AU2020227099A1 - Emergency Escape Routing System - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure describes methods and systems for indicating an emergency escape route, which include signs comprising: a first area for indicating a default emergency escape route; means for providing a predetermined pattern across the first area which cancels the default indication; and a second area for providing an indication for an alternative emergency escape route.

Description

Emergency Escape Routing System

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for indicating an emergency

escape route, using a controllable emergency sign.

Background

Emergency escape signs can be installed in buildings to show the direction of an

emergency exit to be used in the event of an emergency, e.g. a fire. Such signs are typically rectangular or square shaped, and comprise a static pictogram of a person

running and an arrow showing the direction of the relevant emergency exit. Typically, when the arrow is pointing to the left or the right, the pictogram shows the person

running in the direction of the arrow.

There are regulations in place for escape signs. For example, British format signs

comply with BS 5499 and BS ISO EN 7010, and typically feature a pictogram of a person running through a doorway. As another example, European format signs comply with

the directive 92/58/EEC, and typically feature a pictogram where the person running and the doorway are separate. Requirements for both British and European formats

include that the sign is rectangular or square shaped, and feature a white pictogram on

a green background, wherein the green part is to take up at least 50% of the area of the sign.

In the event of an emergency, there is a possibility that an emergency escape route and/or an emergency exit can no longer be used because it is not safe, for example

when fire or smoke spreads to the exit. In such cases, escape signs directing people to this route and/or exit need to be cancelled. An example of a sign which cancels the

escape sign display is described in EP2889848.

When an escape sign is cancelled, it is desirable to indicate an alternative escape route.

An example of a sign which indicates an escape route change is described in EP2902995, which comprises a static pictogram of a person running, and two alternative arrows showing the directions for two different emergency exits, wherein one of the arrows is shuttered such that only one arrow is shown at a given time. When in use, the sign lights both arrows, even though one is shuttered, and the sign itself is large as it has spaces for both arrows. The sign is bulky and represents an inefficient use of space, given that it is relatively rare that an escape sign needs to change. In addition, with this sign of EP2902995, it is possible that the pictogram of the person would be displayed to be running in the opposite direction to the displayed arrow, which may be confusing or contrary to standard.

W02014/162131 describes a sign which is bidirectional, wherein the sign includes an

arrow and a pictogram indicating two opposing escape directions, in other words, the sign normally points to two directions. The sign also includes electronics for lighting one

or both arrows with LEDs or for displaying a cross over the arrow and pictogram for one of the directions. This sign is also bulky and represents an inefficient use of space, as it

includes signage for two directions by default. By indicating two directions in normal operation, the sign also presents a possibility for confusion. Confusion can also arise in

such signs when the direction of indication depends on backlighting, because ambient

light alone can cause both directional arrows to be visible.

There is scope for an improved controllable emergency sign and system for controlling

emergency signs.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the invention, a sign is provided for indicating a direction of an emergency escape route. The sign comprises a first area, having a fixed arrow and a

pictogram such as a person running, wherein the fixed arrow indicates a direction of a default emergency escape route, wherein the first area is configured to be uniformly lit

when in use. It further comprises means for receiving a signal, wherein the signal

indicates that the default emergency escape route is not suitable; means for providing a predetermined pattern across the first area, wherein the means for providing is configured to provide the predetermined pattern in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the predetermined pattern cancels the indicated direction of the first area; and a second area, wherein the second area is neutral and does not give an indication when the first area is active and the predetermined pattern is not displayed, wherein the second area is configured to provide the indication in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the indication provided in the second are indicates a different directions to the fixed arrow in the first area, wherein the indication shows a direction of an alternative emergency escape route.

The predetermined pattern may be a red cross, and the indication may be at least one

arrow, or text or a second pictogram.

The indication may be animated or flashing.

The second area is preferably smaller than the first area and may be above or below the first area.

