Development of a Server-Independent Algorithm for Safe Evacuation Systems Utilizing Exit Signs

Abstract

A smart exit-sign system is an exit-sign system that can proactively orient the direction of an exit sign toward the shortest safe path in fire situations. In a previous study, an automated direction setting algorithm for a smart exit sign was proposed that assumed the exit signs were controlled by the main central server. This study proposes a new direction setting algorithm for a server-independent smart exit-sign system. The server-independent direction setting algorithm (SIDSA) can be divided into four main steps once the smart exit-sign system is installed and initialized: (1) update of the fire-status information detected by a sensor; (2) sharing of the fire-status information with neighboring exit-sign modules; (3) update of the shortest-path (distance) information according to the fire situation; (4) update of the direction on the display board. SIDSA has been validated through multiple simulations.

Derivation of the Factors Influencing the Network Performance of Serverless Smart Exit Sign Systems Based on Wireless Sensor Networks

“…So far, two groups of researchers have proposed algorithms for serverless smart exit sign systems [6,11,12,14]. No research has been done however to build a physical system while taking into consideration potential system failure.…”

“…A serverless smart exit sign is a smart exit sign that communicates data between the exit sign nodes using a wireless sensor network (WSN) without a central server ( Figure 1) [6]. When a fire breaks out, evacuees are more likely to rely on exit signs when they are in a venue they do not know well than when they are in a familiar place [23].…”