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

Abstract

The present invention provides a fire sign detection system capable of detecting signs of fire. This fire sign detection system (1) comprises a sensor (2), a processing unit (5), a storage unit (3), and a warning unit (4). The sensor (2) receives infrared rays emitted from an object. The processing unit (5) calculates the temperature of the object on the basis of the infrared light received by the sensor (2). The storage unit (3) stores the temperatures calculated by the processing unit (5) in chronological order. The warning unit (4) can output a warning that raises awareness of a fire sign. When a predetermined condition is met, the processing unit (5) controls the warning unit (4) so that the warning unit (4) outputs a warning. The predetermined condition includes a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and / or a condition that the temperature increase rate calculated on the basis of the temperature stored in chronological order in the storage unit (3) is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

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, and more particularly to a fire sign detection system, a fire sign detection method, and a program that notify of a fire sign.

[0002] The disaster prevention system for underground spaces in Patent Document 1 includes a laser irradiation means, a laser receiving means, a data processing unit, and a central control unit. The laser irradiation means irradiates the underground station with laser light having a wavelength close to the absorption wavelength of a specific gas. The laser receiving means receives the laser light irradiated from the laser irradiation means within the underground station. The data processing unit calculates the concentration of the specific gas within the underground station using a laser absorption method based on the laser light received by the laser receiving means. The data processing unit also calculates the ratio of the laser light irradiated from the laser irradiation means to the laser light received by the laser receiving means to calculate the smoke transmittance. The central control unit issues a fire alarm when the measured values ​​of the specific gas concentration and smoke transmittance calculated by the data processing unit exceed predetermined values.

[0003] The disaster prevention system for underground spaces described in Patent Document 1 detects fires based on the measurement results of specific gas concentrations and smoke transmittance. That is, since the disaster prevention system for underground spaces described in Patent Document 1 is based on the measurement results of specific gas concentrations and smoke transmittance, it can detect fires but has difficulty detecting fire precursors before a fire occurs.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-83876

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a fire sign detection system, a fire sign detection method, and a program that can detect fire signs.

[0006] A fire warning detection system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a sensor, a processing unit, a memory unit, and a warning unit. The sensor receives infrared rays emitted from an object. The processing unit calculates the temperature of the object based on the infrared rays received by the sensor. The memory unit chronologically stores the temperatures calculated by the processing unit. The warning unit is capable of outputting a warning to notify of a fire warning. The processing unit controls the warning unit to output the warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in the memory unit in chronological order is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0007] A fire warning detection method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a processing step, a storage step, and a warning step. In the processing step, the temperature of an object is calculated based on infrared rays received by a sensor that receives infrared rays emitted from the object. In the storage step, the temperatures calculated in the processing step are stored in a storage unit in chronological order. In the warning step, a warning to notify a fire warning is output from a warning unit. In the processing step, the warning unit is controlled so that the warning unit outputs the warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit in chronological order is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the fire warning detection method.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fire sign detection system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of a sensor provided in the fire sign detection system. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a sensing range (target range) of the sensor. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a temperature distribution in the target range measured by the sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the operation of the fire sign detection system. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the remaining part of the operation of the fire sign detection system. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a fire sign detection system according to a third modification.

[0010] A fire sign detection system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment) (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 1 , a fire warning detection system 1 according to an embodiment includes a sensor 2, a processing unit 5, a storage unit 3, and a warning unit 4. The sensor 2 receives infrared rays emitted from an object 6 (see FIG. 3 ). The processing unit 5 calculates the temperature of the object 6 based on the infrared rays received by the sensor 2. The storage unit 3 chronologically stores the temperatures calculated by the processing unit 5. The warning unit 4 is capable of outputting a warning indicating a fire warning. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the processing unit 5 controls the warning unit 4 to output the warning. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit 3 chronologically is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0012] According to this configuration, a fire warning is detected when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is at least one of the condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the condition that the calculated temperature rise rate is equal to or greater than a second threshold, so that a fire warning can be detected.

[0013] (2) Detailed Description As shown in FIG. 1 , a fire sign detection system 1 according to an embodiment is a system that notifies users of fire signs before a fire occurs. The fire sign detection system 1 is installed, for example, inside or outside a building, and issues a warning that a fire sign has occurred inside or outside the building. Here, the "fire" refers to, for example, the combustion of an object located inside or outside the building. The "object" refers to an object that emits infrared rays, including, for example, equipment located inside or outside the building. The "combustion" refers to a state in which at least one of a flame and a spark occurs in an object. The "fire sign" refers to a stage (state) before a fire occurs in the process leading up to a fire.

[0014] In the following description, the fire sign detection system 1 will be described taking as an example a case where a warning is given that a fire sign has occurred in a room (for example, a kitchen) inside a building.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the fire sign detection system 1 includes a sensor 2 , a memory unit 3 , a warning unit 4 , and a processing unit 5 .

[0016] The sensor 2 is a sensor that receives infrared rays emitted from an object 6 (see FIG. 3 ). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the sensor 2 is an infrared array sensor having a plurality of (64 in the example of FIG. 2 ) sensitive cells 2a. The sensitive cell 2b in FIG. 2 is the sensitive cell 2a corresponding to an area 8b (i.e., an area 8a where a fire is occurring) of a target area 8 described below, and the sensitive cell 2c is the sensitive cell 2a corresponding to an area 8c where a person 10 described below is present. The multiple sensitive cells 2a are arranged in a matrix of m rows and n columns (e.g., 8 rows and 8 columns). As shown in FIG. 3 , the sensor 2 is installed at a predetermined position P1 (e.g., a predetermined position on the ceiling) of a room 7 (e.g., a kitchen) to be monitored among multiple rooms in a building. The sensor 2 receives infrared rays emitted from one or more objects 6 included in a predetermined area 8 (hereinafter referred to as the “target area 8”) of the room 7.

[0017] The monitored room 7 is an example of an installation area in which the sensor 2 is installed. The "installation area" refers to the area in which the sensor 2 is installed and is not limited to the interior of a building but also applies to the exterior of a building. The "target object" refers to an object that could be a fire source that is a sign of a fire, and includes, for example, equipment installed in the room 7 (e.g., a kitchen) (e.g., cooking appliances (e.g., a stove, microwave, refrigerator), floors, and walls). The "target range" refers to the sensing range of the sensor 2, and specifically, a predetermined range within the monitored room 7 that includes one or more targets 6. Note that the example in FIG. 3 illustrates a case in which the monitored room 7 is a kitchen, but the monitored room 7 is not limited to a kitchen and may be, for example, a dining room, living room, or bathroom. In the example in FIG. 3, the target range 8 includes, as targets 6, for example, a stove 6a, a sink 6b, a floor 6c, and a wall 6d. Hereinafter, the stove 6a, the sink 6b, the floor 6c, and the wall 6d may be referred to as the object 6a, the object 6b, the object 6c, and the object 6d, respectively.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the target area 8 has a plurality of regions 8a (64 in the example of Fig. 3) virtually divided into a matrix. The regions 8a correspond one-to-one to the plurality of sensitive cells 2a. The plurality of sensitive cells 2a receive infrared rays emitted from the corresponding regions 8a. The sensor 2 measures the temperature of each region 8a in the target area 8 (i.e., the temperature distribution of the target area 8) by receiving infrared rays emitted from the plurality of regions 8a in the target area 8 using the plurality of sensitive cells 2a. Fig. 4 shows an example of the temperature distribution of the target area 8.