It is an advantage of the invention that it provides for a more compact and efficient escape sign to have the capability to show a default exit direction, in which the default

can be cancelled and an alternative escape direction can be shown when the sign is

cancelled.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an escape system is provided comprising:

one or more sensors; a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive data from the one or more sensors; and one or more signs, each sign comprising: a first area

having a fixed arrow and a pictogram such as a person running, wherein the fixed arrow indicates a direction of a default emergency escape route, wherein the first area is

configured to be uniformly lit when in use and each sign further comprises: means for receiving a signal from the controller, wherein the signal indicates that the default

emergency escape route is not suitable; means for providing a predetermined pattern

across the first area, wherein the means for providing is configured to provide the predetermined pattern in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the predetermined pattern cancels the indicated direction of the first area; and a second area, wherein the second area provides an indication in a different direction to the fixed arrow in the first area. The second area is configured to provide the indication in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the indication shows a direction of an alternative emergency escape route.

A method of operating an escape system, and an escape system are provided in accordance with the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be disclosed, by way of example only,

with reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an escape sign;

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the sign;

Figure 3a illustrates a block diagram of an escape system comprising at least one of the

sign, at least one sensor and a controller;

Figure 3b illustrates an example of logic stored in the controller of the escape system;

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate a floor plan of a building with the escape system;

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the escape system

Detailed Description

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a sign 100. The sign 100 comprises a first area 102 and a second area 104 smaller than the first area. The first area 102 comprises an arrow

106 and a pictogram 108. A pattern 110, for example a diagonal red cross, can be displayed on the first area 102. An alternative indication 112 can be displayed on the

second area 104.

The first area 102 shows an emergency escape sign that is compliant with the relevant

local regulations, for example BS 5499 and BS ISO EN 7010 in the UK. The arrow 106 and the pictogram 108 on the first area 102 show the default direction to an emergency

exit. In the illustrated example, the arrow 106 is of white colour, displayed on a green background, and points in the direction of the default emergency escape route towards

an emergency exit. Typically, the pictogram 108 depicts a person running. In the

illustrated example, the pictogram 108 depicts a green person running though a white doorway. Typically, if the arrow 106 is pointing to the left or to the right, the person in

the pictogram 108 is depicted to be running in the direction of the arrow 106. The arrow 106 and the pictogram 108 on the first area 102 are fixed and do not change

direction. In some examples, text such as "Fire exit" may also be shown on the first area 102, wherein the text is in white on the same green background. In some examples,

additional pictograms, for example of flames, stairs or a wheelchair, may also be depicted in white on the same green background.

In some examples, a yellow or pale green colour is used instead of white on the first area 102. In some examples, a red colour is used instead of green.

Typically, the first area 102 is uniformly lit from behind. In some examples, the first area

102 is lit in the event of an emergency. In some examples, the first area 102 is lit at all times when installed. N.B. the sign will still serve its default purpose even when not lit

i.e. the arrow will be visible in the default direction by virtue of the colour contrast

between the arrow and the background.

When direction to the default emergency exit, indicated by the arrow 106 and pictogram 108, is no longer suitable or appropriate, the pattern 110 is displayed.

In an example, the pattern 110 may be displayed when the default route to the nearest emergency exit is obstructed or not safe due to smoke, fire or heat. Alternatively, the

pattern 110 may be displayed when there is no other exit between the sign and an emergency exit and that particular exit is obstructed or not safe. Alternatively, the

pattern 110 may be displayed when access beyond the default emergency exit, for example fire escape stairs, is obstructed or not safe.

The pattern 110 cancels the default advice on the first area 102, indicated by the arrow

106 and pictogram 108. In the illustrated example, the pattern 110 is a red cross, such that the pattern 110 crosses out the arrow 106 and pictogram 108. A red cross has the

advantage of being easily generated in a manner that optically overrides other background illumination. In some examples, the pattern 110 may extend across the

entirety of the first area 102.

