Smoke Detector Image Recognition Remote Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoke and carbon monoxide/dioxide detectors require manual testing, which can be inconvenient and uncomfortable due to the need to climb a ladder or be close to the device, especially when activating audible alarms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of image and facial gesturing recognition capabilities in smoke detectors allows for remote and comfortable testing, enabling activation of smoke alarms and other building functions like HVAC control and security systems using preprogrammed gestures or images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual testing of smoke detectors is performed by reaching the test button, then the smoke alarm can be tested, but the user must climb a ladder or chair and be uncomfortably close to the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (smartphone or remote control) that communicates with the smoke detector via wireless technology. This intermediary allows users to initiate tests, adjust settings, and receive notifications without physically approaching the smoke detector, thereby eliminating the need to climb ladders or chairs while maintaining full testing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of physically pressing a test button with electronic/wireless communication methods. Users can remotely activate tests and control smoke detector functions through digital signals transmitted via wireless networks, substituting the mechanical action of button pressing with electronic command transmission.
2Ease of operation
If the smoke alarm test button is made easily reachable, then ease of operation improves, but the audible alarm signal becomes uncomfortable to the ears at close range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a smartphone or remote control as an intermediary to receive and process alarm signals. The wireless communication device can alert users through notifications, messages, or remote audio outputs, eliminating the need for users to be in close proximity to the smoke detector during alarm events, thereby avoiding ear discomfort while maintaining awareness of alarm conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the alarm notification from a local spatial dimension (sound waves in the immediate vicinity of the detector) to a remote communication dimension (wireless signals transmitted to mobile devices). This dimensional shift allows users to receive alarm notifications from any location within wireless range, eliminating the harmful effect of close-range exposure to high-volume alarms.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for smoke detection having an image sensor may be tested using image or pattern recognition, or facial gesturing without having to climb a ladder or chair to initiate the test, or be uncomfortably close to the smoke detector apparatus during initiation of the testing thereof. Carbon monoxide (CO) and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring and alarm may also be incorporated into this apparatus. Other control functions may also be initiated with image or pattern recognition, or facial gesturing such as audio features associated with the smoke detector apparatus such as networked speakers for distribution of music, intercom, telephone, and/or doorbell annunciation.