Abstract:
A method, information processing system, and network that expands safety network coverage for first responder safety within a building environment. Activity of at least one independent network ( 106 ) is monitored. The independent network ( 106 ) includes at least a safety network. An emergency signal is received from the at least one independent network ( 106 ). Communication between at least the safety network ( 106 ) and a First responder network ( 110 ) is automatically bridged in response to receiving the emergency signal so as to manage data control and bandwidth allocation between the safety network and the first responder network. Other networks that may also be bridged with the first responder network so as to manage data control and bandwidth allocation among the various networks include IT networks and building automation networks in order to expand first responder network coverage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of network management, and more particularly relates to expanding safety network coverage for a first responder during an emergency situation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Office buildings, warehouses, and buildings used for many other purposes are beginning to incorporate various types of networks. For example, a building may comprise an Information Technology network (“IT”) that provides typical computer network functionalities, telephony services, video services, and the like. Another type of network is a building automation network (“BAN”). A BAN is a network that manages and automates various systems of a building such as mechanical systems, electrical systems, and the like. For example a BAN network can comprise environmental systems (e.g., HVAC systems) and lighting systems that are managed by the BAN. An additional type of network is a safety network that manages the safety systems within a building. In-building safety networks generate large amounts of real-time information that is useful to first responders. For example, in-building safety networks can determine fire location, hazmat material location, and the like. Building automation networks allow for control of various subsystems such as elevators and ventilation for smoke control. 
     Access to this information and control of these subsystems are limited to information presented at on-site display panels and information relayed to incident commanders via a dispatch center. Also, buildings comprising an internal wireless IT network can experience interference between the IT network and the first responder wireless equipment as well as any of the building&#39;s wireless safety equipment. This interference can impair first responder operations. Furthermore, data generated by the safety network can be compromised during the emergency incident if not stored in a device that has a high chance of surviving the incident. This information may be needed to perform a post-incident analysis. 
     Therefore a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, disclosed is a method, information processing system, and a network solution that expands safety network coverage for a first responder within a building environment. The method comprises monitoring activity of at least one independent network. The independent network includes at least a safety network. An emergency signal is received from the at least one independent network. Communications between at least the safety network and a first responder network is automatically bridged in response to receiving the emergency signal so as to manage data control and bandwidth allocation between the safety network and the first responder network. Other networks that may also be bridged with the first responder network so as to manage data control and bandwidth allocation among the various networks include IT networks and building automation networks in order to expand first responder network coverage. 
     In another embodiment, an information processing system for providing first responder safety within a building environment is disclosed. The information processing system includes a memory and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the memory. An incident monitor is adapted to receive an emergency signal from at least one independent network. A network manager is adapted to monitor activity of the at least one independent network. The independent network includes at least a safety network. The network manager automatically bridges, in response to receiving the emergency signal, communication between at least the safety network and a first responder network. 
     In yet another embodiment, a network for providing first responder safety within a building environment is disclosed. The network comprises at least one independent network comprising a safety network and a first responder network. At least one information processing system is communicatively coupled to the at least one independent network and the safety network. The information processing system includes a memory and a processor that is communicatively coupled to the memory. An incident monitor is adapted to receive an emergency signal from the at least one independent network. A network manager is adapted to monitor activity of the at least one independent network. The network manager automatically bridges, in response to receiving the emergency signal, communication between at least the safety network and the first responder network. 
     An advantage of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention is that critical information and resources across multiple networks can be provided to first responder personnel during times of an emergency. The present invention performs necessary bridging functions between various networks and first responder equipment during emergency situations. The present invention also manages bandwidth allocation between the various networks according to a current status of the building. Network data can be stored locally and off-site, thereby ensuring that valuable data is not compromised during an emergency, such as a fire. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is block diagram illustrating an exemplary system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is graphical representation that illustrates network resource prioritization according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a timing diagram illustrating network resource prioritization according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of a site controller according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process managing a plurality of network resources and prioritizing network resources during emergency situations according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
     The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. 
     Exemplary System 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  an exemplary system  100  is illustrated.  FIG. 1  shows a plurality of networks communicatively coupled to one or more information processing systems  102 . For example,  FIG. 1  shows a BAN network  104 , a safety network  106 , an IT network  108 , and a first responder network  110 . It should be noted that one or more networks can be added or removed to/from the system  100 . In one embodiment, the system  100  resides within an office building, warehouse, or the like. The information processing system  102 , in one embodiment, includes an incident monitor  112 , a network message monitor  114 , a data archiver  116 , a network manager  118 , and a database  120 . Each of these components are discussed in greater detail below. 