When the sign is indicating the default direction shown in the first area 102, i.e. in the

default state, the second area 104 is a neutral space. In the default state, the second area 104 does not indicate a direction towards an emergency exit. In other words, the

second area 104 does not have a default signage (in particular, no etched or printed directional indication). In an example, the second area 104 is blank. In an example, the

second area 104 is devoid of signage. In an example, the second area 104 is a blank

screen or diffuser.

The second area 104 indicates an alternative emergency escape route when the default emergency escape route is unavailable. E.g. it allows lighting from behind the screen or

diffuser to project or diffuse out from the second area to give an indication of direction.

Typically, the second area 104 is active only when the pattern 110 is displayed on the

first area 102, and is blank or neutral otherwise.

The second area 104 is preferably smaller than the first area 102. E.g. a thin strip (thin relative to the height of the sign - say 10-20% of the height thereof). The second area

104 is preferably above the first area 102 but may be below.

The preferred construction of the second area 104 is described below. The second area

104 is preferably discrete from the first area 102, but it could overlap with the first area while remaining discrete from the pattern 110.

When the pattern 110 is displayed on the first area 102, the second area 104 displays

the alternative indication 112. In some examples, the alternative indication 112 is an

arrow or a plurality of arrows pointing in a direction other than the direction of the arrow 106 so as to point in the direction of an alternative emergency escape route, e.g.

a direction opposite to (or at an angle to) the arrow 106.

In some examples, the alternative indication 112 is text, for example describing how to

get to the alternative emergency exit, or providing other information. In some examples, the alternative indication 112 is a pictogram.

The alternative indication 112 is preferably animated, for example displaying one or

more arrows that scroll in the direction in which it or they point. In the example of Fig. 1, there are three arrows scrolling (moving in unison) from right to left, with a new

arrow emerging at the right as the leftmost arrow moves off to the left (and vice-versa

for right-pointing arrows).

The alternative indication 112 may flash, but it may be static.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the sign 100. The sign 100 comprises a mounting

bracket 202, a screen 206, a light guidance place or diffuser 210 and a film or plate 216. A lower part of the screen 206 serves to house and mount the upper edge of the

diffuser 210, plate 216 and other components.

The screen 206 covers an LED strip 204. In some examples, the LED strip is turned off and inactive when the sign in the default state, when the indication on the first area is

being used, such that the screen 206 appears blank. In some examples, selected LEDs of the LED strip 204 are lit up in order to provide an alternate indication, such as one or

more arrows, when the default direction indicated by the first area is not suitable. In

some examples, the screen 206 comprises areas which are thinned in order to be semi transparent, and those thinned areas are arranged to create identifiable patterns such

as several arrows when illuminated by LED strip 204. In some examples, the LEDs of the LED strip 204 are operated in a left-to-right or right-to-left sequence to cause the arrows

to appear animated.

The light guidance plate or diffuser 210 has a light strip 208 along at least one edge. In

some examples, the light strip 208 comprises a row of LEDs or some other means may be provided for side illumination of the diffuser 210. These LEDs may be white. The light guidance plate or diffuser allows the film or plate 216 to be uniformly lit.

As illustrated, two strips of LEDs 212 are provided arranged in a cross between the

diffuser 210 and the film or plate 216. These are preferably red LEDs in transparent plastic strips. Also shown is an arrow of LEDs 214, similarly situated between the

diffuser 210 and the film or plate 216. These are preferably green LEDs in a transparent plastic arrow-shaped mount.

In an alternative arrangement, the luminaire may comprise a reflector (not shown)

behind the diffuser 210, with the red LEDs 212 (and, optionally, the green LEDs 214)

positioned behind the reflector. In this case, the reflector may have holes arranged in a cross to correspond to LEDs 212 and holes arranged in an arrow to correspond to LEDs

214, is present. The reflector may cover only the lower section of the luminaire corresponding to the first area 102, or it may extend across the upper section

corresponding to the second area 104.As described, the sign is single-sided, i.e. viewable from only one side. If a further plate or film 216 is provided on the opposite

(rear) side, it can be double-sided (e.g. for ceiling mounting) and the diffuser 201 (without reflector) and other components can serve to illuminate both sides.

