Hazard Detector Signal Detection Amidst Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing audible hazard detectors struggle to identify a hazard condition when multiple detectors are sounding simultaneously due to overlapping and phase-modulated signals, leading to potential failure in alerting authorities.
Innovation Solution
A device that converts pattern warning signals from hazard detectors into composite electronic signals, using an analog-to-digital converter and processor to determine the on-time duration and transmit an alarm signal when a hazard is detected, even in the presence of interference from other detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional audible hazard detectors are used to detect hazard conditions, then the detection function is provided, but when multiple detectors sound simultaneously, the overlapping signals cause modulation that prevents accurate identification of hazard conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous alarm signal into discrete temporal patterns by identifying specific time windows (on-times and off-times) within the alarm sequence. This segmentation allows the system to analyze individual pattern components rather than being overwhelmed by the composite modulated signal from multiple detectors, thereby resolving the identification problem in multi-detector scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the periodic nature of hazard detector alarm signals by detecting repeating temporal patterns characterized by specific on-time and off-time durations. By synchronizing detection to these periodic intervals, the system can reliably identify hazard conditions even when multiple detectors create overlapping periodic signals, as each detector's periodic pattern can be individually recognized
2Extent of automation
If new audible detectors with RF transmission capability are introduced to communicate with security systems, then remote alerting is enabled, but the detectors fail to recognize hazard conditions when multiple detectors are sounding due to signal overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage between the audible signal detection and the RF transmission to security systems. This intermediary analyzes the temporal patterns of the composite audible signal from multiple detectors, extracts individual hazard detector patterns, and only triggers RF transmission when a valid hazard pattern is identified. This intermediary layer resolves the difficulty of signal identification by filtering out false patterns caused by signal overlap before initiating automated alerting
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple amplitude-based detection with a temporal pattern recognition system that analyzes the time-domain characteristics of alarm signals. By substituting the mechanical/electrical signal detection approach with a temporal analysis approach, the system can distinguish between valid hazard patterns and interference patterns, enabling reliable automatic alerting even in multi-detector environments
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 accurate detection and transmission of hazard conditions, ensuring timely alerts to security panels and remote monitoring centers, even in environments with multiple overlapping signals.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer for converting the pattern warning signal and the second pattern warning signal to a composite electronic signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and apparatus for detecting a pattern warning signal from a hazard detector in the presence of a second pattern warning signal from a second hazard detector. In one embodiment, hazard detector monitoring device converts a pattern warning signal and a second pattern warning signal into a composite electronic signal, each of the first and second pattern warning signals comprising an on-time period followed by an off-time period. Next, the composite electronic signal is converted into a digital signal and then an on-time duration of the digital signal is determined as a time that the digital signal exceeded a first voltage threshold. Finally, an alarm signal is transmitted to a receiver when the pattern warning signal has been determined to be present, based on the on-time duration.