Dynamic Smart Signs for Fire Evacuation Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems are ineffective in guiding occupants to safe exits during a fire, as they are passive and static, failing to account for the location and spread of the fire, which can block exits over time.
Innovation Solution
The integration of fire spread forecasting and Building Information Modeling (BIM) with dynamic smart signs, enabled by fire sensor data and access control systems, to predict fire spread and guide occupants through safe paths by dynamically enabling or disabling exit signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static fire exit signs are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the signs cannot adapt to changing fire conditions and may guide occupants to blocked exits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fire exit signs that can change their state (enabled/disabled) based on real-time fire conditions. The system transitions from static signage to dynamic signage controlled by a fire management system that receives sensor data and automatically updates exit sign states, allowing adaptation to changing fire scenarios without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where fire sensors continuously monitor conditions (heat, smoke, flame), transmit data to the fire management system, which then processes this information and sends control signals back to the exit signs. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the signs to respond automatically to actual fire conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Reliability
If real-time fire monitoring and dynamic sign control are implemented, then accurate evacuation guidance is provided, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire management system performs multiple functions: it monitors fire conditions through various sensors, processes sensor data to determine fire spread patterns, controls multiple exit signs across the building, and provides evacuation guidance. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate systems for each function, the patent achieves high reliability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically processes sensor data and controls exit signs without requiring manual intervention from fire safety personnel. The fire management system self-adjusts exit sign states based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for human operators to continuously monitor and manually update signage, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If fire spread prediction is implemented, then accurate safe exit identification is achieved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of sensor data to predict fire spread patterns before exits become blocked. By proactively identifying which exits are likely to be blocked and updating signage in advance, the system provides accurate evacuation guidance while simplifying the overall process compared to reactive systems that would require constant manual reassessment of exit safety.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of using a fire spread forecast and BIM to guide occupants using smart signs are provided. Some methods can include receiving a first signal indicative of a first location of a fire event in a monitored region, using the first location and BIM information to project an area into which the fire event will spread in the monitored region, and identifying at least one smart sign in the monitored region to enable for guiding an occupant in the monitored region to an exit door in the monitored region while avoiding the first location and the area.