Description:
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a fire safety device and particularly to an integrated fire detection device.
Description of Related Art
[002] Fire detection and suppression systems are essential components of modern building safety infrastructure. Over the years, various detection technologies have been developed to identify fire hazards and mitigate potential damage. Traditional fire detection methods rely on heat sensors, smoke detectors, and flame detectors, which activate alarms and, in some cases, trigger suppression mechanisms such as sprinklers or gas-based extinguishing systems. These technologies have been widely implemented in commercial, industrial, and residential spaces to enhance fire safety.
[003] Despite their widespread adoption, existing fire detection systems present several challenges. One major limitation is the issue of false alarms, which can be triggered by environmental factors such as dust, steam, or cooking fumes. False alarms cause unnecessary panic, disrupt normal operations in businesses and public spaces, and lead to alarm fatigue, reducing responsiveness to real emergencies. Another significant drawback of conventional fire detection systems is the delay in identifying small or smoldering fires. Heat and smoke detectors typically require a certain threshold of heat or smoke concentration before activation, that results in a delayed response. This delay can allow fires to grow undetected, increasing the risk of significant damage before intervention measures are taken.
[004] Furthermore, traditional fire detection systems often lack precise fire localization capabilities. Alarms typically indicate a general area of concern but do not provide detailed information about the exact location or severity of the fire. This limitation can hinder emergency response efforts, making it difficult for firefighters to assess and address the situation effectively. Additionally, fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, often activate across entire sections rather than being targeted at the specific source of the fire. This can lead to unnecessary water damage to unaffected areas, causing additional financial losses.
[005] The effectiveness of fire detection systems is also impacted by sensor failures and maintenance issues. Over time, sensors become obstructed by dust or malfunction due to wear and tear, leading to either missed detections or false alerts. Moreover, standalone sensor-based systems operate independently of real-time monitoring tools, limiting their ability to provide continuous situational awareness in large and complex environments.
[006] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced integrated fire detection device that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an integrated fire detection device. The device comprising a sensory detection unit, installed in a premise in a distributive manner, adapted to sense a fire outbreak in the premise. The device further comprising a visual detection unit, installed in the premise in the distributive manner, adapted to capture an audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise. The visual detection unit monitors a 360-degree environment in the premise. The device further comprising a microcontroller communicatively connected to the sensory detection unit and to the visual detection unit. The microcontroller is configured to receive data related to the sensed fire outbreak in the premise; activate the visual detection unit to capture the audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise, when the fire outbreak is sensed in the premise; command an image recognition engine to analyze the audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak to categorize the fire outbreak in a hazardous class or a non-hazardous class; interpolate a location of the fire outbreak in the premise based on the audio-visual graphics received from a corresponding visual detection unit, and the sensed fire outbreak from a corresponding sensory detection unit, when the analyzed fire outbreak lies in the hazardous class; and actuate valves of nozzles in a grid corresponding to the interpolated location for sprinkle of water and suppression of the fire outbreak.
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for fire suppression using an integrated fire detection device. The method comprising steps of receiving a data related to a sensed fire outbreak in a premise from a sensory detection unit; activating a visual detection unit to capture audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise, when the fire outbreak is sensed in the premise; commanding an image recognition engine to analyze the captured audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak to categorize the fire outbreak in a hazardous class or a non-hazardous class; interpolating a location of the fire outbreak in the premise based on the audio-visual graphics received from a corresponding visual detection unit, and the sensed fire outbreak from a corresponding sensory detection unit, when the analyzed fire outbreak lies in the hazardous class; and actuating valves of nozzles in a grid corresponding to the interpolated location for a sprinkle of water and suppression of the fire outbreak.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide an integrated fire detection device.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that features improved fire detection accuracy.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that offers real-time visual monitoring.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that operates on targeted fire suppression.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that executes faster emergency response.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that enhances safety in large and complex spaces.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that reduces false alarms.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that is integral in smart IoT servers and building management systems.
[0017] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that reduces maintenance and system failures.
[0018] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that minimizes panic and business disruptions.