The film or plate 216 is illustrated as extending across the lower section of the luminaire, but may extend across the whole of it. The pictogram 108 and arrow 106 of Figure 1 is

printed or etched or otherwise permanently formed across the lower section of the film or plate 216. The pictogram and the arrow show the direction of the default exit route.

In use, the pictogram is back-lit by the LEDs 208. The light guidance plate/diffuser

210allows the pictogram to be uniformly lit.

The arrow may be back-lit by LEDs 214 for extra emphasis, e.g. the arrow may be

animated (for example left-to-right illumination for the illustrated example), or the arrow may be more brightly lit than the rest of the film or plate 216. In another

example, the arrow may not be illuminated by LEDs 214 whilst only the backlight is illuminated, when no preferred escape route is given and the sign gives a default illumination only with no extra reinforcement.

The luminaire may also have reflecting means around the inside edges, e.g. reflective

tape. The reflector and the reflecting means around the inside edges ensures that all the light produced exits the sign from the front surface with the pictogram.

In some examples, the front surface is made from a transparent material, with the

pictogram printed in green and white ink. In an example, the transparent material is a clear plastics or glass.

When the LEDs 212 are illuminated, the predetermined pattern is provided. Instead of using LEDs 212, other ways of displaying the predetermined pattern may be used such

as by using a variable refractive index material for the plate 210. By way of another example, the predetermined pattern is provided by lighting a series of protrusions on

the front surface of the luminaire.

When the situation requires display of the alternative indication 112 on the second area

104, LEDs 204 are illuminated in a suitable sequence. In an example, the illuminated LEDs create an image of one or more moving arrows.

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of an escape system 300, comprising a controller 302,

one or more sensors 304 and one or more signs 306. Each sign of the one or more signs may correspond to sign 100 of Figure 1. The controller 302 comprises a memory 308.

In an example, at least one sensor of the sensors 304 is a fire detector. In another example, at least one sensor of the sensors 304 is a camera. In another example, at

least one sensor of the sensors 304 is at least one of a passive infrared sensor, a radar, a microphone and a gas sensor. In an example, the system may comprise different types

of sensors.

At least one sensor of the sensors 304 is configured to detect an emergency, e.g. a fire.

At least one sensor of the sensors 304 is located along each emergency escape route.

Each emergency escape route leads to an emergency exit, from which a person can exit the building. In some examples, at least one sensor of the sensors 304 is located in the vicinity of an emergency exit. These sensors are configured to detect the suitability of the corresponding emergency escape route in the event of an emergency. For example, a sensor may be configured to detect the presence of fire along an emergency escape route, in which case, the emergency escape route is not suitable if the sensor detects a hazard.

For example, when there is an emergency exit at the end of a long corridor which is an emergency escape route, and there is fire in the corridor, a sensor along the emergency

escape route would detect that the route is not safe. This would be the case even if there was no fire at the emergency exit.

In some examples, the same sensor may be configured to detect an emergency and to detect the suitability of an emergency escape route in the event of an emergency.

The sensors 304 are configured to transmit sensing data to the controller 302. When the controller 302 receives data from the sensors 304 which indicates that an

emergency is detected, the controller may initiate emergency procedures, such as alerting the emergency. In an example, the controller 302 activates an alarm. In an

example, the signs 306 may be configured to be lit up when an emergency has been

alerted.

The controller 302 continues to receive sensing data from the sensors 304. The data

received from the sensors 304 may include: location of the sensor; presence and/or amount of smoke, flames, chemicals or fumes; air composition; presence of

obstructions; local temperature; and/or various other measurements or observations.

