Example implementations include a method and apparatus for operating a smoke detector, comprising a first beam emitter and a second beam emitter. The first beam emitter may be configured to: (i) radiate a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element, and (ii) receive a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element. The second beam emitter may be configured to: (i) radiate a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction, and (ii) receive a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to beam-detection fire alarm systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a multi-beam smoke detector.

BACKGROUND

Fire alarm systems are often installed within a premises such as commercial, residential, or governmental buildings. Examples of these buildings include offices, hospitals, warehouses, schools or universities, shopping malls, government offices, and casinos. The fire alarm systems typically include fire alarm devices deployed within the buildings that are directly wired to a fire alarm panel, although wireless systems are becoming more common. The fire alarm devices include alarm notification devices such as sirens and strobe lights that alert occupants of the building of potential fire conditions, and fire sensor devices that detect indications of fire such as heat, smoke, flame, and carbon monoxide, in examples.

For open-area smoke detection, a beam detector system may be used, wherein the system may sense smoke by projecting a light beam from a transceiver unit across the protected area to a reflector that returns the light signal back to the transceiver unit. Smoke entering the beam path will decrease the light signal causing an alarm. However, such a beam detection system requires a significant number transceiver units because of range limitations associated with systems that require both transmission of light and transmission of a reflection of that light. Moreover, coving a large area with such a system requires a significant quantity of transceiver and reflector units in order to maximize the size of a smoke detection area.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a smoke detector, including: a first beam emitter configured to: radiate a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; and receive a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; and a second beam emitter configured to: radiate a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and receive a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of smoke detection, including: radiating, via a first beam emitter, a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; receiving, via the first beam emitter, a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; radiating, via a second beam emitter, a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and receiving, via the second beam emitter, a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus for smoke detection, including: means for radiating a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; means for receiving a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; means for radiating a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and means for receiving a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon for smoke detection, including: radiating, via a first beam emitter, a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; receiving, via the first beam emitter, a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; radiating, via a second beam emitter, a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and receiving, via the second beam emitter, a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus for smoke detection, including: means for radiating a first beam; means for receiving the radiated beam; and means for splitting the radiated beam into a first split beam and a second split beam, wherein the first split beam is radiated in a first direction toward a first reflecting element, and wherein the second split beam is radiated in a second direction toward a second reflecting element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Beam-type smoke detectors may measure the presence and concentration of smoke across an open area using a beam (e.g., a laser and/or light) and reflector. Aspects described herein relate to a smoke detector/fire alarm system implemented as a single unit having multiple beam emitters configured to radiate beams in different directions. In some examples, a beam emitter may function as a transceiver to the extent it both radiates (e.g., transmits) and detects (e.g., receives) beams.

In certain aspects, a single unit having multiple beam emitters may provide a relatively wider coverage area relative to a single unit having only one beam emitter. With a multi-emitter configuration, a single housing may transmit multiple beams in different directions, with each beam being radiated toward a separate reflector. For example, a single unit may include eight emitters with each emitter being directed 45° from an adjacent emitter, thereby providing 360° of coverage. In this example, the single unit may be installed in the center of a building area or large room, thereby reducing the number of emitters required (e.g., a single unit having 8 emitters rather than 8 units each having only one emitter). Other configurations may be used as well, where a single unit may have fewer or more emitters.

FIG.1is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a beam-type smoke detector environment100. In some examples, beam smoke detectors emit a projected beam of light to detect smoke across large areas, typically as an indicator of fire. Beam detectors offer an economical and practical alternative to standard point smoke detectors which may not be appropriate for use for tall buildings or rooms, or certain building designs. Beam-type smoke detectors installed in relatively larger areas may require multiple beam detectors due to ranges and conventional beam-type detectors having only one beam emitter.

As discussed, beam-type detectors work on the principle of light obscuration, where the presence of smoke blocks some of the light from the beam, typically through either absorbance or light scattering. Once a certain percentage of the transmitted light has been blocked by the smoke, the detector may trigger an alert of a fire. Thus, an emitter and a reflector are configured to have a clear line of sight between them for beam-type detectors.

