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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2006/137805
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A system for the notification and management of an emergency (100) comprises a controller (1) which includes a keypad (7), display (8), central processor (5) and a memory (6). Coupled to the controller are a number of remote local units (3) coupled via switches (4). Sensors (2) are also coupled to the controller. When an emergency is detected, via a sensor or through data inputted manually through the keypad, then notifications are sent to the remote units. These notifications are sent to one or more of the local units depending upon the nature of the emergency. Each remote unit is assigned a unique address which allows the controller to send notifications to each unit independently. Thus, notification can be tailored to the location of the remote unit, and takes into account the nature of the emergency, and other factors such as the occupants and the construction of the building. Each remote unit includes a visual display (9) so that the notifications can be displayed as visual messages. There is also a speaker (10) to enable the message to be transmitted in audible form.

Inventors:
PHUA ERWIN SIEW JEN (SG)
Application Number:
PCT/SG2005/000211
Publication Date:
December 28, 2006
Filing Date:
June 24, 2005
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
PHUA ERWIN SIEW JEN (SG)
International Classes:
G08B27/00
Foreign References:
US6018699A2000-01-25
US6816878B12004-11-09
US5867805A1999-02-02
US6112074A2000-08-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
K. L. TAN & ASSOCIATES (Singapore 3, SG)
Download PDF:
Claims:
The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows
1. An emergency notification and management system characterised by: a controller and a multiplicity of remote units coupled to the controller for receiving signals therefrom, the remote units being arranged to transmit notifications in response to signals from the controller, and the controller being operable to generate the signals for coupling to the remote units in response to a detected emergency such that the notification will depend upon the nature of the detected emergency.
2. An emergency notification and management system according to claim 1 , wherein each remote unit is assigned a unique address, and the controller is operable to determine the destination for a signal being sent to a remote unit, and to send each signal to a destined remote unit using the unique address.
3. An emergency notification and management system according to claim 2, wherein the signals include information regarding the nature of the notification, the notification information being sent to any remote unit is variable for each remote unit and will depend upon the unique address.
4. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim wherein the remote unit includes a display, and the notification includes a written notification displayed on the display.
5. An emergency notification and management system according to any preceding claim, wherein the notification includes visual representations.
6. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim wherein the notification includes an audible notification.
7. An emergency notification and management system according to claim 6 wherein the audible notification is a voice message.
8. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim, including at least one sensor coupled to the controller, each sensor being operable to detect the presence of an external hazard, and to send a signal to the controller in response to a detected hazard, the controller being operable to generate the signals for coupling to the remote units in response to a signal received from a sensor.
9. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim wherein data can be manually entered into the controller, and the controller is operable to generate the signals for coupling to the remote units in response to the manually operated data.
10. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim, wherein the controller has data stored therein regarding the environment in which the system is located and the controller is operable to generate signals for the notifications dependant upon the data stored therein.
11. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim, wherein the controller is operable to generate the signals for controlling the notifications in accordance with a predetermined procedure, the predetermined procedure being dependant upon the nature of the emergency detected.
12. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim, wherein the notification includes details regarding a method of evacuation.
13. An emergency notification and management system according to any previous claim, wherein the remote units are coupled to the controller via switches.
14. A method of notification and management of an emergency, characterised in that the method includes the steps of: transmitting notifications from one or more of a multiplicity of remote units, the notifications being transmitted in response to a detected emergency, and depending upon the detected emergency.
15. A method of notification and management off an emergency according to claim 14, wherein the nature of the transmitted notification can vary depending upon the remote unit transmitting the notification.
16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the transmitted notification is a visual notification.
17. A method according to any of claims 14 to 16 wherein the notification includes an audible notification.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the audible notification is a voice message.
19. A method according to any of claims 14 to 18 wherein the transmitted notification is transmitted in response to a signal received from a sensor.
20. A method according to any of claims 14 to 19 wherein the transmitted notification is transmitted in response to a manual input.
21. A method according to any of claims 14 to 20, wherein the notification includes details regarding a method of evacuation.
22. An emergency notification and management system substantially as hereinbefore described in Figures 1 to 3.
23. A method of notification and management of an emergency substantially as hereinbefore described in Figures 1 to 3.
Description:
Emergency Notification System

