JP2024058516A - Emergency Broadcast System - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an emergency broadcast system that can quickly and reliably guide people inside and outside a building or around a facility to evacuate and confirm their safety even in a situation where existing broadcast equipment cannot be used due to damage to the building, damage to broadcast equipment, submersion, fire, or power outage when a disaster such as an earthquake or flood occurs. [Solution] An emergency broadcast system according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is powered by a rechargeable battery and is built into a wireless device or an external circuit connected to the wireless device, and includes an emergency signal detection unit that detects an emergency signal received by the wireless device, a control unit that compares the received emergency signal with a pre-registered emergency signal, an output switching unit that switches the audio output destination depending on the result of comparing the emergency signal, and an amplifier unit that amplifies the audio and outputs the communication at a high volume from a speaker. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a radio device and its peripheral devices that activate an emergency broadcast function by an emergency call signal that is generated by pressing an emergency button on the radio device in the event of an emergency such as a building collapse or fire.

Conventionally, various types of emergency broadcast systems have been proposed. For example, the broadcast equipment has a device for switching between a voice input signal for normal broadcast and a voice input signal for emergency broadcast, and in an emergency, background music and normal announcement broadcasts are stopped and emergency broadcasts are prioritized, but even if this switching device does not work due to a power outage or the like, an emergency broadcast line is connected to the B contact side of a switching relay, so that emergency broadcasts can be reliably carried out even during a power outage (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and when an emergency broadcast is operated due to a fire or the like, a microphone connected to a fire alarm close to the scene of the fire is connected to the broadcast equipment to notify the fire situation and give evacuation instructions (see, for example, Patent Document 2), and in a commercial facility, a method is proposed in which information on the fire situation and evacuation route guidance is sent to and displayed on the mobile terminals of visitors (see, for example, Patent Document 3), and further, a method is proposed in which the emergency broadcast equipment is constantly inspected to automatically keep the equipment in a normal state (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

Patent Publication 2008-65685 JP 7-221850 Patent Publication 2019-219844 Patent Publication No. 2011-4319

However, the conventional configuration of Patent Document 1 had a problem that in the event of a power outage in the entire building, the loudspeaker would not function and emergency announcements could not be made.

Furthermore, the conventional configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2 had a problem in that broadcasting was not possible if the building collapsed or a fire broke out and the broadcast wiring was cut or destroyed.

In addition, the conventional configuration of Patent Document 3 had the problem that emergency broadcasts could not be transmitted if the equipment transmitting evacuation route guidance and evacuation instructions was damaged by a disaster or if the wireless communication equipment was stopped due to a power outage.

Furthermore, the conventional configuration of Patent Document 4 describes a method for automatically testing whether broadcasting equipment is operating normally, but there was an issue that the additional wiring required for the testing was several times the wiring of the broadcasting equipment.

The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide an emergency broadcast system which uses a radio and an external microcomputer unit, without limiting a specific radio device as the master unit, and which can flexibly construct an emergency broadcast network even if some radios become unusable due to a disaster.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the conventional art, the emergency broadcast system of the present invention is composed of multiple items with the same equipment and functions, and a communication system is constructed wirelessly.Each emergency broadcast system has no relationship such as a parent unit or a child unit, and emergency signals can be transmitted from any emergency broadcast system.In addition, the system has the function of receiving emergency signals from any emergency broadcast system, allowing the scale of the emergency broadcast system to be flexibly constructed.

In the above-mentioned emergency broadcast system, power is normally received from a commercial power source, but if the commercial power source is interrupted due to a power outage or other reason, the system is operated using a battery built into the unit, and when the radio is removed and used alone, wireless communication can be operated using the battery built into the radio, so that the power source is made redundant and the emergency broadcast system can be operated reliably even in situations such as a power outage.

The wireless emergency broadcast system allows each system to be easily installed anywhere in a building, and then it can be moved to another location, or in the event of an emergency evacuation, the emergency broadcast system radios can be removed and used as a means of communication at the evacuation destination.

