Patent Description:
Existing infrastructures may include numerous alarm notification devices that provide basic warnings (e.g., activating siren, audio, and/or flashing strobes) to occupants of the infrastructures during occurrences of hazard (e.g., fire, intruder in the infrastructures, power outage, etc.). When the occupants receive the warnings from the alarm notification devices, they may evacuate the infrastructures via the nearest exits. However, the nearest exists may not be safe (e.g., origin of the fire, point of entry for the intruder, etc.). To properly and safely avoid the hazard, detailed warnings may be necessary. While the alarm notification devices may be pervasive, they are unable to provide the detailed warnings to the occupants. For example, the alarm notification devices may be able to alert the occupants of the presences of the hazard, but they are unable to guide the occupants away from the hazard. Although there exists dynamic notification devices, it may be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming to install enough dynamic notification devices throughout an infrastructure to ensure that most, if not all, occupants are able to access detailed warnings or instructions. Therefore, improvements in mass notification may be desirable. <CIT> relates to an escape guiding apparatus including: a projecting section projecting an image on a floor by scanning a laser beam; a storage section storing escape guidance information for guiding a person who is escaping; and an image information generating section generating image information of the image to be projected based on the escape guidance information stored in the storage section. <CIT> relates to a hazard detector with a projection unit based on a light emitting semiconductor for projecting user-side information away from the hazard detector.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DETAILED DESCRIPTION.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a notification device as set out in claim <NUM>. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a notification system as set out in claim <NUM>.

The features believed to be characteristic of aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative aspects of the disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, using message notification devices with existing alarm notification devices may create a live platform for mass notifications and instructions within a building. Aspects of the present disclosure may capitalize on the distributed notification devices. By relying on the live platform, occupants may remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while following the safest and most up-to-date instructions based on the data being collected by the fire, security, and/or controls systems of the building. By constantly analyzing the environment throughout the entire building, the message notification devices may update and display the safest strategy for numerous emergency situations, tailored for every section of the building. In some implementations, the integrated notification devices may also provide visual aids and instructions for audible-impaired occupants. In some implementations, the integrated notification devices may also display non-emergency notifications such as public announcements, visual advertisements, videos, or other marketing collateral when the emergency mass notification system is not in use.

In some aspects, the integrated notification devices may allow an occupant to have a natural viewing angle to read the notifications while remaining aware of the situation in the surrounding areas. By projecting below, or around, an alarm notification device, the reading area projected by the integrated notification devices may be placed in the line-of-sight of the occupants. The message notification devices for retrofitting the alarm notification devices may conform to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the message notification device may be integrated into the notification network or function as a smart home device that creates an "invisible" interface that only appears when needed, requested, or triggered. Alternatively, the message notification device may include a blank screen for projecting images and/or messages. The screen may display the projected images and/or messages. The message notification device may include LED projection for display and/or infra-red (IR) laser diode and sensor/detector to allow a user to interact with the settings. The IR maps the location of the fingers/hands of the users and processes the movements based on displayed content and modifiable settings.

Turning now to <FIG>, a top-view of an infrastructure <NUM> may illustrate an example of an environment <NUM> for mass notification. The environment <NUM> may include the infrastructure <NUM>. The infrastructure may have a first staircase <NUM> (aka "East Staircase") for ingress into and egress out of the infrastructure <NUM> and/or reaching different floors of the infrastructure <NUM>. The infrastructure <NUM> may have an exit <NUM> (aka "North Exit") for ingress into and egress out of the infrastructure <NUM>. The infrastructure <NUM> may have a second staircase <NUM> (aka "West Staircase") for ingress into and egress out of the infrastructure <NUM> and/or reaching different floors of the infrastructure <NUM>. The environment <NUM> may include integrated notification devices 120a-l configured to receive notifications and display messages. The integrated notification devices 120a-l may be placed in compliance with one or more local or national standards, such as the NFPA standard.

