Video Image Detection Systems Installation Performance Criteria

59 Pages·2008·1.728 MB·English

by  Daniel T. Gottuk (auth.)

SpringerBriefs in Fire
Series Editor
James A. Milke
For furthervolumes:
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Daniel T. Gottuk
Video Image Detection
Systems Installation
Performance Criteria
123
Daniel T.Gottuk
HughesAssociates, Inc.
Baltimore
21227-1652MD
USA
ISSN 2193-6595 ISSN 2193-6609 (electronic)
ISBN 978-1-4614-4201-1 ISBN 978-1-4614-4202-8 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-4202-8
SpringerNewYorkHeidelbergDordrechtLondon
LibraryofCongressControlNumber:2012938704
(cid:2)FireProtectionResearchFoundation2008
Reprintedin2012bySpringerScience+BusinessMediaNewYork
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Contents
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Objective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.2 Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 VID Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Codes and Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Environmental and Hazard Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1 Statistical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.1.1 Warehouses/Distribution Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1.2 Large Industrial Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.1.3 Atrium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.2 Industry Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2.1 Warehouses/Distribution Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2.2 Large Industrial Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3.2.3 Atriums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.3 End User and Site Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4 Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.1 Fire Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.1.1 Warehouse/Distribution Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.2 Large Industrial (Petrochemical
and Electric Power Plants). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.3 Atriums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.1.4 Summary of Fire Sources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4.1.5 False/Nuisance Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
v
vi Contents
4.2 Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
4.3 System Variables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.4 Comparison to Other Detection Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
5 Conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6 Future Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Appendix A: NFPA 72-2007 Code Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Appendix B: VID System Workshop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Chapter 1
Introduction
Computerprocessingandimageanalysistechnologieshaveimprovedsubstantially
over the course of the past decade. This rapidly advancing technology along with
the emphasis on video surveillance since 911 has propelled the development of
effective video image detection (VID) systems for fire. Fire protection system
designersinitiallyemployedtheseVIDsystemsforuseinlargefacilities,outdoor
locations and tunnels. However, video-based detection is being used for a
broadening range of applications [e.g., 1]. For example, these systems are cur-
rentlyinstalledinelectricalpowerplants,papermills,documentstoragefacilities,
historic municipal buildings, nuclear research facilities, automotive plants, ware-
house/distribution centers, and onshore and offshore oil platforms.
The 2007 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code [2], recognized the
use ofVIDsystems for flame and smoke detection. Although recognized, there is
limitedprescriptiveinstallationanduserequirementsandthere isageneraldesire
by many for the development of performance criteria that ultimately could be
utilizedforthedesignofsystemsorthecreationofstandards.Sincetheunderlying
VID technology and development ofstandard and network-based camera systems
are in a period of fairly rapid advancement [3–5], it is not possible to define a
comprehensive set of stand-alone prescriptive requirements. The performance of
VID systems depends on both the video hardware and the software algorithms;
there is no basic underlying principle, such as there is for ionization or photo-
electric detection for smoke detectors. Consequently, performance-based instal-
lation and operation requirements are needed.
D.T.Gottuk,VideoImageDetectionSystemsInstallationPerformanceCriteria, 1
SpringerBriefsinFire,DOI:10.1007/978-1-4614-4202-8_1,
(cid:2)FireProtectionResearchFoundation2008
2 1 Introduction
1.1 Objective
The objective of this project was to develop fire performance objectives and
related criteria for VID systems in selected key applications relevant to their
reference in NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code. In particular, the goals of the
work were to
1. Identify conceptual characteristic fire, smoke and nuisance scenarios for
selected applications; and
2. Characterize related performance and installation issues.
The goal of this project was not to develop test methods or listing/approval
criteria, but rather to identify the performance issues of concern to the fire safety
community.
1.2 Approach
The project goals were achieved through an industry workshop, site visits, data
surveyandanalysis,andexperiencefromtheoperationandtestingofVIDsystems.
Based on the input of the project technical panel, the scope of this project was
limited to interior fires at three specified applications: (1) warehouses/distribution
centers, (2) large industrial applications, such as petrochemical processing plants