[0019] In Figure 4, of the multiple areas 8a in the target range 8, area 8b is an area where a fire, as described below, is occurring (i.e., an area having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value, as described below), area 8c is an area where a person 10, as described below, is present (i.e., an area having a temperature within the temperature range of person (10), as described below), and areas 8a other than areas 8b and 8c are areas with temperatures lower than the temperatures of areas 8b and 8c, and are areas where neither fire nor people are present.

[0020] Each of the multiple sensitive cells 2a is composed of a sensor element 9 individually formed into a chip (see FIG. 3). The sensor element 9 receives infrared light emitted from the corresponding region 8a. The sensor element 9 is composed of, for example, a thermopile. The thermopile is composed of multiple thermocouples connected in series. That is, in this embodiment, the sensor 2 is composed of multiple sensor elements 9 individually formed into chips (i.e., multiple sensitive cells 2a individually formed into chips).

[0021] By measuring the temperature distribution of the target area 8, the sensor 2 functions as a fire sign detection sensor that detects a fire source that has occurred within the target area 8 and that may be a fire sign. Furthermore, by measuring the temperature distribution of the target area 8, the sensor 2 functions as a human detection sensor that detects a person 10 (see FIG. 3) present within the target area 8. In this embodiment, as will be described later, among the multiple areas 8a in the target area 8, an area 8b (see FIG. 4) having a fire temperature (e.g., a temperature of 100°C or higher) is identified by the processing unit 5 as the area 8b where a fire is occurring. Furthermore, among the multiple areas 8a in the target area 8, an area 8c (see FIG. 4) having a temperature of the person 10 (e.g., a temperature of 30°C or higher and 50°C or lower) is identified by the processing unit 5 as the area 8c where the person 10 is present.

[0022] The storage unit 3 is a storage device that stores information (various programs and various data) used in the processing described below by the processing unit 5. The storage unit 3 is a non-volatile storage device. The storage unit 3 is configured, for example, by an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 3 stores temperatures (temperatures of the object 6) described below calculated by the processing unit 5 in chronological order.

[0023] The warning unit 4 is an output device capable of outputting a warning to notify a user of a fire warning. When a fire warning is detected by the processing unit 5 as described below, the warning unit 4 outputs the warning in accordance with the control of the processing unit 5. More specifically, the warning unit 4 includes at least one of an audio output unit, a display unit, and a light-emitting unit. The audio output unit outputs a message notifying the warning by voice (e.g., "A fire warning has occurred"). The display unit is a display device capable of displaying an image, such as a liquid crystal display, and displays the message notifying the warning by an image (e.g., "A fire warning has occurred"). The light-emitting unit includes a lamp or a light-emitting element (e.g., a light-emitting diode) that emits light of a specific color (e.g., red or green), and issues the warning by emitting light of the specific color, for example.

[0024] The warning unit 4 has a function of outputting a warning to notify people of a fire if a fire occurs.

[0025] The processing unit 5 mainly comprises a computer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and various functions of the processing unit 5 are realized by executing a program stored in the memory by the CPU. The program may be pre-recorded in the computer's memory, may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0026] The processing unit 5 calculates the temperature, etc. of the object 6 within the target range 8 based on the measurement results of the sensor 2 (i.e., the infrared rays received by the sensor 2), and controls the warning unit 4 so that the warning unit 4 outputs the above-mentioned warning if the calculated temperature, etc. of the object 6 meets predetermined conditions.

[0027] The processing unit 5 includes a first processing unit 51 , a second processing unit 52 , and a determination unit 53 .

[0028] The first processing unit 51 mainly performs processing to detect fire occurring within the target area 8 (i.e., fire that may be a sign of a fire). The first processing unit 51 calculates the temperature distribution within the target area 8 (i.e., the temperature of each area 8a within the target area 8, i.e., the temperature of the object 6 within the target area 8) based on the measurement results of the sensor 2 (i.e., infrared light received by the sensor 2) at regular intervals. The first processing unit 51 also stores the temperatures of each area 8a (i.e., the temperatures calculated for each sensitive cell 2a) calculated at regular intervals in the memory unit 3 for each area 8a (i.e., for each sensitive cell 2a) in chronological order (i.e., in the order of calculation) for each area 8a. The first processing unit 51 also calculates the rate of temperature rise of each area 8a based on the temperatures stored in the memory unit 3 in chronological order, and stores the calculated rate of temperature rise of each area 8a in the memory unit 3.

[0029] Each region 8a in the target range 8 includes some or all of the objects 6 (6a to 6d) present within the target range 8. Therefore, the temperature of region 8a is the temperature of the object 6 included in region 8a. For example, the temperature of region 8b is the temperature of the object (stove) 6a included in region 8b. The temperature of region 8a is also the temperature calculated by the sensor cell 2a corresponding to region 8a.

[0030] Furthermore, based on the calculated temperature distribution in the target range 8, the first processing unit 51 determines whether a condition (first condition) is satisfied that the temperature of at least one region 8a (at least one object 6 in the target range 8) among the multiple regions 8a in the target range 8 is equal to or higher than a first threshold. In other words, the first condition is a condition that there is a region 8b (an object 6 having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold) having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold. The region 8b is the region 8a having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold. Here, the first threshold is the minimum temperature that can be considered to be a fire, e.g., 80°C. The first threshold is set as a common value (the same value) for each region 8a in the target range 8 (each sensitive cell 2a of the sensor 2).

[0031] Then, when the first condition is satisfied, the first processing unit 51 identifies the region 8a that satisfies the first condition (i.e., the region 8a having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold) as the region 8b where a fire is occurring. Note that it is assumed that a fire occurs across one or more regions 8a. Therefore, it is assumed that one or more regions 8b where a fire is occurring exist in a state where they are adjacent vertically and horizontally. In the example of FIG. 4 , five regions 8b arranged in a cross shape are regions 8a that satisfy the first condition. That is, within the target range 8, the five regions 8a arranged in a cross shape at the bottom left of the target range 8 are identified as the region 8b where a fire is occurring. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that when a fire occurs, the fire is not necessarily a fire that is a fire precursor.

