Wireless Smoke Detection Networks with Occupant Location Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smoke detectors in buildings are limited in coverage and do not provide adequate information to first responders or neighbors about the location of occupants when smoke is detected, potentially leaving remote building occupants unaware of fire risks.
Innovation Solution
Equipping electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and other equipment with smoke detectors that can monitor for smoke and transmit alerts through wired and wireless communications, including location information of occupants and graphical building maps, to activate fire suppression systems and notify emergency services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixed smoke detectors are mounted at fixed locations, then smoke detection is provided at those locations, but occupants in remote portions of the building are out of range and cannot hear audible alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building into multiple zones with distributed smoke detectors at fixed locations, each covering specific areas. Multiple electronic devices are segmented throughout the building to provide localized detection and alerting, ensuring that at least one device is within range of any given occupant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional fixed location alarm system to a multi-dimensional networked system. Electronic devices can transmit alerts wirelessly to multiple recipients including remote devices, emergency services, and neighbors, adding spatial and communication dimensions to the alert propagation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional smoke detectors are used, then basic alarm function is provided, but information on current building occupants and location details is not included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes electronic devices perform multiple functions: smoke detection, location tracking via GPS or network location, occupant identification through device association, and multi-channel alert transmission. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive information without requiring separate dedicated systems for each capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network communication intermediary that collects data from smoke detectors and electronic devices, processes location and occupant information, and distributes alerts to appropriate recipients including emergency services with detailed location data. This intermediary layer enables information enrichment without complicating the core detection function.
3Reliability
If electronic devices are equipped with smoke detectors and network communication, then comprehensive alert capabilities are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines smoke detection functionality with existing electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers that occupants already carry or use in the building. By merging smoke detection with devices people already have, the system achieves comprehensive alerting without requiring entirely new complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables electronic devices to automatically detect smoke, determine their own location using built-in GPS or network location services, identify associated occupants, and transmit alerts through existing communication channels without requiring manual intervention or complex external 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
Enhances smoke detection and alert capabilities, ensuring timely notification of occupants and emergency services, and enabling effective fire response by providing critical location information and activating fire suppression systems.
Implementation Method 1
Smoke detectors are widely used to combat the risks associated with fires
Implementation Method 2
Smoke detectors are generally mounted at fixed locations within a building
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a smoke detector. The electronic device may use the smoke detector to monitor for the presence of smoke. In response to detecting smoke with the smoke detector, the electronic device may issue an alert or take other suitable action. The electronic device may transmit alerts to nearby electronic devices and to remote electronic devices such as electronic devices at emergency services facilities. Alerts may contain maps and graphical representations of buildings in which smoke has been detected. Motion detectors and other sensors and circuitry may be used in determining whether electronic devices are being used by users and may be used in determining where the electronic devices are located. Alerts may contain information on the location of detected smoke and building occupants.