The controller 302 analyses the data received from the sensors 304 and determines

whether an escape route is not suitable based on the received data. An escape route is not suitable if there is a hazard along the route or at the emergency exit. In an example,

an escape route is not suitable if there is smoke and fire along the route or at the

emergency exit. In another example, an escape route is not suitable if the route is of a temperature too high to pass through safely, or is filled with toxic fumes. In another example, an escape route is not suitable if the exit is obstructed on the other side, for example by a vehicle.

The controller 302 comprises a memory 308. The memory 308 stores logic 310 for a list

of sensors 304 and signs 306. An example of logic 310 is illustrated Figure 3b. The illustrated example shows the logic 310 used in the system illustrated in Figures 4a, 4b

and 4c, described below. The logic 310 may include some or all of the sensors 304 and

signs 306.

The controller uses the logic 310 stored in the memory 308 to update the signs 306. In

the illustrated example, the memory stores logic for the process of "cause and effect". The "cause" is the controller receiving sensing data from one or more of the sensors 304

indicating that an emergency escape route is not suitable. The "effect" is one or more of the signs 306 receiving a signal indicating that the default emergency route is not

suitable, i.e. a signal that the sign needs to be updated.

In some examples, the logic 310 indicates that the signal is to be transmitted to at least

one of the signs 306 when one sensor transmits data which indicates that an emergency escape route is not suitable. In the illustrated example, the signal is transmitted to sign

410 when sensor 420 detects that a route is not suitable.

In some examples, the logic 310 indicates that the signal is to be transmitted to at least one of the signs 306 when all of multiple sensors indicate that an emergency escape

route is not suitable (AND condition). In the illustrated example, the signal is transmitted to sign 414 when sensor 422 and sensor 424 detect that a route is not

suitable.

In some examples, the logic 310 indicates that the signal is to be transmitted to at least

one of the signs 306 when at least one of multiple sensors indicates that an emergency escape route is not suitable (OR condition). In the illustrated example, the signal is also

transmitted to sign 414 when sensor 428 detects that a route is not suitable.

In some examples, the logic 310 indicates that the signal is to be transmitted to at least

one of the signs 306 when combinations of sensors using one or more Boolean operators indicate that an emergency escape route is not suitable.

In some examples, the logic 310 indicates that multiple signs are to be updated when a sensor detects that a route is not suitable. In some examples, the logic 310 indicates

that no signs are to be updated when a sensor detect that a route is not suitable.

An advantage of having a logic for signs and sensors is that it is concise, as the logic records sensors that affect the dynamic updating of signs. Another advantage is that it

is flexible, as it allows for logical combinations of sensors for updating signs.

Referring back to Figure 3a, when the controller 302 determines that an emergency

escape route is not suitable, the controller 302 refers to the logic 310 and transmits a signal to the signs which need to be cancelled and display an alternative indication.

The controller 302 continues to receive sensing data from the sensors 304, and determines whether any further emergency escape routes are unsuitable, in which case

the controller 302 refers to the logic 310 and transmits a signal to the appropriate signs. In some examples, the controller continues this until there is only one emergency route

and/or exit left, the emergency is no longer present or the procedure is overridden. In

some examples, the controller may determine that a previously unsuitable escape route is suitable to be used based on the sensor data (for example, a vehicle obstructing an

exit, to which the escape route leads, has been moved and therefore this escape route can be used).

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c illustrate a floor plan of a building 400, which has an escape system. The escape system may correspond to the system 300. The building 400 has

emergency exits 402, 404 and 406. The system comprises signs 410, 412, 414, 416 and 418, which may correspond to sign 100 and signs 306. The system also comprises

sensors 420, 422, 424, 426 and 428, which may correspond to sensors 304. The system

also comprises a controller (not shown), which may correspond to the controller 302, and comprises a memory that has the logic 310 of Figure 3b. The example illustrated in

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c is not limiting, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate

that the system may be installed across any number of floors in a building with any number of exits and may comprise any number of signs and sensors.

