Abstract An evacuation priority system for use in installations having a plurality of separate areas therein includes a plurality of detecting means, such as fire or smoke detectors, each for detecting an appropriate alarm condition in the respective area. Inputs from each area responsive to the alarm condition are received by a central processing unit (CPU), and a priority is computed between the inputs on a predetermined basis dependent upon the relative emergency between the alarm conditions detected. An evacuation route is then selectively fed into an indicating means within each area, on a priority basis or simultaneously, to identify appropriate evacuation routes from each area. Information received by the CPU is forwarded to the appropriate emergency agency, for determining the appropriate equipment and manpower to be used. In addition, information received and processed by the CPU is stored to document the emergency to help reconstruct and avoid similar occurrences.
The method for determining evacuation priority and providing an indication thereof for use in installations such as buildings, mines, ships and the like of the type having a plurality of separate areas within, said method comprising the steps of: detecting an alarm condition in one of said areas and providing an input responsive thereto; receiving said inputs from all of said areas and computing a priority between said inputs on a predetermined basis dependent upon the relative emergency between said alarm conditions; and providing an indication representative of said emergency priority to that one of said areas representing the highest emergency priority.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
The method for determining evacuation priority and providing an indication thereof for use in installations such as buildings, mines, ships and the like of the type having a plurality of separate areas within, said method comprising the steps of: detecting an alarm condition in one of said areas and providing an input responsive thereto; receiving said inputs from all of said areas and computing a priority between said inputs on a predetermined basis dependent upon the relative emergency between said alarm conditions; and providing an indication representative of said emergency priority to that one of said areas representing the highest emergency priority.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method for determining evacuation priority as recited in claim 1 further comprising the step of forwarding an output indicative of the results of said computing step to a central facility.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method for determining evacuation priority as recited in claim 1 further comprising the steps of: computing an evacuation route for said area of highest emergency priority; and communicating said evacuation route to persons within said area of highest emergency priority.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method for determining evacuation priority as recited in claim 3 further comprising the step of communicating said evacuation route to others of said area.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method for determining evacuation priority as recited in claim 1 wherein said installation includes means for transporting persons between said areas, said method further comprising the steps of: controlling and directing said transporting means to different ones of said areas responsive to an input thereto; and providing an input to said transporting means conincident with said indication of emergency priority to direct said transporting means to said area of highest emergency priority.