Hazard Sensor Sensitivity Calibration via Occupancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hazard detection systems, such as fire alarm systems, often have fixed sensitivity settings based on time and location, which may not accurately reflect occupancy levels in a control zone, leading to potential delays in fire detection during varying occupancy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hazard sensor with configurable sensitivity levels and a device controller that adjusts sensitivity based on real-time occupancy data from sensors like motion cameras, passive infrared sensors, and electronic records, allowing for dynamic calibration of sensitivity levels in response to changing occupancy states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed sensitivity settings based on time and location are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when occupancy levels vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sensitivity adjustment by transitioning from fixed time-based modes to real-time occupancy-based calibration. The system continuously monitors occupancy levels and automatically adjusts hazard sensor sensitivity accordingly, making the detection accuracy adaptive to changing conditions rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where occupancy sensor data is continuously fed back to the device controller, which then adjusts the hazard sensor sensitivity in response. This closed-loop control ensures detection accuracy is maintained by responding to actual occupancy conditions rather than relying on preset schedules.
2Speed
If high sensitivity is maintained at all times, then detection speed is improved, but false alarms increase during high occupancy periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the sensitivity parameter of hazard sensors based on occupancy levels. During high occupancy periods, sensitivity is reduced to prevent false alarms from human activities, while during low occupancy periods, sensitivity is increased to ensure rapid fire detection. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between detection speed and false alarm rate.
3Reliability
If sensitivity is reduced during high occupancy, then false alarms are minimized, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensitivity based on real-time occupancy data, ensuring high sensitivity (fast detection) when occupancy is low and reduced sensitivity (fewer false alarms) when occupancy is high. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need to compromise between detection speed and false alarm rate, as the system optimizes both parameters according to actual conditions.
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 faster fire detection by adjusting sensitivity levels according to actual occupancy, potentially saving lives by ensuring timely evacuation and improving the overall effectiveness of the fire alarm system.
Implementation Method 1
occupancy sensors in the control zone... one or more of a motion sensing camera, a passive infrared sensor and a thermal imaging camera
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an alarm device for detecting a hazard in a control zone, the alarm device having: a hazard sensor that comprises a configurable sensitivity level and a device controller that controls the sensitivity level of the hazard sensor, wherein the alarm device: receives over an electronic network a target sensitivity, and calibrates the hazard sensor to achieve the target sensitivity level.