Dynamic Evacuation Guidance via Sensor-Driven Visual Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional evacuation systems in public areas fail to provide dynamic evacuation paths during emergency situations, such as fires, which can be obscured by smoke, and do not effectively assist hearing-impaired individuals or those with vision impairments, and often lack alternate routes when primary exits are compromised.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors that monitor indoor parameters, generate sensed data, and use visual indicators like LED rings or strips to provide real-time directional information based on dynamically generated evacuation paths, ensuring the safest and shortest exit routes, even if primary exits are blocked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If pre-set evacuation plans with static drawings are used, then building occupants are informed of primary and alternate emergency exit routes, but the plans are not visible in case of dense smoke and fail to adapt to different emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static evacuation plans into dynamic visual indicators that can change in real-time. Sensors detect emergency conditions (smoke, heat) and the system dynamically updates visual indicators to show current safe evacuation paths, resolving the contradiction between visibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/static evacuation signage with an electronic system using sensors, processing circuits, and visual indicators (LEDs). This substitution enables real-time adaptation and maintains visibility under smoke conditions, addressing both visibility loss and lack of adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If notification appliances such as speakers are used, then building occupants are notified about occurrence of hazardous events, but hearing-impaired occupants cannot be effectively notified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple notification modalities (visual indicators and audio notifications) within a single system. The processing circuit can activate appropriate notification methods based on occupant needs and emergency conditions, ensuring reliable notification for all occupants including hearing-impaired individuals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual indicators as an intermediary notification method that complements audio notifications. This intermediary channel ensures that information reaches all occupants regardless of their sensory capabilities, improving overall notification reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-set evacuation plans are used, then primary and alternate emergency exit routes are provided, but the plans fail to provide alternate evacuation paths when emergency exits are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor emergency conditions (smoke density, heat levels, exit blockages) and feed this information back to the processing circuit. The system then dynamically adjusts visual indicators to provide updated evacuation paths, ensuring occupants receive current route information without time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static evacuation plans into dynamic visual indicators that change in real-time based on sensor feedback. When exits are blocked, the system dynamically generates and displays alternate paths, maintaining evacuation efficiency and adaptability simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for providing evacuation guidance. The system comprises a plurality of sensors. Each sensor is configured to monitor at least one parameter of an indoor space and generate sensed data. The system further comprises one or more visual indicators associated with each sensor and a processing circuit configured to analyze the sensed data to detect occurrence of an event. The processing circuit generates one or more evacuation paths subsequent to detection of the event and operates the one or more visual indicators associated with each sensor to provide directional information to occupants based on the one or more evacuation paths.