As illustrated,FIG.1includes a beam-type detector102installed on a first structure110(e.g., a wall, floor, or ceiling, column, etc.). A reflector104is installed on an opposite structure112(e.g., a wall, floor, or ceiling, column, etc.) and positioned to receive a radiated beam106from an emitter of the detector102. The reflector104is configured to provide a reflected beam108back to the detector102which measures an intensity of the reflected beam108. A distance (d) between the first structure110and the opposite structure112may be any suitable distance and may typically be between 26 feet and 330 feet.

FIG.2is a block diagram conceptually illustrating another example of a beam-type smoke detector environment200. As noted earlier, a beam type detector typically includes only a single beam emitter having a single reflector. Thus, in order to extend coverage of fire detection, multiple beam-type detectors are necessary as are corresponding reflectors.

Here, a first beam-type detector202and a second beam-type detector204are installed in a building area or room and face opposite directions to maximize a total coverage area. As is found in conventional beam detectors, each detector includes one beam emitter (e.g., laser or other light or wavelength). A first reflector206is installed on a first structure210opposite to the first beam-type detector, and a second reflector208is installed on a second structure212opposite the second beam-type detector204.

The first beam-type detector202transmits a first beam214to the first reflector206which reflects back a first reflected beam216. Similarly, the second beam-type detector204transmits a second beam218to the second reflector208which reflects back a second reflected beam220.

A smoke detector configuration as illustrated may be used when a building area or room is greater than the range of a beam-type detector. For example, if a wall-to-wall distance (d) building area is 600 feet, it may exceed the range (d1, d2) of a beam-type detector by 300 feet. Thus, a configuration like that ofFIG.1may not provide reliable smoke detection. Accordingly, in the illustrated example, multiple beam detectors may be installed from a ceiling fixture in the center of the building area to ensure that the beam detectors are within an appropriate range of their respective reflectors.

However, with the configuration illustrated inFIG.2, a significant number of beam detectors may be required to ensure that the building area has comprehensive beam coverage.

Examples of Multi-Beam Detectors

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating an example300of a single beam-type detector302using multiple beam emitters and/or a beam splitter. In this example, similar to that shown inFIG.2, an ideal detector installation may require locating the beam-type detector302such that it hangs or is otherwise attached to a ceiling. For example, if the total distance (d) between two walls of a building area is greater than a maximum range (d1, d2) of the detector.

The detector302includes multiple beam emitters, including a first beam emitter322and a second beam emitter324. As illustrated, the first beam emitter322radiates a beam in a first direction and the second beam emitter324radiates a beam in a second direction that is 180° relative to the first direction. The first emitter322transmits a first beam314that is reflected to the first emitter322via a reflected beam316. Similarly, the second emitter324transmits a second beam318that is reflected to the second emitter324via a reflected beam320. AlthoughFIG.3illustrates a detector with two emitters, any suitable number of emitters may be included with the detector302based on the location of the detector302, the size of the building area, etc. As shown, the example includes at least one reflector for each emitter. The at least one reflector326may be installed on any suitable structural surface (e.g., first structure310, second structure312) that provides unobstructed line-of-sight between an emitter and a corresponding reflector.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating an example installation400of a beam-type detector402within a building area406. Although the building area406is illustrated as a square shaped region, the building area406may be defined by any shape. The detector402may be installed on a ceiling or other structural element. The example installation400includes multiple reflectors408positioned at all four corners and walls of the building area406. In some examples, one or more of the reflectors408may be positioned on a floor or other structural element.

The detector402is illustrated as including eight emitters404, each configured to radiate a beam in a direction toward a corresponding reflector408. As illustrated, there is a 1-to-1 correspondence between emitters404and reflectors408, thereby providing eight paths410for a radiated beam and a reflection of the beam between the detector402and the reflectors408. It should be noted that other correspondence ratios may be used.

As illustrated, a single detector402having multiple emitters may be employed to provide 360° coverage of a building area406. This reduces the number of detectors necessary to provide adequate coverage of a building. For example, a conventional detector may include a single emitter, thus in order to achieve the smoke detection coverage illustrated, a user would need eight conventional detectors in the building area406.