Each of the above systems has a self-test function that checks the operating status of the emergency broadcast system, and a check function that can check the power supply status and the operational status of each function. The check function can also be activated by sending a signal from another unit, and the inspection results obtained by activating the check function can be transmitted to the outside, allowing the operational status of the entire system to be mutually understood.

This means that the wireless emergency broadcast system is not affected by power outages or by cut wires due to building collapse or fire, and the system's operating status, power supply status, and battery status are always known, making it possible to keep the emergency broadcast system on standby in a perfect state.

The wireless emergency broadcast system of the present invention is capable of guiding evacuation and confirming the safety of people in the event of a disaster or fire, even when conventional broadcasting equipment cannot be used.

Representative diagram: Standard emergency broadcast system FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of normal operation of an output switching unit; An explanatory diagram of the operation of the output switching unit in an emergency Diagram showing signal and audio communication using the same wiring within the microcomputer unit Diagram showing how signals and audio are transmitted via separate wiring within the microcomputer unit Diagram of how to use a charger to power a radio Diagram of wireless connection between radio and microcomputer unit Diagram showing how to wirelessly connect the microcomputer unit to an external speaker Diagram showing how to wirelessly connect a radio, microcomputer unit and an external speaker Diagram of wireless connection between the radio, microcomputer unit and external speaker Diagram showing how to connect an emergency broadcast system to existing broadcast equipment via cable An explanatory diagram for wirelessly connecting an emergency broadcast system to existing broadcast equipment. An explanatory diagram of how the control unit issues an emergency call signal or a reset signal. Diagram showing how to automatically check the operation status of the emergency broadcast system Emergency broadcast system housed in a small case with a door

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An emergency broadcast system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment thereof.

In the block diagram of FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a radio, 2 denotes a microcomputer unit, 3 denotes a speaker, 5 denotes an outlet, 6 denotes an AC/DC adapter for converting AC power into DC, and 7 denotes a rechargeable battery.

The microcomputer unit 2 is composed of an emergency signal detection unit 102, a control unit 103, an output switching unit 104, and an amplification unit 105, and is connected to the radio 1 via an external microphone/speaker cable 100.

An audio signal received by the radio 1 is transmitted to an emergency signal detection unit 102 via an external microphone/speaker cable 100 connected to the radio 1. A control unit 103 receives an output signal from the emergency signal detection unit 102 and controls an output switching unit 104. An amplifier unit 105 amplifies the signal sent from the output switching unit 104 and reproduces the audio received by the radio 1 from a speaker 3.

In FIG. 1, a radio device 1 is connected to its external circuits, which are a microcomputer module 2 and a speaker 3, but it is also possible for the radio device 1, the microcomputer module 2, and the speaker 3 to be built into a single housing.

The radio 1 receives power from a rechargeable battery 7 via a wiring 71 , and the microcomputer unit 2 receives power from the rechargeable battery 7 via a wiring 72 .

When the power plug 61 is inserted into the outlet 5, the AC/DC power adapter 6 converts the AC power into DC power and adjusts it to a voltage suitable for charging the rechargeable battery 7, and while the power plug 61 is inserted into the outlet 5 and power is being supplied from the outlet 5, the rechargeable battery 7 is constantly charged.

Radio 1 has a built-in rechargeable battery 11, and under normal conditions, radio 1 is connected to three types of power sources: power supplied from an outlet 5 converted by an AC/DC power adapter 6, power from a rechargeable battery 7 charged with power from the AC/DC power adapter 6, and power from a rechargeable battery 11 built into radio 1, providing power redundancy.

Next, the emergency broadcast system in normal times will be described with reference to FIG.

Under normal circumstances, the output switching unit 104 has the output switching contact 1041 in an open state, and no signal is sent from the output switching unit 104 to the amplifier unit 105, so that no sound can be heard from the speaker 3, resulting in a silent state.

Next, an emergency broadcast system for use in an emergency will be described with reference to FIG.

