Integrated Emergency Detection Device Combining Thermal Imaging and Gas Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional detectors and sensors in public facilities and buildings are not cost-effective and fail to provide detailed data for high-level analysis or detection of multiple events, leading to insufficient surveillance and control, especially in emergency situations like smoke or carbon monoxide incidents, and they consume excessive power and violate personal privacy.
Innovation Solution
A device integrating a CO gas sensor, smoke sensor, and thermal imaging sensor that activates only upon detecting anomalies, capturing thermal images and creating a thermal map to identify persons and emergency sources, which is then transmitted to a server for geolocation and real-time communication to rescue personnel, using a rechargeable battery for independent power and a robust shell for 'black box' functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detectors and sensors are installed in public facilities and buildings, then safety monitoring is provided, but detailed data for high-level analysis and multiple event detection cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (thermal imaging, smoke detection, CO detection, motion detection) into a single integrated device. The thermal imaging sensor captures detailed thermal data, while smoke and CO sensors detect hazardous gases. This merging allows the system to obtain detailed data for high-level analysis and detect multiple event types simultaneously without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving measurement precision while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated detection device performs multiple functions: thermal imaging for person detection and localization, smoke detection for fire hazards, CO detection for carbon monoxide hazards, and motion detection for occupancy monitoring. This multi-functionality enables a single device to provide comprehensive safety monitoring and detailed data analysis across various emergency scenarios, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If multiple conventional detectors and sensors are installed to provide integral monitoring, then coverage is improved, but cost increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple detection functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the total number of devices required for comprehensive monitoring. Instead of installing separate thermal cameras, smoke detectors, CO detectors, and motion sensors throughout a facility, a single multi-functional device provides equivalent or superior coverage, significantly reducing installation costs while maintaining or improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal detection device performs multiple safety functions simultaneously, allowing one device to replace several specialized devices. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive monitoring coverage, as the integrated device eliminates the need for multiple device installations, wiring, and maintenance.
3Loss of information
If conventional passive infrared motion detectors are used, then presence detection is provided, but detailed information about persons in emergency situations cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors with thermal imaging sensors. PIR detectors use pyroelectric cells to detect thermal changes in specific areas, providing only presence/absence information. Thermal imaging sensors capture detailed thermal images, enabling visualization of persons, identification of their locations, and assessment of their states (e.g., unconscious, moving). This substitution transforms limited mechanical detection into comprehensive thermal imaging, eliminating information loss while maintaining detection precision.
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 efficient detection and identification of persons in emergency areas, optimizing rescue priorities and access routes while reducing power consumption and privacy concerns, and providing detailed data for enhanced surveillance and control without the need for continuous monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal imaging sensor (104) configured for capturing a thermal image of a surveillance area (200)
Implementation Method 2
at least one CO gas sensor (103) configured for detecting the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) gas
Implementation Method 3
at least one smoke sensor (102) configured for detecting the presence of smoke
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The object of the present invention generally relates to a device (100), system and method for detecting emergencies in public facilities, buildings, vehicles and transportation networks including the use of thermal imaging capture devices (104) in combination with smoke and/or gas detectors (102, 103) for monitoring and controlling personal safety in any of the mentioned public facilities, buildings, vehicles and transportation networks, regardless of where they are installed.