Composite Image Smoke Detection via Camera Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detectors require smoke to be physically present to detect fires, which can reduce sensitivity and delay detection of smoke and fire, especially when smoke is not proximate to the detector.
Innovation Solution
A smoke detection system employing multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view to capture and combine images, generating a composite image frame that compares pixel changes to detect smoke and fire by identifying differences from a background frame, and providing alerts when smoke or fire is present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If smoke detectors use physical sensors to detect smoke, then the detection mechanism is simple and reliable, but the detection sensitivity and speed are reduced when smoke is not proximate to the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical sensor-based smoke detection system with an optical imaging system using cameras. Instead of requiring smoke particles to physically contact sensors, the system captures images of smoke through its interaction with light, enabling remote detection without direct physical contact between the detector and smoke
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based sensor detection to area-based image detection by capturing two-dimensional visual information. Multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view create a composite three-dimensional representation of the monitored space, allowing smoke detection across a volumetric region rather than at a single point
2Area of stationary object
If smoke detectors require smoke to be physically present at the detector, then the device structure is simple, but the detection range and coverage are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple camera systems with overlapping fields of view to create a comprehensive detection coverage. The composite image frame integrates data from multiple sources, combining their individual fields of view into a unified three-dimensional detection volume that covers a larger area than any single camera could achieve alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the detection space into multiple overlapping fields of view from different camera positions. Each camera segment covers a specific portion of the three-dimensional space, and the segments are integrated to form complete coverage. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by breaking down the large detection volume into manageable angular sectors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for smoke and fire detection. An example method includes receiving two or more image frames that represent images of two or more areas, combining the two or more image frames to generate a composite image frame that represents an image of an area comprising the two or more areas, comparing the composite image frame to a background frame associated with the area to determine one or more pixels of the composite frame having a pixel value that is different from corresponding pixels of the background frame, determining a smoke frame, wherein pixels of the smoke frame that correspond to the one or more pixels of the composite frame comprise a pixel value associated with smoke, determining a smoke value corresponding to pixel values of the pixels of the smoke frame, determining that the smoke value exceeds a smoke threshold value, determining a smoke or fire condition based at least in part on determining that the smoke value exceeds a smoke threshold value, and providing an indication of the smoke or fire condition.