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an emergency notification and management system particularly, although not exclusively, for providing notification and management of an emergency in a building. The present invention has particular applicability for open buildings or buildings where there are enclosed area with little communication available to common areas

Background Art

The ability to identify and manage an emergency in buildings is important to ensure that occupants are evacuated as quickly and effectively as possible. Emergencies such as fire or bomb threats pose a risk to life, and occupants need to be evacuated as quickly as possible. Ironically, terrorist threats have forced builders to have fortified entrances which makes evacuation even more difficult than previously. Part of the problem is being able to identify where the emergency is and the nature of the emergency so that the most appropriate evacuation procedure can be followed. Conventional notification of emergencies are audible signals such as a fire alarm sometimes accompanied by voice broadcast messages. These conventional alarms do not however do not always identify the nature of the alarm or signify where the emergency is located. When voice broadcasts are combined with audible alarms, the voice broadcasts can be inaudible as they are 'drowned out' by the alarm itself, particularly in the initial period when the alarm is sounding. Most public buildings have evacuation procedures in place. These procedures tend to be generic and apply to all occupants, and do not take into account the exact nature of the emergency. Occupants cannot make informed decisions about when and how to evacuate. This means that there is a risk that evacuating occupants may inadvertently find themselves being moved into an area of hazard rather than being evacuated way from danger.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to the invention, there is provided an emergency notification and management system characterised by a controller and a multiplicity of remote units coupled to the controller for receiving signals therefrom, the remote units being arranged to transmit notifications in response to signals from the controller, and the controller being operable to generate the signals for coupling to the remote units in response to a detected emergency such that the notification will depend upon the detected emergency. These remote units can then be placed in a building in appropriate locations to transmit notifications to the occupants. These notifications can be made appropriate for the location and the hazard.

Preferably, each remote unit is assigned a unique address, and the controller is operable to determine the destination for a signal being sent to a remote unit, and to send each signal to a destined remote unit using the unique address. This has the advantage that the signal can be tailored for each remote unit.

Preferably, the signals include information regarding the nature of the notification, the notification information being sent to any remote unit is variable for each remote unit and will depend upon the unique address. Thus, any notification can include different details about the emergency and can be relevant to that particular unit.

Preferably, the remote unit includes a display, and the notification includes a written notification displayed on the display. Visual representations can also be displayed, such as directional signs. In this way, visual messages can be displayed about the emergency which means that they are not drowned out by any emergency alarms.

Preferably, the notification includes an audible notification, which can be a voice message. This reinforces the visual message and means that visually impaired occupants of a building are not disadvantaged.

Preferably, the system includes at least one sensor coupled to the controller, each sensor being operable to detect the presence of an external hazard, and to send a signal to the controller in response to a detected hazard, the controller being operable to generate the signals for coupling to the remote units in response to a signal received from a sensor. In this way, a sensor can detect a hazard such as a fire and can send details to the controller which can then ensure that the appropriate message is transmitted.

Preferably, the data can be manually entered into the controller, and the controller is operable to generate the signals for coupling to the remote units in response to the manually operated data. This provides extra flexibility allowing the notifications to be further tailored to the environment, the hazard and the occupants should the nature of the emergency divert from the usual.

Preferably, the controller has data stored therein regarding the environment in which the system is located and the controller is operable to generate signals for the notifications dependant upon the data stored therein. This allows the system to tailor the notifications to take into account other factors that may impact, such as the construction of the building, the presence of toxic chemicals, any limits of the occupants and so on.

Preferably, the remote units are coupled to the controller via switches.

Preferably, the controller is operable to generate the signals for controlling the notifications in accordance with a predetermined procedure, the predetermined procedure being dependant upon the nature of the emergency detected.

Preferably, the notification includes details regarding a method of evacuation.

A method of notification and management of an emergency, characterised in that the method includes the steps of transmitting notifications from one or more of a multiplicity of remote units, the notifications being transmitted in response to a detected emergency, and depending upon the detected emergency.

Preferably, the nature of the transmitted notification can vary depending upon the remote unit transmitting the notification.

Preferably, the transmitted notification is a visual notification. Preferably, the notification includes an audible notification, which may be a voice message.

Preferably, the transmitted notification is transmitted in response to a signal received from a sensor.