The signal received by the radio 1 is transmitted to the emergency signal detection unit 102 via the external microphone/speaker cable 100, and when the signal contains an emergency call signal, the emergency signal detection unit 102 sends a signal to the control unit 103, and when the control unit 103 detects the emergency call signal sent from the emergency signal detection unit 102, it sends a signal to the output switching unit 104, and when the output switching unit 104 detects the signal sent from the control unit 103, the output switching unit 104 closes the output switching contact 1041 and sends the audio signal sent from 103 to the amplifier unit 105, and the amplifier unit 105 sends the audio signal sent from the output switching unit 104 to the speaker 3, and the audio signal is reproduced from the speaker 3, resulting in a sound state. In this way, the emergency broadcast system is characterized in that in an emergency, the speaker is in a sound state where sound is output, and in normal times, the system is in a silent state.

Today, radios sold by radio equipment manufacturers use a variety of frequencies and are set up with multiple communication channels that are changed slightly from a standard frequency. However, commercial and low-power radios can also receive audio communications from third parties. If a radio is used as a broadcasting system as is, interference can suddenly occur and unwanted communication content will be output from the speaker.

When constructing an emergency broadcast system using a walkie-talkie, if unnecessary communication from a third party can be heard from the speaker, it will cause noise in school classrooms or commercial facilities, interfering with classes and normal operations. Therefore, until an emergency call signal is received, the output switching section 104 does not transmit the audio signal to the amplifier section 105, setting the state to silent, so that the communication from a third party is not reproduced from the speaker.

In FIG. 3, an output switching unit 104 is provided in front of the amplifier unit 105, and the output switching unit 104 switches the output of the audio signal using a relay or semiconductor. However, it is also possible to provide the output switching unit 104 and the amplifier unit 105 as a single circuit and create silent and audio states by controlling the drive circuit and amplification factor of the amplifier unit.

Next, the external microphone/speaker cable 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

The external microphone/speaker cable 100 is often connected using an analog plug and cable, which is versatile even if the radio manufacturer or model is different, but some relatively new radio models have a wide range of expandability via the Internet network or LAN lines, and in such cases, in addition to the connection socket for analog signals, a digital socket is equipped, and some models use digital signals to communicate audio signals and control signals with external devices.

The external microphone/speaker cable 100 may be a single cable combining a microphone cable and a speaker cable, or may be two separate cables combining a microphone cable and a speaker cable.

Next, the internal wiring of the microcomputer unit 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 4 shows a method of communicating audio signals and control signals using the same wiring within the microcomputer unit 2, in the internal wiring of 21. The internal wiring of the microcomputer unit 21 connects between the emergency signal detection unit 102, the control unit 103, the output switching unit 104, and the amplifier unit 105, and communicates the audio signal received by the radio 1 and the control signal sent from the emergency signal detection unit 102. This may be a combination of an analog audio signal and an analog control signal, or a combination of an analog audio signal and a digital control signal, or both the audio signal and the control signal may be communicated as digital signals.

Figure 5 shows a method of communication using separate wiring within the microcomputer unit 2, with the audio signal wiring 22 and the control signal wiring 23, where the audio signal wiring 22 communicates the audio signal received by the radio 1, and when an emergency signal is detected by the emergency signal display unit 102, the control signal wiring 23 sends a signal from the emergency signal detection unit 102 to the control unit 103, and when the control unit 103 receives a control signal from the emergency signal detection unit 102, it sends a control signal to the output switching unit 104, and when the amplifier unit 105 receives a control signal from the output switching unit 104, it starts up the amplifier unit and outputs sound from the speaker 3.

Next, the wireless device 1 and the charger 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

Commercially available radios have the function of connecting an external power source to supply power to the radio and charging the rechargeable battery 11 in Fig. 1 built into the radio, and there are two ways to connect the wire 71, and another way to connect the wire 71 to the charger 4 in Fig. 6. Some radios are capable of using both of these two methods. When using the charger, the radio can be disconnected from the charger simply by picking it up, so in the event of an emergency, you can act quickly when evacuating with the radio.