In some implementations, the environment <NUM> may include a server <NUM> for receiving hazard information and/or transmitting messages to be displayed by the integrated notification devices 120a-l. In some examples, the server <NUM> may be a standalone server or a fire panel. The server <NUM> may be communicatively coupled with a repository <NUM>. The server <NUM> and/or the repository <NUM> may be local or remote. The server <NUM> may include a communication component <NUM> for receiving hazard information from fire and/or security control systems (not shown) associated with the infrastructure <NUM>. The communication component <NUM> may transmit messages to be displayed by the integrated notification devices 120a-l. The server <NUM> may include a hazard component <NUM> that analyzes one or more hazards that may occur within the infrastructure <NUM> and provides appropriate messages corresponding to the one or more hazards. The messages may be stored in the integrated notification devices 120a-l and selected by the server <NUM> depending on the analysis of the one or more hazards. Alternatively, the messages may be transmitted to the integrated notification devices 120a-l by the server <NUM>. In one implementation, the server <NUM> may transmit the same message to the integrated notification devices 120a-l. For example, the integrated notification devices 120a-l may display the same message among the integrated notification devices 120a-l. In another implementation, the server <NUM> may transmit different messages to the integrated notification devices 120a-l. In another example, a portion of the integrated notification devices <NUM> may display a first message and a different portion of the integrated notification devices <NUM> may display a second message different from the first message. The server <NUM> may include a direction component <NUM> that analyzes the location of any hazard and provides an appropriate escape route. In one example, the messages provided by the server <NUM> may include warnings and/or escape routes. The integrated notification devices 120a-l are placed on the walls of the infrastructure <NUM>. The integrated notification devices 120a-l may be placed at "eye level," or between <NUM>-<NUM> feet above the floor.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the server <NUM> may analyze, control, store (in the repository <NUM>), distribute, transmit, receiver, and/or relay the hazard information, transmitting messages, environmental data, or other information.

During an emergency, a hazard <NUM> may occur within the infrastructure <NUM>. The hazard <NUM> may occur near (e.g., within <NUM> foot, <NUM> feet (ft), <NUM> ft, <NUM> ft, <NUM> ft, or more) the first staircase <NUM>. The hazard <NUM> may include a fire (accidental or intentionally set), a security breach, an intruder, an active-shooter, a carbon monoxide leak, or other events that may cause harm to the occupants. Alternatively, the hazard <NUM> may include events that do not occur within a specific location within the infrastructure <NUM>, such as an earthquake, severe weather, lockdowns, or other threatening or non-threatening events.

During the emergency, each of integrated notification devices 120a-l may display the same message or different messages based on the known hazard (e.g., hazard <NUM>) to guide the occupants to safety. The messages may include the same recommendation or different recommendations to be taken by the occupants, the types of hazard detected, emergency contact information, recommended escape routes, directions to safe exits closest to the integrated notification devices 120a-l, or other appropriate message to help the occupants in the emergency.

In one non-limiting example, a hazard detector <NUM> may transmit an indication of hazard to the server <NUM> associated with the hazard <NUM> occurring near the first staircase <NUM>. The hazard detector <NUM> may be an optical smoke detector, a passive infra-red detector, an ionization smoke detector, a carbon-monoxide detector, an intrusion alarm, a water leak detector, or other detectors. In response, the hazard component <NUM> may analyze the hazard <NUM> and determine that the hazard <NUM> is a fire that renders the first staircase <NUM> inaccessible. The direction component <NUM> may determine escape routes <NUM>, <NUM>. The communication component <NUM> may transmit individualized or different messages to the integrated notification devices 120a-l. For example, the communication component <NUM> of the server <NUM> may transmit a message ("Evacuate → North Exit") to the integrated notification devices 120a, 120b, 120c. The message, when projected onto the wall, recommends the occupants reading the message projected by the integrated notification devices 120a, 120b, 120c to evacuate the infrastructure <NUM> ("Evacuate"), walk toward the right direction ("→"), and leave the infrastructure <NUM> via the North Exit ("North Exit," or equivalently, the exit <NUM>). The message may recommend the occupants to exit the infrastructure along the escape route <NUM>. In some implementations, the hazard detector <NUM> may be one or more hazard detectors.

In some examples, the communication component <NUM> of the server may transmit a message ("Evacuate ← North Exit") to the integrated notification devices 120d, 120e. The message, when projected onto the wall, recommends the occupants reading the messages projected by the integrated notification devices 120d, 120e to evacuate the infrastructure <NUM> ("Evacuate"), walk toward the right direction ("←"), and leave the infrastructure <NUM> via the North Exit ("North Exit," or equivalently, the exit <NUM>). The message may recommend the occupants to exit the infrastructure along the escape route <NUM>.