Preferably, the transmitted notification is transmitted in response to a manual input.

Preferably, the notification includes details regarding a method of evacuation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an emergency notification and management system of the invention;

Figure 2 is a flow chart describing how the appropriate hazard management procedure is selected; and

Figure 3 is a flow chart of the steps carried out by the system using a fire management procedure for evacuation of a building.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

An emergency notification and management system 100 comprises a central controller unit 1 coupled to a multiplicity of remote sensors 2. The central controller 1 comprises any suitable central processing unit (CPU) 5 and associated memory 6. The CPU 5 is operable to operate the system 100 using application software and an appropriate operating system. The use of CPU's and memories is well known to person skilled in the art and need not be described in any further detail herein. The controller also includes a keypad 7 through which an operator can manually enter data or information, or can initiate an emergency response, and a display 8 which will display information or requests for further information to an operator. The controller 1 is operable to receive data from the sensors 2, and data input by an operator in order to provide notification of an emergency and to appropriately manage the emergency as will be described in more detail below.

The controller 1 is also coupled to a multiplicity of local units 3, through a number of switches 4. In the present embodiment of the invention, the local units 3 comprise a visual display 9 and a speaker 10 which allows visual messages to be presented through the visual display 9, and audible messages to be presented through the speaker 10. In this embodiment, there are nine local units 3a - 3i, coupled to the controller 1 through three switches 4a - 4c.

When an emergency occurs, signals are sent - in response to signals received from the sensors 2 - from the controller 1 to the switches 4, and then on to the local units 3 to cause the local units 3 to broadcast information regarding the emergency in both audible and visual form, as will be described in more detail below.

The controller 1 stores a variety of information relating to the building and the occupiers. Such information may include:

• Information regarding each of the sensors that are part of the system: their address, the type of sensor and their location;

• Information regarding the position of the local units 3, and in particular, the orientation of the display 9;

• Information about the type of building materials used during construction, the type of construction, and associated information such as how the materials and / or the building structure can react to various hazards such as fire, gas leaks, explosives and so on;

• The facilities / layout of the building that may be relevant in assessing the nature and seriousness of any hazard, and how a building may be evacuated. Examples include the location of emergency staircases, lifts, exits and so on; and

• A profile of the occupiers - for example if they are likely to be able- bodied, or may require assistance to exit the building due to age or physical handicaps.

The local units 3 are distributed throughout a building as required. For example, in the embodiment described above, and illustrated in Figure 1, local units 3a - 3c could be located at suitable points around a ground floor, local units 3d - 3f on the first floor, local units 3g - 3i on the second floor and so on. One switch 4 would be provided on each floor for the respective local units 3.

The sensors 2 would also be located around the building as required and may comprise a number of different sensors, such as smoke sensors, manually operated alarms, gas sensors and so on.

Each of the switches have a unique address which allows data to be sent to each of the local units 3 as required - that is, each local unit 3 can be

individually controlled by the controller 1. The controller 1, switches 4 and local units 3 can be coupled together using any suitable networking protocol such as wireless, RS232C or Ethernet having an IP address. The use of these networking protocols is well known to persons skilled in the art, and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

The actual structure and operation of the switches 4 and local units 3 will be dependant upon the networking protocol used, but can be of any suitable arrangement, which will allow data from the controller 1 to be sent to the local units 3 via the switches 3 in accordance with the selected networking structure and protocol.

The presence of a hazard - that may constitute a threat requiring an emergency procedure - can be received by the controller 1 in a number of ways. One of the sensors 2 may detect the presence of the appropriate hazard, and send a data signal to the controller 1. The data signal will provide information to the controller 1 concerning the location of the hazard by identifying the unique address from which the signal has been received, which will in turn identify the nature of the hazard. For example, if the sensor 2 is a smoke sensor, then, when the sensor 2 detects smoke a signal is sent to the controller 1 , which is able to determine that there is smoke in the vicinity of sensor 2 which is located at a particular location in the building.

In an alternative embodiment, a signal may be input to the controller 1 by an operator. For example, a bomb warning may be presented to an operator who needs to put in place an appropriate evacuation procedure in response to the threat.

