A system for monitoring building to identity fire-based situation and to perform efficient evacuation.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND USE OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic engineering and computer science more particularly a system for fire detection and emergency evacuation in a building with the help of sensors and internet-based technology to remotely monitor the building and to obtain efficient route for the evacuation so as to avoid any form of accidents.
[0002] Here, in this invention, a simple and reliable method for implementing IoT remote control application for remote monitoring and controlling of a building in case of a fire breakout along with fire safety evaluation. The system has been connected to different types of sensors such as temperature sensors, smoke density detectors, thermal cameras and video cameras which is attached to the building which is being monitored..These are able to sense the ambient conditions and collect different types of data which will then be relayed to their respective floor control centers. Finally, the data will be sent to the main control centre where it will be processed so that necessary actions can be taken in case of emergencies. The main control centre calculates the shortest evacuation path for different floors and relays the information. It also assists with the evacuation with the help of a specialized robot, designed to remove debris and manage the fire.
PRIOR ART AND PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED
[0003] Generally, fires are disasters causing damage that is too large for human Beings to even estimate the extent thereof because they not only injure

human lives and burn buildings abut also impacts the lives of the people near the building. Although the best method is to prevent such a fire from breaking out, but it is also considerably important to promptly detect a fire which cannot be prevented and to immediately and promptly obtain a safe evacuation route so as to save lives and to notify the amount of damage which is causes and may be further caused. According to the Indian Risk Survey (IRS), conducted in 2018, fire outbreak was the third biggest risk to business continuity and operations. There was a 300 percent rise in fire incidents in commercial buildings between 2014(179 cases) and 2015(716 cases). Incidents of fire outbreak in government, buildings also increased by 218 percent in the same period; 35 cases in 2015, as compared to 11 cases in 2014. The ADSI report also shows that residential buildings are the most prone to fire outbreaks. This is largely avoidable if proper firefighting equipment and evacuation infrastructure are present. While there is no such technology or remedy that can prevent such tragedies entirely, a system that could alert the people in the building so they coordinate evacuation efforts and make it more efficient can come in useful. This would greatly decrease the number of casualties in such cases and also help minimize damage to property.
[0004] This invention provides a method and system for for detecting and managing fires in building structures The system is composed of a network of inexpensive sensor units and foam/water jet sprays that are connected and controlled by loT control centers with which it can communicate with in case of detection of fire in the building which is being.monitored'. The system is designed with the ability to process all.the data incoming from various sensors. The collected data can be used to chart the intensity, location and direction of the fire across various floors allowing a more accurate prediction of a viable and effective escape path for the respective floor. This system providing a safe escape in case of fire detection ensuring to save lives.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION:
[0005] With rapid urbanization, there emerged increasingly complicated building structures and use of extensive electric equipment, combustible gases and chemicals. This has increased the risk of fire hazards in recent years and triggered a greater need for efficient evacuation and fire control techniques.
[0006] It has already been proposed where regular fire sensors for special buildings are designed and equipped but still not satisfactory in function because they cannot achieve detection rapidly. For certain complicated or poor surrounding conditions such as explosion problems, a quick detection and early report is necessary to ensure fire security control. Along with the same the conventional non-image type fire sensors cannot point out fire location, therefore the use of conventional non-image type fire sensors cannot help control of fire-extinguishing system to extinguish the fire effectively.
[0007] The principle objective of this system is a remote monitoring mechanism of building to obtain early and efficient fire detection so as to secure the building using robotic system along with obtaining efficient evacuation route based of the detected fire so as to safe guard the lives of the people stuck in the building using the appropriate route.
[0008] Another objective of the invention is that a plurality of mobile sensors are deployed that can communicate over wireless networks with a central control centre that can determine the shortest evacuation path for individuals and also guide the robots to help with the same.

