ABSTRACT
Light-based single-function emergency exit signs may lead occupants to a fire-blocked route or a crowded exit resulting in a delayed evacuation and even more serious situation during an emergency evacuation. This paper will propose a real-time emergency evacuation sign guidance system which guides occupants to safe and fast evacuation routes considering fire source location and development trends, and human traffic flow trends in real time. The proposed system includes a fire detection sensor network system monitoring fire source and propagation, an occupant sensor network system evaluating the existing occupant traffic flow, and intelligent exit sign systems showing fire-free and crowd-free route directions. All fire detection sensor units communicate with each other to broadcast the danger location information. The occupant sensor network system detects the traffic flow coming in and going out for each direction, and detects and predicts crowd areas based on the traffic flow trends. The intelligent exit sign systems generate an evacuation strategy in response to the signals from the fire detection sensor network and occupant sensor network, and show the recommended directions to evacuate and the directions not suitable to evacuate. If crowded situation occurs, the exit sign systems also will show the directions to the fastest evacuation routes. The proposed system will generate first-hand evacuation sign guidance based on real-time emergency situations to achieve safe and fast evacuation. The installation of the proposed system will improve building evacuation performance and reduce injuries and fatalities.