Next, a method for wirelessly connecting the wireless device 1 and the microcomputer module 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

Some commercially available wireless devices have a function that allows wireless connection to external microphones, earphones, or headphones. In Fig. 7, this wireless function is used to connect wireless device 1 and the wireless unit 101 in the microcomputer module 2 via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In addition, by using the charger 4 at the same time, wireless device 1 and charger 4 are not connected by wires, and the wireless device can be easily removed from the charger, so that in the event of an emergency, people can quickly grab wireless device 1 and take refuge.

Next, a method for wirelessly connecting a speaker 3 to a radio 1 and a microcomputer module 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

The audio signal transmitted from the wireless unit 106 is received by the wireless unit 801 built in the wireless external speaker unit 8, and the audio signal amplified by 802 is output from the external speaker 9. By using the wireless external speaker, wiring between the emergency wireless system and the speaker is not required, so the wireless device 1, the microcomputer module 2, and the wireless external speaker unit 8 can be freely arranged, and the speaker can be easily moved depending on the situation. In addition, a plurality of external speaker units 8 can be prepared and arranged so that the sound can reach a wider range, or an audio signal can be sent from an emergency broadcast system installed indoors to a large speaker outdoors. The wireless external speaker unit 8 and the external speaker 9 may each be in a separate housing, or the wireless external speaker unit 8 and the external speaker 9 may be stored in a single housing and integrated.

Next, a wireless device 1, a microcomputer module 2, and a speaker 3 are connected via multiple channels. A method for wirelessly connecting the devices will be described with reference to FIGS.

In Fig. 9, if the wireless device 1 and the microcomputer module 2 are wirelessly connected, and the microcomputer module 2 and the wireless external speaker unit 8 are wirelessly connected, the degree of freedom of arrangement is increased, and multiple external speakers 9 can be arranged, or outdoor speakers can be easily connected. In Fig. 10, for the Bluetooth wireless that connects the wireless device 1, the microcomputer module 2, and the wireless external speaker unit, some products have a function that allows one wireless device to connect to multiple devices, and if a function for simultaneously connecting from the wireless device 1 to the microcomputer module 2 or from the wireless device 1 to the wireless external speaker unit 8 is used, the circuit can be simplified and made smaller. Furthermore, it is possible to combine two types of wireless with different frequency bands or different communication methods.

Next, a method for connecting the emergency broadcast system to an existing broadcast device in a facility by wire will be described with reference to FIG.

11, a radio 1 and a microcomputer module 2 are connected by an external microphone/speaker cable 100, and an output switching unit 104 in the microcomputer module 2 outputs an audio signal to a broadcasting device 10 through an audio signal wiring 1001. Furthermore, the output switching unit 104 outputs an output switching signal to the broadcasting equipment 10 through an output switching signal wiring 1002, and the broadcasting equipment 10 receiving this output switching signal outputs the audio signal sent from the output switching unit 104 through the audio signal wiring 1001 to an in-facility broadcasting line 1003, and an emergency broadcast is made within the facility through the in-facility speaker 1004.

In addition, when another emergency broadcast system receives an emergency call signal at the same time as the emergency broadcast by the broadcasting device 10, it outputs the received emergency call tone and audio from speaker 3, making it possible to make an emergency broadcast even in a location where the audio cannot be adequately heard by the facility speaker 11.

Furthermore, even if the broadcasting device 10 is unable to function due to a power outage or disaster, the emergency broadcasting system can send the emergency call signal and audio signal received by the radio 1 to the microcomputer module 2 via the external microphone/speaker cable 100, and make an emergency broadcast from the external speaker 3 using power from the rechargeable battery 6.

Next, a method for wirelessly connecting the emergency broadcast system to an existing broadcast device in a facility will be described with reference to FIG.

12, a radio 1 and a microcomputer module 2 are wirelessly connected through a radio unit 101, and an output switching unit 104 in the microcomputer module 2 outputs an audio signal to a broadcasting device 10 through an audio signal wiring 1001. Furthermore, the output switching unit 104 outputs an output switching signal to the broadcasting equipment 10 through an output switching signal wiring 1002, and the broadcasting equipment 10 receiving this output switching signal outputs the audio signal sent from the output switching unit 104 through the audio signal wiring 1001 to an in-facility broadcasting line 1003, and an emergency broadcast is made within the facility through an in-facility speaker 11.

