Evacuation warning system for computer local area networks

• US 6,809,642 B1
• Filed: 04/10/2000
• Issued: 10/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Harry Brenner
• Original Assignee: Robert Harry Brenner
• Inventors: Brenner, Robert Harry
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/547,046
• Time in Patent Office: 1,660 Days
• Field of Search: 340/506, 340/507, 340/3.1, 340/531, 340/533, 340/825.36, 340/825.49, 340/524, 340/525
• US Class Current: 340/506
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/085 using central distribution transmission lines
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/14 Central alarm receiver or annunciator arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/062 indicating emergency exits
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/066 guiding along a path, e.g. evacuation path lighting strip

Abstract

The system for which this patent applies regards the application of an emergency evacuation warning and information system for a generalized computer local area network. Utilizing the existing network for information transfer and the integrated hardware of each computer workstation, namely the input devices as warning trigger methods and visual display unit to provide a personalized individual evacuation plan pertaining to the location of each computer workstation.

Claims

1. A computer network comprising at least one fileserver and a plurality of connected computer workstations positioned at various locations within an area layout, the network fileserver(s) comprising:

(i) fileserver computer means for storing data structure information relating to said area layout, sensor location(s), workstation location(s) and nodal escape routing through said area, said fileserver computer means having a memory and/or a mass data storage device;

(ii) input means for deriving said information relating to said area layout from pre-existing documentary graphic representation(s) of said area layout or direct location point-sampling, said input means storing in said memory said information as an internal data structure encapsulating the entire 3-dimensional schematic plan of said area, said input means including a scanning device for scanning said documentary graphic representation(s), a positioning digitizer for direct positional input both providing a digital output thereof into said data structure.

2. The computer network as claimed in claim 1 possessing a display apparatus comprising:

(i) superimposing means for adding graphical icons relating to said locations of said sensors, workstations and escape routings to said screen image generated from stored data in said memory; and

,

(ii) visual display means connected to said computer workstation means for selectively displaying a screen image so as to display a relevant portion of said layout primarily including location of computer workstation and associated escape routings and exits.

3. The computer network as claimed in claim 2, wherein said area layout comprises a building layout.

4. The computer network as claimed in claim 2, wherein said superposition means comprises a software facility for superimposing graphical icons in said positions of said workstations, sensors, on said screen image stored in said computer memory.

5. The computer network as claimed in claim 2, wherein, said superimposition means includes a facility for recording related information of said sensors/workstations such that in the event of a sensor/workstation being triggered, the stored related information of the activated sensors/workstations is displayed on said visual display means when said screen image including said activated sensors/workstations are displayed.

6. The computer network as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sensors are connected to control means, and wherein said display apparatus further comprises an interface circuit connected between said control means and said computer for providing protocol conversion of date communication between said control means and said computer.