andpowerplants,and(3)atriums.Thereportfirstpresentsageneralbackgroundof
fire VID technology and applicable codes and standards. An assessment of envi-
ronmentalandhazardparametersforthegivenapplicationsispresented.Basedon
these parameters and input from the industry workshop, performance parameters
and installation issues are discussed.
Chapter 2
Background
2.1 VID Technology
In general, a fire VID system consists of video-based analytical algorithms that
integrate cameras into advanced flame and smoke detection systems. The video
image from an analog or digital camera is processed by proprietary software to
determine if smoke or flame from a fire is identified in the video. The detection
algorithmsusedifferenttechniquestoidentifytheflameandsmokecharacteristics
and can be based on spectral, spatial or temporal properties; these include
assessing changes in brightness, contrast, edge content, motion, dynamic fre-
quencies, and pattern and colormatching. As an active area of research, there are
multipleVIDsystemsindevelopment.However,thereareonlyaboutfivesystems
thatarecommerciallyavailable.Thecapabilitiesofthesesystemsvaryfrombeing
abletodetectonlyflameorsmoketobeingabletodetectbothaswellasproviding
motion detection and other surveillance/security features.
SmokeVIDsystemsrequireaminimumamountoflightforeffectivedetection
performance and most will not work in the dark. However, capabilities vary
between systems. In general, low light cameras can enhance performance and
somesystemshavebeendevelopedtooperateinthedarkusingIRilluminatorsand
IRsensitivecameras[e.g.3,4].FlameVIDsystemscanoperateeffectivelyindark
or lit spaces and some systems will have enhanced sensitivity to flaming fires in
the dark.
TherearetwobasicarchitecturesutilizedbyVIDsystems.Duetolimitationsof
video processing technologies, the initial systems consisted of multiple cameras
(usually a maximum of eight) each with an analog cable connection back to a
central processing unit that executes all video capture and alarm algorithms
(Fig. 2.1).Theprocessingunittypicallyhasrelaycontactoutputsandtheabilityto
send various alarm signals to standard fire alarm control units. Depending on the
manufacturer, systems can also record still shots or video clips associated with
alarm events and can provide instantaneous video display to a monitor.
D.T.Gottuk,VideoImageDetectionSystemsInstallationPerformanceCriteria, 3
SpringerBriefsinFire,DOI:10.1007/978-1-4614-4202-8_2,
(cid:2)FireProtectionResearchFoundation2008
4 2 Background
Display Monitor
Fire Control
FACU
Fig.2.1 VIDsystemwithCCTVcamerasindividuallyprocessedbyacentralcontrolunitthat
runsthealarmalgorithms
Advancement in technologies has allowed the second type of architecture
where both the video processing and alarm algorithm execution are performed at
thecamerainasingle,spot-typedevice(Fig. 2.2),justlikeatypicalopticalflame
detector. These fire detectors can have onboard storage of video and can be
integratedonaclosed-circuitsystemwithanadditionalcentralprocessingunit,or
it can be integrated as a spot detector on a standard fire alarm system. These
devicescanalsobemonitoredremotelyvianetworkorinternetconnections.Video
events of alarm conditions can be archived for each device and can be displayed
automatically to monitors for instantaneous viewing.
Asnoted,commerciallyavailablesystemsrangeincapabilities.Theyalsovary
considerablyintheirsetupandmannerofuse.Somesystemshavelittleornouser
definablesettingsandarealmostplug-and-play,andsomesystemsrequireatrained
manufacturer’s representative to customize the system to the application. Once
setup,thereislittlemaintenancerequiredofaVIDsystem.Similartoanyfieldof
viewdetector,theprimaryissueiskeepingtheopticalwindowscleanandthecamera
positionfixedandunobstructed.Mostsystemsmonitorthevideoimage,suchaslow
orexceedinglyhighlightlevels,videoloss,significantimagechanges,orobscured
camera images, and provide a warning if the image quality is degrading or not
sufficientforproperdetectionperformance.Currently,VIDsystemscanbetested/
checkedinoneofthreeways:(1)usingatargetsmokeorfiresource,(2)feedingthe
system a pre-recorded image of a flame or smoke event, or (3) using a product-
specificelectronicdevicethatdirectsapre-set‘‘light’’signaltotheVIDdetector.
2.1 VIDTechnology 5
Fig.2.2 Example of a spot-type flame VID device with camera and alarm processing in unit
(courtesyofMicropack)
VID systems provide unique advantages in a wide range of applications. One
advantage these systems offer is the ability to protect a larger area, while still
achievingfastdetection.ThisisparticularlytrueforsmokeVIDsystemscompared
to spot or beam smoke detectors. In many large facilities with excessive ceiling
heights,designersfinditimpracticaltouseconventionalsmokedetectiondevices.
VID systems are able to detect smoke or flame anywhere within the field of view
ofthecamera;whereasconventionalsmokedetectorsrequiresmoketomigrateto
the detector.VID systemscan also beused for outdoorapplications, such astrain
stations and off-shore oil platforms.
The ability to use the basic hardware of the VID system (i.e., the cameras and
wiring) for multiple purposes is one of the advantages of this technology. Inte-
grating video-based fire detection with video surveillance inherently minimizes
certain installation, maintenance and service costs and can increase system
availability due to more frequent use of and attention to the video equipment.
Providing fire protection for historic buildings poses many challenges to not dis-
turb the historic features of the structure. Running wire and mounting devices of
typicalfirealarmsystemsisjustnotpossibleinmanyoftheseapplicationsforboth
aesthetic and practical installation reasons. Many museums and historic buildings
already havesurveillancecamerasinstalled,whichmakestheuse ofVIDsystems
attractive.