FIRE ALARM GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
The most common problems we see and the recommendations to
overcome them
Abstract – Pre- Talk Focus
Sometimes technology can be overpowering
We can leverage new learning
techniques & technology to
keep Canada Fire Safe
Abstract – Pre- Talk Focus
Life Safety Primary Goals Protect life
Ensure appropriate communication Alleviate human suffering and hardship
Ensure continuity of operations
Fire Alarm Primary Goals – Warn occupants of a fire
– Prompt immediate action
– Initiate evacuation movement
– Allow sufficient time to escape or defend
EOL
ALARM
Abstract – Pre- Talk Focus
Abstract – Pre- Talk Focus
SKILLS TO ACHIEVE GOALS
Analytical & Theoretical
Graphic Design and Artistic
Understanding of Human Behavior
Abstract – Pre- Talk Focus
Indoctrination Cause to believe something……..
To teach somebody a belief or ideology thoroughly and systematically especially with the goal of discouraging independent thought or the acceptance of other opinions
Abstract – Pre- Talk Focus
The Power of Adjacencies
Leverage new ideas from outside industries
to solve problems
The Presentation
AGENDA What is a GUI?
Common Issues Encountered
Plan-Design-Build-Operate
Building Information Model
Intelligent Building Emergency Response
What is a Graphical User Interface
A program interface that takes advantage of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the program easier to use
The Xerox Star was unique because the researchers carefully designed the computer human interface before they began designing the internal workings of the application
GUI History- Xerox Star
How do we know that we have a great GUI?
Analogy between a fire alarm system's GUI and a car's steering wheel
How do we know that we have a great GUI?
The wheel directly binds the driver to the operation and functionality of the vehicle
How do we know that we have a great GUI?
When driving, a driver should not have to concentrate on the steering wheel
How do we know that we have a great GUI?
In the same way, the GUI binds the user of the system to the operation and potential of the fire alarm system
How do we know that we have a great GUI design?
A great GUI design removes the impediment of communication with the fire alarm system GUI workstation and allows the user to work directly on the incident at hand
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
Fire Alarm Industry is a Code Driven Industry
Multiple Codes and Standards that apply to what we do
Code Compliance Issue
The Zone delineations provided on the GUI Initiating Device Screens
do not comply to the NBC
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
Zoning provides a logical breakdown by building area, making it easier and faster to locate an activated initiating device
2010 National Building Code
• Division B 3.2.4.9 – Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone in a building that is not sprinklered is not more than 2,000 square metres
2010 NBC Zoning
• Division B 3.2.4.9 – Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone is neither; more than one storey, nor more than the system area limits specified
in NFPA 13 Standard
Incorrect Sprinkler Zone layouts per NFPA 13
Incorrectly annunciate location of sprinkler flow switch in lieu annunciating area of sprinkler activation in alarm
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
sprinkler riser
basement sprinkler
room
Sprinkler
Area Of protection
Ground Floor
TRAVEL KEY
TO
FLOW SWITCH
LOCATION
2010 NBC Zoning
• Division B 3.2.4.9
Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each fire compartment required to have a 2 hr fire separation (e.g. Hydro Vault)
Incorrect Vault Zoning Delineations
Limited or No Access to Vault so critical descriptions are vague
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
26,000 Volt
4000 Ampere
Hydro Vault
Dielectric PCB Materials
TRAVEL KEY
Emergency Procedures
for
Vault Incidents
2010 NBC Zoning
• Division B 3.2.4.9
Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each shaft requiring fire detectors
Incorrect Zone Elevator Shaft Nomenclature
Incorrectly annunciate location of detection devices regarding activation in either elevator shaft or elevator mechanical room
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
2010 NBC Zoning
• Division B 3.2.4.9
Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each air handling system required to be equipped with smoke detectors
(Duct Smoke Detector)
Incorrect Zone AHU Nomenclature
Incorrectly annunciate location of Duct Smoke detection and do not include area supply fan is affecting
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
Supply Fan
Serving
Critical Lab Areas
Alt. Measures Required
TRAVEL KEY
TO
Supply Fan
Area
Duct Smoke
Location
2010 NBC Zoning
• Division B 3.2.4.9
Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each contained use area (e.g. Jail)
Incorrect Zone Cell Block Nomenclature
Incorrectly annunciate location of Air Sampling Detector Apparatus in lieu of Specific Cell
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
Cell 22
ALARM
TRAVEL KEY
TO
ASD Location
ASD Location
Sampling pipe
VESDA LaserPLUS 88
2010 NBC Zoning
• Division B 3.2.4.9
Annunciator and Zone Indication
Each impeded egress zone Special Needs Hospital
Incorrect Hospital Secure Zone Nomenclature
Incorrectly annunciate location detection devices i.e incorrectly annunciate entire floor in lieu of specific impeded egress zone
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
Incorrect Sprinkler Zone layouts per NFPA 13
Incorrectly annunciate location of sprinkler supervisory valve and not identify area affected by sprinkler impairment
Issue: Building Code Non-Compliance
sprinkler supervisory
valve basement
sprinkler room
Lab Area
currently not provided
with sprinkler protection
Valve Closed
TRAVEL KEY
TO
sprinkler
area of
coverage
Auto Cad transfer to proprietary GUI program = poor quality graphic resolution
Issue: Auto Cad to Proprietary
GUI Program Translation = Poor Graphics
GUI Performance Specification
Provide details - workstation furniture
Integrate all of the system activity
Provide details regarding 1280 x 850
screen space requirements
Outline GUI User Sequences
Creating, inputting and programming all graphic drawings, and text messages describing
The Presentation
AGENDA What is a GUI?
Common Issues Encountered
Plan-Design-Build-Operate
Building Information Model
Life Safety Building Information Model
A Building Information Model (BIM) is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility
The Presentation
AGENDA What is a GUI?
Common Issues Encountered
Plan-Design-Build-Operate
Building Information Model
Intelligent Building Emergency Response
“Heuristics” - Solution
“Heuristics” is branch of artificial intelligence, which uses common-sense rules drawn from experience -- to solve problems
Heuristic programming” is characterized by programs that are self-learning; they get better with experience
Cloud Computing - Solution
Emergency Response Via The Cloud
“Cloud Computing” is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software, and information are provided to computers and other devices on demand, like the electricity utility grid
Treemapping Solution
Treemapping Emergencies
Treemapping is a method for displaying tree-structured data by using nested rectangles
Serial Data
Contact ID
Alarm L1D005
Smoke Alarm
2nd Fl. Hallway
Acct 4321 – XYZ
Co.
555 Main St
World Wide Web
Customer Network
EIA-232
It’s Already Starting
Summary
Analytical & Theoretical Focus Graphic Design and Artistic Skills Understanding of Human Behavior Research Intelligent Building Emergency Response
We can leverage new learning
techniques & technology to
keep Canada Fire Safe
Dr. Guylène Proulx, PhD
"I truly believe that this kind of work can save lives," she told a CBC reporter in 2000. And then, with unshakable confidence Dr. Proulx added: "That's why I do it."
World Leader
On
Human Behavior
In
Fire Emergencies
“Be who you are and say what you feel….Because those that matter don’t mind
And those that mind don’t matter”