{0009] The further objective of the invention is that the system is equipped with robotic system which is provisioned with appropriate fire, fighting tools, are used to increase the chances of survival and provide assistance. The are even made capable to remove debris and manage the fire.
[0010] The further objective of the system is equipped with different types of sensors such as temperature sensors, smoke density detectors, thermal cameras and video cameras for the detection of fire and to notify the central system of the circumstances. These are able to sense the ambient conditions and collect different types of data which will then be relayed to their respective floor control centers.
[0011] The further objective of the invention is that the data collected by the sensors is sent to the main control centre where it is processed so that necessary actions can be taken in case of emergencies. The main control centre calculates the shortest evacuation path for different floors and relays the information. It also assists with the evacuation with the help of a specialized robot, which are controlled using the central system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Building control systems are continually being developed and being integrated into the Internet. Building control systems can provide intelligence within a building or structure for improving energy use, occupant comfort and building security. The complexity of buildings and their control systems have evolved to automated systems with central points of control within the building, a complex of buildings or decentralized via internet control. Even with all the facility fire breakouts are disasters causing damage that is too large for human, beings to even estimate in case trapped in a building. Multiple systems using sensors have been proposed but the methods using thermal sensors or smoke sensors

may be effectively used in a limited area such as in an indoor environment, but there is large difficulty in using the above methods when the area to be monitored is huge like a large building and in the case of fire monitoring using images, it is difficult to detect an accurate location and angle at which a fire has broken out so evacuation process also comes to a stand still. Here in this invention a system and method for detecting and managing fires in building structures is described. The system will include different types of sensors such as temperature sensors, smoke density detectors, thermal cameras and video cameras. These are able to sense the ambient conditions and collect different types of data which will then be relayed to their respective floor control centers. Finally, the data will be sent to the main control centre where it will be processed so that necessary actions can be taken in case of emergencies. The main control centre calculates the shortest evacuation path for different floors and relays the information. It also assists with the evacuation with the help of a specialized robot, designed to remove debris and manage the fire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] While the present invention is described herein by way of example, using various embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is neither intended to be limited to the embodiment of drawing or drawings described nor designed to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated with specific figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiment outlined in any way. The drawings and detailed description of it are not intended to restrict the invention to the form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention covers all modification/s, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings are used for organizational purposes

only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used" throughout this specification, the worn "may" be. used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning, must).
(0014] Further, the words "an" or "a" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means one or more unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents and any additional subject matter not recited, and is not supposed to exclude any other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents acts, materials, devices, articles and the like are included in the specification solely to provide a context for the present invention.
[0015] In this disclosure, whenever an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is also understood that it contemplates the same element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting, essentially of, "consisting", "selected from the group comprising", "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0016] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application. to the details outlined in the following description or exemplified by the examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practised or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that

the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Besides, the descriptions, materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention.
[0018] The present invention provides a system and method for detecting and managing fires in building structures. The system will include different types of sensors such as temperature sensors, smoke density detectors, thermal cameras video cameras and others. These are able to sense the ambient conditions and collect different types of data which will then be relayed to their respective floor control, centers. The data obtained from the sensor assembly will be sent to the main control centre where it will be processed so that necessary actions can be taken in case of emergencies. The main control centre calculates the shortest evacuation path for different floors and relays the information. It also assists with the evacuation with the help of a specialized robot, designed to remove debris and manage the fire.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the system as shown in Figure 1, a remote controlled robot that is shown in Figure 5 is lined to the main central system so as to provide direction and to remove the debris in case of evacuation of the building. The system is composed of a network of inexpensive sensor units and foam/water jet sprays that are connected and controlled" by IoT control centers with which it can communicate with .The system comprises two different levels of control centers consisting of the the Floor Control Centre that is present on each floor, and a single Main

