Audio Alarm Detection Sensor for Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-alone audible security devices, such as smoke detectors and freezer thaw alarms, are ineffective if no one is within hearing distance to respond, and they do not notify central monitoring centers of alarm conditions.
Innovation Solution
An audio alarm detection sensor is used to detect the sound emitted by these devices, allowing them to be interfaced with a security system, which then transmits an electrical alarm signal over a public switched telephone network to notify authorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If stand-alone audible alarm devices are used, then the alarm can be heard locally, but the alarm condition cannot be reported to a central monitoring station
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an audio alarm detection sensor as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between standalone audible alarm devices and the central monitoring station. This sensor detects the alarm sound waves and converts them into electrical signals that can be transmitted to the security system, enabling remote reporting without requiring direct integration of the original alarm device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic alarm system with an electronic detection and transmission system. Instead of relying on the original alarm device's direct connection, the system uses acoustic wave detection followed by electrical signal processing and transmission over telephone networks, substituting mechanical directness with electronic mediation
2Reliability
If stand-alone audible alarm devices are used, then the device can alert people locally, but it is ineffective if no one is within hearing distance
Solution Approach 1:
The audio alarm detection sensor serves as a mediator that extends the alarm's reach beyond human hearing distance. It continuously monitors for alarm sounds and immediately transmits notifications to the central station, ensuring the alarm remains effective regardless of human presence or mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the audio alarm detection sensor continuously monitors the environment for alarm sounds and provides immediate feedback to the central monitoring station, ensuring continuous verification of alarm conditions and enabling remote response
3Adaptability or versatility
If off-the-shelf audible devices are integrated into a security system, then alarm reporting capability is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio alarm detection sensor is designed as a universal interface that can detect and process alarm signals from various types of standalone devices (smoke detectors, CO detectors, alarm clocks, etc.). This single sensor type works with multiple different alarm device types, eliminating the need for device-specific integration components
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as a universal intermediary that translates diverse alarm sounds into a standardized electrical signal format compatible with the security system. This mediation layer abstracts away the differences between various alarm device types, simplifying integration while maintaining broad compatibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the integration of off-the-shelf audible devices into a security system, ensuring reliable and quick reporting of alarm conditions to a central monitoring station, even if no one is present to hear the alarm.
Implementation Method 1
an audio alarm detection sensor to detect the sound emitted by stand alone consumer alarm products
Data Source
AI summary
A building security arrangement includes a sensor for emitting an audible alarm signal. A security system installed in the building detects the audible alarm signal and transmits an electrical alarm signal over a public switched telephone network in response to the detection of the audible alarm signal. A central monitoring station receives the electrical alarm signal over the public switched telephone network and notifies an alarm authority in response to receiving the electrical alarm signal.