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating another example installation500of a beam-type detector502within a building area506. In this example, the building area506is rectangular shaped, and thus, the detector may include more emitters504relative to the example inFIG.4. In this example installation, multiple reflectors508are located along each of four walls, with more reflectors occupying the two longer walls in improve smoke detection coverage. For example, with more reflectors, there are more paths510for beam radiation and reflection.

In certain aspects, the detectors illustrated inFIGS.3-5may include a housing or other structural mechanism for securely attaching multiple beam emitters, wherein each of the multiple beam emitters is configured to radiate a beam in a unique direction relative to other of the multiple beam emitters. In some examples, the housing may provide a protective container for the multiple beam emitters.

In certain aspects, each beam emitter of the multiple beam emitters may point in a direction that is N degrees away from another direction of a neighboring beam emitter. where N is a number. For example, a first beam emitter may point and radiate a beam in a first direction, and a second beam emitter may point and radiate a beam in a second direction. The first direction may be 180° degrees relative to the second direction. In some examples, the first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.

FIG.6is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example smoke detecting system600. A beam-type detector602may be installed within a building area606and may include multiple reflectors608installed within line-of-sight of the detector602. The detector602may include multiple beam emitters604, an alert mechanism612, and one or more processors614. The multiple beam emitters604may each radiate a beam in a particular direction toward a corresponding reflector608.

The alert mechanism612may include an audible alert (e.g., an alarm noise) and/or a visual alert (e.g., a flashing light or a siren). Although the alert mechanism is illustrated as being part of the detector602, it may also be external to the detector602. The one or more processors614may perform measurements and trigger the alert mechanism612as discussed in more detail below. In some examples, the one or more processors614may include a wireless communication modem configured for WiFi LAN/WLAN connection (e.g., with an intranet/internet616). Such a connection may allow the one or more processors614to communicate a message indicating a fire to a fire department or other emergency service.

Referring toFIGS.7,8, and9, in operation, computer device700may perform a method800of operating a smoke detector, via execution of a beam intensity component715by one or more processors705(e.g., the one or more processors614ofFIG.6) and/or one or more memories710.

At block802, the method800includes radiating, via a first beam emitter, a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or radiating component745may be configured to or may comprise means for radiating, via a first beam emitter, a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element.

For example, the radiating at block802may be performed by a beam emitter. Here, the beam emitter may radiate a first beam directed to a first reflecting element, and receive a reflection of that first beam from the reflecting element. In some examples, the first reflecting element may be any suitable passive/active reflecting surface, such as a mirror, intelligent reflecting surface (IRS), etc.

At block804, the method800includes receiving, via the first beam emitter, a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or receiving component720may be configured to or may comprise means for receiving, via the first beam emitter, a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element.

For example, the receiving at block804may include receiving a reflection of the first beam. If smoke crosses a path of the first beam and/or the reflection of the first beam, then the affected beam(s) may experience beam diffraction. In this case, because less of the beam is returning to the beam emitter, the intensity of the beam is reduced. If the intensity of the beam falls below a threshold value, then the one or more processors705may determine that smoke has been detected.

At block806, the method800includes comparing the intensity with a threshold value. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or radiating component745may be configured to or may comprise means for radiating, via a second beam emitter, a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction.

For example, the radiating at block806may include radiating a second beam in a direction that is different from a direction associated with the first beam. In this manner. the smoke detector may emit multiple beams in multiple different directions from a single hub or apparatus.

At block808, the method800includes receiving, via the second beam emitter, a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or receiving component720may be configured to or may comprise means for receiving, via the second beam emitter, a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.

For example, the receiving at block808may include receiving a reflection of the second beam. As such, the smoke detector may transmit multiple beams via multiple emitters, wherein each emitter is also configured to receive a reflection of a corresponding beam that it radiated (e.g., transmitted).