[0019] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a fire detection device that offers improved small fire detection.
[0020] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0021] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated fire detection device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for fire suppression using an integrated fire detection device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0027] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0028] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated fire detection device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the device 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 may be adapted to detect a fire in a premise. Upon detection of fire, the device 100 may further be adapted to activate fire extinguishing means for fire suppression. The device 100 may activate the fire extinguishing means in a localized manner in the premise, which may further lead to activation of the fire extinguishing means in a section of a premise with the fire outbreak and leaving the other sections in the premise untouched. Further, the device 100 may alert residents of the premise about the fire outbreak.
[0030] The device 100 may be installed in locations such as, but not limited to, a kitchen, a café, a restaurant, a home, an office, a mall, a school, a transit station, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, for installation of the device 100.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be paired with a network of tubings 102 inlaid in the premise. The network of tubings 102 may be internally implanted and/or externally fastened with a ceiling and/or walls of the premise. The network of tubings 102 may be adapted to carry water for suppressing and extinguishing the fire. The network of tubings 102 may be constructed of material bearing high melting points and enduring heat and temperature resistance. The material may be, but not limited to, iron, stainless steel, zirconium, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the network of tubings 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] Further, the water carried and contained in the network of tubings 102 may be sprinkled in the premise via nozzles 104a-104n. The nozzles 104a-104n may be installed on the network of tubings 102. The installation of the nozzles 104a-104n may be placed apart at a preset distance. The installation of the nozzles 104a-104n at the preset distance may ensure an overall sprinkling coverage of water in the premise with the fire outbreak. The nozzles 104a-104n may further comprise valves 106a-106n. The valves 106a-106n may be adapted to enable a passage of the water in the network of tubings 102 towards the nozzles 104a-104n. The valves 106a-106n may be electronically activated and operated for managing and maneuvering the sprinkling of the water in the premise during the fire outbreak.
[0033] The device 100 may comprise a sensory detection unit 108, a visual detection unit 110, a microcontroller 112, an image recognition engine 114, a mapping unit 116, a communication unit 118, a computing unit 120, and an alert unit 122.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensory detection unit 108 may be installed in the premise in a distributive manner. The sensory detection unit 108 may be adapted to sense the fire outbreak on the premise. The sensory detection unit 108 may comprise sensors such as, but not limited to, a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, a gas sensor, a thermal sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensors, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may be encapsulated in the sensory detection unit 108.
[0035] The sensory detection unit 108 may be constructed of material bearing high melting points and enduring heat and temperature resistance. The material may be, but not limited to, iron, stainless steel, zirconium, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the sensory detection unit 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the visual detection unit 110 may be installed in the premise in a distributive manner. The visual detection unit 110 may be adapted to capture an audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak on the premise. The visual detection unit 110 may comprise imaging devices such as, but not limited to, a thermal camera, an infrared camera. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the visual detection unit 110 may be a camera having the capability of monitoring a 360-degree environment of the premise. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the imaging devices, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may be encapsulated in the visual detection unit 110.
[0037] The visual detection unit 110 may be constructed of material bearing high melting points and enduring heat and temperature resistance. The material may be, but not limited to, iron, stainless steel, zirconium, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for construction of the visual detection unit 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microcontroller 112 may be communicatively connected to the sensory detection unit 108 and the visual detection unit 110. The microcontroller 112 may be adapted to receive data related to the sensed fire outbreak in the premise from the sensory detection unit 108. Upon receipt of the data related to sensed fire outbreak, the microcontroller 112 may be configured to activate the visual detection unit 110 to capture the audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise.
[0039] The microcontroller 112 may be configured to command the image recognition engine 114 to analyze the captured audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak. The image recognition engine 114 may be adapted to execute visual analysis techniques such as, but not limited to, a Gaussian blur, a median filtering, an edge enhancement, and so forth, to categorize the fire outbreak in a hazardous class or a non-hazardous class. The execution of the visual analysis techniques may ensure the fire outbreak on the premise and may prevent false alarms.
