating unit 3 that generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 periodically or when the operation unit 5 receives an external operation input. With this configuration, gas generated in the process leading to a fire flows toward the wall A12 and then tends to flow along the wall A12 toward the ceiling A11. As a result, one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1 are more likely to detect gas. Accurate detection of signs of a fire before it occurs is suppressed. In other words, the fire warning detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0134] Furthermore, the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment includes a second airflow generating unit 4 that generates an airflow along the floor A13 of the facility A1 inside the facility A1 when one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1 do not detect any gas for a predetermined period of time. This configuration has the effect of preventing a situation in which one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall A12 of the facility A1 fail to detect any gas that may be generated in the process leading to a fire, even though the gas is actually being generated inside the facility A1. In other words, the fire warning detection system 100 has the advantage of being able to accurately detect warning signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0135] (2-4) Modifications of Embodiment 2 The above-described embodiment 2 is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment 2 can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, functions similar to those of the fire sign detection system 100 according to the above-described embodiment 2 may be embodied in the above-described fire sign detection method, (computer) program, or non-transitory recording medium on which the program is recorded. A program according to one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above-described fire sign detection method. Such a program has the advantage of making it possible to detect signs of a fire earlier before the occurrence of the fire.

[0136] The following are examples of modifications of the second embodiment. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0137] Furthermore, it is not essential for the fire sign detection system 100 that multiple functions are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the fire sign detection system 100 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the fire sign detection system 100, for example, the functions of the control unit 2, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0138] In the above-described second embodiment, the plurality of gas sensors 1 includes one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1 and one or more gas sensors X2 attached to a position different from the wall surface A12 of the facility A1. However, the plurality of gas sensors 1 may include one or more gas sensors X3 attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1, but may not include one or more gas sensors X2 attached to a position different from the wall surface A12 of the facility A1. That is, all of the plurality of gas sensors 1 may be attached to the wall surface A12 of the facility A1.

[0139] In the above-described second embodiment, one of the two gas sensors X3 is attached to the left wall A12 of the facility A1, and the other of the two gas sensors X3 is attached to the right wall A12 of the facility A1. However, each of the two gas sensors X3 may be attached to any of the left wall A12, the right wall A12, the front wall A12, or the rear wall A12 of the facility A1. For example, one of the two gas sensors X3 may be attached to the front wall A12 of the facility A1, and the other of the two gas sensors X3 may be attached to the rear wall A12 of the facility A1.

[0140] In the second embodiment described above, the number of the gas sensors X3 is two, but it may be three or more. The number of the gas sensors X3 may also be one. That is, the number of the gas sensors X3 may be one or more. Each of the one or more gas sensors X3 may be attached to any one of the left wall A12, the right wall A12, the front wall A12, and the rear wall A12 of the facility A1.

[0141] In the second embodiment described above, the gas sensor X2, which is one of the gas sensors 1 mounted at a position different from the wall surface A12 of the facility A1, is mounted in the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1. However, the gas sensor X2, which is one of the gas sensors 1 mounted at a position different from the wall surface A12 of the facility A1, may be mounted at any of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0142] In the above-described second embodiment, the number of the gas sensor X2 is one, but it may be two or more. For example, each of the two or more gas sensors X2 may be attached to the center of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1 or to one of the four corners of the ceiling A11 of the facility A1.

[0143] The fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment may be implemented by appropriately combining the configurations of the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment. That is, the multiple gas sensors 1 in the fire warning detection system 100 may include one or more first gas sensors X1 attached to each of the four corners of a ceiling A11 of the facility A1, one or more second gas sensors X3 attached to a wall A12 of the facility A1, and one or more gas sensors X2 attached to a position other than the four corners of the ceiling A11 and the wall A12 of the facility A1, as shown in Fig. 10 . The first gas sensor X1 here corresponds to the gas sensor X1 in the fire warning detection system 100 of the first embodiment, and the second gas sensor X3 corresponds to the gas sensor X3 in the fire warning detection system 100 of the second embodiment.

