Fire Evacuation Simulator Dynamic Detour Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional simulators for fire evacuation lack the ability to simulate realistic occupant behavior by not considering detour routes when flames or smoke obstruct the path to exits, leading to unrealistic escape scenarios and unreliable safety assessments.
Innovation Solution
A simulation apparatus and method that includes an evacuation unit capable of generating detour paths for occupants based on fire and obstacle presence, using building and fire information to calculate distances and risk levels, allowing for dynamic route selection and visualization of fire and evacuation simulations integrated together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional simulators use only three categories of exit selection models (shortest distance, shortest time, user designation), then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is high, but the reliability of evacuation simulation is poor because realistic occupant detour behavior cannot be incorporated
Solution Approach 1:
The exit selection model transitions from static (fixed three categories) to dynamic by allowing occupants to adaptively switch between shortest distance, shortest time, and detour routes based on real-time fire conditions. The simulation dynamically recalculates optimal paths as fire spreads, making the model responsive to changing environmental conditions rather than relying on predetermined static routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters including occupancy behavior patterns (from passive to active detour decision-making), exit selection criteria (from fixed three categories to dynamic multi-criteria), and simulation integration level (from separate fire and evacuation simulations to integrated coupled simulation). These parameter changes enable realistic detour behavior while maintaining computational feasibility.
2Reliability
If fire simulation and evacuation simulation are executed separately, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the reliability of escape safety assessment is poor because unrealistic escape behavior is described
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fire simulation and evacuation simulation into a single integrated system where both simulations operate simultaneously and interactively. The fire simulation provides real-time environmental data (smoke concentration, temperature, fire location) that directly influences evacuation behavior, while evacuation simulation results feed back to assess escape safety under realistic conditions. This coupling eliminates the unrealistic behavior inherent in separate executions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated simulation system implements feedback loops where fire simulation results continuously inform evacuation route selection, and evacuation progress feedback modifies fire simulation boundary conditions. This bidirectional feedback mechanism ensures that evacuation behavior responds realistically to fire conditions while maintaining system consistency and reliability.
3Reliability
If detour paths are generated to bypass limiting factors (flame, smoke, obstacles), then the reliability of evacuation simulation improves by accounting for realistic occupant behavior, but the calculation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations by pre-identifying potential detour routes and limiting factor locations before full evacuation simulation begins. Exit selection models are pre-configured with multiple route options, and fire simulation pre-calculates potential hazard zones. This preliminary preparation reduces real-time computational burden during actual evacuation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation applies partial action by implementing detour behavior selectively rather than universally - only for occupants whose paths are blocked by limiting factors, while others continue with shortest distance routes. This selective application reduces overall computational complexity while maintaining realism where needed, avoiding excessive calculation for all occupants regardless of actual conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a simulation apparatus. The simulation apparatus may include an evacuation unit configured to simulate evacuation routes for occupants who are in a building when the building is on fire.