Control Centre. The system also comes with a remotely controlled robot carr spray water/foam and remove debris to assist evacuation. Each type of the sensors used comes in different variations, depending on the application and circumstances. In addition to these sensors,, infrared and light sensors can be used to detect fires at night, and are deployed accordingly.
[0020] As shown in figure 2, the sensors and foam/water jet sprays are wall mounted at strategic positions in the floor so that the minimum number of above stated devices can be used to obtain maximum coverage. This can be done in accordance to algorithms such as the Grey Wolf and Weighted Region Observation. From here on, the placement of all such devices follow a similar principle. This will hopefully minimize the cost of implementing such a system. Smoke detectors 103 and temperature/flame detectors 101, along with the above stated CCTV 100 relay information about the exact nature and location (with the help of accurate GPS services) of any fire that occurs . A smoke detector 103 can detect the presence of smoke rising from a fire (hazardous situation). The temperature/flame detectors I0l also work in a similar manner as they can detect the actual flames of the fire. All the data/information generated by these sensors is relayed to the floor control centers 105 via wireless networks. The information is processed and then sent to the main control centre 108 via wireless networks where the decisions are taken depending on circumstances. The decisions are relayed back to the floor control centers 105 from where the commands are sent to the water/foam jet spray system (Sprinkler System) and the robot 104 that are stationed at the respective floor.
[0021] Text and voice messages are sent to the occupants of the building as well as the fire fighting authorities so they can assist in the evacuation process and make the process efficient. They are sent by the main control center

when it gets triggered by a precarious or hazardous situation. The messages inform the residents about the directions to the nearest exit 107. To the firefighters, they convey the details of the most effective method of fire control and evacuation assistance.
[0022] The system has been designed with the ability to process all the data incoming from various sensors. The collected data can be used to chart the intensity, location and direction of the fire across various floors allowing a more accurate prediction of a viable and effective escape path for the respective floor. It can also be used to deploy resources such as the robot 104 more efficiently. The data is helpful in directing the water / foam jet sprays towards the fire-affected areas where and when they are necessary.
[0023] Besides escape routes, the data can also be used to map ingress and egress paths for firefighters. All the data is collected and processed in real time and this ensures that the system works most efficiently with minimal loss of lives or damage to property. In addition to live data collection, the loss of signal from a particular sensor can provide information about where the sensors have been destroyed and are less reliable. The shortest path for evacuation based on the data collected is calculated by competent persons having prior knowledge in this field with the help of shortest path searching algorithms such as Weighted Depth First Search, Weighted Breadth First Search or Dijkstra's Algorithm on a weighted graph (map).
[0024] In Figure 2, the device shown includes a microprocessor 202 which has memory to store data and programming information. A temperature/flame sensor 200, connected to the microprocessor, is used to detect flames and the temperature of such flames. This information can be stored and/or transmitted by the device. The device also has one or more transmitters/transceivers 204 that can help it to communicate with other devices via the network using antennal 206, while being connected to the microprocessor. It has a location circuit or GPS 203 which relays the

location of the device to the microprocessor, and hence to other devices in the network. There is an ID chip 205 which helps to identify and map each device in the network in a unique manner. The entire device is powered by a power supply 201, which is usually AC current.
[0025] In Figure 3, the device shown includes a microprocessor 302 which contains memory to store data and programming information. A smoke density detector 300, connected to the microprocessor, is used to detect the presence and type of smoke. This information can be stored and/or transmitted by the device. It also has one or more transmitters/transceivers 304 that can help the device to communicate with other devices via the network using antennal 306, while being connected to the microprocessor 302. It has a location circuit or GPS 303 which relays the location of the device to the microprocessor 302, and hence to other devices in the network. There is an ID chip 305 which helps to uniquely identify and map each device in the network. The entire device is powered by a power supply 301 which usually runs AC current.
[0026] An embodiment of the thermal image/video camera (CCTV) is shown in Figure 4. The device shown in the Figure includes a microprocessor 402 which has the memory to store data and programming information. A thermal image/ video camera (CCTV) 400, connected to the microprocessor, is used to capture live footage of the situation, which can be later used for retro analysis to understand how or why the fire was caused in the first place and give more insight into preventing fires. This information can be stored and/oi transmitted by the device. The footage is stored in the main control center (MCC). It also serves security purposes for the building infrastructure and is stored in mass storage devices in the MCC. The device has one or more transmitters/transceivers 404 that allows it to communicate with other devices via the network using antennal 406, while it is connected to the microprocessor 402. The location