     The BAN  104 , as discussed above, manages and automates various systems of a building such as mechanical systems, electrical systems, and the like. The safety network  106 , as discussed above, manages the safety systems such as fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, emergency ventilation systems, alarm systems, and the like within a building. The IT network  108 , as discussed above, provides typical computer network functionalities, telephony services, video services, and the like. 
     The first responder network  110  is a network that provides information such as incident location, information from the safety network  106 , and the like. The first responder network  110  may allow first responder personnel to interact with the other networks in the building and perform required functions. It should be noted that each of these networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  comprise additional components not shown such as information processing systems, network equipment, and the like. It should also be noted that one or more of these networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can include one or more of the remaining networks. For example, the BAN  104  can include the safety network  106 . 
     The information processing system  102  manages and monitors each of these networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 . One of the functions of the information processing system  102  is to provide the necessary bridge functions to facilitate information sharing between the networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 , and public safety equipment during times of emergency. The term bridge functions as used herein in one embodiment means the data control at the data layer of the OSI model including any necessary physical and logical connectivity and security between one or more networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 . Unlike simple routing, the term bridge function as used herein manages the data control and bandwidth allocation between networks by processing of each frame of data as it receives it. More specifically, the information processing system  102  coordinates bandwidth allocation amongst the various networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  according to a current status of the building (e.g., emergency/non-emergency. The information processing system  102  can also store selected network messages and/or /data locally and off-site thereby ensuring that valuable data is not compromised during an emergency, such as a fire. Storing network traffic locally also ensures that first responder personnel can retrieve stored data if a connection to the off-site location is unavailable or not responsive enough. Network messages/data can include data from sensors such as environmental information (e.g., temperature, CO 2  measurements, smoke detection, and the like); data from IT networks; data from the BAN; and the like). 
     The information processing system  102  can be physically configured to withstand hostile environments such as fires, floods, and the like. Each of the networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and the information processing system  102  can be communicatively coupled to each other by one or more network protocols. For example, wired and/or wireless protocols may be used to communicatively couple each of the networks and the information processing system  102 . 
     Building Network Management During Emergency/Non-Emergency Situations 
     During times of non-emergency, the information processing system  102  monitors messages via the safety message monitor  114  that are transmitted over the safety and BAN networks  106 ,  104 . These messages can be time stamped and stored locally via the data archiver  116  in the database  120 . The data archiver  116  can also store the network messages at a remote database. Examples of such messages are readings from the building safety sensors and any commands issued to safety equipment such as enunciators. The information processing system  102 , in one embodiment, periodically queries devices on the network for status information. Devices can include smoke detectors, air sensors, sprinklers, door automation devices, motion sensors, thermostats, humidistats, and the like. Each of the devices communicatively coupled to the networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  100  can be associated with a network address. 
     In one embodiment, any message that is passed between the BAN  104  and the safety network  106  is routed through the information processing system  102  or a copy of the message is sent to the information processing system  102 . The incident monitor  112  within the information processing system  102  monitors one or more of the networks, such as the safety network  106 , to determine if an incident is occurring. An incident can include a fire, volatile gas contamination, flood, security breach, earthquake, violent acts, and the like. In one embodiment, the safety network  106  notifies the information processing system  102  of an emergency situation. The safety network  106  can detect an emergency situation via one of its sensors or by an individual manually notifying the safety network  106 . For example, an individual can pull a fire alarm, push a panic button, or the like. 
     During an emergency situation the information processing system  102  continues to store and begins to forward safety network messages. For example, safety network  106  messages can be forwarded to first responder equipment through the first responder network such as hand-held devices, personal terminals, terminals at dispatch centers, and the like. This allows the first responder personnel to be aware of safety information being received at the safety network  106 . For example, temperature data can be forwarded to first responder personnel through the first responder network  100  so that a fire can be located; information regarding safety sensors that have been activated can be sent to first responder personnel; and the like. 
     Also during emergency situations, the information processing system  102  acts as a gateway between the various networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 . For example, the network manager  118  within the information processing system  102  establishes secure connections to each network  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  as required by the security mechanism of each network. When an emergency situation is detected, the information processing system  102  can automatically connect to the first responder network  110 . Alternatively, the information processing system  102  can wait until first responder personnel initiate a connection. Once a connection with the first responder network  110  is established, the information processing system  102  sends its log of safety network messages and all messages recorded during the emergency to the first responder network  110 . This allows for off-site archiving, thereby providing further redundant storage of the data. The data can be archived on a remote information processing system, first responder devices such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like. 