[0040] The hazardous class of the fire outbreak may be, but not limited to, a fire on chemical reagents, a fire on electrical equipment and wires, a fire on fabric material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of fire incident, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may be classified in the hazardous class. The non-hazardous class of the fire outbreak may be, but not limited to, a lighting of cigarettes, a consumption of vapes, a burning of candles, an ignition of gas stove, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of fire incident, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may be classified in the non-hazardous class.
[0041] Further, if the fire outbreak may lie in the hazardous class, then the microcontroller 112 may be configured to generate an emergency signal. The generated emergency signal may further be transmitted to a nearby fire station via the communication unit 118.
[0042] Furthermore, if the fire outbreak may lie in the hazardous class, then the microcontroller 112 may be configured to interpolate a location of the fire outbreak in the premise based on the audio-visual graphics received from a corresponding image recognition engine 114, and the sensed fire outbreak from a corresponding sensory detection unit 108. The interpolation of the location in the premise may be carried out using the mapping unit 116. The mapping unit 116 may be adapted to map the premise and segregate the mapped premise in grids. Furthermore, the mapping unit 116 may be adapted to select a corresponding grid from the interpolated location in the premise. The microcontroller 112 may be configured to actuate the valves 106a-106n of the nozzles 104a-104n in the grid corresponding to the interpolated location in the premise for a sprinkle of water and suppression of the fire outbreak in the premise.
[0043] In an exemplary scenario, the premise may be a shopping mall. The mapping unit 116 may proactively segregate the exemplary shopping mall into grids, and the grids may be designated as A1, A2, B1, B2, and so forth. Further, in the exemplary shopping mall, the food court may be segregated under grid C18, the electronic store may be segregated under N7, the washrooms may be segregated under E4, and so forth. Furthermore, if the food court of the exemplary shopping mall experiences the fire outbreak, then the sensory detection unit 108 and the visual detection unit 110 may collectively confirm the fire outbreak in the food court based on the captured audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak. Further, the microcontroller 112 may actuate the valves 106a-106n of the nozzles 104a-104n installed in the grid C18. By actuation of the valves 106a-106n of the nozzles 104a-104n in the grid C18, the water in the network of tubings 102 may be sprinkled in the food court of the exemplary shopping mall to suppress and extinguishing the fire. Moreover, all the other grids of the exemplary shopping mall may be left unaffected. Thus, prevention of panic exit and further involving resource preservation and water conservation.
[0044] The microcontroller 112 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the microcontroller 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be adapted to establish a communicative link between the microcontroller 112 and the computing unit 120. The communication unit 118 may be adapted to enable a transmission of fire-safety factors to the computing unit 120. The fire-safety factors may be, but not limited to, a maintenance of the alert unit 122, a working status of the nozzles 104a-104n, a working status of the valves 106a-106n, a supply of the water in the network of tubings 102, and so forth.
[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be adapted to establish a communicative link between the microcontroller 112 and the nearby fire station. The communication unit 118 may be adapted to transmit the emergency signal generated by the microcontroller 112 to the nearby fire station.
[0047] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fire-safety factors, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The communication unit 118 may be, but not limited to, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) module, a Network Interface Card (NIC), and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 118 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) enabled module. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication unit 118, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing unit 120 may be an electronic peripheral that may be used by a user such as, but not limited to, a premise manager, a fireman, a security guard, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies, that may use the computing unit 120. The computing unit 120 may be adapted to receive the fire-safety factors from the microcontroller 112 via the communication unit 118. The computing unit 120 may be adapted to enable the user to read, study, scrutinize, and share the fire-safety factors. The computing unit 120 may further be adapted to enable the user to monitor a real-time feed transmitted from the visual detection unit 110. The computing unit 120 may be, but not limited to, a laptop, a smartphone, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing unit 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert unit 122 may be adapted to alert the residents of the premise in case of the fire outbreaks. The alert generated by the alert unit 122 may indicate the fire outbreak and may further indicate and initiate evacuation protocols. Further, the alerts generated by the alert unit 122 may entail localized alerts to lower confusion within crowded places such as, but not limited to, malls, hotels, and so forth. Furthermore, the alerts generated by the alert unit 122 may be in a staggered manner that may ensure every resident may be alerted and may further be evacuated without creation of panic. The evacuation in the staggered manner further prevent incidents such as, but not limited to, a stampede, a congestion, a suffocation, an intoxication, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the incidents, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The alert unit 122 may be, but not limited to, a buzzer, a strobe light, an amber alert, an electronic notification, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the alert unit 122, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0050] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for suppression of the fire outbreak using the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] At step 202, the device 100 may receive the data related to the sensed fire outbreak in the premise.