circuit or GPS 403 relays the location of the device to the microprocessor 402, and hence to other devices in the network. There is an ID chip 405 which helps to identify and map each device in the network in a distinct way. The device is powered by a power supply 401 of AC current.
[0027] We see an embodiment of the remote-controlled robot in the form of a Block diagram in Figure S. This robot is relatively simple and inexpensive. It is to be stationed on each floor and connected to the network via a Wi-Fi module 506 installed in it. It works with the help of one or more transceivers/transmitters 509 that use antennal 510. There are proximity sensors 501, and various other navigational systems 507 with the help of which the robot can navigate the terrain of a particular floor using wheels (motors) 512. All the parts are mounted on the robot itself. The robot also has a camera 502 mounted on it for navigation purposes, especially in manual control.lt has a location circuit or. GPS 511 which relays the location of the device to the microprocessor 504, and hence to other devices in the network. There is an ID chip 505 which helps to identify and map each device in the network. The entire device is powered by a power supply 514, which is the DC current stored in long lasting rechargeable batteries included inside the robot. The main functions of the robot are: quick response to situations as commanded by FCC in ease of minor accidents (decided as per conditions of the deployment zone) and MCC in case of major accidents (decided as per conditions of the deployment zone); providing assistance incase of evacuation to make the process more efficient with minimum loss of life. To this extent, it features a moveable foam/water jet spray 512 that can be directed by a moveable nozzle to douse flames and control fire. The robot also comes with a metallic moveable arm 503 that can move debris to make effective escape routes in case evacuation is deemed necessary. This moveable arm is also powered by several' motors 512, according to the. power required in the

deployment zone. All these components are connected and controlled by the microprocessor 504. [0028] Referring to the water/foam jet spray embodied in Figure 4, the device shown includes a microprocessor 602 which has the memory to store data and programming information. A directed moveable (orientation or direction in which the jet can spray in a limited range) water / foam jet 600 powered by a motor which changes the orientation of the nozzle 607 is present. It also has one or more transmitters/transceivers 604 that can help the device to communicate with other devices via the network using antennal 606, while the device is connected to the microprocessor 602. It has a location circuit or GPS 603 which relays the location of the device to the microprocessor 602 and hence to other devices in the network. There is an ID chip 605 which helps to identify and map each device in the network. The device is powered by a power supply 601, which is usually AC current. In response to situations, as commanded by FCC in case of minor accidents (decided as per conditions of the deployment zone) and MCC in case of major accidents(decided as per conditions of the deployment zone), the jets position their nozzles and spray at strategic locations to douse flames or to create escape paths as the case and purpose may be.
[0029] An alternate embodiment of the system shown in Figure 1 is portrayed in Figure 7. This is a more accurate portrayal of how the system works on a great scale, for example on a larger floor like that of a hotel or an office. We observe that in this situation there are 12 rooms and 5 exits. Each room contains a temperature sensor 701, flame sensor 703, smoke detector 705, CCTV (thermal /video camera) 704 and water/foam jet spray system (Sprinkler System) 700, all of which have been described above. They have similar usage and functioning in this situation. In addition to this, there are electronic doors 702 that can shut and seal themselves. This can effectively isolate fire and prevent it from spreading. This leads to about

72 sensors (system) and 5 exits. Hence, there is a need for the Sub Floor Control 706, which is responsible for a certain group of rooms and its respective sensors. The number of such SFCs required is calculated using algorithms such as Grey Wolf Algorithm, Weighted Region Algorithm or Dijkstra's Algorithm for Weighted Graph or any other suitable algorithm so as to minimize cost and maximize efficiency. These SFCs are connected to an FCC, which in turn is connected to an MCC. In the scenario depicted in Figure 7, if one of the above-mentioned 5 exits is blocked due to fire or its effects(debris), the FCC, which has real time information about the whole floor through the SFCs, can compute the shortest and most efficient path for evacuation using path-searching algorithms as mentioned prior. It can thus command the robot shown in Figure 8 along with the water/foam jet spray system 700 to clear out a different effective path involving the remaining exits, to ensure minimum life loss and damage to property.
[0030] In Figure 8, a conceptual prototype of the robot which is utilized in Figure 3 and further mentioned in the IOT system depicted in Figure 1. This robot is deployed on every floor in our proposed system to aid fire management and rescue. The device shown in the figure includes a microprocessor 808 which has the memory to store data and programming information. It is mounted with a variety of different sensors 806, such as (Thermal) Image/ Video Sensor, Proximity Sensor (using infrared beams) and Flame Sensors (for navigation and detection of fire).They are connected to the microprocessor 808, through which the device can transmit the information/data generated by the various sensors to the different components of the network via the Wi-Fi module 813 using the antennal 814 present in the system. There is a water/foam tank 815, the content of which is used to combat and douse the flames. The Pump 801 sucks water from the aforesaid tank 815 and pumps it through the water/foam jet spray 805 to the area where it is needed. In order to align or position the spray,

