WO2009017628A2

WO2009017628A2 - Programmable, progressive guiding system: apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2009017628A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/008902
Authority: WO
Inventors: James R. Zarian; Sheldon I. Ausman; Gary A. Bostock
Original assignee: Zarian James R
Priority date: 2007-07-26
Filing date: 2008-07-23
Publication date: 2009-02-05

Abstract

This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly; it pertains to single or networked systems that utilize pre-programmed and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, transmission means and illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic on demand. The networked systems are configured to sense and/or detect environmental variables, transmit these variables to a control and command center(s), act on the variables and transmit commands to illumination and alarming devices to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, heretofore, directing traffic, on demand, to safety. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other modes of transportation. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.

Description

Programmable, Progressive Guiding System: Apparatus and Method

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Applications Ser. No. 60/935,116, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on July 26, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention pertains to evacuation systems, more particularly; it pertains to single or networked systems that utilize pre-programmed and/or virtual programming, sensing and detecting means, transmission means and illumination and alarming means, symbols and text messages to direct traffic on demand. The networked systems are configured to sense and/or detect environmental variables, transmit these variables to a control and command center(s), act on the variables and transmit commands to illumination and alarming devices to systematically and progressively direct traffic from one device to the next, heretofore, directing traffic, on demand, to safety. The evacuation system is applicable to people's traffic, vehicular traffic and/or other modes of transportation. The evacuation system may be used in emergency or non-emergency situations.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Recent studies have shown that, in emergencies, evacuees directed to obstructed exit points or to too few exit points have created dangerous congestions. Similarly, evacuees have habitually rushed to danger points, leading to unnecessary death. Sudden change of environment such as, toxic gases and smoke generated in a fire, for instance, have caused injury and death. Statistics related to asphyxiation from inhalation of lethal toxic gases, which may occur in minutes have indeed been a major factor as the indirect cause of death in a disaster situation. Sadly, many victims asphyxiated in unaffected sections of a structure occur a short distance from an available safe exit. Likewise, other evacuees have perished during confusing excursions into the unknown, unaware that they were being led towards, rather than away from danger. Nonetheless, these studies have also shown that, in emergencies, evacuees responded more favorably to active means, specifically to means such as illuminating and alarming devices.

[0004] The above situations have been made increasing more difficult to deal with for rescue workers, particularly with ever-more complex building structures, such as, multilevel underground parking structures and multi-level skyscrapers with many exit points, passageways and other evacuation points. For instance, in case of an emergency, in a multi-level underground parking structure, with many ingress and egress ways, one exit point may be completely impassible because of sustained damage, or impassible because of the use by incoming emergency vehicles (i.e., fire engines, police cars, ambulances, etc.), or congested to the point that some traffic must be redirected to expedite the evacuation process.

[0005] The existing system of signs, even when clearly legible in an unpredictable disaster situation, can unfortunately direct evacuees unwittingly towards egress points which themselves may be part of a danger zone, or blocked and unavailable for exit to safety.

[0006] Various systems have recently been developed to guide and assist people in the case of an emergency. The purpose has sometimes been to indicate the exit door in a building, or guide the evacuees to follow a certain pathway along a corridor or hallway, to reach an exit door and egress. In other instances, signs have been used to indicate a predetermined direction to evacuate.

[0007] For example, WO 9742612A1 discloses a way-finding guidance evacuation system for disasters by the use of path of apparently moving electric lights, which automatically reverses direction on detecting heat or other danger This evacuation system only indicates two ways for evacuation and does not assist the evacuees if the system itself becomes damaged. Further, the system disclosed cannot be remotely programmed or controlled.

[0008] US 6,538,568 discloses a wireless emergency lighting monitoring and control system whereby a central control unit automatically schedules self-tests for each of the emergency lights, whereby failures are diagnosed and repairs are suggested. No provisions are made to relay any commands in evacuating pedestrians or vehicles from a structure.

[0009] US 6,754,602 discloses a wireless (via radio signals) emergency lighting system for a structural object such as a transportation vehicle. The evacuation system has multiple of emergency lighting assemblies, and each assembly in turn, has a microprocessor for controlling the operations of the emergency lighting component. The system also includes at least one control module for wireless interrogation of the multiplicity of discrete wireless emergency lighting assemblies. The system integrity maintenance is the ultimate goal and no provisions are made to direct traffic on demand.