     The network manager  118  also manages bandwidth allocation between the various networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  during emergency situations. For example, depending on the characteristics of the emergency, the first responder network  110  may require the most bandwidth. Therefore, portions of the IT network that provide less important services can be allocated less bandwidth. Also, the network manager  118  manages the networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  to ensure interference between wireless networks does not occur during an emergency. For example, two or more of the networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can be at least partially wireless. If these networks operate in the same frequency band such as 2.4 GHz and use standard protocols, such as IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15.4, the network manager  118  coordinates the bandwidth allocation between the two networks. In other words, the network manager  118  can notify one of the networks to stop transmitting so that the other network does not experience interference. In other words, the network manager  118  can preempt one or more networks from transmitting for a given period of time. Also, the network manager  118  can manage various portions of a single network that can potentially interfere with one another. 
     The networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  can be assigned different priorities based on the type of emergency, level of emergency as discussed with respect to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , and the like. It is important to note that the different priorities of an amount of network bandwidth allocated to network traffic during a particular period of time in one embodiment are shared across at least two of the networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 , and  110 . 
     One type of network may have more importance than another type of network throughout various stages of an emergency. For example, VoIP functions may be important during initial stages of an emergency to enable victims to communicate over the voice network. Therefore, this portion of the IT network  108 , in one example, is not de-allocated bandwidth. Stated differently, networks can be assigned different priorities based on the network type such as IT, safety, BAN, first responder, and the like. Emergency levels can be a direct function of the number of fire companies at the emergency location; a direct function of the number of sensors in an “alarm” state; a direct function of the proximity of the fire to hazmat areas or other critical areas; and the like. Emergency levels can indicate the seriousness/extent of the incident as well as the needs for more communication bandwidth on the part of the first responders. 
     Non-emergency networks can be configured to operate at substantially normal levels at initial stages of an emergency and have decreased functionality as the stages progress. This ensures that the first responder network  110  has sufficient bandwidth and resources during emergencies. The network management functions can also be extended to the first responder network  110 . For example, when a first responder device registers with an access point, the information processing system can notify the other devices registered with that access point to either retard resource usage, operate normally, or the like. 
     Additionally, the network manager  118  can detect that first responder personnel were originally tied into a wireline VoIP network and have now switched to WiFi communications. Other devices operating in the same frequency band can be prevented from transmitting so that the first responder equipment is not interfered with. If the network manager  118  detects that a first responder device has registered with a network, the first responder device can be given priority for bandwidth and resources over other network devices. 
     Therefore, the network manager  118  manages the various networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  so that networks such as the IT network  108  is not fully incapacitated by traffic on the safety and/or first responder networks  106 ,  110 . However, the network manager  118  also manages networks, such as the IT network  108 , so that they do not incapacitate traffic on the First responder or safety networks  106 ,  110 . 
       FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3  show an example of traffic prioritization periods. It should be noted that  FIG. 2  is only one example of how networks are managed by the information processing system  102 .  FIG. 2  shows that at time t≦0 (prior to the start of the incident) the emergency is at Emergency Level 0 and the IT network  108  is functioning normally and short blackout periods are scheduled so that nodes on the safety network are able to communicate and to avoid switching collisions. However, at the start of an incident at time t=0, the information processing system  102  assumes control of the IT network  108 . In other words, as the time for the emergency progresses, more bandwidth is apportioned for the safety network nodes. Hence, at t=t+t 1  (Emergency Level 1), t=t+t 2  . . . t=t+tn, more bandwidth is given to the safety network. 
     As can be seen, the present invention comprises an advantageous system that allows for critical information and resources to be available to first responder personnel during times of an emergency. The present invention provides an information processing system that performs necessary bridging functions between various networks and first responder equipment during emergency situations. The present invention also manages bandwidth allocation between the various networks according to a current status of the building. Network data can be stored locally and off-site, thereby ensuring that valuable data is not comprised during an emergency such as a fire. 
     Exemplary Information Processing System 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed view of the information processing system  102 . The information processing system  102  is based upon a suitably configured processing system adapted to implement the embodiment of the present invention. For example, a personal computer, workstation, or the like, may be used. The information processing system  102  includes a computer  402 . The computer  402  has a processor  404  that is connected to a main memory  406 , a mass storage interface  408 , a man-machine interface  410 , and network adapter hardware  412 . A system bus  414  interconnects these system components. 
     The main memory  406  includes the incident monitor  112 , network message monitor  114 , data archiver  116 , network manager  118 , and database  120 . These components have been discussed above in greater detail. Although illustrated as concurrently resident in the main memory  406 , it is clear that respective components of the main memory  406  are not required to be completely resident in the main memory  406  at all times or even at the same time. One or more of these components can be implemented as hardware. 