[0032] Furthermore, the first processing unit 51 determines whether or not the temperature rise rate of the region 8b identified as having a fire (i.e., the temperature rise rate of the object 6 identified as having a fire) among the temperature rise rates stored in the memory unit 3 satisfies a condition (second condition) that the temperature rise rate of the region 8b identified as having a fire is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The second threshold is the minimum temperature rise rate that can be considered a fire precursor, and is, for example, 3°C / second. That is, since a fire source that is a fire precursor is expected to experience a rapid temperature rise, the first processing unit 51 determines whether or not the second condition is satisfied in order to determine whether the region 8b where a fire is occurring is a fire source that is a fire precursor. The second threshold is set as a common value (the same value) for each region 8a in the target range 8.

[0033] Furthermore, the first processing unit 51 calculates the number of regions 8b where fire has occurred (i.e., the number of sensitive cells 2b where a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value has been calculated) based on the calculated temperature distribution in the target range 8. The number of regions 8b where fire has occurred is proportional to the total area of ​​the regions 8b where fire has occurred. Therefore, in this embodiment, by calculating the number of regions 8b where fire has occurred, the total area of ​​the regions 8b where fire has occurred is essentially calculated.

[0034] The first processing unit 51 then determines whether the number of calculated regions 8b (i.e., the number of sensitive cells 2b for which a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value has been calculated) satisfies a condition (third condition) that the number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. The predetermined number is the minimum number (e.g., two) at which the number of regions 8b where fire is occurring can be considered to be a fire precursor. In other words, because the source of a fire that is a fire precursor is expected to grow larger over time, the first processing unit 51 determines whether the third condition is satisfied in order to determine whether the region 8b where fire is occurring is a fire source that is a fire precursor.

[0035] The multiple areas 8a in the target range 8 correspond one-to-one to the multiple sensitive cells 2a in the sensor 2. Therefore, the number of areas 8b where fire is occurring is the same as the number of sensitive cells 2b where a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold is calculated. Therefore, the third condition can be rephrased as a condition that the number of sensitive cells 2b where a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. Furthermore, as described above, the number of areas 8b where fire is occurring is substantially proportional to the total area of ​​the areas 8b where fire is occurring. Therefore, the third condition can be rephrased as a condition that the total area of ​​the areas 8b where fire is occurring is equal to or greater than a predetermined area.

[0036] Furthermore, the first processing unit 51 calculates the time rate of change of the number of calculated regions 8b (i.e., regions 8b having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold) based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit 3 in chronological order. The time rate of increase in the number of regions 8b is the rate of increase per hour in the number of regions 8b. The first processing unit 51 then determines whether the calculated time rate of increase in the number of regions 8b is equal to or greater than a predetermined time rate (fourth condition). The predetermined time rate of increase is the minimum time rate at which the region 8b where a fire is occurring can be considered to be a region where a fire is occurring that is a fire precursor. In other words, because a fire source that is a fire precursor is expected to grow rapidly, the first processing unit 51 determines whether the fourth condition is satisfied in order to determine whether the region 8b where a fire is occurring is a fire source that is a fire precursor.

[0037] Note that, because the multiple regions 8a in the target range 8 correspond one-to-one to the multiple sensitive cells 2a in the sensor 2, the time rate of increase in the number of regions 8b where fire is occurring is the same as the time rate of increase in the number of sensitive cells 2b where a temperature equal to or greater than the first threshold is calculated. Therefore, the fourth condition can be rephrased as a condition that the time rate of increase in the number of sensitive cells 2b where a temperature equal to or greater than the first threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined time rate. Furthermore, as described above, the number of regions 8b where fire is occurring is substantially proportional to the total area of ​​the regions 8b where fire is occurring. Therefore, the fourth condition can be rephrased as a condition that the time rate of increase in the total area of ​​the regions 8b where fire is occurring is equal to or greater than a predetermined time rate.

[0038] The second processing unit 52 mainly performs processing for detecting a person 10 (see FIG. 3 ) present within the target range 8. The second processing unit 52 determines whether a person 10 is present within the target range 8 based on the temperature distribution of the target range 8 (i.e., infrared rays emitted from the target range 8) calculated by the first processing unit 51. More specifically, the second processing unit 52 determines whether the temperature of each region 8a within the target range 8 is within a predetermined temperature range. The predetermined temperature range is the temperature range of the body temperature of the person 10, for example, 30°C or higher and 50°C or lower. The second processing unit 52 then identifies a region 8a within the target range 8 that has a temperature within the predetermined temperature range as a region 8c where a person 10 is present. In the example of FIG. 4 , one region 8a at the upper center of the target range 8 is a region 8c where a person 10 is present, and therefore the second processing unit 52 identifies the one region 8a at the upper center of the target range 8 as a region 8c where a person 10 is present. Furthermore, based on the temperature distribution in the target range 8, the second processing unit 52 calculates the position P3 of the region 8c where the person 10 is present (the position of the person 10) within the target range 8, and the position P2 of the region 8b where the fire is occurring (i.e., the position of the object 6 where the fire is occurring) (see FIG. 4). The position P3 of the region 8c where the person 10 is present (the position of the person 10) is, for example, the center of gravity of the region 8c (one or more regions 8c). The position P2 of the region 8b where the fire is occurring (the position of the fire) is, for example, the center of gravity of the region 8b (one or more regions 8b).

[0039] Here, the "center of gravity of the region" refers to the center of gravity of a figure defined by the entire outline of the region. The second processing unit 52 then calculates the distance L1 between the position P2 of the region 8b where the fire is occurring (i.e., the position of the object 6 where the fire is occurring) and the position P3 of the region 8c where the person 10 is present (the position of the person 10) (see FIG. 4 ). The second processing unit 52 then determines whether the calculated distance L1 satisfies a condition (fifth condition) that the calculated distance L1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. When the distance L1 is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, this means that no person 10 is present within a predetermined distance from the position P2 of the region 8b where the fire is occurring, i.e., no person 10 is present around the fire. In this case, the region 8b where the fire is occurring is considered to be a fire source that is a fire precursor. Conversely, when the distance L1 is less than the predetermined distance L1, this means that there is a person around the fire. In this case, the fire is considered to be under the control of a nearby person, and therefore the region 8b where the fire is occurring is considered to be a fire source that is a fire precursor. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second processing unit 52 determines whether the fifth condition is satisfied.