[0144] (Summary) A first aspect of the fire sign detection system (100) is a fire sign detection system that detects signs of a fire before it breaks out in a facility (A1). The first aspect of the fire sign detection system (100) includes a plurality of gas sensors (1) and a determination unit (22). The plurality of gas sensors (1) detect gases that are generated in the process leading up to a fire. The determination unit (22) determines the presence or absence of signs of a fire before it breaks out in the facility (A1) using the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors (1). The plurality of gas sensors (1) includes one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners of a ceiling (A11) of the facility (A1).

[0145] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to detect signs of a fire earlier than the occurrence of the fire.

[0146] In the second aspect of the fire warning detection system (100), in the first aspect, the judgment unit (22) uses the detection results of one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners preferentially among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors (1) to judge whether there are warning signs of a fire occurring within the facility (A1).

[0147] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0148] In the fire warning detection system (100) of the third aspect, in the second aspect, each of the plurality of gas sensors (1) outputs a detection result corresponding to the amount of gas detected. The determination unit (22) determines the presence or absence of a warning sign of a fire before it occurs in the facility (A1) by giving the highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor (1) that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners.

[0149] This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while further reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0150] The fourth aspect of the fire warning detection system (100) is any one of the first to third aspects, and further includes an airflow generating unit (3) that generates an airflow along a floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) inside the facility (A1) periodically or when an operation input is received from outside.

[0151] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0152] The fifth aspect of the fire warning detection system (100) is any one of the first to fourth aspects, and further includes an airflow generating unit (4) that generates an airflow inside the facility (A1) along the floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) when a predetermined period of time continues during which one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners do not detect gas.

[0153] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0154] A sixth aspect of the fire warning detection system (100) is the fifth aspect, wherein the airflow generating unit (4) further generates an airflow periodically or when an operation input is received from outside.

[0155] This aspect has the advantage of simplifying the configuration of the fire warning detection system (100).

[0156] In the seventh aspect of the fire warning detection system (100), in the first aspect, the plurality of gas sensors (1) are gas sensors different from the first gas sensor (X1), which is one or more gas sensors (X1), and include one or more second gas sensors (X3) attached to a wall surface (A12) of the facility (A1).

[0157] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to detect signs of a fire earlier than the occurrence of the fire.

[0158] In the fire warning detection system (100) of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the judgment unit (22) uses the detection results of one or more second gas sensors (X3) preferentially among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors (1) to judge whether there are warning signs of a fire before it occurs within the facility (A1).

[0159] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0160] In the fire warning detection system (100) of the ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, each of the plurality of gas sensors (1) outputs a detection result corresponding to the amount of gas detected, and the determination unit (22) uses the detection result of the gas sensor (1) that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more second gas sensors (X3) with the highest priority to determine whether there are warning signs of a fire occurring within the facility (A1).

[0161] This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while further reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0162] The fire warning detection system (100) of the tenth aspect, in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, further includes an airflow generating unit (3) that generates an airflow along the floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) inside the facility (A1) periodically or when an operation input is received from outside.

[0163] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0164] The fire warning detection system (100) of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, further includes an airflow generating unit (4) that generates an airflow inside the facility (A1) along the floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) when a predetermined period of time continues during which one or more second gas sensors (X3) do not detect gas.

[0165] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0166] A fire warning detection system (100) of a twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, wherein the airflow generating unit (4) further generates an airflow periodically or when an operation input is received from outside.

[0167] This aspect has the advantage of simplifying the configuration of the fire warning detection system (100).

[0168] A thirteenth aspect of the fire sign detection method is a fire sign detection method for detecting signs of a fire before it occurs in a facility (A1). The thirteenth aspect of the fire sign detection method includes a determination step (S13) for determining the presence or absence of signs of a fire using detection results from a plurality of gas sensors (1) that detect gases generated in the process leading up to the fire. The plurality of gas sensors (1) include one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners of a ceiling (A11) of the facility (A1).

