Crowd Space Simulator (CSS)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Building managers and event organizers might face complex challenges when dealing with a large number of individuals in confined spaces. Evacuating buildings in normal circumstances (end of events, normal circulation) as well as under unexpected events (fires and other emergencies) must be done based on contingency plans to improve traffic flow and avoid injuries. As well, building managers need to make the best use of the space they control to maximize profitability. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused new problems, because buildings need to be reorganized to comply with changing health regulations, resulting in larger costs and time consumption. As well, exploring new options for enhanced building management and performance is not practical (for example, studying how the blocking fire exits during an evacuation).To solve this problem, we have invented new methods and a software tool, called Crowd Space Simulator (CSS) to provide building managers and event organizers a way to manage crowds safely. CSS allows using (existing or new) floor plans to automatically generate simulations of the occupancy and flow of individuals in buildings. CSS improve manual solutions currently in place and provides an analysis of a large number of scenarios to enhance decision-making abilities. In addition, we can identify bottlenecks in pedestrian flow that can be mitigated by testing options without modifying the physical building. CSS solves managers problems by providing them with an accurate, cost-efficient, and timely solution. This proposal aims at to assess the commercialization value for our technology. To achieve this, we will participate on the Lab2Market NSERC program (https://lab2market.ca/). Within this program we will conduct an extensive market assessment of this technology that will inform the future commercialization strategy by providing information about market interest, identifying barriers to market entry and potential partners for future development. We will hold in-depth interviews with several key stakeholders in Canada, in addition to a comprehensive market data review and analysis.