[0040] The second processing unit 52 also determines whether a condition (sixth condition) is satisfied, that is, that the distance L1 remains equal to or greater than a predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time is, for example, 10 minutes. That is, if the absence of people 10 from the area 8b where the fire is occurring continues for a predetermined period of time or longer, the area 8b where the fire is occurring is considered to be a fire source that is a fire precursor. Conversely, if the absence of people 10 from the area 8b where the fire is occurring does not continue for a predetermined period of time or longer, it is considered that people have simply temporarily moved away from the fire, and therefore the area 8b where the fire is occurring is considered to be a fire source that is a fire precursor. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second processing unit 52 determines whether the sixth condition is satisfied.

[0041] The second processing unit 52 also determines whether the orientation of the person 10 in the area 8c is facing a direction different from the direction of the position P2 of the area 8b where the fire is occurring (i.e., the object 6 where the fire is occurring) (the seventh condition) is satisfied. The "person's orientation" refers to the direction in which the person's face is facing. More specifically, the second processing unit 52 calculates the movement direction of the area 8c (i.e., the movement direction per unit time) based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit 3 in chronological order, and identifies the calculated movement direction as the orientation of the person 10. The second processing unit 2 then determines whether the identified orientation of the person 10 is facing a direction different from the direction of the position P2 of the area 8b where the fire is occurring. In other words, if the orientation of the person 10 is facing a direction different from the direction of the position P2 of the area 8b where the fire is occurring, it is considered that the person 10 is unaware that a fire is occurring. In this case, it is considered that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is likely to be a fire source that is a fire precursor. Conversely, if the person 10 is facing in a direction different from the direction of position P2 of the area 8b where the fire is occurring, it is considered that the person 10 is aware that a fire has occurred. In this case, it is considered that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is unlikely to be a fire source that is a fire precursor. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the seventh condition is met.

[0042] The determination unit 53 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, determines that a fire that may be a sign of a fire has occurred within the target range 8, and if the predetermined condition is not satisfied, determines that a fire that may be a sign of a fire has not occurred within the target range 8. If the determination unit 53 determines that a fire that may be a sign of a fire has occurred within the target range 8, it controls the warning unit 4 so that the warning unit 4 outputs the warning. Furthermore, if the determination unit 53 determines that a fire that may be a sign of a fire has not occurred within the target range 8, it controls the warning unit 4 so that the warning unit 4 does not output the warning.

[0043] The predetermined conditions are conditions for determining whether or not a fire has occurred within the target range 8, which may be a sign of a fire. The predetermined conditions satisfy the first to seventh conditions. The first to seventh conditions are as follows: The first condition is that, for each region 8a within the target range 8, the temperature of the region 8a (i.e., the object 6) is equal to or higher than a first threshold (i.e., there is a region 8b having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold). The second condition is that the calculated rate of temperature increase of the region 8b (i.e., the object 6 where the fire has occurred) is equal to or higher than a second threshold. The third condition is that the number of regions 8b whose temperatures are equal to or higher than the first threshold (i.e., the number of sensitive cells 2a where a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold) is equal to or higher than a predetermined number. The fourth condition is that the time increase rate of the number of regions 8b (i.e., the object 6 where the fire has occurred) is equal to or higher than a predetermined time increase rate. The fifth condition is that the distance L1 between the position P2 of the area 8b (i.e., the object 6 where the fire has occurred) and the position P3 of the area 8c (i.e., the person 10) is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. The sixth condition is that the state in which the distance L1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance continues for a predetermined period of time. The seventh condition is that the person 10 in the area 8c (i.e., within the target range 8) is facing in a direction different from the direction of the area 8b where the fire has occurred (i.e., the object 6 where the fire has occurred).

[0044] (3) Description of Operation The operation of the fire sign detection system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] The first processing unit 51 of the processing unit 5 calculates the temperature distribution in the target area 8 (i.e., the temperature of each region 8a in the target area 8, i.e., the temperature of the object 6 in the target area 8) based on the measurement results of the sensor 2 (i.e., the infrared rays received by the sensor 2) at regular intervals (step S1). Then, the first processing unit 51 stores the calculated temperatures for each region 8a (i.e., for each sensitive cell 2a) in chronological order (i.e., in the order of calculation) in the memory unit 3 (step S2). Furthermore, the first processing unit 51 calculates the temperature rise rate for each region 8a based on the temperatures stored in chronological order in the memory unit 3, and stores the calculated temperature rise rate for each region 8a (step S3).

[0046] Then, for each region 8 a in the target range 8, the first processing unit 51 determines whether the condition that the temperature of at least one region 8 a (object 6) is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (i.e., the condition that there is a region 8 a (object 6) having a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value, i.e., the first condition) is satisfied (step S4). If the result of this determination is that the first condition is not satisfied, i.e., there is no region 8 a that satisfies the first condition (No in step S4), the processing proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S4 is that the first condition is satisfied, i.e., there is one or more regions 8 a that satisfy the first condition (Yes in step S4), the first processing unit 51 identifies the region 8 a that satisfies the first condition as a region 8 b where a fire is occurring. Then, the processing proceeds to step S5.

[0047] Then, based on the calculation result of step S3, first processing unit 51 determines whether or not the condition (second condition) that the temperature increase rate of region 8b where it is determined that a fire has occurred is equal to or greater than a second threshold is satisfied (step S5). If the result of this determination is that the second condition is not satisfied (No in step S5), the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination of step S5 is that the second condition is satisfied (Yes in step S5), first processing unit 51 determines that region 8b where a fire has occurred may be a fire source that is a fire precursor, and the process proceeds to step S6.

[0048] Then, in step S6, first processing unit 51 calculates the number of areas 8b where fire is occurring based on the temperature distribution of target range 8 calculated in step S1. Then, first processing unit 51 determines whether or not a condition (third condition) that the number of areas 8b where fire is occurring is equal to or greater than a predetermined number is satisfied (step S7). If the result of this determination is that the third condition is not satisfied (No in step S7), the processing proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S7 is that the third condition is satisfied (Yes in step S7), first processing unit 51 determines that areas 8b where fire is occurring may be a fire source that is a fire precursor, and the processing proceeds to step S8.

[0049] In step S8, first processing unit 51 calculates the time increase rate of the number of regions 8b where fire is occurring, based on the temperatures stored in chronological order in storage unit 3. Then, first processing unit 51 determines whether or not the calculated time increase rate of the number of regions 8b satisfies a condition (fourth condition) that the time increase rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined time increase rate (step S9). If the result of this determination is that the fourth condition is not satisfied (No in step S9), the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S9 is that the fourth condition is satisfied (Yes in step S9), the process determines that region 8b where fire is occurring may be a fire source that is a fire precursor, and the process proceeds to step S10.