[0169] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to detect signs of a fire earlier than the occurrence of the fire.

[0170] In the 14th aspect of the fire warning detection method, in the 13th aspect, in the determination step (S13), the detection results of one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners are used preferentially among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors (1) to determine whether or not there are warning signs of a fire occurring within the facility (A1).

[0171] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0172] In the fire warning detection method of the 15th aspect, in the 14th aspect, each of the plurality of gas sensors (1) outputs a detection result corresponding to the amount of gas detected. In the determination step (S13), the presence or absence of a warning sign before a fire breaks out in the facility (A1) is determined by giving the highest priority to the detection result of the gas sensor (1) that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors (X1) attached to each of the four corners.

[0173] This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while further reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0174] The fire warning detection method of the 16th aspect, in any one of the 13th to 15th aspects, further includes an airflow generating step (S22) of generating an airflow along a floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) inside the facility (A1) periodically or when an operation input is received from outside.

[0175] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0176] The fire warning detection method of the 17th aspect, in any one of the 13th to 16th aspects, further includes an airflow generating step (S32) of generating an airflow along a floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) inside the facility (A1) when a predetermined period of time continues during which one or more gas sensors (1) do not detect gas.

[0177] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0178] In the fire warning detection method of the 18th aspect, in the 13th aspect, the plurality of gas sensors (1) are gas sensors different from the first gas sensor (X1), which is one or more gas sensors (X1), and include one or more second gas sensors (X3) attached to a wall surface (A12) of the facility (A1).

[0179] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to detect signs of a fire earlier than the occurrence of the fire.

[0180] In the fire warning detection method of the 19th aspect, in the 18th aspect, in the judgment step (S13), the detection results of one or more second gas sensors (X3) are used preferentially among the detection results of the multiple gas sensors (1) to determine whether or not there are warning signs of a fire occurring within the facility (A1).

[0181] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0182] In the fire warning detection method of the 20th aspect, in the 19th aspect, each of the plurality of gas sensors (1) outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount of gas detected as a detection result. In the determination step (S13), the presence or absence of a warning sign before a fire breaks out in the facility (A1) is determined by using, with the highest priority, the detection result of the gas sensor (1) that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more second gas sensors (X3).

[0183] This aspect has the advantage that it is possible to determine whether or not there are signs of a fire while further reducing the processing load on the determination unit (22).

[0184] The fire warning detection method of the 21st aspect, in any one of the 18th to 20th aspects, further includes an airflow generating step (S22) of generating an airflow along a floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) inside the facility (A1) periodically or when an operation input is received from outside.

[0185] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0186] The fire warning detection method of the 22nd aspect, in any one of the 18th to 21st aspects, further includes an airflow generating step (S32) of generating an airflow inside the facility (A1) along a floor surface (A13) of the facility (A1) when a predetermined period of time continues during which one or more gas sensors (1) do not detect gas.

[0187] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to accurately detect signs of a fire before it occurs.

[0188] A program according to a twenty-third aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the fire sign detection method according to any one of the thirteenth to twenty-second aspects.

[0189] This embodiment has the advantage that it is possible to detect signs of a fire earlier than the occurrence of the fire.

[0190] The configurations according to the second to twelfth aspects are not essential for the fire sign detection system 100 and may be omitted as appropriate. Similarly, the configurations according to the thirteenth to twenty-second aspects are not essential for the fire sign detection method and may be omitted as appropriate.

[0191] 100 Fire sign detection system 1, X1 First gas sensor (gas sensor) 1, X3 Second gas sensor 22 Sign determination unit (determination unit) 3 First airflow generation unit (airflow generation unit) 4 Second airflow generation unit (airflow generation unit) A1 Facility A11 Ceiling A13 Floor S13 Sign determination step (determination step) S22 First airflow generation step (airflow generation step) S32 Second airflow generation step (airflow generation step)

Claims

1. A fire omen detection system for detecting omens before a fire occurs in a facility, comprising: a plurality of gas sensors for detecting gases generated in the process leading to the fire; and a determination unit for determining the presence or absence of the omen using the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors, wherein the plurality of gas sensors include one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling of the facility.