Referring toFIG.9, in an alternative or additional aspect, at block902, the method800may further include determining whether an intensity of the first reflection is below a threshold value. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or determining component725may be configured to or may comprise means for determining whether an intensity of the first reflection is below a threshold value.

For example, if an intensity of the beam reflection received is measured and is less than a threshold value, then the smoke detector may determine that smoke or another object is blocking/diffusing the beam between an emitter and reflector.

At block904, the method800includes triggering an alert if the intensity is less than the threshold value. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or triggering component730may be configured to or may comprise means for triggering an alert if the intensity is less than the threshold value.

For example, the triggering at block904may include triggering an audible and/or visual alert, and/or initiating a wired or wireless communication via a LAN/WLAN network. In some examples, any suitable alert configured to indicate a fire may be triggered.

At block906, the method800includes refraining from triggering the alert if the intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value. For example, in an aspect, computer device700, one or more processors705, one or more memories710, beam intensity component715, and/or refraining component735may be configured to or may comprise means for refraining from triggering the alert if the intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

For example, the refraining at block906may include determining that the reflected beam is characterized by a measured intensity value that is expected. In other words, there is nothing blocking or diffusing the reflected beam, and thus, no alert should be triggered.

In an alternative or additional aspect, the smoke detector includes a housing containing multiple beam emitters including the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter, wherein each of the multiple beam emitters is configured to radiate a beam in a unique direction relative to other of the multiple beam emitters.

In an alternative or additional aspect, the first direction is angled N degrees away from the second direction.

In an alternative or additional aspect, the intensity of the first reflection is indicative of whether the first beam has passed through smoke.

EXAMPLE ASPECTS

Clause 1. A smoke detector, comprising: a first beam emitter configured to: radiate a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; and receive a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; and a second beam emitter configured to: radiate a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and receive a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.Clause 2. The smoke detector of clause 1, further comprising: a housing containing multiple beam emitters including the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter, wherein each of the multiple beam emitters is configured to radiate a beam in a unique direction relative to other of the multiple beam emitters.Clause 3. The smoke detector of clause 2, further comprising: multiple reflecting elements including the first reflecting element and the second reflecting element, wherein each of the multiple reflecting elements are configured to: receive a beam from a corresponding one of the multiple beam emitters; and reflect the received beam back to the corresponding one of the multiple beam emitters.Clause 4. The smoke detector of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the first direction is angled N degrees away from the second direction.Clause 5. The smoke detector of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising: one or more memories, individually or in combination, having instructions; and one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to execute the instructions and cause the smoke detector to: determine whether an intensity of the first reflection is below a threshold value; if the intensity is less than the threshold value, trigger an alert; and if the intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, refrain from triggering the alert.Clause 6. The smoke detector of clause 5, wherein the intensity of the first reflection is indicative of whether the first beam has passed through smoke.Clause 7. The smoke detector of any of clauses 5 and 6, wherein the one or more processors, being configured to trigger the alert, are further configured to: transmit a message indicating a fire to a fire department or other emergency service.Clause 8. A method of operating a smoke detector, comprising: radiating, via a first beam emitter, a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; receiving, via the first beam emitter, a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; radiating, via a second beam emitter, a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and receiving, via the second beam emitter, a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.Clause 9. The method of clause 8, wherein the smoke detector comprises a housing containing multiple beam emitters including the first beam emitter and the second beam emitter, wherein each of the multiple beam emitters is configured to radiate a beam in a unique direction relative to other of the multiple beam emitters.Clause 10. The method of any of clauses 8 and 9, wherein the first direction is angled N degrees away from the second direction.Clause 11. The method of any of clauses 8-11, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether an intensity of the first reflection is below a threshold value; if the intensity is less than the threshold value, triggering an alert; and if the intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, refraining from triggering the alert.Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the intensity of the first reflection is indicative of whether the first beam has passed through smoke.Clause 13. The method of any of clauses 11 and 12, wherein triggering the alert further comprises transmitting a message indicating a fire to a fire department or other emergency service.Clause 14. A smoke detection system, comprising: means for radiating a first beam in a first direction toward a first reflecting element; means for receiving a first reflection of the first beam from the first reflecting element; means for radiating a second beam in a second direction toward a second reflecting element, wherein the first direction is different than the second direction; and means for receiving a second reflection of the second beam from the second reflecting element.Clause 15. The smoke detection system of clause 14, further comprising: means for containing: means for radiating the first beam, means for receiving the first reflection, means for radiating the second beam, and means for receiving the second reflection.Clause 16. The smoke detection system of any of clauses 14 and 15, wherein the first direction is angled N degrees away from the second direction.Clause 17. The smoke detection system of any of clauses 14-16, further comprising: means for determining whether an intensity of the first reflection is below a threshold value; means for triggering an alert if the intensity is less than the threshold value; and means for refraining from triggering the alert if the intensity is equal to or greater than the threshold value.Clause 18. The smoke detection system of clause 17, wherein the intensity of the first reflection is indicative of whether the first beam has passed through smoke.Clause 19. The smoke detection system of any of clauses 17 and 18, further comprising means for transmitting a message indicating a fire to a fire department or other emergency service.Clause 20. The smoke detection system of any of clauses 17-19, wherein: means for radiating the first beam in a first direction comprises a first beam emitter; means for receiving the first reflection of the first beam comprises the first beam emitter; means for radiating the second beam in the second direction comprises a second beam emitter; means for receiving the second reflection of the second beam comprises the second beam emitter; means for determining whether the intensity of the first reflection is below a threshold value comprises one or more memories, individually or in combination, having instructions, and one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to execute the instructions; means for triggering an alert comprises the one or more memories and the one or more processors; and means for refraining from triggering the alert comprises the one or more memories and the one or more processors.