[0050] Then, in step S10, the second processing unit 52 of the processing unit 5 calculates the position P2 of the area 8b where the fire is occurring within the target range 8 (the position of the fire). Then, based on the calculation result of step S1, the second processing unit 52 determines whether or not a person 10 is present within the target range 8 (step S11). More specifically, the second processing unit 52 determines whether or not the multiple areas 8a in the target range 8 include an area 8c having a temperature within a predetermined temperature range (i.e., the temperature range of the person 10 (a temperature range of 30°C or higher and 50°C or lower)). Then, if the result of the determination in step S11 is that the person 10 is not present within the target range 8 (No in step S11), the processing proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S11 is that the person 10 is present within the target range 8 (Yes in step S11), the second processing unit 52 calculates the position P3 of the area 8c (the position of the person 10) within the target range 8 (step S12).

[0051] Based on the calculation results of steps S10 and S12, the second processing unit 52 calculates a distance L1 between the position P2 of the area 8b (the position of the fire) and the position P3 of the area 8c (the position of the person 10) (step S13). The second processing unit 52 then determines whether the distance L1 calculated in step S13 satisfies a condition (a fifth condition) that the distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (step S14). If the fifth condition is not satisfied (No in step S14), the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the fifth condition is satisfied (Yes in step S14), the second processing unit 52 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring may be a fire source that is a fire precursor, and the process proceeds to step S15.

[0052] Then, in step S15, the second processing unit 52 starts timing the duration of the state in which the fifth condition is satisfied from the point in time when it is determined in step S14 that the fifth condition is satisfied. Then, the second processing unit 52 determines whether or not a condition (sixth condition) is satisfied, that is, that the state in which the distance L1 calculated in step S14 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance continues for a predetermined time (step S16). If the result of this determination is that the sixth condition is not satisfied (No in step S16), the processing proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S16 is that the sixth condition is satisfied (Yes in step S16), the second processing unit 52 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring may be a fire source that is a fire precursor, and the processing proceeds to step S17.

[0053] Then, in step S17, the second processing unit 52 calculates the orientation of the person 10 detected in step S11. More specifically, the second processing unit 52 calculates the time-dependent movement direction of the position P3 of the area 8c where the person 10 is present, based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit 3 in chronological order in step S2, and determines that the calculated movement direction is the orientation of the person 10. The second processing unit 52 then determines whether the orientation of the person 10 identified in step S17 satisfies a condition (seventh condition) that the orientation of the person 10 is facing a direction different from the direction of the position P2 of the area 8b (i.e., the position of the fire) calculated in step S10 (step S18). More specifically, the second processing unit 52 calculates the time change (i.e., the movement direction) of the position P3 of the area 8c where the person 10 is present, based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit 3 in chronological order in step S2, and determines whether the calculated movement direction satisfies the condition (seventh condition) that the orientation of the person 10 is facing a direction different from the direction of the position P2 of the area 8b calculated in step S10.

[0054] If the result of the determination in step S18 is that the seventh condition is not met (No in step S18), the second processing unit 52 determines that the fire is being managed by the person 10 and is not a source of fire that is a sign of a fire, and the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S17 is that the seventh condition is met (Yes in step S18), it is considered that the fire is not being managed by the person 10, so the second processing unit 52 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring may be a source of fire that is a sign of a fire, and the process proceeds to step S19.

[0055] Then, in step S19, since all of the first to seventh conditions are satisfied, the determination unit 53 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is a fire source that is a fire precursor. When the determination unit 53 determines that the area 8b is a fire source that is a fire precursor, the determination unit 53 controls the warning unit 4 so that the warning unit 4 outputs a warning notifying the occurrence of a fire precursor. This control causes the warning unit 4 to output the warning. Then, the processing ends.

[0056] Furthermore, in step S20, because none of the first to seventh conditions are satisfied, the determination unit 53 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is not a fire source that is a sign of a fire. If the determination unit 53 determines that the area 8b is not a fire source that is a sign of a fire, the determination unit 53 controls the warning unit 4 so that the warning unit 4 does not output the warning. This control prevents the warning unit 4 from outputting the warning. The process then ends.

[0057] (4) Effects The fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment includes a sensor 2, a processing unit 5, a memory unit 3, and a warning unit 4. The sensor 2 receives infrared light emitted from the area 8a (object 6). The processing unit 5 calculates the temperature of the area 8a (object 6) based on the infrared light received by the sensor 2. The memory unit 3 chronologically stores the temperatures calculated by the processing unit 5. The warning unit 4 is capable of outputting a warning to notify of a fire warning. The processing unit 5 controls the warning unit 4 to output a warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a condition that the rate of temperature rise calculated based on the temperatures stored in chronological order in the memory unit 3 is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0058] According to this configuration, a fire warning is detected when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is at least one of the condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the condition that the calculated temperature rise rate is equal to or greater than a second threshold, so that a fire warning can be detected.

[0059] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the sensor 2 has a plurality of sensitive cells 2a. The sensitive cells 2a are arranged in a matrix and receive infrared rays emitted from a target area 8 that includes the target object 6. This configuration improves the spatial resolution of the temperature distribution in the target area 8 measured by the sensor 2. As a result, fire warning signs can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0060] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the plurality of sensitive cells 2a are individually formed into chips. This configuration allows the sensor 2 having the plurality of sensitive cells 2a to be easily configured.

[0061] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the number of sensitive cells 2b among the plurality of sensitive cells 2a for which a temperature equal to or greater than the first threshold value is calculated (i.e., the number of regions 8b having a temperature equal to or greater than the first threshold value) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. This configuration allows for the detection of fire warnings based on the number of sensitive cells 2b for which a temperature equal to or greater than the first threshold value is calculated, taking into account the area of ​​the object 6 that may be a fire source, which may be a fire warning. As a result, fire warnings can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0062] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the processing unit 5 detects the position P2 of the area 8b (object 6a) within the target range 8 and the position P3 of a person 10 present within the target range 8 based on infrared rays emitted from the target range 8. The predetermined condition further includes a condition that the distance L1 between the position P3 of the person 10 and the position P2 of the object 6a is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance. With this configuration, a fire warning can be detected taking into account the distance L1 between the position P2 of the person 10 and the position P3 of the object 6a. As a result, a fire warning can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0063] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the distance L1 remains equal to or greater than a predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time. This configuration allows for fire warning detection to be performed while taking into account the time that the distance L1 remains equal to or greater than the predetermined distance. As a result, fire warnings can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0064] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the processing unit 5 detects the position P2 of the area 8b (object 6a) within the target area 8 and the orientation of the person 10 present within the target area 8 based on infrared rays emitted from the target area 8. The predetermined condition further includes a condition that the orientation of the person 10 is facing in a direction different from the orientation of the position P2 of the area 8b (object 6a). This configuration makes it possible to detect a fire warning by taking into account the fact that the orientation of the person 10 is facing in a direction different from the orientation of the position P2 of the area 8b (object 6a). As a result, fire warnings can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0065] Furthermore, in the fire warning detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the person 10 continues to face a direction different from the direction of position P2 of area 8b (object 6a) for a predetermined period of time. This configuration makes it possible to detect a fire warning by taking into account the time that the person 10 continues to face a direction different from the direction of position P2 of area 8b (object 6a). As a result, fire warnings can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0066] (5) Aspects other than the fire precursor detection system Functions similar to those of the fire precursor detection system 1 according to the above embodiment may be embodied in a fire precursor detection method, a computer program (program), or a non-transitory recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon.