[0010] WO 06018304A2 discloses a guidance and security system for complex mass transport systems that performs integrated passenger counting, security monitoring and controls trains and monitors tracks. The invention relates to guidance and security system for transport systems, in particular, complex mass transport systems, with integrated automatic passenger counting, security monitoring for vehicles, trains etc. The guidance systems are not in communication with each other and all commands originate from the control unit.

[0011] US 20050245232A1 discloses an emergency management and response mission support platform for emergency service providers, and provides real-time operational data such as location of emergency personnel, emergency response plan through web portal to user. The platform further facilitates communication between a plurality of emergency response and management organizations for further processing. The platform aids the management of an emergency, but does not guide evacuees.

[0012] US 6,646,545 discloses a color-coded evacuation signaling system that uses LEDs to configure directing symbols and text messages, to guide evacuees to designated exits. The LEDs are formed into displays laid in the floor of a structure. The system induces automatic dissemination of walking or crawling evacuees during an emergency, particularly in a smoke fog and low-light conditions, by guiding them away from deemed danger zones, then along assessed safe routes leading towards assessed safe designated exits. The system has no capability of being able to change direction in real time and assumes that the patrons are familiar with the color-coding.

[0013] US 20020015309A1 discloses an emergency lighting system for aircraft, has photoluminescent guide to identify escape route, photoluminescent indicator to identify exit, and photoluminescent sign to identify instructions and controls for opening exit. The system has no capability of being able to change direction in real time.

[0014] US 6,763,624 discloses a sign apparatus for displaying a desired image on surface of wall by projecting the image onto an adjacent inclined surface to guide evacuees during an emergency.

[0015] US 6,754,602 discloses a wireless emergency lighting system for an airplane, which includes multiple wireless lighting assemblies linked to one control unit and a diagnostic computer for assisting passengers to exit the vehicle in an emergency. Each emergency lighting assembly has means for receiving and transmitting radio signals. The control unit also has means for receiving and transmitting radio signals. The system cannot be commended in real time and has no sensing means.

[0016] US 6,472,994 discloses an emergency guidance system for use in multi-storied structures, which has exit indicators each of which has light emitting diode energized independently and is flexible enough to be formed into a roll and bend around corners. The guidance system is not pre-programmed to change direction and or change direction on command.

[0017] US 6,249,221 discloses an emergency evacuation system used for assisting people to find exit door during an emergency, has light source in door, which emits high intensity light on reception of alarm signal, to guide people to exit door. The alarm signal is received by a radio frequency receiver located in exit door that activates pulsating LEDs. The illuminating and flashing LED lights attract the attention of a person in distress who may be crawling along the floor in a smoke-filled room, therefore assisting people to locate and exit a smoke filled and burning enclosure.

[0018] US 6,150,943 discloses a laser-based director for fire evacuation, which indicates safe passage through smoke-filled area by laser diodes set into floor and actuated in response to fire alarm sound. The images may comprise arrow indicators, graphics, or alphanumeric indicators.

[0019] US 5,825,280 discloses a portable safety light and audible signal apparatus that has temperature sensor and wireless remote for production of one of three distinct audible tones to guide one or more fire fighters and emergency personnel to the exit during emergencies.

[0020] US 5,612,665 discloses an escape route indication system, which provides specific information concerning emergency exits using profile strip in form of handrail on walls along path to be followed to a device such as a sign or sound system to aid in evacuation.

[0021] US 5,611 ,163 discloses a direction indicator covers in the form of detachable chevron-shaped panels that fit within chevron-shaped apertures in the cover for emergency lighting systems. The direction of the chevrons can not be changed on demand. [0022] US 5,343,375 discloses an emergency egress illuminator and marker light strip which illuminate passageway during normal conditions and marks egress path along it during conditions of poor visibility.

[0023] US 5,140,301 discloses a guidance method and apparatus for emergency evacuation which initiates oscillator to produce laser beam indicating direction of evacuation when an emergency has been detected.

[0024] US 5,130,909 disclose an emergency lighting strip for pathways that comprises of spaced LEDs and incorporating prismatic or metal reflectors to guide evacuees during an emergency from a confined area with low visibility.