     The data storage device  416  can store data on a hard-drive or other media, such as a CD  418 . Although only one CPU  404  is illustrated for computer  402 , computer systems with multiple CPUs can be used equally effectively. Embodiments of the present invention further incorporate interfaces that each includes separate, fully programmed microprocessors that are used to off-load processing from the CPU  404 . Man-machine interface  410  allows technicians, administrators, and the like, to directly connect to the information processing system  102 . 
     An operating system (not shown) included in the main memory is a suitable multitasking operating system such as Linux, UNIX, Windows XP, and Windows Server  2003 . Embodiments of the present invention are able to use any other suitable operating system. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize architectures, such as an object oriented framework mechanism, for executing instructions of the components of operating system (not shown) on any processor located within the information processing system  102 . 
     The network adapter hardware  412  is used to provide an interface to the various networks  104 ,  106 ,  108 , Internet, and the like. Embodiments of the present invention are able to be adapted to work with any data communications connections including present day analog and/or digital techniques or via a future networking mechanism. 
     Process of Initiating a Handover Scanning Procedure on a Wireless Device 
       FIG. 5  is an operational flow diagram illustrating a process managing a plurality of networks and allocating bandwidth/resources between the networks when an emergency situation is detected. The operational flow diagram of  FIG. 5  begins at step  502  and flows directly to step  504 . The information processing system  102 , at step  504 , sets an update period P for archiving network messages/data. The update period determines the time interval between changes in the bandwidth allocation and archiving functions. The information processing system  102 , at step  506 , determines if an emergency level associated with the building is greater than 0. In one example, level 0 indicates that an emergency is not occurring and as the severity of an emergency increases the level increases to a higher number. Essentially, the update period defines the points along the vertical axis in  FIG. 2  at which the emergency level is evaluated and changes are made to the bandwidth allocated to the sensor node traffic. The update period is an integral multiple of the major intervals of  FIG. 3 , comprising a pair of contiguous “black out” and available sub-intervals. It is important to note that in another embodiment the allocating or sharing bandwidth/resource is not done by blacking out time intervals, a form of time division multiplexing, but through dynamic frequency multiplexing or spread spectrum techniques, such as orthogonal convolutional codes as in CDMA (code division multiple access) or a combination of both. In yet another embodiment, the ability to switch the types of traffic from physical network types i.e. wireline to wireless and vice-versa is used to reduce loading. If the result of this determination is negative, the information processing system  102 , at step  512 , determines network data that is to be archived, according to function A(EL). This determination is based on the emergency level, EL, which in this example, is 0. For example, general data can be archived during non-emergency situations and emergency specific information can be archived during emergency situations. The data can be archived locally at the information processing system  102  and/or remotely at an off-site location. The control flow returns to step  506 . If the result of the original determination at step  506  is positive, the information processing system  102 , at step  508 , determines if a first responder network  110  is present. For example, the information processing system  102  can determine if first responder equipment has synched with one or more of the building networks. 
     If the result of this determination is negative, the information processing system  102 , at step  510 , bridges the various building networks such as the BAN  104 , safety network  106 , IT network  108 , and the like. As described in  FIGS. 2-3 , the information processing system  102  also bridges the networks to allocate bandwidth between each of the networks based on emergency level or stage, according to function B(EL). The control flows to step  512 . If the result of this determination is positive, the information processing system  102 , at step  514 , bridges the various building networks such as the BAN  104 , safety network  106 , IT network  108 , and the like with the first responder network  110 . The information processing system  102  allocates bandwidth between each of the networks and the first responder network  110  based on emergency level or stage, according to the function B′(EL). The information processing system  102 , at step  516 , determines network data that is to be archived based on the level or stage of the emergency. The data can be archived locally at the information processing system  102  and/or remotely at an off-site location. The data can also be archived on one or more first responder devices. 
     In one embodiment, the information processing system  102  can determine how to archive data based on the emergency level as follows. The rate at which data from the sensors is archived can be changed. For example, in the initial stages of an emergency, sensor data may only be archived at a given rate, which is slower than the rate at which the sensors generate data. When first responders arrive at the scene of the incident, the emergency level may increase, as discussed above. Therefore, the archiving can also increase accordingly. If the incident is a fire and the fire approaches a hazmat area, the rate of archiving for those sensors around the area may be increased. Also, any data from other hazmat sensors located throughout the building can be added to the archiving process. 
     Non-Limiting Examples 
     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.