[0067] A fire warning detection method according to one aspect includes a processing step (steps S1, S4, and S5), a storage step (step S2), and a warning step (step S19). In the processing step (steps S1, S4, and S5), the temperature of the object 6 is calculated based on infrared rays received by a sensor 2 that receives infrared rays emitted from the object 6. In the storage step (step S2), the temperatures calculated in the processing step (steps S1, S4, and S5) are stored in a storage unit 3 in chronological order. In the warning step (step S19), a warning to notify a fire warning is output from the warning unit 4. In the processing step (steps S1, S4, and S5), the warning unit 4 is controlled to output a warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit 3 in chronological order is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0068] A program according to one aspect is a program for causing a computer to execute the fire sign detection method.

[0069] A non-transitory recording medium according to one aspect is a recording medium for recording a program for causing a computer to execute the fire sign detection method.

[0070] (6) Modifications This embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. This embodiment can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of this disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of this embodiment are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0071] (6-1) Modification 1 In the above embodiment, all of the first to seventh conditions are used to determine whether the area 8b (object 6) where a fire is occurring is a fire source that is a fire precursor. However, a combination of one or more conditions from the first to seventh conditions may be used to determine whether the area 8a where a fire is occurring is a fire source that is a fire precursor. For example, the second condition of the first and second conditions may be omitted. Modification 1 can also achieve the same effects as the embodiment.

[0072] (6-2) Modification 2 Modification 2 is a modification of Modification 1 in which the second condition is omitted and an eighth condition is adopted instead of the first condition. The eighth condition is a condition that the temperature rise rate of at least one region 8a (i.e., the object 6) is equal to or greater than the second threshold, i.e., a condition that a region 8b having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold exists, i.e., a condition that a sensitive cell 2b for which a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold exists. In Modification 2, the region 8b is a region 8a having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold. Therefore, in Modification 2, the "number of regions 8b" in the third and fourth conditions is the number of regions 8a having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold. Therefore, in Modification 2, the third condition is a condition that the number of regions 8b having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold is a predetermined number or more, i.e., a condition that the number of sensitive cells 2b for which a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold exists is a predetermined number or more. In addition, in variant example 2, the fourth condition is a condition that the time increase rate of the number of regions 8b having a temperature increase rate equal to or greater than the second threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined time increase rate, i.e., a condition that the time increase rate of the number of sensitive cells 2a for which a temperature increase rate equal to or greater than the second threshold value has been calculated is equal to or greater than a predetermined time increase rate.

[0073] The same effect as in the present embodiment can be achieved with Modification 2. In particular, in Modification 2, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the number of sensitive cells 2b (i.e., the number of regions 8b having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold) among the multiple sensitive cells 2a (multiple regions 8a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. With this configuration, a fire warning can be detected by taking into account the area of ​​the region 8b (object 6a) having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold, based on the number of sensitive cells 2b having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold. As a result, a fire warning can be detected more accurately.

[0074] (6-3) Modification 3 In this embodiment, the case where the multiple sensitive cells 2a of the sensor 2 are individually formed into chips is exemplified. In contrast, in Modification 3, the multiple sensitive cells 2a of the sensor 2 are integrated into one chip. In Modification 3, the sensitive cells 2a are configured by thermopiles. According to Modification 3, the multiple sensitive cells 2a are integrated into one chip. This allows the sensor 2 having the multiple sensitive cells 2a to be miniaturized.

[0075] (6-4) Modification 4 In this embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold are set to the same values ​​uniformly for each sensitive cell 2a of the sensor 2 (each area 8a of the target range 8). In contrast, in Modification 4, the first threshold and the second threshold are set individually for each sensitive cell 2a of the sensor 2 (each area 8a of the target range 8). More specifically, in Modification 2, the first threshold and the second threshold are set individually for each sensitive cell 2a (each area 8a) based on location information relating to the location of equipment present in the room 7 to be monitored (i.e., the installation area of ​​the sensor 2).

[0076] The location information is information relating to the location of the equipment within the target range 8. More specifically, the location information is information relating to the location of the area 8a in which the equipment is located within the target range 8 (i.e., information relating to which area 8a of the multiple areas 8a in the target range 8 the equipment is located). The location information within the room 7 is stored in the memory unit 3.

[0077] 7 , in Modification 2, the processing unit 5 further includes a threshold setting unit 54 in addition to the processing unit 5 of the above embodiment. That is, in Modification 2, the processing unit 5 includes a first processing unit 51, a second processing unit 52, a determination unit 53, and a threshold setting unit 54. The first processing unit 51, the second processing unit 52, and the determination unit 53 are configured in the same manner as the first processing unit 51, the second processing unit 52, and the determination unit 53 of the above embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The threshold setting unit 54 sets a first threshold and a second threshold to be used in monitoring the room 7 (detecting a fire sign) for each area 8a of the target range 8 (for each sensitive cell 2a of the sensor 2) based on the location information associated with the monitored room 7. For example, for the area 8a where the stove 6a is located as equipment, the threshold setting unit 54 sets a first threshold (e.g., 120°C) that is larger than the initially set first threshold (e.g., 100°C) because the stove 6a will reach a temperature of 100°C or higher while cooking even if no fire that could be a fire sign is generated. Also, for the sink 6b as equipment, the sink 6b is difficult to burn and is therefore expected to not reach a high temperature even if a fire that could be a fire sign is generated, so the threshold setting unit 54 sets a first threshold (e.g., 80°C) that is smaller than the initially set first threshold (e.g., 100°C) because the sink 6b is difficult to burn and is expected to not reach a high temperature even if a fire that could be a fire sign is generated. Furthermore, the threshold setting unit 54 sets an initially set first threshold (for example, 100° C.) as the first threshold for the area 8a where other equipment is located.

[0079] Furthermore, in the area 8a where the stove 6a is located as an equipment, the temperature rise rate is relatively high even when no fire that could be a fire warning is generated on the stove 6a during cooking. Therefore, the threshold setting unit 54 sets, as the second threshold, a first threshold (e.g., 4°C / sec) that is larger than the initially set second threshold (e.g., 3°C / sec). In addition, in the area 8a where the other equipment is located, the threshold setting unit 54 sets, as the second threshold, a second threshold (e.g., 2°C / sec) that is smaller than the initially set second threshold (e.g., 3°C / sec).

