Dual-Processor Fire Alarm Detection for Low-Power Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing house fire alarms face challenges in achieving low power consumption, high sensitivity, and high reliability simultaneously, particularly in areas prone to false alarms like kitchens, where opto-electronic smoke detectors are sensitive but power-consuming, and constant-temperature thermal sensors are reliable but less sensitive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage fire alarm device using two processors with different capabilities, where a first processor with lower capability processes a single light source at a low frame rate in standby mode, and a second processor with higher capability processes multiple light sources at a higher frame rate, combined with a thermal sensor to reduce false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an opto-electronic smoke detector uses a complicated algorithm to distinguish smoke types and reduce false alarm rate, then the false alarm rate is reduced, but the power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into two segments: a first processor that performs simple standby monitoring with low power consumption, and a second processor that performs complex smoke type identification and algorithm processing only when needed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through comprehensive processing capability while reducing power consumption during normal operation by keeping only the simpler first processor active.
Solution Approach 2:
The first processor performs preliminary monitoring and detection of light intensity variations in standby mode. When it detects significant changes indicating potential smoke presence, it triggers the second processor to perform more detailed analysis. This preliminary action allows the complex algorithm to be executed only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to detect and distinguish smoke types effectively.
2Measurement precision
If an opto-electronic smoke detector operates continuously at high sensitivity to achieve early warning, then the sensitivity is improved, but the power consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes where the system switches between standby mode (first processor only) and active detection mode (both processors). During standby, power consumption is minimized while maintaining basic monitoring capability. When smoke is detected, the system dynamically activates the second processor for high-sensitivity analysis and smoke type distinction, achieving high measurement precision only when needed rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic monitoring where the first processor checks light intensity variations at regular intervals in standby mode. When significant variations are detected, it triggers periodic detailed analysis by the second processor. This periodic action pattern allows the system to maintain sensitivity for early warning while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous high-sensitivity operation.
3Reliability
If a constant-temperature thermal sensor is used in areas prone to false alarms, then the reliability is improved, but the sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two different detection approaches: the thermal sensor provides reliable temperature-based detection with low false alarm rate, while the opto-electronic detector with dual-processor system provides sensitive smoke particle detection. The first processor handles thermal sensor data for reliable baseline monitoring, while the second processor enhances smoke type distinction when opto-electronic signals indicate smoke presence. This combination achieves both high reliability from thermal sensing and high sensitivity from opto-electronic detection.
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
The solution achieves low power consumption, high sensitivity, and high reliability by effectively distinguishing between smoke and floating particles, reducing false alarms through a dual-processor system with a thermal sensor assist.
Implementation Method 1
The light sensor is configured to detect the light of first wavelength and the light of second wavelength, and respectively generate a first detection signal and a second detection signal
Implementation Method 2
The thermal sensor is configured to generate temperature values to be provided to at least one of the first processor and the second processor for being used in the identifying
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a fire alarm device including multiple light sources, a light sensor, a first processor and a second processor. In a standby mode, the first processor identifies whether to wake up the second processor according to a detection result of the light sensor obtained by detecting emission light of one of the multiple light sources. The second processor identifies whether to generate an alarm according to a detection result of the light sensor obtained by detecting emission light of the multiple light sources. The fire alarm device further includes a thermal sensor for providing detected temperature values to the first processor and/or the second processor to perform the identifying procedure.