The procedures utilized in the system 100 are based upon the standard operating procedures of emergency services, and essentially cover three aspects of an emergency:

1) Collecting key data about the emergency;

2) Providing instructions to security / emergency management personnel; and

3) Providing instructions to building occupants

The structure of the data collection process is designed to collect data that is crucial for handling the particular type of emergency taking place. For example, in the event of a fire, then the controller 1 will prompt the system operator through the display 8 with questions about the location, type and spread of the fire, or it will collect the data automatically from the sensors 2.

The controller 1 will store a set of default parameters upon which an initial course of action will be based. These default parameters can be updated via data input from sensors or manually by an operator. An operator would input the data via the keypad 7.

The default parameters are based upon such things as the location of the fire, and known characteristics of the location, such as the construction material used in the location, the materials stored within that location and the ambulatory characteristics of the occupants.

However, in the course of the emergency, the parameters can be updated through both sensor and manual inputs. For example, if the fire spreads to a certain room, the sensor 2 in that room will send a signal to the controller 1 , and in turn the controller 1 will be operable to update the location of the fire and make changes to the course of action accordingly. In the event of a sensor failure, or of a threat that cannot be detected by the sensors (such as a bomb), manual inputs can be accepted by the controller 1 to update the parameters.

An example of this part of the data collection process is illustrated in Figure 2, where an emergency is initiated through input of a signal to the controller 1 either automatically or via manual input, then the controller 1 will interrogate

5 000211

- 9 -

either the operator, or determine through analysis of the received signal, as to the nature of the hazard. When the nature of the hazard is established, then the controller 1 is operable to initiate a series of steps depending upon the nature of the hazard.

At this point, the controller 1 is operable to set in place a process of notification to occupants through the switches 4 and local units 3.

In the embodiment described herein, the actual notification process will depend upon the location and type of hazard detected, and the parameters stored in the controller memory 6 relating to such things as building materials present, building construction, personnel etc., as mentioned above.

When the controller 1 has determined the type and location of the hazard, and the parameters referred to above, the controller 1 is operable to select the most appropriate hazard management procedure. For example, if a fire has been detected by one of the sensors 2, then the controller 1 will automatically initiate a fire emergency procedure, and so on.

Depending upon the determined parameters, then the controller 1 is then operable to send notifications to selected local units 3 as determined by the appropriate hazard management procedure, and the parameters. These notifications will contain information and / or instructions which can be noted by occupants and followed as required. Examples of notifications may be information such as 'False Alarm 1 ,' Test', "Fire detected, please await further instructions', evacuate building via Staircase 3 now', and so on. These notifications are sent at the appropriate time depending upon the hazard management procedure, and any other parameters that may be appropriate. As the controller 1 has information about the location of the local units 3, directional signs can be displayed on the display 9. For example, arrows could be displayed to direct occupants away from a fire or scene of an explosion.

The instructions provided to the occupants and any emergency management personnel that are provided to deal with an emergency are related to both time and events. Examples of instructions related to time-based parameters, and that may be relayed to appropriate occupant are: instructions to emergency personnel to either fight the fire or evacuate the area which are based upon the fire resistance of the building materials in the area (information that is stored in the controller memory 6) ; and instructions to stay or evacuate depending upon whether the fire has been extinguished within the time specified by specifications. So, for example, if the sensors 2 still detect a fire after a predetermined length of time, the controller 1 is operable to send notifications to the appropriate local units 3, through the switches 4, that the selected area is to be evacuated immediately.

Event-based instructions related to instructions that may be given in response to an earlier event. For example, an instruction to evacuate certain portions of a building may only be issued once lower floors have been evacuated.

The hazard management procedures used by the controller 1 consist of the standard operating procedures commonly utilized by emergency services, which are then adapted for and programmed into controller 1. An example of a procedure managed by the controller 1 is illustrated in Figure 3. This procedure is based on the standard fire evacuation procedure which is that an evacuation should be managed in the following way:

1) Evacuate the floor on which the fire has occurred, plus the two floors above and below it.

2) Once those five floors are evacuated, evacuate all floors above the fire.

3) Finally, evacuate all the floors below the location of the fire.