[0080] In the fourth modification, the memory unit 3 stores location information regarding the location of equipment present in the room 7 (installation area) in which the sensor 2 is installed. The predetermined condition includes a condition that the temperature is equal to or higher than a first threshold. The processing unit 5 sets the first threshold for each of the multiple sensitive cells 2a (areas 8a) of the sensor 2 based on the location information stored in the memory unit 3. This configuration enables more accurate detection of an object 6 that may be a fire source that is a sign of a fire.

[0081] The memory unit 3 also stores location information regarding the location of equipment present in the room 7 (installation area) in which the sensor 2 is installed. The predetermined condition includes a condition that the temperature rise rate is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The processing unit 5 sets the second threshold for each of the multiple sensitive cells 2a of the sensor 2 (area 8a) based on the location information stored in the memory unit 3. This configuration enables more accurate detection of an object 6 that may be a fire source that is a sign of a fire.

[0082] (6-5) Modification 5 In Modification 5, in addition to Modification 4, the processing unit 5 determines, based on cooking recipe information, whether the area 8b where the fire is occurring is a fire source that is a sign of a fire.

[0083] More specifically, in Modification 3, the processing unit 5 estimates the change in temperature over time of a cooking appliance (e.g., stove 6a) during cooking for each cooking recipe included in the cooking recipe information based on the cooking recipe information, and stores the estimated change in temperature over time in the storage unit 3. The processing unit 5 then determines whether or not the change in temperature over time of the area 8a where the fire is generated does not match the change in temperature over time of the cooking appliance for all cooking recipes stored in the storage unit 3 (eighth condition).

[0084] The cooking recipe information is stored in the storage unit 3. The cooking recipe information may be initially set in the storage unit 3, or the fire sign detection system 1 may be provided with a communication function, and the cooking recipe information may be transmitted from an external device to the fire sign detection system 1 and stored in the storage unit 3.

[0085] Furthermore, the processing unit 5 estimates the temperature rise rate of a cooking appliance (e.g., stove 6a) during cooking for each cooking recipe included in the cooking recipe information based on the cooking recipe information, and stores the estimated temperature rise rate in the memory unit 3. The processing unit 5 then determines whether or not a condition (a ninth condition) is met that the temperature rise rate of the area 8b (object 6) where a fire is occurring is different from the temperature rise rates of the cooking appliances for all cooking recipes stored in the memory unit 3. If the ninth condition is met, the area 8b where a fire is occurring is highly likely to be a source of a fire that is a sign of a fire. Conversely, if the ninth condition is not met, the area 8b where a fire is occurring is considered to be unlikely to be a source of a fire that is a sign of a fire.

[0086] If all of the first to ninth conditions are satisfied, the processing unit 5 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring (object 6a) is a fire source that is a sign of a fire, and on the other hand, if one or more of the first to ninth conditions are not satisfied, the processing unit 5 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is not a fire source that is a sign of a fire. As in the above embodiment, if the processing unit 5 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is a fire source that is a sign of a fire, the processing unit 5 controls the warning unit 4 to output a warning, and on the other hand, if the processing unit 5 determines that the area 8b where the fire is occurring is not a fire source that is a sign of a fire, the processing unit 5 controls the warning unit 4 not to output a warning.

[0087] According to the fifth modification, by using cooking recipe information, it is possible to more accurately detect the area 8b (object 6) that is the source of fire that is a sign of a fire.

[0088] (Aspects) The present disclosure discloses the following aspects.

[0089] A first aspect of the fire warning detection system (1) includes a sensor (2), a processing unit (5), a memory unit (3), and a warning unit (4). The sensor (2) receives infrared light emitted from an object (6). The processing unit (5) calculates the temperature of the object (6) based on the infrared light received by the sensor (2). The memory unit (3) chronologically stores the temperatures calculated by the processing unit (5). The warning unit (4) is capable of outputting a warning to notify a user of a fire warning. The processing unit (5) controls the warning unit (4) to output a warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, or a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on temperatures stored in the memory unit (3) in chronological order is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0090] According to this configuration, a fire warning is detected when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is at least one of the condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the condition that the calculated temperature rise rate is equal to or greater than a second threshold, so that a fire warning can be detected.

[0091] In the second aspect of the fire warning detection system (1), the sensor (2) in the first aspect has a plurality of sensitive cells (2 a) arranged in a matrix and receiving infrared rays emitted from a target range (8) including the target (6).

[0092] This configuration improves the spatial resolution of the temperature distribution in the target area (8) measured by the sensor (2), thereby enabling more accurate detection of signs of fire.

[0093] In the fire sign detection system (1) of the third aspect, the plurality of sensitive cells (2a) in the second aspect are individually formed into chips.

[0094] According to this configuration, the sensor (2) having a plurality of sensitive cells (2a) can be easily configured.

[0095] In the fire sign detection system (1) of the fourth aspect, the plurality of sensitive cells (2a) in the second aspect are integrated on one chip.

[0096] This configuration allows the sensor (2) having a plurality of sensitive cells (2a) to be miniaturized.

[0097] In a fifth aspect of the fire warning detection system (1), in any one of the second to fourth aspects, the memory unit (3) stores location information regarding the location of equipment present within an installation area of ​​the sensor (2). The predetermined condition includes the condition that the temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The processing unit (5) sets a first threshold for each of the multiple sensitive cells (2 a) of the sensor (2) based on the location information stored in the memory unit (3).

[0098] This configuration allows for more accurate detection of the area (8b) (i.e., the object (6a)) that is the source of fire that may be a sign of a fire.

[0099] In a sixth aspect of the fire warning detection system (1), in any one of the second to fifth aspects, the memory unit (3) stores location information regarding the location of equipment present within an installation area of ​​the sensor (2). The predetermined condition includes the condition that the temperature rise rate is equal to or greater than a second threshold. The processing unit (5) sets the second threshold for each of the multiple sensitive cells (2 a) of the sensor (2) based on the location information stored in the memory unit (3).

[0100] This configuration allows for more accurate detection of the area (8b) (i.e., the object (6a)) that is the source of fire that may be a sign of a fire.

[0101] In the seventh aspect of the fire warning detection system (1), in any one of the second to sixth aspects, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the number of sensitive cells (2b) from which a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value is calculated among the plurality of sensitive cells (2a) is equal to or higher than a predetermined number.

[0102] According to this configuration, a fire warning can be detected by taking into consideration the area of ​​the region (8b) (i.e., the object (6a)) that is the source of fire, which may be a fire warning, based on the number of sensitive cells (2b) that have a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value. As a result, a fire warning can be detected more accurately.