Referring to Figure 4a, signs 410, 412, 414, 416 and 418 indicate the default direction to an emergency exit in the event of an emergency, for example a fire. In the illustrated

example, signs 410, 412, 414 and 418 are installed on walls, and sign 416 is hanging

from a ceiling. In the illustrated example, a person looking at the signs will see signs 410, 412 and 414 directing to the right, sign 418 directing to the left, and sign 416 directing

ahead with an arrow pointing up. In some examples, a sign may have an arrow pointing down. In the illustrated example, the signs 410 indicate the emergency escape route

towards emergency exit 402 by default. In the illustrated example, sign 414 indicates the emergency escape route towards exits 404 and 406 by default. In the illustrated

example, signs 416 and 418 indicate the emergency escape route towards emergency exits 404 and 406 respectively by default. In the illustrated example, there is only one

emergency escape route with respect to sign 412, as all three exits are in the same direction (right), and logic 310 does not indicate that sign 412 is to be updated for any of

the sensors indicating that a route is unsuitable.

In the illustrated example, the sensors 420, 422 and 424 are located along emergency escape routes leading to emergency exits 402, 404 and 406 respectively. In some

examples, one or more of sensors 420, 422 and 424 may be located at the corresponding emergency exit. Sensor 428 is located in the corridor between

emergency exits 404 and 406. Sensors 420, 422, 424 and 428 are configured to send signals to the controller, such that the controller can determine whether an emergency

escape route is suitable. The sensors 426 is located at another part of the building 400. In an example, all five sensors are capable of detecting a hazard. In some examples, one

or more sensors may be located outside the building.

In the illustrated example, the sensor 426 detects an emergency, e.g. it detects smoke. In response to sensor 426 detecting the hazard, the controller initiates emergency

procedures.

Figure 4b illustrates the escape system according to Figure 4a when the emergency

escape route leading to emergency exit 404 is not suitable. In the illustrated example, the sensor 422 may detect that the emergency escape route is obstructed by smoke or

by fire. In an example, a sensor outside the building 400 may detect that the passage beyond the emergency exit 404 may be obstructed by an object or fire, or otherwise not

safe. Sensor 422 sends sensing data to the controller. In response to the data, the

controller determines that the emergency escape route with sensor 422 is not suitable, and cancels the signs directing towards the route with sensor 422, and provides an

alternative direction for an alternative emergency escape route. In some examples, if sensor 422 is at emergency exit 404, the controller determines that emergency exit 404

is not suitable, and cancels all routes leading to emergency exit 404.

The emergency signs directing towards the route with sensor 422 (and in the illustrated

example, to the emergency exit 404) by default are cancelled, and an alternative direction towards emergency exits 402 and 406 is indicated on these signs. In the

illustrated example, the controller refers to the logic 310 illustrated in Figure 3b, and transmits a signal to sign 418 so that sign 418 is updated to indicate an alternative

emergency escape route towards emergency exit 402 and 406. As described in relation

to Figure 1, the sign 418 is cancelled by the pattern 110 displayed across the default direction on the first area 102, and the alternative direction is displayed in the second

area 104. In the illustrated example, the sign 418 indicates right instead of left. From Figure 3b, the other signs 410, 412, 414 and 416 are not to be changed when only the

route with sensor 422 is not suitable. In the illustrated example and referring to logic 310, the default route is displayed by sign 414 as sensor 424 has not detected that the

route is unsuitable (thus not fulfilling the AND condition), as well as sensor 428 has not detected that the route is unsuitable (thus not fulfilling the OR condition). In an

example, the logic 310 may instead indicate that the sign 414 is to be changed in

response to a detection by sensor 422 or sensor 424, in which case, the controller would send a signal to sign 414 as well so that the sign shows the alternative route.

In some examples, the controller may update the signs so that not all the changed signs

direct to the same alternative emergency escape route. In an example, the indicated alternative escape route may depend on the proximity of the sign to an exit.