Using this standard procedure, the controller 1 would operate as follows:

A sensor 2 detects the presence of a fire and a signal is sent to the controller 1. The signal contains data identifying the sensor from which it has been

sent, and so the controller 1 is able to identify that sensor and so determine that there is a fire and also the location of the fire. In another embodiment, sensors that are not coupled to the controller 1 or relate to hazards such as bombs - as discussed above - data regarding the location and type of hazard can be manually input to the controller 1 to initiate the appropriate hazard management procedure.

The controller 1 is then operable to select the fire management procedure to be followed. The controller then determines (from data stored in memory 6) the unique addresses of all the local units 3 that are located on the same floor as the fire and the two floors above and below it. The controller 1 is then operable to send a notification to each of these local units 3 (via the appropriate switches 4) saying "Evacuate immediately". This is displayed on these local units 3 and is also provided as an audible instructions through the speakers 10. It may also be accompanied by an audible intermittent alarm. The controller 1 is also operable to send "Stand by to evacuate" notifications to all other local units 3. Occupants are therefore able to evacuate the building.

The notification may also include information as to how to exit the building. This may be localised to areas on that floor. For example, some occupants may be notified to use one exit, while others may be advised to use a second exit. Because each local unit 3 has a unique address, it is possible to tailor the evacuation to the arrangement of exits / location of occupants and so on. If the hazard were to contain the possibility of toxic fumes due to the nature of the construction materials, then the evacuation can be managed having regard to this, for example, by not evacuating personnel through areas where these toxic fumes may occur. These default parameters are based on the known parameters of the situation. However, in cases, for example such as the spread of fumes (which may not be known if toxic fume sensors are not installed in the building), expert instructions, such as those of fire-fighters, may be manually entered using the keypad 7 to override the default instructions.

If the controller 1 were to identify that sensors 2 located near one of the nominated exits sensed the presence of smoke, then the controller 1 would be operable to ensure that local units 3 notified occupants to evacuate via another exit.

This requires manual input. However, a default evacuation time will be entered, and if no input is received from the operator by that time, the system will request for the operator to confirm that the evacuation is NOT complete.

Once these floors have been cleared, then the controller 1 is operable to determine the unique addresses of all the local units 3 located in the floors above the fire and that have not already been evacuated, and sends a notification "Evacuate immediately" to these local units 3. As before, this message is displayed visually and audibly so that occupants can respond appropriately. The point at which the notifications are sent to the next group of local units is initiated by manual input by an operator. However, in addition, a default parameter setting an maximum evacuation time is stored in the controller 1. If no manual input from an operator is input into the controller 1 within this predetermined default time, then the controller 1 is operable to display a message to the operator via the controller display 8 requesting the operator confirm that the evacuation has not yet be completed. This message will be displayed again if no manual input is received after this predetermined period expires once more, and so on.

Once these floors have been evacuated, then the controller 1 is operable to determine the addresses of all other local terminals, and to send the same notification to all the remaining local units 3.

In this way, an orderly evacuation can be achieved.

In this way, the controller 1 can manage a detected hazard in the most appropriate manner, as the notifications that are sent depend upon the factors discussed above, and can be sent in a timely fashion to the correct locations.

The notifications can be specific to what is required rather than being generic in nature.

It will be obvious that modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. The system 100 can be used to manage any potential hazard. All that is required is that an appropriate hazard management procedure be stored in the controller 1. Additional parameters from those discussed herein can also be taken into account when developing the hazard management procedure.

Where multiple emergencies of hazards are encountered, the controller 1 can be operable to model the event from the multiple hazards presented and generate an appropriate hazard management procedure. This can include critical points which the controller 1 will monitor. At these critical points, the controller 1 can determine the appropriate hazard management process to follow, and if these critical points are not met, can generate a further model to follow for a suitable procedure.

As an alternative, notification that there is a fire could be entered into the controller 1 manually by an operator through the keypad 8. The controller would input that there is a fire on a certain floor, the controller would determine that the fire management procedure should be carried out, and follows the steps set out above.

In another embodiment of the invention, all of the local units 3 can be coupled to the controller 1, and may be arranged to receive an analogue rather than the digital signal described above. In this embodiment, the local units 3 are arranged in a simple network structure. A signal is sent from the controller 1 to the local units 3 simultaneously, with simple switches 4 being operable to disconnect or stop the signal from reaching selected local units.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be

understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.