The radio 1 and the microcomputer module 2 which wirelessly connects thereto may be installed as independent devices between the radio 1 and the broadcasting equipment 10, or the microcomputer module 2 may be equipped as a part of the broadcasting equipment 10.

In addition, the radio 1 and the microcomputer module 2 are wirelessly connected, and when an emergency call signal is received while an emergency broadcast is being made from the broadcasting device 10, the other emergency broadcasting system outputs the received emergency call tone and audio from the speaker 3, making it possible to make an emergency broadcast even in a location where the audio cannot be adequately heard from the facility speaker 11.

Furthermore, even if the broadcasting device 10 is unable to function due to a power outage or disaster, the emergency broadcasting system can transmit the emergency call signal and voice signal received by the radio 1 via wireless communication to the radio unit 101 of the microcomputer module 2, and can make an emergency broadcast from the external speaker 3 using power from the rechargeable battery 6.

This emergency broadcast system has triple power redundancy for radio 1, with power supply from commercial power source 5, power supply from rechargeable battery 7, and power supply from rechargeable battery 11 built into radio 1, and also has doubly redundant power supply for microcomputer module 2, with power supply from commercial power source 5 and power supply from rechargeable battery 7, so that the emergency broadcast system is designed to function reliably even in the event of a power outage or disaster.

As described above, even if the broadcasting equipment within a facility becomes unusable due to a fire or disaster, multiple operating emergency broadcasting systems can flexibly form a wireless network and make emergency broadcasts.

Next, the operation of the emergency broadcast system when it receives an emergency call signal will be described with reference to FIG.

13, an emergency call signal received by a radio 1 is sent to a microcomputer module 2 via an external microphone/speaker cable 100, and when an emergency signal detection unit 102 receives the emergency call signal, the emergency signal detection unit 102 sends the emergency call signal to a control unit 103. When the control unit 103 detects the emergency call signal, it sends a control signal to an output switching unit 104. When the output switching unit 104 receives the control signal sent from the control unit 103, it closes an output destination switching contact 1041 and sends the emergency call signal to an amplifier unit 105. The amplifier unit 105 amplifies the emergency call signal and sends it to an external speaker 3, and an emergency call sound is output from the external speaker 3.

Furthermore, when a specified time has elapsed after the output destination switching contact 1041 operates, the control unit 103 controls the microphone switch contact 1031 to be closed for a fixed period of time, and information on the closed state of the microphone switch contact 1031 is sent to the radio 1 via the emergency signal detection unit 102 and the external microphone/speaker cable 100, and the radio 1 stops the emergency ring tone.

Furthermore, by stopping the emergency call tone of the radio 1, the radio 1 can reproduce the audio signal transmitted from the radio which transmitted the emergency call signal, and can broadcast the audio signal through the external speaker 3.

Depending on the specifications of commercially available radios, some products do not stop the emergency call signal until some operation is performed on the radio that received the emergency call signal, while some products are unable to receive audio signals while the emergency call signal is being received. In addition, with the specifications of other products, audio signals can be received while the emergency call signal is being received, but if the emergency call signal is louder than the audio signal, the audio signal may not be able to be heard clearly. By stopping the emergency call signal, it becomes possible to hear the audio signal clearly.

Since the microcomputer module 2 is an external circuit when viewed from the radio 1, in the case of a commercially available radio that does not have the function of transmitting an emergency call signal, it is possible for the control unit 103 to generate an emergency call signal, in which case transmission of the emergency call signal can be started by closing the emergency signal transmission switch 210. Also, when the external speaker 3 goes into a sound state, closing the reset switch 211 can transition the external speaker 3 to its normal state of silence.