In some examples, the direction component <NUM> may determine that the integrated notification device 120e should not display the message ("Evacuate → East Staircase") even though the integrated notification device 120e is closer to the first staircase <NUM> ("East Staircase") than the exit <NUM> ("North Exit"). If the integrated notification device 120e displays the "Evacuate → East Staircase" message, occupants following the recommendation along a route <NUM> may be unable to evacuate the infrastructure <NUM> because the hazard <NUM> may obstruct the access to the first staircase <NUM> ("East Staircase"). Therefore, even though the integrated notification device 120e is closer to the first staircase <NUM> ("East Staircase") than the exit <NUM> ("North Exit"), the direction component <NUM> may determine that the message to be displayed by the integrated notification device 120e is "Evacuate ← North Exit.

In some implementations, the communication component <NUM> of the server <NUM> may transmit messages to the integrated notification devices 120f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 120i, 120j, <NUM>, <NUM> that recommend the occupants to evacuate along the escape route <NUM>. For example, the messages displayed by the integrated notification devices 120f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 120i, 120j, <NUM> may be "Evacuate → West Staircase. " The message displayed by the integrated notification devices <NUM> may be "Evacuate ← West Staircase.

In alternative implementations, the hazard <NUM> may include an active shooter is in the infrastructure <NUM>. The hazard component <NUM> may determine that the recommendation is for the occupants to return to a nearest room and bar the door. The communication component <NUM> may send the message ("Retum to Room Bar Door") to be displayed by the integrated notification devices 120a-l. Alternatively, if the location of a shooter is known, the message may identify the location of the shooter and/or provide an escape route.

In another instance, the hazard <NUM> may include a severe weather (e.g., tornado, typhoon, thunderstorm, etc.). The hazard component <NUM> may determine that the recommendation is for the occupants to stay indoor within the infrastructure. The communication component <NUM> may send the message ("Stay Indoor") to be displayed by the integrated notification devices 120a-l.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of the integrated notification device <NUM> may include an alarm notification device <NUM>. The alarm notification device <NUM> may include a visual notification indicator <NUM> that provides visual notifications (e.g., strobe lights, flashing lights). The alarm notification device <NUM> may include a speaker <NUM> that broadcasts audio notifications. The integrated notification device <NUM> may display messages in a display area <NUM> near the integrated notification device <NUM>, such as beneath the integrated notification device <NUM>. In other implementations, the display area <NUM> may be to the left, right, above and/or below the integrated notification device <NUM>. In certain implementations, the display area <NUM> may display the messages in two or more directions. The display area <NUM> may be a surface near the integrated notification device <NUM>, such as a portion of a wall or a projector screen. A projector screen may include a wall-mounted or pull-down white or gray screen. In some implementations, the projector may project different patterns of light onto the display area (e.g., wall, screen) to display a message, one or more words, one or more shapes, one or more signs or symbols, or other patterns. In one example, the projector may display the message "Evacuate ← North Exit," which includes the words "Evacuate" and "North Exit," and the symbol "←.

According to some aspects, the integrated notification device <NUM> may display advertisements, public announcements, non-threatening messages, or other messages when the server <NUM> does not detect a hazardous event in the infrastructure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a first implementation of the integrated notification device <NUM> may include a message notification device <NUM> placed behind the alarm notification device <NUM>. The integrated notification device <NUM> may be mounted into a portion of a wall <NUM> or on a surface of the wall <NUM>. The alarm notification device <NUM> may include a terminal block <NUM> for receiving electrical energy and/or communicating with the server <NUM> via an input link <NUM> and an output link <NUM>. The input link <NUM> may include wired and/or wireless connections that provide direct current (DC) and/or alternating current (AC) electrical energy to the alarm notification device <NUM> through the terminal block <NUM>. The input link <NUM> may include wired and/or wireless connections that provide downlink communication channels between the server <NUM> and the integrated notification device <NUM>. The output link <NUM> may include wired and/or wireless connections that provide uplink communication channels between the server <NUM> and the integrated notification device <NUM>.

According to the invention,the notification device <NUM> includes a projection control module (PCM) <NUM>. The PCM <NUM> may receive electrical energy and/or downlink communication via the retrofitted input link <NUM> connected with the terminal block <NUM>. The PCM <NUM> may transmit uplink communication via the retrofitted output link <NUM> connected with the terminal block <NUM>. The retrofitted output link <NUM> may be connected to the output link <NUM> through the terminal block <NUM>. The retrofitted input link <NUM> may be connected to the input link <NUM> through the terminal block <NUM>. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the message notification device <NUM> may rely on existing infrastructures and/or hardware associated with the traditional notification tool <NUM> to communicate with the server <NUM> and/or receive electrical energy. The PCM <NUM> may be a printed circuit assembly, a field-programmable gate array, a programmable gate array or other circuit and/or devices.

