Smoke Detection via Light Diffusion Pattern Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke detection systems are limited in their ability to effectively monitor smoke conditions throughout an entire monitored area, as they often rely on proximity to the detector or require multiple sampling tubes, and lack comprehensive feedback on smoke conditions across the area.
Innovation Solution
A smoke detection system that utilizes a digital video camera to capture and analyze digitized images of a monitored area, identifying smoke by changes in light diffusion patterns and issuing alerts through a database of pixel clusters and pattern analysis within a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) framework, providing notification of smoky conditions to remote operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for smoke detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensing area coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single detector unit. The ionization chamber simultaneously performs smoke particle detection through ionization current measurement and spatial sampling through strategic sensor positioning, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based detection to volumetric detection by using multiple sensors positioned at different spatial coordinates within the ionization chamber. This creates a three-dimensional sensing network that monitors smoke conditions throughout the entire chamber volume rather than at a single point
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sampling tubes are installed throughout the monitored area, then the smoke sampling coverage is improved, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ionization chamber serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the sensing volume, the sampling chamber, and the detection chamber all in one. The same chamber that detects ionization current also performs spatial sampling through multiple sensor positions, eliminating the need for separate sampling tubes and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the monitored space itself as the detection medium. The ionization chamber leverages the natural convection and diffusion of smoke particles within the chamber to bring samples from different locations to the sensors, eliminating the need for active sampling mechanisms or complex tube networks
3Area of stationary object
If a laser beam is directed across the monitored area for smoke detection, then the detection coverage along the beam path is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser beam system with an electrical field-based ionization system. Instead of using optical lasers that require precise alignment and complex optics, the system uses radioactive sources to create ionization fields that naturally fill the chamber volume, achieving similar detection coverage with simpler, more reliable components
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical scattering (laser) to electrical current measurement (ionization). This parameter change allows for simpler instrumentation, as ionization current can be measured with standard electronic sensors rather than requiring complex optical detection systems
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 comprehensive smoke detection throughout a monitored area, reducing false alarms and improving detection accuracy by analyzing evolving patterns in light diffusion and brightness variations, integrating seamlessly with existing CCTV surveillance systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the presence of aerosol particles at the location of a smoke detector's sensor. Such measurements are based either on light scattering phenomena
Data Source
AI summary
A smoke detection method and system, which uses the effects of the diffusion of light to identify the presence of smoke in a monitored area, are disclosed. This method comprises the steps of: (1) electronically capturing a sequence of images of a light source in the monitored area, (2) transferring these images into an image buffer, (3) scanning these images to identify the chunks of adjacent pixels with brightness values above a prescribed threshold, (4) maintaining the sequence of such chunks obtained from consecutive images in a cluster stack, (5) analyzing the evolution of the features of each of these cluster over a prescribed period of time to identify the patterns that are caused by particle-induced light diffusion, and (6) issuing a prescribed system response in the event such light diffused patterns are identified.