Additional Considerations

As used herein, a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors, individually or in combination, configured to perform or operable for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different processors able to perform different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single processor able to perform all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of multiple processors being able to perform different ones of the plurality of actions in combination, a description of a processor, at least one processor, and/or one or more processors configured or operable to perform actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first processor configured or operable to perform a first subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform X) and at least a second processor configured or operable to perform a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first processor, a second processor, and a third processor may be respectively configured or operable to perform a respective one of actions X, Y, and Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more processors each may be configured or operable to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions.

As used herein, a one or more memories, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories, individually or in combination, configured to store or having stored thereon instructions executable by one or more processors for performing a plurality of actions is meant to include at least two different memories able to store different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the instructions for performing different, overlapping or non-overlapping subsets of the plurality actions, or a single memory able to store the instructions for performing all of the plurality of actions. In one non-limiting example of one or more memories, individually or in combination, being able to store different subsets of the instructions for performing different ones of the plurality of actions, a description of a memory, at least one memory, and/or one or more memories configured or operable to store or having stored thereon instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z may include at least a first memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a first subset of instructions for performing a first subset of X. Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform X) and at least a second memory configured or operable to store or having stored thereon a second subset of instructions for performing a second subset of X, Y, and Z (e.g., instructions to perform Y and Z). Alternatively, a first memory, and second memory, and a third memory may be respectively configured to store or have stored thereon a respective one of a first subset of instructions for performing X, a second subset of instruction for performing Y, and a third subset of instructions for performing Z. It should be understood that any combination of one or more memories each may be configured or operable to store or have stored thereon any one or any combination of instructions executable by one or more processors to perform any one or any combination of a plurality of actions. Moreover, one or more processors may each be coupled to at least one of the one or more memories and configured or operable to execute the instructions to perform the plurality of actions. For instance, in the above non-limiting example of the different subset of instructions for performing actions X, Y, and Z, a first processor may be coupled to a first memory storing instructions for performing action X, and at least a second processor may be coupled to at least a second memory storing instructions for performing actions Y and Z, and the first processor and the second processor may, in combination, execute the respective subset of instructions to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, three processors may access one of three different memories each storing one of instructions for performing X, Y, or Z, and the three processor may in combination execute the respective subset of instruction to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z. Alternatively, a single processor may execute the instructions stored on a single memory, or distributed across multiple memories, to accomplish performing actions X, Y, and Z.