According to the invention,the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> causes a projector <NUM> to emit light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. One or more mirrors, or reflective surfaces, 340a, 340b may reflect the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM> to display the message in the display area <NUM> on the wall <NUM>. In an optional implementation, the message notification device <NUM> may include a lens <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> reflected off of the one or more mirrors 340a, 340b. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area <NUM>. At least some of the components of the integrated notification device <NUM> may be implemented in other examples described below.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a second implementation of the integrated notification device <NUM> may include the message notification device <NUM> placed behind the alarm notification device <NUM>. The integrated notification device <NUM> is mounted on a surface of the wall <NUM>.

In some aspects of the present disclosure the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> may cause the projector <NUM> to emit the light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM>. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes of words and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area <NUM>. In another example, the lens <NUM> may deflect the light patterns <NUM> toward the display area <NUM> on the wall <NUM>. In an implementation, the integrated notification device <NUM> may be mounted to an optional electrical box <NUM> in the wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a third implementation of the integrated notification device <NUM> may include the message notification device <NUM> placed within the alarm notification device <NUM>. The integrated notification device <NUM> may be mounted on a surface of the wall <NUM>.

In some aspects of the present disclosure the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> may cause the projector <NUM> to emit the light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM>. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes of words and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area <NUM>. In an implementation, the integrated notification device <NUM> may be mounted to the optional electrical box <NUM> in the wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a first implementation of a message notification device <NUM> may be a standalone device that projects messages transmitted by the server <NUM>. In some implementations, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted into a portion of the wall <NUM>.

According to the invention, the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> causes a projector <NUM> to emit light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. One or more mirrors 340a, 340b may reflect the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM> to display the message in the display area <NUM> on the wall <NUM>. In an optional implementation, the message notification device <NUM> may include a lens <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> reflected off of the one or more mirrors 340a, 340b. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes of words and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area <NUM>. In an implementation, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted to an optional electrical box <NUM> in the wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of another implementation of a message notification device <NUM> may be a standalone device that projects messages transmitted by the server <NUM>. In some implementations, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted into a portion of the wall <NUM>.

In some aspects of the present disclosure the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> may cause the projector <NUM> to emit the light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM>. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes of words and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area <NUM>. In another example, the lens <NUM> may deflect the light patterns <NUM> toward the display area <NUM> on the wall <NUM>. In an implementation, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted to the optional electrical box <NUM> in the wall <NUM>.

In some aspects of the present disclosure the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> may cause the projector <NUM> to emit the light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM>. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes of words and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area patterns <NUM>. In an implementation, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted to the optional electrical box <NUM> in the wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, and referencing <FIG>, a side view of another implementation of a message notification device <NUM> may be a standalone device that projects messages transmitted by the server <NUM>. The notification device may read input signals in the display area <NUM>. In some implementations, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted into a portion of the wall <NUM>. The message notification device <NUM> may include the battery <NUM> for receiving electrical energy via the input link <NUM>. The input link <NUM> may include wired and/or wireless connections that provide direct current (DC) and/or alternating current (AC) electrical energy to the message notification device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may store the received electrical energy and provide the electrical energy to components of the message notification device <NUM>. The input link <NUM> may include wired and/or wireless connections that provide downlink communication channels between the server <NUM> and the message notification device <NUM>. The message notification device <NUM> may include the output link <NUM>. The output link <NUM> may include wired and/or wireless connections that provide uplink communication channels between the server <NUM> and the message notification device <NUM>.

According to the invention, the message notification device <NUM> includes the PCM <NUM>. The PCM <NUM> may receive electrical energy and/or downlink communication via a link <NUM>. The PCM <NUM> may transmit uplink communication via a wireless link <NUM> or the link <NUM>. The PCM <NUM> may receive downlink communication via the wireless link <NUM>.

According to the invention,the PCM <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM> causes the projector <NUM> to emit light patterns <NUM> that displays the message received from the server <NUM>. The lens <NUM> may amplify, deflect, filter, enhance, and/or process the light patterns <NUM> emitted from the projector <NUM>. In one example, the lens <NUM> may increase the sizes of words and/or control the shape of the message displayed in the display area <NUM>. In another example, the lens <NUM> may deflect the light patterns <NUM> toward the display area <NUM> on the wall <NUM>. In an implementation, the message notification device <NUM> may be mounted to the optional electrical box <NUM> in the wall <NUM>.