and direct the jet of the ejecting substance to the exact region, a horizontal moveable joint 803 and a vertical moveable joint 804 are used simultaneously. A metallic moveable arm 802 is used to remove debris and clear the path for evacuation, as mentioned earlier. This arm has moveable joints and an excavator / debris holder 817 which work in tandem to achieve the desired results. There is a metallic enclosure 800 that protects the sensitive components of the robot from fire. It is made of highly fire-resistive material. Inside this enclosure, there is a space for carrying supplies 816 such as oxygen cylinders and other vital medical supplies. The entire robot moves via a transportation system that is based on the Belt 810- Wheel 811 mechanism. It can easily navigate the entire terrain of a typical room and climb over small obstacles. The metallic arm 802, the water/foam jet spray 805 and the Wheel 811-Belt 810 transportation system are powered by the motors 804 which, in rum, are fueled by powerful, long-lasting, rechargeable, non-inflammable batteries. There are some other sensors which can also be mounted as per the requirement, along with a weighted extendible support 812 that is necessary for moderate to heavy lifting by the metallic arm 802.
10031] The above embodiments are described for illustrating the technical concept and features of the invention, the aim is intended to enable a person skilled in the art to appreciate the content of the invention and further implement it, and the protection scope of the invention cannot be limited hereby. Also, any equivalent variations or modifications made according to the spirit of the invention should be covered within the protection scope of the invention:

FIGURE DESCRIPTION
[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate an exemplary embodiment and, together with the description, explain the disclosed embodiment. In the figures, the left and rightmost digit(s) of a reference number identify the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of the system and methods of an embodiment of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and concerning the accompanying figures, in which:
[0033] Figure - 1 illustrates a block system diagram showing an overview of the entire fire management and evacuation system.
[0034] Figure - 2 is a block diagram of the temperature detection module.
[0035J Figure - 3 is a block diagram of the robot to assist with fire management.
[0036]: Figure - 4 is a block diagram of the sprinkler system module.
[0037] Figure — 5 is a conceptual diagram of the robot which will assist with fire management.

WE CLAIM THAT :
1. An IOT-based system capable of detecting fire accidents by monitoring
various factors inclusive of temperature, smoke density, image/video with
two levels of control consisting of the Floor Control centres on each floor
and a bigger network which includes a Main Control centre to which the
Floor control centers are connected and the system sends warning
notification to the residents along with the fire rescue department of the
incident along with activation its internal robotic based rescue operation.
2. As mentioned in Claim 1, the system is capable of data collection in the form of images and videos through cameras along with capturing other data including temperature through temperature sensors, smoke density through smoke detectors along with providing a user interface that can interact with the system through the main control centre as required by the user.
3. As mentioned in Claim 1, the first level of control is triggered by minor accidents which can be programmed as per requirement by the user and they are mainly localized to certain areas in nature and are managed by the Floor Control centre whereas the second level of control is triggered by major accidents which can be programmed as per requirement by the user in which more than one area is affected and the situation is managed by the Main Control centre.
4. As in Claim 1, the personnel of the building are notified of the type and location of the disaster through alarms built in each floor that can be triggered by the Floor Control Centre and in case of major disasters, the safest path of evacuation for different areas of the floor is calculated by the main control centre with the help of various algorithms that are integrated into the system and these routes of safe escape are sent via text messages

to the respective people along with alerting the nearby firefighting officials of the exact nature and location of the fire.
5. As in Claim 1, the different methods of fire control include wall mounted targeted jets of water with form, along with a a remote controlled Robotic device present on each floor that can clear debris and douse flames with the help of fire extinguishing equipment that is mounted on it and they are controlled by the Main Control Centre through instructions passed onto the Floor Control Centre.