Encoder-less LIDAR Smoke Detection via Phase Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detection systems in large rooms are ineffective due to longer smoke transport times, requiring multiple detectors and increasing costs, while existing technologies like distance meters and beam detectors are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a rotational laser beam with phase correlation to detect smoke by comparing data sets, allowing for early detection of smoke plumes and reducing the need for multiple detectors, employing LIDAR technology with a scanning laser beam and encoder-less system for efficient and cost-effective smoke detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple smoke detectors are installed in large rooms to reduce detection time, then smoke detection coverage is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR detector performs multiple functions: it acts as both a distance measurement device and a smoke detection device. By using the same hardware infrastructure (laser, detector, processor) for both LIDAR operations and smoke plume detection, the system eliminates the need for separate smoke detectors throughout the space, reducing the total number of devices while maintaining effective smoke detection coverage in large rooms.
2Reliability
If beam detectors are used in large rooms to detect smoke, then detection capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LIDAR system uses its own operational data (laser beam position, timing information, distance measurements) to simultaneously perform smoke detection without requiring separate detection infrastructure. The system serves itself by utilizing the rotational laser beam's inherent characteristics and the detector's existing measurement capabilities to identify smoke plumes through analysis of reflected light patterns and timing variations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional point smoke detectors are used on the ceiling, then installation simplicity is maintained, but smoke transport time to detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from passive ceiling-mounted detection to active scanning detection in three-dimensional space. The rotational LIDAR beam sweeps through the volume of the room, detecting smoke plumes at various heights and positions rather than waiting for smoke to rise and accumulate at the ceiling level. This dimensional approach to detection significantly reduces smoke transport time while maintaining ease of installation with a single device.
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 early detection of smoke in large areas with a single detector unit, reducing detection time by up to 70% compared to conventional systems and maintaining system stability and low costs.
Implementation Method 1
calculating the distance to a set of reference points by emitting pulsed light and measuring the time between emission of the light, reflection of the light by the reference point and detection of the light
Implementation Method 2
measuring the time between emission of the light, reflection of the light by the reference point and detection of the light
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A method for monitoring an area includes distributing, by a detector unit, light during a first instance of time in order to characterize the area based on first data associated with the first instance of time; distributing, by the detector unit, light during at least a second instance of time in order to obtain second data; comparing a first portion of the second data to at least one of: a second portion of the second data and the first data; and based on the comparison, signaling an alarm condition by the detector unit when an evolution in the second data is detected in an amount greater than a threshold.