In a not claimed embodiment, the message notification device <NUM> may include a detector <NUM> that detects motion at least in the display area <NUM>. The detector <NUM> may include an IR diode and sensor that tracks motions of the occupant's body, such as fingers. The detector <NUM> may include one or more photodetector that captures images of the occupant's body (e.g., fingers) and perform image analysis to determine the motions. For example, during the occurrence of the hazard <NUM>, the projector <NUM> may display a virtual number pad <NUM> in the display area <NUM> on the wall <NUM>. In another example, the projector <NUM> may project a single "help" button. An occupant in the infrastructure <NUM> may be harmed by the hazard <NUM> (e.g., burnt by the fire, smoke inhalation). In response, the occupant may move his/her finger sequentially over the virtual keys "<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>. " The detector <NUM> may detect the motion and transmit a detected signal <NUM>, containing the sequence of "<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>," to the PCM <NUM>. The PCM <NUM> may relay the sequence to the server <NUM> via the wireless link <NUM> and/or the output link <NUM>. The server <NUM>, in response to receiving the sequence, may recognize the detected signal <NUM> as the emergency number for the police department, fire department, and/or emergency medical services. The server <NUM> may automatically contact the police department, fire department, and/or emergency medical services on behalf of the occupant and summon assistance to the occupant in the infrastructure <NUM>. In some implementations, the server <NUM> may transmit location data (e.g., coordinate) to the authority to assist in locating the occupant. In certain aspects, the message notification device <NUM> may support two-way communication for allowing the occupant to communicate with the authority.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the message notification device <NUM> may include a link that provides electrical energy to the components of the message notification device <NUM> (e.g., the PCM <NUM>, projector <NUM>, detector <NUM>, etc.) and a separate link that provides one or more communication channel for uplink and downlink communications.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a method <NUM> for mass notification may be performed by the communication component <NUM>, the hazard component <NUM>, the direction component <NUM>, and/or the server <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may receive an indication signal from a detector in an infrastructure, wherein the indication signal is transmitted by the detector in response to detecting a hazard in the infrastructure. For example, the communication component <NUM> of the server <NUM> may receive an indication signal from the detector <NUM> in the infrastructure <NUM>. The detector <NUM> may detect a fire, earthquake, intrusion, active shooter, flood, carbon monoxide leak, or other events that may be dangerous to the occupants of the infrastructure <NUM>. The detector <NUM> may send the indication signal in response to detecting the hazard <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may generate a plurality of messages, wherein the plurality of messages is associated with the hazard. For example, the hazard component <NUM> and/or the direction component <NUM> of the server <NUM> may generate the messages "Evacuate → North Exit," "Evacuate ← North Exit," "Evacuate → West Staircase," and "Evacuate ← West Staircase. " The messages may include recommendations and/or directions for the occupant to safely exit the infrastructure <NUM> while avoiding the hazard <NUM>. Some or all of the contents of the messages may be predetermined and/or stored in the server <NUM> and/or the repository <NUM>. For example, the server <NUM> and/or the repository <NUM> may store the words/phrases "Warning," "Lockdown," "Stay," "Indoor," "Evacuate," "Return to Room," "Bar Door," "North Exit," "East Staircase," and "West Staircase," and the symbols "←" and "→. " Based on the analysis performed by the hazard component <NUM> and/or the direction component <NUM>, the hazard component <NUM> and/or the direction component <NUM> may generate the messages "Evacuate → North Exit," "Evacuate ← North Exit," "Evacuate → West Staircase," and "Evacuate ← West Staircase.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may transmit the plurality of messages to a plurality of integrated notification devices, wherein each of the plurality of integrated notification devices includes a link that provides a communication channel with a server, a projector configured to emit light patterns, and a projection control module (PCM) connected with the link and the projector, wherein the PCM is configured to receive a message from the server via the link and cause the projector to project the message on a surface using the light patterns. The plurality of messages may be the same message or different messages with different messages being transmitted to different integrated notification devices. For example, the communication component <NUM> of the server <NUM> may transmit the messages "Evacuate → North Exit," "Evacuate ← North Exit," "Evacuate → West Staircase," and "Evacuate ← West Staircase" to the integrated notification devices 120a-l. The integrated notification devices 120a, 120b, 120c may receive the message "Evacuate → North Exit. " The integrated notification devices 120d, 120e may receive the message "Evacuate ← North Exit. " The integrated notification devices 120f, <NUM>, <NUM>, 120i, 120j, <NUM> may receive the message "Evacuate → West Staircase. " The integrated notification device <NUM> may receive the message "Evacuate ← West Staircase. " In alternative implementations, the server <NUM> may transmit representations of the messages to the integrated notification devices. For example, if "Evacuate → North Exit" is stored as message <NUM> in the integrated notification devices 120a, 120b, 120c, the communication component <NUM> of the server <NUM> may transmit "message <NUM>" to the integrated notification devices 120a, 120b, 120c to indicate "Evacuate → North Exit.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of a method <NUM> for displaying a message may be performed by the PCM <NUM> and/or the projector <NUM> of the message notification device <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may receive the message, from an alarm notification device via a link. For example, the PCM <NUM> may receive the message sent by the server <NUM> and/or the communication component <NUM> of the server <NUM> via the input link <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> may, in response to receiving the message, cause a projector to project a light pattern displaying the message. For example, the PCM <NUM> may cause the projector <NUM> to display the message on a surface of the wall <NUM> in the display area <NUM>.