[0025] US 4,347,499 discloses an emergency guidance system responsive to sensing means that determine the availability of an exit for use in the event of a catastrophe. The sensing means are electronically connected to control means capable of evaluating the input from the sensing means and dependent upon availability of exits cause discernible means to cycle sequentially through predetermined patterns dictated by the available exits. The discernible means can be visual, audible, or tactile.

[0026] US 4,074,225 discloses an emergency detection alarm and evacuation system including a control panel with lighted indicators indicating actuation of respective fire- smoke detectors and exit signaling units. The control unit can be used to aid the building occupants to particular exit doors. Also disclosed is a closed circuit television system for visually monitoring the fire/smoke conditions in particular floor areas, for use in conjunction with said exit signaling units.

[0027] GB 2388693A1 discloses an emergency exit indicator that has an array of light emitting diodes which are activated by receiving an audible signal from a smoke or carbon monoxide detector.

[0028] EP1365369A1 discloses a light emitting device for warning and indicating an emergency exit having three illumination states, first a continuous illuminated state indicating normal condition, second a discontinuous illuminated state indicating an alert condition and third illuminated state indicating an emergency and dictating emergency evacuation.

[0029] EP 0679280B1 discloses an evacuation system using strip in form of handrail along path to be followed. The profile strip may consist of signs and/or light panels and/or sound devices and/or direction indicating components.

[0030] EP 0609170B1 discloses an emergency egress illuminator and marker light strip to illuminate passageway during normal conditions and marks egress path along it during conditions of poor visibility. The device consists of two strings of LEDs, in a transparent tubular housing, the first string is aimed at the middle of the passageway floor. The other strip is aimed at the exit point.

[0031] DE 4241862C2 discloses a system linked to central computer for managing emergency exit lighting and direction signs.

[0032] GB 2220288A discloses an emergency exit route detecting system configured to detect hazard conditions and selectively switch on indicator lights within areas to indicate condition of exit route.

[0033] CN 2230953Y discloses a marking light for emergency exits.

[0034] JP 52108792A2 discloses an evacuation guidance system using a plurality of indicating light sources to indicate a safe route.

[0035] JP 52083196A2 discloses an evacuation guidance system that uses different intensity of light for normal conditions - lower intensity - and emergency conditions - higher intensity.

[0036] JP 52083195A2 discloses a batter-operated evacuation system consisting of two- direction guiding lights by deactivating one of the guiding lights and activating the other. [0037] JP 2003120011A2 discloses an emergency guiding system based on a baseboard having light emitting elements on printed circuit board, which emit light in direction of emergency exit during emergency conditions.

[0038] JP11203564A2 discloses an emergency guidance system that combines illumination and audio means to relay messages to trapped evacuees.

[0039] Japanese 52133792A2 discloses an evacuation guidance system for evacuation by changing arrows available in two directions only by turning off one of the arrows and intensifying the intensity of the arrow in the safe direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Essentially, the embodiments of the present invention systematically and progressively direct evacuees away from a danger zone to a safe zone in a structure or multiple of nearby structures. The embodiments of the present invention basically consist of three different classes of devices:

[0041] The sensing and / or detecting devices ("SDDs"), which are located in a zone and are capable of sensing and/or detecting environmental changes such as sudden change in temperature, pressure, smoke, presence of toxic or poisonous gases, and the like. The SDDs further including transmission capabilities to transmit the detected changes to the second class of devices of the present invention,

[0042] The command and control centers ("CCCs") are the second class of devices. The CCCs, which are in communication with the SDDs, are capable of analyzing the received data using embedded preprogrammed instructions, and communicating the instructions to the third class of devices, the illuminated and or alarming devices.

[0043] The illuminated and alarming devices ("IADs"), which are devices having, for example, directional arrows and can be illuminated on demand to indicate evacuation route directions. The IADs can also alarm evacuees by other means such as sound of an alarm or verbal communications. [0044] The communication between the SDDs to the CCC and onto the IADs can be established by use of hard-wired connections or use of wireless devices. The wireless devices can be the only method of communication, or as a back-up redundancy, when the integrity of the electrical hardwiring system during an emergency situation is compromised

[0045] The SDDs can be mesh-networked to allow the SDDs of the present invention to be more robustly networked. There are many advantages to enabling such connectivity and forming a mesh network as mesh networks are well known in the art. When enough SDDs are mesh-networked and cooperate and forward information between each SDD, and further they do not need to individually be connected directly to a CCC, but instead can share faster, cost-effective data with nearby SDDs. In this manner, information such as environment changes dynamically find a route, hopping from one SDD to another SDD to reach the CCC through one of the SDD or a gateway depending on the topology of the network well known in the art.

