Dual-Processor Fire Alarm Sensing for Low-Power False Alarm Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire alarms face challenges in achieving low power consumption, high sensitivity, and high reliability simultaneously, particularly in opto-electronic smoke detectors, which often result in high power consumption due to complex algorithms to reduce false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage fire alarm device utilizing two processors with different capabilities and frame rates, combined with a thermal sensor, where a first processor with lower capability identifies initial smoke presence using a single light source at a low frequency, and a second processor with higher capability distinguishes smoke types using multiple light sources at a higher frequency, and a thermal sensor assists in reducing false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex algorithms are adopted to reduce false alarm rate in opto-electronic smoke detectors, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides processing into two segments: a first processor handles basic smoke detection with simple algorithms, while a second processor handles complex smoke type classification. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through complex algorithms only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different processing modes based on detection needs. The first processor operates continuously with low power consumption, and the second processor is activated only when smoke is detected. This dynamic operation optimizes the balance between reliability and power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If high sensitivity is achieved through complex algorithms, then early warning capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two processing levels: the first processor performs basic sensitivity detection using simple algorithms, and the second processor performs detailed smoke type analysis using complex algorithms. This segmentation maintains high sensitivity while reducing continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The second processor with complex algorithms operates periodically only when smoke is detected by the first processor, rather than continuously. This periodic activation maintains early warning capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption.
3Reliability
If a single high-capability processor is used for all detection tasks, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processing tasks between two processors with different capabilities. The first processor handles routine monitoring with minimal power consumption, while the second high-capability processor handles complex analysis only when needed. This segmentation maintains detection reliability while optimizing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The first processor independently handles basic detection tasks without requiring the second processor to be continuously active. This self-service capability of the first processor reduces the power consumption burden on the system while maintaining reliable detection through the coordinated operation of both processors.
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 effectively reduces power consumption while maintaining high sensitivity and reliability by using a dual-processor system with a thermal sensor, minimizing false alarms and extending standby time.
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.