The emergency call signal may be an analog signal sound in the audible or inaudible band, or a digital signal containing digital code information. In the case of an analog emergency call signal, it may be a single tone, a tone whose pitch changes continuously, a melody, or a complex tone made up of multiple overlapping tones. There are many standards for complex tones, such as DTMF signals, and any of these can be used as long as they are applicable to the emergency broadcast system. In the case of a digital emergency call signal, it may be a code that combines a long tone, a single tone, and silence, such as Morse code, or it may be a digital signal that allows high-speed communication and is used in wireless communication.

When the emergency broadcast system receives an emergency call signal, it first broadcasts the electronic emergency call sound set in the walkie-talkie from the speaker, thereby letting people in the lead know that an emergency broadcast is about to begin. However, in order to ensure that emergency broadcasts are made in noisy places and that visually impaired and hearing impaired people are aware of the emergency, notification by sound can also be made by flashing lights, vibrations, or smells, and any means that people can perceive with their five senses, such as sound, light, text information, smells, and vibrations, can all be used.

Next, the microcomputer unit of the emergency broadcast system has an identification number for each unit, and the wireless device can be individually identified during communication. This will be described with reference to FIG.

14, a personal computer 13 is connected to a control unit 103 via a communication cable 204. As an example of the description, it is assumed that the control unit 103 is assigned an identification number "123".

Within the microcomputer unit 2, there is a signal line 201 that enables the control unit to collect data on the operating status of each part, a signal line 202 that communicates the power receiving status of the commercial 100V power supply through which the AC/DC power adapter 6 receives power from the rechargeable battery 7 and the outlet 5, and a microphone 203 that checks the sound output from the speaker 3.

A self-fault check request signal is sent from computer 12 to emergency broadcast system with serial number "567", which has the same equipment configuration as the emergency broadcast system, via communication cable 204, from control unit 103, through emergency signal detection unit 102, and to radio 1 via external microphone/speaker cable 100. When radio 1 transmits a self-fault check request signal to the emergency broadcast system with serial number "567", the emergency broadcast system with serial number "567" responds and automatically replies with the results of its self-fault check, such as the operating status of each unit, the power receiving status of the commercial power source, and the voltage value of the rechargeable battery.

The 12 computers automatically collect data from these other emergency broadcast systems on a regular basis, and by storing the operating status of each piece of equipment that makes up the multiple emergency broadcast systems as data, it is possible to automatically check that the entire system is always operating normally.

The emergency call function can be activated by pressing an emergency call button or emergency call button provided on the radio (1), by operating a switch provided on the housing that houses the microcontroller module (2), or by information from a sensor that reacts to people, animals, or objects.

For example, if a motion sensor reacts after the facility is closed when no one would normally be inside the building, or if a motion sensor reacts inside a kindergarten or other school bus after the doors have been locked, or if a fire detector reacts and the emergency bell sounds, the emergency broadcast system will automatically be activated, and the management office or staff at the scene of the incident will be quickly connected via wireless line to enable communication.

Other methods for activating the emergency call function include information from various wireless systems and wired lines, such as emergency earthquake alerts, the nationwide instantaneous warning system J-Alert, fire alarms, earthquake warning devices, emergency bells, disaster prevention radios, disaster prevention radio, local government broadcasts, television broadcasts, and activation by external wireless devices.

Furthermore, in order to prevent accidents involving people being locked inside kindergarten shuttle buses, an alighting button could be installed inside the bus, and during normal pick-up and drop-off times, the children could take turns pressing the latter button to ring the bell each time the bus stops at a designated pick-up or drop-off location. If the children press the latter button without hesitation in the event of an emergency, the emergency broadcast system installed inside the bus would be activated to notify staff that the bus has stopped and the engine key has been turned off, and they would then be able to immediately use wireless lines to confirm the safety of the children and grasp the situation at the scene, which would help prevent the recurrence of such tragic accidents.

Some commercially available radios in this emergency broadcast system have a relay function, and the microcomputer unit 2 has the function of automatically sending a callback reply, so even if radio 1 moves away from the communication distance, a system identical to the emergency broadcast system can move in during that time, making it possible to contact radios that are further away.