[0046] Wireless mesh-networking technologies according to various protocols such as ZigBee, Z-Wave technologies along with other well known wireless protocols can be used in the implementation of the present invention. ZigBee and Z-Wave are a form of wireless mesh networking technology standards that make the implementation of the present invention more practical. ZigBee and Z-Wave chips can be embedded in the SDDs of the present invention avoiding cabling cost; and, with no wiring required, the SDDs can be added anywhere, and moved easily. ZigBee and Z-Wave create a mesh network, which is more resilient than a network that relies on a centralized control. A message sent by one SDD is passed along by any other SDD within range. A mesh network effectively routes around a failure. When the intended SDD receives the message, it acts on it. That added reliability is especially important in large buildings and secure facilities. ZigBee or Z-Wave protocols further have security provisions such as, encryption, and authentication provisions available within their definitions, and those provisions can be implemented within the SDDs network of the present invention. [0047] An additional advantage of using mesh-networked SDDs is that since the SDDs are totally modular in design; each SDD is independent of all other units. Therefore, there are no typical system failure modes since individual unit failures may be sporadic and random in nature. As a consequence, each SDD is capable in general, to function well in an emergency.

[0048] The application of the embodiments are hereby disclosed to include: emergency evacuations in office complexes, multi-level parking structures, public libraries, hospitals, hotels, superstores, shopping malls, passenger liners, oil-rig platforms, courtyards among other venues, often involving hundreds, sometimes thousands of people or vehicles by negotiating routes which will lead quickly towards the nearest and safest designated emergency exit points.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] A more complete appreciation of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a simple system of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of Figure 1 further representing the mesh- networked sensing and/or detecting devices of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of mesh-networked sensing and/or detecting devices of Figure 2 being routed through a gateway.

[0053] Figure 4 is the floor plan of an office building. [0054] Figure 5 is the floor plan of Figure 4 with SSDs installed according to the present invention.

[0055] Figure 6 is that of Figure 5, further showing the IADs installed according to the present invention.

[0056] Figure 7 is a representation of the different components of the present invention in action under a presumed scenario.

[0057] Figure 8 is a representation of the different components of the present invention in action under another presumed scenario.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0058] Referring now to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail.

[0059] Figure 1 represents a simple system 10 of the present invention. In this system, at least one, and more preferably multiple of sensing and/or detecting devices (SDDs) 11 configured to detect changes in the environment are directly connected to and/or is in communication with the command and control centers (CCCs) 12. In turn, the CCC 12 is connected to and/or is in communication with at least a single, and more preferably a multiple of illuminated and alarming devices (IADs) 13. The connection between the SDDs and CCC can be wire represented by communication paths 14 or wirelessly (not shown) and/or combination of wire and wireless (not shown). The connection between the CCC and IADs can be by wire represented by communication paths 15 or wirelessly (not shown) and/or combination of wire and wireless (not shown).

[0060] It is noted that SDDs 11 each have embedded internet protocol (IP) address in order for the CCC to know the location of each SDD as it is an essential part of the present invention and will be shown later in example(s) below. The CCC in turn has algorithmic program embedded within it that is responsive to the input from the SDD for analysis and output to IADs. The IADs as explained before are guiding devices that similar to the SDDs have embedded internet protocol (IP) address in order for the CCC to know the location of each IAD as it is an essential part of the present invention and will be shown later in example(s) below. The IAD further have guiding devices such as arrows, chevrons, alarms and the like to guide evacuees according to predetermined pattern(s) as will be more fully disclosed in the examples later.

[0061] Figure 2 represents the system 10 of Figure 1 further schematically representing mesh networked connections 16 between multiple SDDs 11. Advantages of mesh networking were explored above in the implementation of the present invention. The mesh-networked SDDs may be connected to a gateway 17, and the gateway 17 may be connected to the CCC 12 of Figure 1 as shown in Figure 3.