Figure 4c illustrates the situation when the sensor 424 detects that the route towards emergency exit 406 is not suitable in addition to the route towards exit 404. In the

illustrated example, by referring to the logic 310, the controller also cancels the default

direction on the signs 416 and 414 and updates these signs to show the alternative direction towards the emergency exit 402. As sensor 422 is still detecting that

corresponding route is unsuitable, the sign 412 still indicates the same alternative direction as in Figure 4b.

In the case where there are more emergency escape routes, the controller is able to continue cancelling and updating the directions on the signs as emergency escape

routes become unsuitable. In some examples, the controller continues this until there is only one emergency escape route and/or exit left, the emergency is no longer present

or the procedure is overridden. In some examples, the controller may determine that a previously unsuitable emergency escape route is suitable to be used based on the

sensor data (for example, a vehicle obstructing an exit has been moved and therefore

the route leading to this exit can be used) or that it is more suitable than other emergency escape routes where it was previously considered unsuitable (e.g. because a

hotter fire or stronger smoke detection is sensed at another route).

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method 500 of operating an escape system. The

method of Figure 5 can be implemented on the systems illustrated in Figures 3a, 4a, 4b and 4c, comprising signs illustrated in Figure 1.

At block 502, at least one sensor of the system detects a hazard. The hazard may be a non-emergency hazard such as a blocked exit or it may be an emergency hazard such as

a fire, detected with a smoke or flame detector (or smoke or gas or other emergency

hazard).

When the sensor transmits sensing data indicating that an emergency has been

detected, the controller initiates emergency procedures, such as raising an alert. In an example, the controller raises a fire alarm. In some examples, the signs of the system

will be lit up as part of the triggered procedures. By alerting the emergency, people in the building will understand that they need to exit the building, wherein the signs of the

system installed around the building will indicate an emergency escape route which will

guide them to an emergency exit. At this point, all the signs will have the default escape route indications displayed. The second area 104 of each sign is blank and does not

display an indication of direction. If directional emphasis is available, through optional LEDs 214 (with or without directional scrolling) or otherwise, this can be indicated at

this time.

At block 504, the controller receives sensing data from the sensors of the system. The

data received from the sensors may include: location of the sensor; presence and/or amount of smoke, flames, chemicals or fumes; air composition; presence of

obstructions; local temperature; and/or various other measurements or observations.

At block 506, the controller analyses the received data, and determines whether an

emergency escape route is not suitable to be used based on the data received from the

sensors. In an example, an emergency escape route is not suitable if there is smoke and fire on the way to or at the exit. In another example, an emergency escape route is not

suitable if the route is of a temperature too high to pass through safely, or if the passage is filled with toxic fumes. In another example, an emergency escape route is

not suitable if the exit to which it leads is obstructed on the other side, for example by a vehicle.

If the controller determines that the emergency escape route is not suitable, then at block 508, the controller refers to the logic stored in the memory of the controller, to

determine which signs need to have the default indication cancelled and display an

alternative indication. If the alternative emergency escape route is in the same direction as the unsuitable (default) emergency escape route for a particular sign, the

logic may not indicate that this sign needs to be cancelled and changed.

At block 510, the controller transmits a signal to the signs need to be cancelled and

changed. When a sign receives the signal from the controller, the sign provides a predetermined pattern (e.g. red cross) to cancel the default indication (and/or cancel

any default directional emphasis such as arrow LDEs 214 or directional scrolling), and provides an indication for the alternative escape route, as described with reference to

Figures 3a, 4b and 4c.

The controller repeats the steps of block 504 to block 510, for example until there is only one emergency escape route and/or exit left, the emergency is no longer present

or the procedure is overridden.