2. The fire omen detection system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit preferentially uses the detection results of the one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors to determine the presence or absence of the omen.

3. Each of the plurality of gas sensors outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount of the detected gas as a detection result, and the determination unit preferentially uses the detection result of the gas sensor that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners to determine the presence or absence of the omen. The fire omen detection system according to claim 2.

4. The fire omen detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an air flow generation unit for generating an air flow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility periodically or when receiving an operation input from the outside.

5. The fire omen detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an air flow generation unit for generating an air flow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility when the time during which the one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners do not detect the gas continues for a predetermined time.

6. The fire omen detection system according to claim 5, wherein the air flow generation unit further generates the air flow periodically or when receiving an operation input from the outside.

7. The plurality of gas sensors are gas sensors different from the first gas sensors which are the one or more gas sensors, and further include one or more second gas sensors attached to the wall surface of the facility. The fire omen detection system according to claim 1.

8. The fire omen detection system according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit preferentially uses the detection results of the one or more second gas sensors among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors to determine the presence or absence of the omen.

9. Each of the plurality of gas sensors outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount of the detected gas as a detection result, and the determination unit determines the presence or absence of the sign by giving top priority to the detection result of the second gas sensor that has output the highest detection value among the one or more second gas sensors. The fire sign detection system according to claim 8.

10. The fire sign detection system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising an airflow generation unit that generates an airflow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility periodically or when receiving an operation input from the outside.

11. The fire sign detection system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising an airflow generation unit that generates an airflow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility when the time during which the one or more second gas sensors do not detect the gas continues for a predetermined time.

12. The airflow generation unit further generates the airflow periodically or when receiving an operation input from the outside. The fire sign detection system according to claim 11.

13. A fire sign detection method for detecting a sign before a fire occurs in a facility, including a determination step of determining the presence or absence of the sign using detection results of a plurality of gas sensors that detect gas generated in the process leading to the fire, wherein the plurality of gas sensors include one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners of the ceiling of the facility. Fire sign detection method.

14. In the determination step, the presence or absence of the sign is determined by giving priority to the detection results of the one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors. The fire sign detection method according to claim 13.

15. Each of the plurality of gas sensors outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount of the detected gas as the detection result, and in the determination step, the presence or absence of the sign is determined by giving top priority to the detection result of the gas sensor that has output the highest detection value among the one or more gas sensors attached to each of the four corners. The fire sign detection method according to claim 14.

16. The fire sign detection method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further including an airflow generation step of generating an airflow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility periodically or when receiving an operation input from the outside.

17. The method for detecting a fire omen according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising an air flow generation step of generating an air flow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility when the time during which the one or more gas sensors do not detect the gas continues for a predetermined time.

18. The method for detecting a fire omen according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of gas sensors are gas sensors different from the first gas sensors which are the one or more gas sensors, and further include one or more second gas sensors attached to the wall surface of the facility.

19. The method for detecting a fire omen according to claim 18, wherein in the determination step, among the detection results of the plurality of gas sensors, the detection results of the one or more second gas sensors are preferentially used to determine the presence or absence of the omen.

20. Each of the plurality of gas sensors outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount of the detected gas as the detection result, and in the determination step, the detection result of the second gas sensor that outputs the highest detection value among the one or more second gas sensors is preferentially used to determine the presence or absence of the omen. The method for detecting a fire omen according to claim 19.

21. The method for detecting a fire omen according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising an air flow generation step of generating an air flow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility periodically or when an operation input from the outside is received.

22. The method for detecting a fire omen according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising an air flow generation step of generating an air flow along the floor surface of the facility inside the facility when the time during which the one or more second gas sensors do not detect the gas continues for a predetermined time.

23. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the method for detecting a fire omen according to any one of claims 13 to 22.

Images