[0103] In the fire warning detection system (1) of the eighth aspect, in any one of the second to seventh aspects, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the number of sensitive cells (2b) among the plurality of sensitive cells (2a) for which a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold value is calculated is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0104] According to this configuration, a fire warning sign can be detected by taking into consideration the area of ​​the region (8b) (i.e., the object (6a)) having a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold, based on the number of sensitive cells (2b) for which a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold, thereby enabling more accurate detection of a fire warning sign.

[0105] In a ninth aspect of the fire warning detection system (1), in any one of the second to eighth aspects, the processing unit (5) detects the position of the object (6a) within the target range (8) and the position of a person (10) present within the target range (8) based on infrared rays emitted from the target range (8). The predetermined condition further includes a condition that the distance (L1) between the position (P3) of the person (10) and the position (P2) of the object (6a) is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

[0106] This configuration allows for the detection of fire warning signs by taking into consideration the distance L1 between the position P2 of the person 10 and the position P3 of the target object 6 a (i.e., the area 8 b), thereby enabling more accurate detection of fire warning signs.

[0107] In the fire warning detection system (1) of the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the distance (L1) remains equal to or greater than a predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time.

[0108] This configuration allows for the detection of a fire sign to be performed taking into consideration the time that the distance (L1) remains equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, thereby enabling more accurate detection of a fire sign.

[0109] In the fire warning detection system (1) of the eleventh aspect, in any one of the second to tenth aspects, the processing unit (5) detects the position (P2) of the object (6a) within the target range (8) and the orientation of the person (10) present within the target range (8) based on infrared rays emitted from the target range (8). The predetermined condition further includes a condition that the orientation of the person (10) is not toward the position (P2) of the object (6a).

[0110] This configuration allows for the detection of fire warning signs, taking into consideration that the person (10) is facing in a direction different from the direction of the position (P2) of the object (6a) (i.e., the area (8b)). As a result, fire warning signs can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0111] In the twelfth aspect of the fire warning detection system (1), in the eleventh aspect, the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the person (10) faces in a direction different from the direction of the position (P2) of the object (6a) for a predetermined period of time.

[0112] This configuration allows for the detection of fire warning signs by taking into consideration the duration of time that the person (10) faces in a direction different from the direction of the position (P2) of the object (6a) (i.e., the area (8b)). As a result, fire warning signs can be detected with higher accuracy.

[0113] A thirteenth aspect of the fire warning detection method includes processing steps (S1, S4, S5), a storage step (S2), and an alarm step (S19). In the processing steps (S1, S4, S5), the temperature of the object (6) is calculated based on infrared rays received by a sensor (2) that receives infrared rays emitted from the object (6). In the storage step (S2), the temperatures calculated in the processing steps (S1, S4, S5) are stored in a storage unit (3) in chronological order. In the alarm step (S19), an alarm to notify a fire warning is output from the alarm unit (4). In the processing steps (S1, S4, S5), the alarm unit (4) is controlled so that the alarm outputs an alarm when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in the storage unit (3) in chronological order is equal to or greater than a second threshold.

[0114] According to this configuration, a fire warning is detected when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The predetermined condition is at least one of the condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the condition that the calculated temperature rise rate is equal to or greater than a second threshold, so that a fire warning can be detected.

[0115] A program according to a fourteenth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the fire warning detection method according to the thirteenth aspect.

[0116] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program that causes one or more processors to execute the fire sign detection method.

[0117] REFERENCE SIGNS 1 Fire sign detection system 2 Sensor 2a, 2b Sensitive cell 3 Memory unit 4 Warning unit 5 Processing unit 6, 6a Object 8 Target range 8a, 8b Area 10 Person L1 Distance P2 Position of fire P3 Position of person S1, S4, S5 Steps (processing process) S2 Step (storage process) S19 Step (warning process)

Claims

1. A fire precursor detection system comprising: a sensor that receives infrared rays emitted from an object; a processing unit that calculates the temperature of the object based on the infrared rays received by the sensor; a memory unit that chronologically stores the temperatures calculated by the processing unit; and a warning unit that is capable of outputting a warning to notify of a fire precursor, wherein the processing unit controls the warning unit to output the warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold value, and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in chronological order in the memory unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

2. A fire warning detection system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor has a plurality of sensitive cells arranged in a matrix to receive infrared rays emitted from a target area including the object.

3. The fire warning detection system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensitive cells are individually formed into chips.

4. The fire warning detection system according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of sensitive cells are integrated on a single chip.

5. A fire warning detection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the memory unit stores location information regarding the location of equipment located within the installation area of ​​the sensor, the predetermined conditions include the condition that the temperature is equal to or higher than the first threshold, and the processing unit sets the first threshold for each of the multiple sensitive cells of the sensor based on the location information stored in the memory unit.

6. A fire warning detection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the memory unit stores location information regarding the location of equipment located within the installation area of ​​the sensor, the predetermined conditions include the condition that the rate of temperature rise is equal to or greater than the second threshold, and the processing unit sets the second threshold for each of the multiple sensitive cells of the sensor based on the location information stored in the memory unit.

7. A fire warning detection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the number of sensitive cells among the plurality of sensitive cells from which a temperature equal to or higher than the first threshold value is calculated is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

8. A fire warning detection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the number of sensitive cells among the plurality of sensitive cells for which a temperature rise rate equal to or greater than the second threshold value is calculated is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

9. A fire warning detection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the processing unit detects the position of the object within the target range and the position of a person present within the target range based on the infrared rays emitted from the target range, and the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the distance between the position of the person and the position of the object is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance.

10. A fire warning detection system as described in claim 9, wherein the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the distance remains equal to or greater than the predetermined distance for a predetermined period of time.

11. A fire warning detection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the processing unit detects the position of the object within the target range and the orientation of a person present within the target range based on the infrared rays emitted from the target range, and the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the orientation of the person is facing in a direction different from the direction of the position of the object.

12. A fire warning detection system as described in claim 11, wherein the predetermined condition further includes a condition that the person's orientation continues to be in a direction different from the direction of the object's location for a predetermined period of time.

13. A fire precursor detection method comprising: a processing step of calculating the temperature of an object based on infrared rays received by a sensor that receives infrared rays emitted from the object; a storage step of chronologically storing the temperatures calculated by the processing step in a storage unit; and a warning step of outputting a warning from a warning unit to notify of a fire precursor, wherein the processing step controls the warning unit so that the warning unit outputs the warning when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the predetermined condition includes at least one of a condition that the calculated temperature is equal to or greater than a first threshold value and a condition that a temperature rise rate calculated based on the temperatures stored in chronological order in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

14. A program for causing one or more processors to execute the fire warning detection method of claim 13.

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