In the case of a non-emergency hazard, blocks 504 to 510 are carried out as described,

but where there is no emergency, the manner in which the signs are caused to change preferably does not involve flashing arrows and preferably does not draw excessive

attention to the sign (e.g. does not involve scrolling arrows), as an emergency situation has not yet arisen.

Claims (2)

Claims

1. A sign for indicating a direction of an emergency escape route, comprising:

a first area, wherein the first area comprises a fixed arrow and a pictogram, wherein the fixed arrow indicates a direction of a default emergency escape route, wherein the first

area is configured to be uniformly lit when in use; means for receiving a signal, wherein the signal indicates that the default emergency

escape route is not suitable; means for providing a predetermined pattern across the first area, wherein the

means for providing is configured to provide the predetermined pattern in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the predetermined pattern cancels

the indicated direction of the first area; and

a second area, wherein the second area is blank when the default emergency escape route is suitable, wherein the second area provides an indication in a different direction to

the fixed arrow in the first area in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the indication shows a direction of an alternative emergency escape route.

2. The sign of claim 1, wherein the predetermined pattern is a red cross.

3. The sign of claims 1 or 2, wherein the indication is at least one arrow.

4. The sign of claims 1 or 2, wherein the indication is text or a pictogram.

5. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the indication is animated or flashing.

6. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the signal is not received at the means for receiving if the default emergency escape route and the alternative emergency escape route

are in the same direction.

7. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the second area is smaller than the first area.

8. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the second area is above or below the first area.

9. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the first area is comprised of a transparent

material, wherein the fixed arrow and the pictogram are printed with green and white ink.

10. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the first area is a front surface of a housing,

wherein the housing comprises the means for providing a predetermined pattern.

11. The sign of claim 10, wherein the housing comprises at least one light source and means for reflecting, wherein the means for reflecting is configured to deflect light from the

light source, such that the light from the light source exits the housing from the front surface of the housing.

12. The sign of any preceding claim, wherein the means for providing the predetermined pattern is a set of LEDs.

13. An escape system, comprising:

one or more sensors; a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive data from the one or

more sensors; and one or more signs, wherein each sign comprises:

a first area, wherein the first area comprises a fixed arrow and a pictogram,

wherein the fixed arrow indicates a direction of a default emergency escape route, wherein the first area is configured to be uniformly lit when in use;

means for receiving a signal from the controller, wherein the signal indicates that the default emergency escape route is not suitable;

means for providing a predetermined pattern across the first area, wherein the means for providing is configured to provide the predetermined pattern in

response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the predetermined pattern cancels the indicated direction of the first area; and a second area, wherein the second area is blank when the default emergency escape route is suitable, wherein the second area provides an indication in a different direction to the fixed arrow in the first area in response to receiving the signal at the means for receiving, wherein the indication shows a direction of an alternative emergency escape route.

14. The escape system of claim 13, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a fire detector, a passive infrared sensor, a camera, a radar, a microphone and a gas

sensor.

15. The escape system of claims 13 or 14, wherein the controller comprises a memory, wherein the memory comprises logic for determining a set of signs out of the one or more

signs, wherein the set of signs comprises signs for which the indicated default emergency escape route is to be cancelled and the alternative emergency escape route is to be

indicated instead.

16. A method of operating an escape system in accordance with any of claims 13 to 15, the method comprising: receiving, at the controller, data from the one or more sensors;

determining, by the controller, whether an escape route is not suitable based on the received data;

if the escape route is not suitable, determining, by the controller, a set of signs out of the one or more signs, the set of signs comprising signs for which the indicated default

emergency escape route is to be cancelled and the alternative emergency escape route is to

be indicated instead; and transmitting, by the controller, the signal to the set of signs, such that for each sign

in the set of signs, the predetermined pattern is displayed and the indication to the alternative emergency escape route is provided.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

detecting, by the one or more sensors, an emergency, and causing the alternative emergency escape route to be indicated in response thereto.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising: determining, by the controller, that the default emergency escape route is more

suitable than the alternative emergency escape route.

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