The radio of the emergency broadcast system is stored in a cabinet 14 as shown in Figure 15 and is attached in a conspicuous place on a wall indoors or outdoors. Through a transparent door made of polycarbonate or the like, the radio itself is stored inside and behind it there is an emergency evacuation bag containing accessories and spare batteries. When evacuating, the door of the cabinet can be opened and the radio and emergency evacuation bag can be quickly removed.

This emergency radio system can be installed relatively inexpensively compared to conventional broadcasting systems, and since all communication is wireless, it requires only a small amount of wiring work, making it an easy system to install. It can be installed in a wide range of industries, as it can be used to store existing broadcasting equipment in large-scale production facilities and commercial facilities, and is a small system that is resistant to fires and power outages, and can be installed in a wide range of industries.

1 Radio 100 External microphone/speaker cable 101 Radio unit 102 Emergency signal detection unit 103 Control unit 1031 Microphone switch contact 104 Output switching unit 1041 Output destination switching contact 105 Amplification unit 106 Radio unit 2 Microcomputer module 21 Internal wiring 22 Audio signal wiring 23 Control signal wiring 201 Signal line 202 Signal line 203 Microphone 204 Communication cable 210 Emergency signal transmission switch contact 211 Reset switch contact 3 External speaker 4 Charger 5 Outlet 6 AC/DC power adapter 61 Power plug 7 Rechargeable battery 71 Wiring (wiring connecting the rechargeable battery to the radio)
72 Wiring (Wiring connecting the rechargeable battery to the microcomputer unit)
8 Wireless external speaker unit 801 Wireless section 802 Amplification section 9 External speaker 10 Broadcasting equipment 1001 Audio signal wiring 1002 Output switching signal wiring 1003 In-facility broadcasting line 1004 In-facility speaker 11 Rechargeable battery 12 Wireless device built-in speaker 13 Personal computer 14 Cabinet

Claims (14)