EXAMPLES

[0062] The following are examples of the present invention:

Example 1

[0063] In Example 1 the floor plan 40 for a typical office structure is shown in Figure 4. In this floor plan 40, attention is given to two evacuation routes to the outside shown by circles 41 and 42. Two "entrance" points to the office from a warehouse are shown by two arrows 43 and 44. It is noted that warehouse (not completely shown) is a very small area compared to the office area and further that, the warehouse does not have any exit points except shown schematically by arrows 43 and 44.

[0064] Figure 5 further shows Figure 4 with SDDs 51 schematically shown, and strategically located throughout the floor plan. Figure 6 further shows Figure 5 with CCC 62 schematically shown, located in a rather safe area and IADs 63 schematically shown, and located in strategic areas to facilitate evacuation. According to the present invention as explained before, the networked SDDs 51 are in direct communication with the CCC 62 and the CCC 62 is in direct communication with the IADs 63. [0065] Figure 7 shows Figure 6 after an event such as a fire, an explosion or release of poisonous gas and the like has taken place within close proximity of SDD 71 as schematically shown by circle 72 (e.g., the circle 72 schematically shows the proximity area designated and assigned to SDD1). Upon the detection by SDD 71 that a threshold of an environmental variable (i.e., temperature, pressure, poisonous biochemicals) has been surpassed (e.g., SDD1 has been triggered) and evacuation is necessary; and the signal or data is authenticated, if provisions for such authentication has been embedded within SDD 71 , the signal is encrypted, if provisions for encryption has been embedded within SDD 71 , and immediately relayed to CCC 74 either wirelessly, semi-wirelessly and/or via wire through communication path 73, schematically shown in Figure 7. Once the signal is decrypted, if provisions for decryption has been embedded within CCC 74, authenticated, if provisions for such authentication has been embedded within CCC 74, verified, if provisions for such verification has been embedded within CCC 74; CCC 74 with the appropriate structure including, hardware, firmware and software analyzes the signal, the location (the IP address) of the SDD 71 and employing the embedded logarithmic program issues instructions to the IADs via communication paths 75a, 75b, 75c, 75d, 75e...as partially (not all communication paths are shown to avoid confusion in Figure 7) and schematically shown in Figure 7. It is understood that CCC 74, in practice, communicates with all the IADs of the system once an event occurs. Further, it is understood that the communication paths including communication paths 75a, 75b, 75c, 75d, 75e...can be wired, semi-wired and/or wireless. The issued instructions, in this example, cause the appropriate indicating illumination or alarming devices to guide the occupants to follow the path to the safe evacuation points, as the path had been set and programmed before. In this example, in general, the safe evacuation is away from evacuation point 41 and towards evacuation point 42 shown in Figure 4.

[0066] In practice, observing Figure 7, in the case of an emergency under one scenario, for instance, the SDD 71 can detect a sudden change in temperature in the proximity of the area represented by circle 72. The change in temperature detected by SDD 71 is relayed to the CCC 74 via communication path 73 (the communication path can be wired or wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless); the CCC 74 determines the temperature to be above a pre-set threshold for safety. The CCC 74 which includes appropriate algorithmic programs having analyzed the received data immediately relays commands to IADs via communication paths 75a, 75b, 75c, 75d, 75e...(the communication paths can be wired or wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless and are not shown for all IADs) illuminating the appropriate arrows, setting directions to be followed by occupants to safety. In this scenario, the IADs direct traffic by turning on the arrows (illuminating the appropriate arrows) of IADs to direct traffic away from the proximity of SDD 71 or the area represented by circle 72. It is noted that some of the IADs in Figure 7 only indicate one direction and some two, the IADs indicating only one direction are for assisting the occupants to vacate from an office and/or an area, for example, as indicated by representative circles 76a and 76b, since there is only one direction out of such areas; however, for areas or points of evacuation with more than one option, the arrow indicating the appropriate direction is turned on (by illuminating the appropriate arrow) such as arrows 77 and 78 in Figure 7, for this scenario.