Aspects of the present disclosures, such as the server <NUM> and/or the PCAs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In an aspect of the present disclosures, features are directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An example of such a computer system <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The server <NUM> and/or the PCAs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, may include some or all of the components of the computer system <NUM>.

The computer system <NUM> includes one or more processors, such as processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is connected with a communication infrastructure <NUM> (e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). The term "bus," as used herein, can refer to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to transfer data between computer components within a singular or multiple systems. The bus can be a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others. Various software aspects are described in terms of this example computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of the disclosures using other computer systems and/or architectures.

The computer system <NUM> may include a display interface <NUM> that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure <NUM> (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit <NUM>. Computer system <NUM> also includes a main memory <NUM>, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory <NUM>. The secondary memory <NUM> may include, for example, a hard disk drive <NUM>, and/or a removable storage drive <NUM>, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive, etc. The removable storage drive <NUM> reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit <NUM> in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit <NUM> represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, USB flash drive etc., which is read by and written to removable storage drive <NUM>. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit <NUM> includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data. In some examples, one or more of the main memory <NUM>, the secondary memory <NUM>, the removable storage unit <NUM>, and/or the removable storage unit <NUM> may be a non-transitory memory.

Alternative aspects of the present disclosures may include secondary memory <NUM> and may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system <NUM>. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit <NUM> and an interface <NUM>. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units <NUM> and interfaces <NUM>, which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit <NUM> to computer system <NUM>.

Computer system <NUM> may also include a communications interface <NUM>. Communications interface <NUM> allows software and data to be transferred between computer system <NUM> and external devices. Examples of communications interface <NUM> may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface <NUM> are in the form of signals <NUM>, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface <NUM>. These signals <NUM> are provided to communications interface <NUM> via a communications path (e.g., channel) <NUM>. This path <NUM> carries signals <NUM> and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, an RF link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage drive <NUM>, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive <NUM>, and signals <NUM>. These computer program products provide software to the computer system <NUM>. Aspects of the present disclosures are directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory <NUM> and/or secondary memory <NUM>. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface <NUM>. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system <NUM> to perform the features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosures, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor <NUM> to perform the features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosures. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system <NUM>.

In an aspect of the present disclosures where the method is implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system <NUM> using removable storage drive <NUM>, hard drive <NUM>, or communications interface <NUM>. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor <NUM>, causes the processor <NUM> to perform the functions described herein. In another aspect of the present disclosures, the system is implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

Claim 1:
An integrated notification device (<NUM>) arranged to be mounted on a surface of a wall (<NUM>), the notification device comprising:
a projector (<NUM>) configured to project light patterns (<NUM>) on a surface;
a projection control module, PCM (<NUM>) communicatively coupled with the projector, wherein the PCM is configured to:
receive, from a server (<NUM>) via a link, an emergency message including a warning of a hazard (<NUM>); and
cause the projector to project the emergency message on the surface using the light patterns;
characterized by the projector being configured to project the light patterns on the surface of the same wall on which the integrated notification device is mounted.