Konan Kouiki Fire Department

March 2017
Shiga, Japan

Installation Details

Installation of a Multi-Screen System with LCD Capability, Timed with an Equipment Upgrade

The Disaster Control Division of the Konan Kouiki Fire Department operates a Fire Prevention Command System with advanced functions that contributes to the region's fire prevention activities.
The large, multi-screen system that was installed with this upgrade is used to display all of the information that is delivered by the overall system. Fire departments generally upgrade their system once every 10 years, but since the projectors used by the previous control room were 12 years old, their replacement was considered to be a matter of some urgency. For the product proposal, a Panasonic system and a system of another brand were arranged side-by-side for a demonstration and the following features were determined to be superior for the Panasonic multi-screen system:

Vivid coloring and high detail
A wide viewing angle with visibility from both ends of the room
A narrow bezel that doesn't block the image display
Minimal equipment heating even during continuous operation
An anti-glaring process that minimizes room lighting reflection, etc

Yasuo Imai, Manager of the Disaster Control Division, described the reasons for selecting the Panasonic system as follows, "The display was very easy to see, with no stress even when viewed from an angle. We decided that the operators would be comfortable in their daily use of the system."

System Outline

Constantly Changing Information and Motion Images Are Sharp and Crisp

The large multi-screen system with two displays mounted vertically and eight TH-55LFV6 displays mounted horizontally are arranged into four blocks. The block in the left-center shows the status of 199 emergency calls, the block in the right-center shows a map with the points where disasters have been generated, the block at the right end shows the configuration of crews in action and images from cameras mounted to vehicles, and the block at the left end shows broadcasting from four TV stations for use in collecting information.
There are no compatibility problems with the system, and connection with the controls is smooth. Following installation, the cameras on board vehicles and video images taken by crew members using smartphones are clear and sharp. The on-site situation can be clearly and objectively grasped by the control room. Mr. Imai explains, "Our goal with the new system was to 'visualize information.' The excellent visibility of the multi-screen system allowed us to share information, and effectively linked the control room with the site."

Excellent Visibility and High Reliability

The control room is equipped with five control desks that monitor the 119 emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For this reason, it is essential that the displays at these five desks provide clear information. The high-resolution IPS panel technology in the TH-55LFV6 displays make it possible to see the necessary information even when viewing from an angle. The anti-glare process also reduces reflection from the lighting and other light sources, so high visibility is maintained in any part of the room.
Durability is also crucial because the control room operates constantly. Assistant Manager Ryuzo Hisakawa added, "Ordinary companies work 8 hours a day, but we're in operation a full 24 hours a day. Since we need to operate 3 times the usual amount of time, durability and reliability were vital points in our equipment selection. The ability for highly durable panels and electronic components to support the system was also one of the strengths of these products.

Natural Image Displays and Smooth Operation After Installation

Since a multi-vision system based on projectors was used prior to the replacement, there was some concern that the bezels (joints) between the screens might hinder the view. However, the ultra-narrow 3.5-mm bezel design is highly praised by the operators, with descriptions such as, "It doesn't bother me at all," and " The screen is bright and easy to see." When considering the layout of the new control room, the fact that the multi-screen depth is so shallow provides an advantage that only a flat-panel display — enabling the space to be used more effectively.

Since the depth of the multi-screen system is shallow, the control room space can be effectively used.

An IPS LCD panel, with excellent color reproduction and a wide angle of view, is used. The image can be clearly seen all the way from the command table at the end of the room.

Displays can be linked with the control desks. There is no effect from the reflection of room lighting.

High-definition display functions clearly show details. And the visibility is excellent due to the narrow bezels.

Konan Kouiki Fire Department Disaster Control Division

Support Base for Regional Activities, Southern Shiga Prefecture

The Konan Regional Fire Department, which has jurisdiction over the four cities of Kusatsu, Moriyama, Ritto, and Yasu in the southeastern region of Lake Biwa, comprises the three organizations of the Naka Fire Department, which oversees local activities, the Kouiki Municipal Disaster Center, which disseminates disaster-related information through tours of its facilities, etc., and the Disaster Control Center, which receives 119 emergency calls and issues commands.
The Disaster Control Division, which installed the system described in this System Report operates as a control tower for fire prevention and emergency activities to protect the lives and assets of local residents under the slogan, "Security for the Soul, Safety for the Body, and Comfort for the Town."

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