[0067] In yet another scenario, observing Figure 8, for instance, the SDD 81 can detect a change in pressure, as a result of an explosion, in the proximity of the area represented by circle 82. The change in pressure detected by SDD 81 is relayed to CCC 85 via communication path 83 (the communication path can be wired or wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless); the CCC 85 determines the pressure to be above a pre-set threshold for safety. The CCC 85 which includes appropriate algorithmic programs having analyzed the data immediately relays commands to IADs via communication paths 84a, 84b, 84c, 84d, 84e...(the communication paths can be wired or wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless and are not shown for all IADs) and it is noted that not all communication paths are shown to avoid confusion in Figure 8. The relayed commands to the IADs set directions to be followed by evacuees to safety. Similar to the previous scenario exemplified in Figure 7, the IADs direct traffic by turning on the arrows of IADs to direct traffic away from the proximity of SDD 81 or the area represented by circle 82. This path is opposite to the path followed in the previous scenario exemplified in Figure 7.

It is understood that the systems of the present invention can be used both in normal or emergency situations. The systems can be for vehicles or people use. It is understood that in the IADs, different light sources can be used. For instance, sets of light emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used. The LED sets can be configured to depict an arrow or a lighted chevron. If arrows are depicted, then when lit, they indicate the direction of free traffic: "it is OK to go this way".

The IAD, which can depict an arrow, can be constructed of LEDs that are protruding from the surface (e.g., they are installed on the surface). It is understood that this arrangements is only a representation of one type of IAD and one example of the present invention. The arrows can be configured in other manners. For example, the shape of arrows can be cut from the top surface of an IAD enclosure, fitted with transparent material, and back-lit with appropriate light sources. The arrows also can be blinking or strobing.

It was further discovered that because of the compactness of the LEDs, other auxiliary optic components, such as lenses, light tunnels, reflectors and refractors could easily be combined to intensify the light or make the light points easier to see. It is noted that, it may be desirable to use infrared LEDs to allow night vision or laser diodes to have better visibility in desired situations.

It is understood that the material for IAD, SDD and CCC enclosures can be selected to suit the application. Metals, plastics, fire retardant plastics and any combinations with glass among other materials can be used. The enclosure may be fabricated to be water tight or to withstand several hours of high temperature.

The circuitry can be made in customary fashions to function as desired. For instance, the circuitry in the IAD, SDD and CCC can be made to cause the light to strobe, chase or blink depending on the application. Further, the commands transmitted to turn the arrows on or off, or to chase or blink. The commands transmitted to the circuitry can be by the use of manual switches, transmitted via infrared controls, transmitted by radio frequency controls or from a central location through hard wiring among other appropriate protocols. The circuitry can be configured to accept commands from different sources if desired, or have provisions to allow the commands to be overridden by a higher authority. The circuitry may be predominantly analog or digital.

The power source for the IAD, SDD and CCC can be high or low voltage AC, although low voltage is preferred; and or be high or low voltage DC, whereby low voltage DC is preferred. The circuitry can be "hard-wired" or use batteries to operate. It is understood that provisions can be made to allow the circuitry to switch from AC, hard-wired electricity to battery operated DC. The battery can be integrated into the embodiment and can be rechargeable.

The IAD, SDD and CCC embodiments may be installed using appropriate fasteners for concrete surface locations such as underground parking structures or have an extension to be installed from a wall or ceiling in corridors and hallways. The embodiments can also be configured to be installed on stands for easy installation and disassembly.

For example, in an emergency, such as a multi-level underground parking structure, where number of IAD are installed in predetermined locations, the traffic at the first location can be directed to proceed in all directions - no direction is prohibited. As the traffic reaches the next IAD, the traffic may be directed to only proceed in the one direction, and this process is continued until the traffic is directed to the point of egress and out of danger.

The applications of the systems of the present invention may include: theaters, shopping centers, underground parking structures, healthcare facilities, mall floors, building hallways and corridors.

Claims

Claim:

an evacuation system comprising of, at least one sensor and/or detector and or a network of sensors and/or detectors capable of sensing an abnormal and/or sudden environmental change, the at least one said sensor and/or detector being at least in one way, constant communication with a command and control center, and able to transmit the abnormal and/or sudden environmental change to, the control and command center further configured to analyze and act upon the abnormal and/or sudden environmental change, and the said control and command center further able to transmit directives to at least a remotely located illuminated and/or alarming device, the said illuminated and/or alarming device being responsive to the said control and command center's directive and further able to indicate a change of direction on demand.