An emergency broadcast system comprising a combination of a radio capable of communicating emergency call signals, a microcomputer unit connected to the radio, and an external speaker connected to the microcomputer unit, wherein the combination is regarded as one system, and wherein the system has a plurality of such combined systems, the radio having a housing, a speaker provided inside the housing, an output terminal facing the outside of the housing, or both the speaker and the output terminal, a microphone provided inside the housing, and an input terminal facing the outside of the housing, or both the microphone and the input terminal, and enabling wireless communication, and the microcomputer unit having a housing, an input terminal, and an output terminal, and comprising a radio unit, an emergency signal detection unit, a control unit, an output destination switching unit, an amplifier unit, and an external speaker. 2. The emergency broadcast system of claim 1, wherein when the emergency signal detection unit in the microcomputer unit detects an emergency call signal, the control unit sends a control signal to the output destination switching unit, which sends the emergency call signal to the amplifier unit, and when the amplifier unit sends the emergency call signal to the external speaker, the external speaker goes into a sound state, outputs an emergency call sound from the external speaker, and then outputs the audio signal received by the radio. 3. The emergency broadcast system of claim 1, wherein in a normal state in which an emergency call signal is not received, the amplifier unit has a function of muting the audio signal so that the audio signal is not output from the external speaker. The emergency broadcast system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection between the radio and the microcomputer unit includes a method of connecting them with a cable, or a method of connecting them with wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and the connection between the amplifier unit and the external speaker includes a method of connecting them with a cable, or a method of connecting them with wireless communication such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The emergency broadcast system according to claims 1 to 3 is characterized in that it can be connected to existing broadcast equipment installed in a facility, and when the broadcast equipment cannot be used due to a disaster or power outage, a group of emergency broadcast systems can be flexibly created using only the emergency broadcast system, and each emergency broadcast system has the same basic structure, and an emergency call signal can be transmitted from any emergency broadcast system, and an emergency call signal can be received by any wireless device. In other words, any emergency broadcast system has the function of a parent device, and any emergency broadcast system has the function of a child device. The emergency broadcast system according to claims 1 to 4 is characterized in that the wireless system is normally powered by an AC/DC power source connected to a commercial power outlet, and when the power from the outlet is cut off due to a disaster or power outage, the system is powered by a rechargeable battery built into the system or installed outside the system. Furthermore, the wireless device can also be operated by a rechargeable battery built into the wireless device, and by making the power source redundant, the system can operate without problems even in the event of a disaster or power outage. The emergency broadcast system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the emergency broadcast system receives an emergency signal, it immediately outputs an emergency ring tone from the speaker, and then, after a specified time has elapsed, it closes a microphone switch to stop the emergency ring tone and output voice communication from the speaker. The emergency broadcast system according to claims 1 to 7 is characterized in that since the emergency broadcast system connects a radio and a microcomputer unit external to the radio, even a radio that does not have the function of emitting an emergency call signal in the radio itself can emit an emergency call signal via the microcomputer unit, and most commercially available radios can be connected to the system. The emergency call signal uses an analog signal or a digital signal, and in the case of an analog signal, a signal sound of a specific frequency, a signal sound that is a combination of multiple signal sounds of different frequencies, or a signal sound that changes continuously like a musical scale, or it may be a continuous signal sound or a repetition of sound and silence, and in the case of a digital signal, it may be a method of repeating a specific code or a combination of multiple codes, for example a notification method using a DTMF signal. The emergency broadcast system according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in addition to emitting the emergency call sound from an external speaker to notify people nearby that an emergency is occurring, the system can also efficiently and quickly notify hearing-impaired, visually-impaired, intellectually-disabled, or elderly people that an emergency is occurring by using transmission methods that humans can sense with their five senses, such as a strong light signal such as a flash of light, a vibration signal, a strong smell similar to wasabi, taste, and touch (for the blind). The emergency broadcast system has a unique identification number for each system, and a set of emergency broadcast systems with a certain identification number can confirm that emergency broadcast systems with other identification numbers are functioning normally.When a functional test signal is sent, a response signal corresponding to the content of the functional test signal is automatically sent back to the wireless device that sent the test signal.The wireless emergency broadcast system described in claims 1 to 9 is characterized in that the procedure for sending the functional test signal is automatically sent by a computer program, thereby automatically checking the operating status of each emergency broadcast system in sequence, collecting data on the operating status, and always keeping each device that constitutes the emergency broadcast system in a normal state. The emergency call signal can be issued by pressing an emergency call button on a radio, by pressing an emergency call button on a microcomputer unit connected to the radio, or by being triggered by a signal detected by a sensor, and the types of sensors include infrared motion sensors, millimeter wave radar, thermal cameras, light sensors, ultrasonic sensors, VOX circuits (voice-activated automatic transmission switches), as well as sensors that detect environmental temperature, light, gas, and other substances that are dangerous to the human body to issue an emergency call signal, or the emergency call signal can be issued by information from various wireless systems and wired lines, such as emergency earthquake alerts, the nationwide instantaneous warning system J-Alert, fire alarms, earthquake warning devices, emergency bells, disaster prevention radios, disaster prevention radios, broadcasts by local governments, television broadcasts, and activation by external wireless devices. The emergency broadcast system can be installed inside and outside buildings, as well as in vehicles such as automobiles, ships, airplanes, trains and buses. The purpose of installing the emergency broadcast system in these vehicles is to enable quick evacuation guidance and safety confirmation in the event of an emergency. For example, by installing the emergency broadcast system in vehicles that transport people to and from kindergartens, and installing an alighting button and an emergency button inside the vehicle and having children operate these buttons on a regular basis, children will be able to make emergency notifications without hesitation in the event of an emergency. This is the emergency broadcast system described in claims 1 to 11. 13. The emergency broadcast system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of relaying a received emergency call signal and a received voice signal. The emergency broadcast system according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the emergency broadcast system is stored in a small box and installed on a wall inside or outside a building, the door on the front of the box is made of a transparent material, so that the radio stored inside the box and the emergency evacuation bag containing the accessories can be visually confirmed at all times, and in the event of an emergency, the door of the box can be opened, and the stored radio and emergency evacuation bag can be removed and taken to the evacuation destination.

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