[0052] At step 204, the device 100 may activate the visual detection unit 110 to capture audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak on the premise.
[0053] At step 206, the device 100 may command the image recognition engine 114 to analyze the captured audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak to categorize the fire outbreak in the hazardous class or the non-hazardous class.
[0054] At step 208, if the analyzed fire outbreak lies in the hazardous class, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 210. Else, the method 200 may revert to the step 202.
[0055] At step 210, the device 100 may interpolate the location of the fire outbreak in the premise based on the audio-visual graphics received from the corresponding image recognition engine 114, and the sensed fire outbreak from the corresponding sensory detection unit 108.
[0056] At step 212, the device 100 may actuate the valves 106a-106n of the nozzles 104a-104n in the grid corresponding to the interpolated location for sprinkle of water and suppression of the fire outbreak.
[0057] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0058] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An integrated fire detection device (100), the device (100) comprising:
a sensory detection unit (108), installed in a premise adapted to sense a fire outbreak in the premise;
a visual detection unit (110), installed in the premise, adapted to capture audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise for monitoring a 360-degree environment in the premise; and
a microcontroller (112) communicatively connected to the sensory detection unit (108) and to the visual detection unit (110), characterized in that the microcontroller (112) is configured to:
receive data related to the sensed fire outbreak on the premise;
activate the visual detection unit (110) to capture the audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise, based on received data related to the fire outbreak in the premise;
command an image recognition engine (114) to analyze the captured audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak to categorize the fire outbreak in a hazardous class or a non-hazardous class;
interpolate a location of the fire outbreak in the premise based on the analyzed audio-visual graphics when the analyzed fire outbreak; and
actuate valves (106a-106n) of nozzles (104a-104n) in a grid corresponding to the interpolated location to sprinkle water for suppression of the fire outbreak.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mapping unit (116) adapted to map the premise and segregate the mapped premise in form of the grids.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensory detection unit (108) comprises a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, a gas sensor, or a combination thereof.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the premise comprises a network of tubings (102), installed near a ceiling of the premise, adapted to carry the water for the fire suppression.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a network of tubings (102) comprises the nozzles (104a-104n) adapted to sprinkle water on the fire outbreak, such that the water is sprinkled upon actuation of the valves (106a-106n).
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fire outbreak classified in the hazardous class is selected from a fire on chemicals reagents, a fire on electrical equipment and wires, a fire on fabric material, or a combination thereof.
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fire outbreak classified in the non-hazardous class is selected from a lighting of cigarettes, a consumption of vapes, a burning of candles, an ignition of a gas stove, or a combination thereof.
8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication unit (118) adapted to transmit the fire outbreak alert to a computing unit (120).
9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an alert unit (122) adapted to alert residents of the premise.
10. A method (200) for fire suppression using an integrated fire detection device (100), the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving a sensed fire outbreak in a premise from a sensory detection unit (108);
activating a visual detection unit (110) to capture audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak in the premise, when the fire outbreak is sensed in the premise;
commanding an image recognition engine (114) to analyze the captured audio-visual graphics of the fire outbreak to categorize the fire outbreak in a hazardous class or a non-hazardous class;
interpolating a location of the fire outbreak in the premise based on the audio-visual graphics received from a corresponding visual detection unit (110), and the sensed fire outbreak from a corresponding sensory detection unit (108), when the analyzed fire outbreak lies in the hazardous class; and
actuating valves (106a-106n) of nozzles (104a-104n) in a grid corresponding to the interpolated location for sprinkling of water and suppression of the fire outbreak.
Date: February 24, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant