DE102015004458A1 - Apparatus and method for a classifying, smokeless air condition sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for operating an air condition sensor, which comprises an optical measuring section. The optical measuring section (I1, I2) runs in the free space outside the air condition sensor. External light robustness is achieved by compensating optical control. At the same time, the amplitude and delay or phase shift of the reflection at objects (O) with respect to the optical transmission signal of an optical measuring transmitter (H) are detected. Thus, at least two signals representing a delay and an amplitude are available. These signals form an initial feature vector signal (SV4) from a plurality of individual signals. A filter unit (FE) generates from the generated from the initial feature vector signal (SV4) an extended feature vector signal (24), which also comprises a plurality of individual signals. A feature extraction device (11) generates from the extended feature vector signal (24) the modified feature vector signal (38), which also comprises a plurality of individual signals. An emissions calculation unit (12) repetitively calculates the distance between an instantaneous value of the extended feature vector signal (38) and prototype data in a prototype database (15) located in a sub-device, typically a memory, of the air quality sensor , The prototype data represent typical operating conditions. The emission calculation unit (12) outputs an identification of at least one prototype, for example as a prototype number, via a classification result signal (39).

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for a chamberless air condition sensor, in particular for a chamberless smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosol and / or dust and / or particle sensor, and a method for its assembly.

Air condition sensors are used in particular as smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosol and / or dust and / or particle detectors and / or detectors of other loads on the room air. In the following text, therefore, the term air condition sensor can always be read as one of these types of detectors.

Numerous fire and flame detectors are known from the patent literature. The following, not complete list gives a rough overview:
WO 2014 022 525 A3 . EP 2 624 229 A1 . EP 2 624 228 A2 . DE 20 2012 008 716 U1 . EP 2 500 883 A2 . EP 2 402 920 A2 . EP 2 348 495 A1 . DE 10 2009 047 358 A1 . WO 2011 141 730 A1 . DE 10 2009 046 556 A1 . EP 2 270 762 A2 . JP 2010 073 025 A . US 2010 073 926 A1 . EP 2 472 486 A1 . US 8 106 784 B2 . JP 2009 211 327 A . EP 2 093 734 A1 . EP 2 093 732 A1 . EP 2 252 984 A1 . EP 1 870 866 A1 . KR 100 741 784 B1 . EP 1 783 712 A1 . EP 1 709 606 A1 . EP 1 883 911 A2 . EP 1 687 786 A2 . EP 1 683 123 A1 . WO 2005 043 479 A1 . EP 1 683 124 A1 . DE 10 2004 002 591 A1 . US 2004 080 321 A1 . EP 1 552 489 B1 . EP 1 376 504 A1 . EP 1 376 505 A1 . EP 1 664 751 A1 . US Pat. No. 6,545,608 B1 . EP 1 298 615 B1 . EP 1 298 617 B1 . EP 1 282 092 B1 . EP 1 573 696 A1 . EP 1 783 711 A1 . EP 1 258 848 B1 . US 2002 089 426 A1 . US 2002 153 499 A1 . EP 1 247 267 A1 . US 2001 020 899 A1 . US 2001 038 338 A1 . US 2002 060 632 A1 . US 2005 057 366 A1 . EP 1 087 352 A1 . DE 10 054 111 A1 . EP 1 049 061 B1 . EP 1 049 061 B2 . EP 1 261 953 A1 . DE 19 808 872 A1 . DE 19 733 375 A1 . JPH 10 154 283 A . US 5,751,218 A . JPH 10 111 988 A . JPH 10 116 396 A . JPH 09 231 483 A . JP 4 625 046 B2 . JP4 714 759 B2 . JP 3 451 510 B2 . US Pat. No. 5,625,342 . EP 1 012 587 A1 . JPH 08 305 978 A . US 5 568 130 A . US 5 563 766 A . DE 29 609 124 U1 . JP 3 035 458 B2 . WO 9 705 586 A1 . EP 0 658 264 A1 . US 5 333 418 A . JPH 06 111 154 A . GB 2 286 667 A . EP 0 616 305 A1 . EP 0 582 975 A1 . EP 0 570 431 A1 . EP 0 475 884 A1 . EP 0 474 860 A1 . US 5 019 805 A . EP 0 423 489 A1 . DE 4 018 781 A1 . EP 0 399 244 B1 . DE 3 904 979 A1 . US 4,906,978 A . EP 0 299 410 B1 . US 4,758,827 A . U.S. 4,839,527A . EP 0 233 754 B1 . US 4,786,811 A . US 4,672,217 A . US 4,667,106 A . EP 0 175 940 A1 . US 4 547 673 A . US 4,529,976 A . DE 3 341 781 A1 . US 4 638 304 A . EP 0 143 976 A1 . EP 0 127 645 A1 . EP 0 120 881 A1 . GB 2 137 390 B . EP 0 141 162 B1 . US 4,387,369 A . US 4,430,646 A . JPS 6 024 996 B2 . EP 0 030 621 A1 . US 4 250 500 A . JPS 55 166 794 A . US 4,225,860 A . EP 0 016 351 A1 . US 4 401 978 A . US 4,300,133 A . EP 0 014 251 A1 . EP 0 014 874 B1 . EP 0 041 952 B1 . US 4,205,306 A . US 4 226 533 A . US 4,300,099 A . DE 2 908 099 A1 . DE 2 908 100 A1 . US 4 233 594 A . DE 2 946 507 A1 . DE 7 823 178 U1 . DE 2 846 384 A1 . DE 2 752 690 A1 . US 4,134,111 . US 4,131,888 A . DE 2 714 450 A1 . US 4,114,088 A . DE 2 709 487 A1 . DE 2 703 233 A1 . DE 2 619 083 A1 . DE 2 619 082 A1 . DE 2 630 572 A1 . US 3 987 423 A . DE 2 604 872 A1 . US Pat. No. 3,949,390 . DE 2 541 290 A1 . US Pat. No. 3,919,702 . US 3 909 815 A . DE 2 454 196 A1 . DE 2 452 839 A1 . DE 2 519 267 A1 . DE 2 615 412 A1 . DE 2 453 061 A1 . DE 2 358 706 A1 . DE 2 453 062 A1 . DE 2 700 906 A1 . US Pat. No. 3,842,409 A . DE 2 413 162 A1 . CH 554 571 A . DE 2 408 374 A1 . CH 550 445 A . US Pat. No. 3,805,066 . US Pat. No. 3,999,079 . DE 2 402 493 A1 . DE 2 346 249 A1 . US 3,754,219 A . AU 472 425 B2 . DE 2 310 490 A1 . US 3,728,706 A. . FR 2 108 895 B1 . DE 2 130 889 A1 . DE 1 952 891 A1 . DE 2 023 953 A1 . US Pat. No. 3,430,220 . US Pat. No. 3,262,106 . US 3 246 312 A . US Pat. No. 3,470,551 . DE 1 798 135 U . US 2,209,193 A . US 2 351 587 A

All of these detectors, if they function as smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosol and / or dust and / or particle detectors, have in common that they have a smoke chamber, which includes the actual inner measuring range and a smoke diffusion path. The smoke diffusion path has the task to direct the smoke into the interior of the measuring device, without leaving light and or other disturbances in the interior of the detector. However, the smoke chamber is an aesthetic and architectural disadvantage, since it is necessary that this chamber protrudes from the ceiling.

Moreover, it is difficult for the prior art systems to correctly distinguish smoke, haze and particles. This is particularly difficult in those jobs where such pressures on the air naturally occur.

From the EP 1 039 426 A2 However, a smoke detector without a smoke chamber is known. However, the technical teaching disclosed therein has the disadvantage that the sensors can be blinded by ambient light. Moreover, it is not disclosed how to prevent movements of objects - e.g. B. curtains, animals and persons lead to false alarms.

For the compensation of the ambient light the Halios ^® technology is known. One particular method is the Halios ^® -IRDM procedure especially in the following rights and applications:
EP 1 913 420 B1 . DE 10 2007 005 187 B4 . DE 10 2005 045 993 B4 . DE 10 2012 024 597.1 . DE 10 2013 013 664.4 . EP 12 156 720.0 . EP 14 161 553.4 . EP 14 161 556.7 . EP 14 161 559.1 . EP 1 979 764 B8 . EP 1 979 764 B1 . WO 2008 092 611 A

In the Halios ^® IRDM method, a light pulse is emitted and its light transit time is determined.

There is a special form of the more general HALIOS ^® process, which is known for example from the following disclosures:
EP 2 016 480 B1 . EP 2 598 908 A1 . WO 2013 113 456 A1 . EP 2 594 023 A1 . EP 2 653 885 A1 . EP 2 405 283 B1 . EP 2 602 635 B1 . EP 1 671 160 B1 . EP 2 016 480 B1 . WO 2013 037 465 A1 . EP 1 901 947 B1 . US 2012 0 326 958 A1 . EP 1 747 484 B1 . EP 2 107 550 A3 . EP 1 723 446 B1 . EP 1 435 509 B1 . EP 1 410 507 B1 . EP 801 726 B1 . EP 1 435 509 B1 . EP 1 269 629 B1 . EP 1 258 084 B1 . EP 801 726 B1 . EP 1 480 015 A1 . EP 1 410 507 B1 . DE 10 2005 045 993 B4 . DE 4 339 574 C2 . DE 4 411 770 C1 . DE 4 411 773 C2 . WO 2013 083 346 A1 . EP 2 679 982 A1 . WO 2013 076 079 A1 . WO 2013 156 557 A1 .

The following applications also relate Halios ^® systems:
EP 12 199 090.7 . EP 12 199 090.7 . PCT / EP2013 / 077,749 . DE 10 2014 002 194.7 . DE 10 2014 002 788.0 . DE 10 2014 002 486.5

• • ein Sender (H), der von einem Sendesignal (S5) gespeist wird, in eine erste Übertragungsstrecke (I1) einspeist und
• • diese (I1) an einem zu vermessenden Objekt (O) endet, das das Licht des Senders (H) reflektiert und/oder transmitteiert und
• • in eine zweite Übertragungsstrecke (I2) einspeist, die an einem Empfänger (D) endet und
• • und ein Kompensationssender (K), der durch ein Kompensationssendesignal (S3) gespeist wird, in eine dritte Übertragungsstrecke (I3) ein Lichtsignal, das ebenfalls an dem Empfänger (D) endet, einspeist und
• • dass sich das Objektsignal und das Kompensationssignal im Empfänger überlagern, wobei aus dem Stand der Technik lineare und multiplizierende Überlagerungen bekannt sind, und
• • dass das so überlagerte Gesamtsignal durch den Empfänger (D) in ein Empfängerausgangssignal (S0) gewandelt wird und
• • dass auf Basis dieses Empfängerausgangssignals (S0) zumindest ein Regler (CT) nun das Sendesignal (S5) und/oder das Kompensationssignal (S3) so ausregelt, dass zumindest für einen bestimmten Spektralbereich die relevanten Anteile des Spektrums Sendesignals (S5) im Empfängerausgangssignal (S0) verschwinden.

All these methods have in common that

• A transmitter (H), which is fed by a transmission signal (S5), feeds into a first transmission path (I1) and
• • this (I1) ends at an object (O) to be measured, which reflects and / or transmits the light of the transmitter (H) and
• • In a second transmission path (I2) feeds, which ends at a receiver (D) and
• • and a compensation transmitter (K), which is fed by a compensation transmission signal (S3), in a third transmission path (I3), a light signal, which also ends at the receiver (D), feeds and
• • that the object signal and the compensation signal are superimposed in the receiver, where linear and multiplying superpositions are known from the prior art, and
• • that the total superimposed signal is converted by the receiver (D) in a receiver output signal (S0) and
• That on the basis of this receiver output signal (S0) at least one controller (CT) now controls the transmission signal (S5) and / or the compensation signal (S3) so that the relevant portions of the spectrum transmission signal (S5) in the receiver output signal (S5) at least for a specific spectral range ( S0) disappear.

Reference is made to the patent literature listed above.

• • dass dabei nicht nur die Amplitude eines Kompensationssignals (S3) und/oder die Amplitude eines Sendesignals (S3) geregelt wird,
• • sondern auch die Phase dieser beiden Signale gegeneinander und/oder die Verzögerung zumindest der relevanten Signalanteile dieser beiden Signale gegeneinander geregelt wird.

A Halios ^® IRDM system is additionally characterized by

• That not only the amplitude of a compensation signal (S3) and / or the amplitude of a transmission signal (S3) is regulated,
• • But the phase of these two signals against each other and / or the delay of at least the relevant signal components of these two signals is controlled against each other.

A delay control is preferably used when the transmission signal is not monofrequent but band-limited.

Finally, a possibly existing smoke diffusion path leads to a dead time, in which the room already fills with smoke and the detector can not yet respond because the smoke chamber is not yet filled with smoke.

Task according to the invention

It is the object of the invention to provide a method for operating a smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosol and / or dust and / or particle detector, ie an air condition sensor, which makes it possible to manage without a smoke chamber and thus the response time of the air condition sensor, since then can be dispensed with the smoke diffusion path to shorten. In addition, the device should be able to distinguish between smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosols and / or dusts and / or particles and preferably also between different classes thereof and other operating states, such as changes in the received signal by persons, animals and / or moving objects can recognize.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 18.

Description of the invention

The device according to the invention carries out a method for operating a smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosol and / or dust and / or particle detector. The device according to the invention thus represents an air condition sensor. The executed method is based on an optical measurement of the properties of an optical Transmission path (I1, I2, I3, I1 ', I2', I3 '), which is typically located outside of the device according to the invention. Although said optical measurement takes place in a similar form in the prior art, in such devices according to the prior art, for example, by means of an optical transmitter in the said smoke chamber an optical signal is emitted, which then hits the smoke particles, is scattered at this and then impinges on a receiver, which is typically not located in the optical emission axis of the transmitter. An exception is the one in the EP 1 039 426 A2 disclosed technique, but with the aforementioned limitations, in particular a lack of extraneous light suppression, is afflicted.

However, the device according to the invention does not only determine the amplitudes of the measured signals at a single optical transmitter and receiver wavelength but at different centroid wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) with several transmitters (H1 to Hn) and / or at different gene thresholds in the prior art Receiver center wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _sm ) with multiple receivers (D1 to Dm). The device according to the invention has a first partial device, the feature extraction ( 11 ), which evaluates these amplitudes after filtering in a filter unit (FE) in order to obtain distinguishing features for the classification of the substances in the ambient air in the measuring range. Here and below, n and m are each a positive number, while i is a number between 1 and n or equal to 1 or n or between 1 and m or equal to 1 or m between 1 and n · m or equal to 1 or n · M stands. For example, a centroid wavelength (λ _s ) of a transmitter (H) may be an integral of the wavelength of the transmitter's light (H) multiplied by the intensity of the transmitter's light (H) integrated over the wavelength divided by the integral of the intensity of the transmitter's light ( H) be integrated over the wavelength defined. A receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d ) of a receiver (D) may be defined, for example, as the integral of the wavelength multiplied by the differential and / or absolute sensitivity integrated over the wavelength divided by the integral of the differential and / or absolute sensitivity integrated over the wavelength.

• A) Der erste wesentliche Gedanke ist dabei, ein Verfahren anzuwenden, bei dem im Gegensatz zur Vorrichtung der EP 1 039 426 A1 das störende Umgebungslicht so kompensiert wird, dass die Messung mit hinreichender, und gegenüber der EP 1 039 426 A1 verbesserter Genauigkeit durchgeführt werden kann. Durch das Umgebungslicht wird dabei ein Gleichsignal erzeugt, dass in einer Wechselsignalverarbeitung, die sich an einen Empfänger (D) anschließt, herausgefiltert werden kann. Insbesondere ist die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in der Lage, im Gegensatz zur Vorrichtung der EP 1 039 426 A1 auch bei massivem Gegenlicht Partikel, beispielsweise auch bei einstrahlenden Flammen, zu erfassen, was ja einen nicht unwahrscheinlichen Gefahrenfall bei einem Brand darstellt. Eine Vorrichtung entsprechend der EP 1 039 426 A1 versagt hier vollkommen.
• B) Der zweite wesentliche Gedanke ist es, die optischen Übertragungsstrecken (I1, I2, I3) zur Charakterisierung der Raumluft außerhalb des Luftzustandssensor (SD) verlaufen zu lassen und gleichzeitig den Detektionsraum, in dem Partikelsignale ausgewertet werden, räumlich durch Auswertung einer gemessenen Lichtlaufzeit und Vergleich mit Maximalwerten zu beschränken. Eine solche Beschränkung sieht die EP 1 039 426 A1 nicht vor und ermöglicht somit auch die Einwirkung von Vorgängen in Weiterentfernten Bereichen. Hierfür ist der erfinderische Grundgedanke der, dass eine Auswerteeinheit (AE), die Teil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist, neben der Amplitude auch die Laufzeit des Lichts auswertet. Berücksichtig die Auswerteeinheit (AE) nur Messwerte, deren Lichtlaufzeit und/oder deren mittlere Lichtlaufzeit in einem bestimmten Intervall zwischen einer minimalen Lichtlaufzeit t_min, die auch Null sein kann, und einer maximalen Lichtlaufzeit t_max liegen, so kommt dass einer solchen Beschränkung des Detektionsraumes des Luftgütesensors gleich. Ein solcherart beschränkter Detektionsraum wird im Folgenden als virtuelle Rauchkammer bezeichnet. Eine Möglichkeit zur Beschränkung ist, dass bei der Messung die Auswerteeinheit (AE) den mittleren Punkt (AR) der Reflektion bzw. Streuung des Lichts des Senders (H) oder der Sender (H1 bis Hn) bestimmt. Liegt eine Rauchbelastung vor, so verringert sich dieser mittlere Abstand zum Luftzustandssensor (SD) in Richtung auf den Luftzustandssensor (SD) zu. Die Laufzeitermittlung dient also im Gegensatz zum Stand der Technik nicht der Charakterisierung der Raumluftbelastungsart, wie beispielsweise in der EP1039426A2 , sondern dem Bestimmen der mittleren Reichweite der Strahlung des Senders (H) oder der Sender (H1 bis Hn) durch die Auswerteeinheit (AE).
• C) Der dritte erfindungsgemäße Gedanke ist es, die Raumluftbelastungsart stattdessen beispielsweise über verschiedene Schwerpunktswellenlängen (λ_s1 bis λ_sn) zu bestimmen. Bei einem breitbandigen Sender (H) kann eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung auch wellenlängenmäßig selektiv empfangende Empfänger (D1 bis Dm) mit typischerweise jeweils einer Empfängerschwerpunktswellenlänge (λ_d1 bis λ_dm) aufweisen, wobei die Empfänger (D1 bis Dm) entweder von Natur aus selektiv empfangen und/oder jeweils durch eine geeignete Filterscheibe etc. in ihrer spektralen Empfindlichkeit beschränkt werden.

Three basic ideas of the method according to the invention and of the device according to the invention make it possible to forego a smoke chamber and to analyze and evaluate the said loads on the room air.

• A) The first essential idea is to apply a method in which, in contrast to the device of EP 1 039 426 A1 the disturbing ambient light is compensated so that the measurement with sufficient, and compared to the EP 1 039 426 A1 improved accuracy can be performed. The ambient light generates a DC signal which can be filtered out in alternating signal processing which is connected to a receiver (D). In particular, the device according to the invention is able, in contrast to the device of EP 1 039 426 A1 Even with massive backlighting particles, for example, even at einstrahlenden flames to detect, which is indeed a not unlikely danger in a fire. A device according to the EP 1 039 426 A1 fails here completely.
• B) The second essential idea is to run the optical transmission paths (I1, I2, I3) outside the air condition sensor (SD) to characterize the room air and at the same time the detection space in which particle signals are evaluated, spatially by evaluating a measured light transit time and Limit comparison with maximum values. Such a restriction sees the EP 1 039 426 A1 not before and thus also allows the action of operations in remote areas. For this purpose, the inventive idea is that an evaluation unit (AE), which is part of the device according to the invention, in addition to the amplitude and the duration of the light evaluates. If the evaluation unit (AE) only considers measured values whose time of flight of light and / or their mean time of light travel are within a certain interval between a minimum time of light t _min , which may also be zero, and a maximum time of light t _max , then such a limitation of the detection space occurs the air quality sensor same. Such a limited detection space is hereinafter referred to as a virtual smoke chamber. One possibility for limiting is that, during the measurement, the evaluation unit (AE) determines the mean point (AR) of the reflection or scattering of the light of the transmitter (H) or of the transmitters (H1 to Hn). If smoke is present, this mean distance to the air condition sensor (SD) decreases towards the air condition sensor (SD). The runtime determination is thus not in contrast to the prior art, the characterization of Raumluftbelastungsart, such as in the EP1039426A2 but determining the average range of the radiation of the transmitter (H) or the transmitter (H1 to Hn) by the evaluation unit (AE).
• C) The third idea according to the invention is to determine the type of room air pollution instead, for example, over different center-of-gravity wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ). In the case of a broadband transmitter (H), a device according to the invention can also be selective in terms of wavelength receiving receivers (D1 to Dm) typically each having a receiver center of _gravity wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ), wherein the receivers (D1 to Dm) either inherently selectively receive and / or each limited by a suitable filter disk, etc. in their spectral sensitivity become.

All reflections of light signals and pulses of the transmitter or transmitters (H1 to Hn) typically each having a center of gravity wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ), which after and / or before a predetermined time the receiver or receivers (D1 to Dm) with typically each reach a receiver center of _gravity wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ) are preferably ignored by the evaluation unit (AE). If transmit and receive lobes of the receivers (D1 to Dm) and the transmitters (H1 to Hn) are aligned differently, the acceptance of measured values may also be limited to certain solid angle segments, if necessary. In this way, the evaluation unit (AE) generates said virtual smoke chamber.

• • Aussenden von Licht durch einen Sender (H) in Abhängigkeit von einem modulierten Sendesignal (S5), beispielsweise als Rechteck- und/oder PWM- und/oder PCM- und/oder PFM- und/oder Sinus-Signal und/oder Zufallssignal und/oder Pseudozufallssignal und/oder bandbegrenztes Signal mit zumindest einer Frequenz verschieden von 0 Hz moduliert, in eine erste Übertragungsstrecke (I1) die typischerweise und dann im Gegensatz zum Stand der Technik, außerhalb des erfindungsgemäßen Luftzustandssensors (SD) liegt, der das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren durchführt, wobei in der besagten ersten Übertragungsstrecke (I1) Rauch und/oder Dunst und/oder Aerosole und/oder Staub und/oder Partikel detektiert werden sollen, wobei das Licht durch eine zweite Übertragungsstrecke (I2) zu einem Empfänger (D) zurückgestreut und/oder zurückreflektiert wird;
• • Empfangen zumindest des zumindest auf dem ausgesendeten Licht des besagten Senders (H) beruhenden und aus der besagten ersten und zweiten Übertragungsstrecke (I1, I2) zurückgestreuten und/oder reflektierten Lichts durch mindestens einen Empfänger (D), der typischerweise Teil der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung ist;
• • Ausgabe eines Empfängerausgangssignals (S0) durch den Empfänger (D) in zumindest teilweiser Abhängigkeit von zumindest einem Teil des besagten zurückgestreuten und/oder reflektierten und/oder transmittierten Lichts des Senders (H);
• • Bewertung mindestens einer Amplitude mindestens des einen Empfängerausgangssignals (S0) zu zumindest einem Zeitpunkt nach der Aussendung des Lichts durch den besagten Sender (H) durch mindestens eine erste Verarbeitungseinheit (CT) durch Ermittlung eines quantitativen ersten Bewertungsergebnisses, wobei es sich bei der Verarbeitungseinheit typischerweise um einen Regler handelt und das erste Bewertungsergebnis typischerweise als Regelgröße (S4) vorliegt;
• • Ausgabe und/oder Weitergabe des ersten Bewertungsergebnisses und/oder einer daraus abgeleiteten Größe durch eine Ausgabeeinheit (IF), die mit einer der vorgenannten Verarbeitungseinheiten identisch sein kann.

A typical embodiment of a method according to the invention therefore comprises, for example, the steps already known from the prior art

• Emitting light by a transmitter (H) as a function of a modulated transmission signal (S5), for example as a rectangular and / or PWM and / or PCM and / or PFM and / or sine signal and / or random signal and / or pseudo-random signal and / or band-limited signal modulated with at least one frequency different from 0 Hz, in a first transmission path (I1) which is typically and then in contrast to the prior art, outside the air condition sensor according to the invention (SD), which performs the inventive method in which smoke and / or haze and / or aerosols and / or dust and / or particles are to be detected in said first transmission path (I1), wherein the light is scattered back through a second transmission path (I2) to a receiver (D) and / or reflected back;
• • Receiving at least the at least on the emitted light of said transmitter (H) based and backscattered and / or reflected light from said first and second transmission path (I1, I2) by at least one receiver (D), which is typically part of the device according to the invention ;
• Output of a receiver output signal (S0) by the receiver (D) in at least partial dependence on at least part of said backscattered and / or reflected and / or transmitted light of the transmitter (H);
• Evaluating at least one amplitude of at least one receiver output signal (S0) at least one time after the transmission of the light by said transmitter (H) by at least one first processing unit (CT) by determining a quantitative first evaluation result, wherein the processing unit is typically is a controller and the first evaluation result is typically present as a controlled variable (S4);
• Issuing and / or passing on the first evaluation result and / or a variable derived therefrom by an output unit (IF) which may be identical to one of the aforementioned processing units.

• a. Ein erster möglicher erfindungsgemäßer Verfahrensschritt einer ersten Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, das durch die Auswerteeinheit (AE) durchgeführt wird, umfasst zusätzlich zum Stand der Technik das Durchführen eines Verfahrensschritts zur Kompensation des Umgebungslichtes. Die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung umfasst hierzu eine Verarbeitungseinheit (CT), die diese Kompensation steuert. Hierdurch wird es überhaupt erst möglich, die Messstrecke, also die erste und zweite Übertragungsstrecke (I1, I2) außerhalb der Rauchkammer zu platzieren. Diese Kompensation unterdrückt Gleichanteile und ermöglicht es so, die Verstärkung durch Verstärker (V1 bis Vn) innerhalb der Verarbeitungseinheit (CT) sehr hoch zu wählen und so die Empfindlichkeit des Luftzustandssensors (SD) zu maximieren. Das im Abschnitt [0017] der EP 1 039 426 A1 genannte Verfahren mit einem Synchrondemodulator alleine reicht hierfür nicht aus. Ohne diese Kompensation wäre das Signal-Rauschverhältnis wesentlich schlechter, was wiederum eine Rauchkammer erzwingen würde. Dies trifft insbesondere auch auf die in der EP 1 039 426 A1 beschriebene Vorrichtung zu.
• b. Ein zweiter möglicher erfindungsgemäßer Verfahrensschritt einer zweiten Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, der von der Auswerteeinheit (AE) durchgeführt wird und genaugenommen eine Verfeinerung des zuvor genannten erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrensschrittes ist, umfasst zusätzlich zum Stand der Technik drei Unterverfahrensschritte: – Der erste Unterverfahrensschritt umfasst das Aussenden von Licht durch mindestens einen Kompensationssender (K) basierend auf einem Kompensationssendesignal (S3) in eine Kompensationsübertragungsstrecke (I4), die sich von der ersten und zweiten Übertragungsstrecke (I1, I2) unterscheidet und deren Eigenschaften typischerweise bekannt sind. Dieses Aussenden von Licht durch einen Kompensationssender (K) erfolgt gleichzeitig zur Aussendung des Sendesignals durch einen Sender (H) wenn man von der Modulation absieht. – Der zweite Unterverfahrensschritt umfasst das überlagernde Empfangen zumindest des auf dem ausgesendeten Licht des Kompensationssenders (K) beruhenden Lichts durch den mindestens einen Empfänger (D) wobei die Überlagerung zumindest im Empfänger (D) mit dem aus der besagten ersten und zweiten Übertragungsstrecke (I1, I2) zurückgestreuten und/oder reflektierten Licht des Senders (H) typischerweise linear und/oder multiplizierend erfolgt. – Der dritte Unterverfahrensschritt umfasst das Ausregeln des Sendesignals (S5) und/oder des Kompensationssendesignals (S3) durch die besagte Verarbeitungseinheit (CT) als Teil der Auswerteeinheit (AE), die mit einer oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Verarbeitungseinheiten identisch sein kann. Das Ausregeln sollte dabei für jedes der Signale in Amplitude und/oder Verzögerung und/oder Phasenlage zueinander in der Art erfolgen, dass das Empfängerausgangssignal (S0) bis auf einen Regelfehler und/oder Systemrauschen keine Anteile des Sendesignals (S0) mehr enthält
• c. Ein dritter möglicher erfindungsgemäßer Verfahrensschritt einer dritten Variante des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, das durch die Auswerteeinheit (AE) durchgeführt wird, umfasst zusätzlich zum Stand der Technik das Ermitteln zumindest einer Verzögerung zumindest des besagten Empfängerausgangssignals (S0) zumindest eines Empfängers (D) zu zumindest einem Zeitpunkt nach der Aussendung des Lichts gegenüber dem Sendesignal (S5) zur Ermittlung der Lichtlaufzeit des zurückgestreuten und/oder reflektierten Lichts bezogen auf einen Zeitpunkt der Aussendung des ausgesendeten Lichtes durch mindestens eine vierte Verarbeitungseinheit (CT). Die Verarbeitungseinheit, kann, wie schon zuvor, mit einer oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Verarbeitungseinheiten identisch sein. Dabei stellt die durch die Auswerteeinheit (AE) ermittelte Verzögerung ein zweites Bewertungsergebnis dar, das typischerweise Teil eines initialen Feature-Vektor-Signals (S4V) ist, das typischerweise aus mehreren Einzelsignalen besteht und beispielsweise auch Signale für die gemessenen Amplituden umfassen kann. Diese Ermittlung der Lichtlaufzeit ermöglicht es nun der Auswerteeinheit (AE), Laufzeitwerte, die außerhalb eines vorgegebenen Entfernungsintervalls liegen zu ignorieren.

Beyond these steps, which essentially, apart from the position of the first and second transmission path (I1, I2) outside the device according to the invention, correspond to the prior art, further steps are carried out by an evaluation unit (AE) in order to achieve the object according to the invention solve that can be seen independently of each other:

• a. A first possible method step according to the invention of a first variant of the method according to the invention, which is carried out by the evaluation unit (AE), comprises performing a method step for compensating the ambient light in addition to the prior art. For this purpose, the device according to the invention comprises a processing unit (CT) which controls this compensation. This makes it possible for the first time to place the measuring path, ie the first and second transmission path (I1, I2) outside the smoke chamber. This compensation suppresses DC components and thus makes it possible to set the amplification gain (V1 to Vn) within the processing unit (CT) very high, thus maximizing the sensitivity of the air condition sensor (SD). That in section [0017] of EP 1 039 426 A1 said method with a synchronous demodulator alone is not sufficient. Without this compensation, the signal-to-noise ratio would be significantly worse, which in turn would force a smoke chamber. This applies in particular to those in the EP 1 039 426 A1 described device to.
• b. A second possible method step according to the invention of a second variant of the method according to the invention, which is carried out by the evaluation unit (AE) and, strictly speaking, is a refinement of the aforementioned method step according to the invention, comprises three sub-method steps in addition to the prior art: The first sub-method step comprises the emission of light by at least one compensation transmitter (K) based on a Compensation transmission signal (S3) in a compensation transmission path (I4), which differs from the first and second transmission path (I1, I2) and whose properties are typically known. This emission of light by a compensation transmitter (K) takes place at the same time for the transmission of the transmission signal by a transmitter (H) if one disregards the modulation. The second sub-process step comprises the overlapping receiving of at least the light based on the emitted light of the compensation transmitter (K) by the at least one receiver (D), wherein the superposition at least in the receiver (D) with that of the first and second transmission path (I1, I2) backscattered and / or reflected light of the transmitter (H) is typically linear and / or multiplying. - The third sub-process step comprises the balancing of the transmission signal (S5) and / or the compensation transmission signal (S3) by said processing unit (CT) as part of the evaluation unit (AE), which may be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units. The balancing should take place for each of the signals in amplitude and / or delay and / or phase relationship to each other in such a way that the receiver output signal (S0) contains no shares of the transmission signal (S0) except for a control error and / or system noise
• c. A third possible method step according to the invention of a third variant of the method according to the invention carried out by the evaluation unit (AE) comprises, in addition to the prior art, determining at least one delay at least of said receiver output signal (S0) of at least one receiver (D) at at least one time after the transmission of the light with respect to the transmission signal (S5) for determining the light propagation time of the backscattered and / or reflected light with respect to a time of transmission of the emitted light by at least one fourth processing unit (CT). The processing unit, as before, may be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units. In this case, the delay determined by the evaluation unit (AE) represents a second evaluation result, which is typically part of an initial feature vector signal (S4V), which typically consists of a plurality of individual signals and, for example, may also include signals for the measured amplitudes. This determination of the light transit time now makes it possible for the evaluation unit (AE) to ignore runtime values which lie outside a predetermined distance interval.

Typically, the processing unit (CT) is a controller that adjusts and integrates the amplitude and / or delay of the transmit signal (S5) to drive a transmitter (H) and / or the compensation transmit signal (S3) to drive a compensation transmitter (K) or outputs two control signals (S4, S4d), wherein typically a first control signal, the amplifier output signal (S4), the amplitude and a second control signal (S4d) represents the delay.

In this way, the evaluation unit (AE) determines at least one measured value, but preferably two or more measured values in the form of the said initial feature vector signal (S4V). One of the measured values is preferably in each case an amplitude measured value (A _i ), which is present in the form of an amplitude measured value signal (AMS). The other of the two preferred measurements is typically a delay measurement (T _i ) for the typical delay, which is in the form of a delay measurement signal (VMS). These two measured values represent the first and second evaluation results by one or more of the said processing units (CT) which generate the said signals (AMS, VMS). If the device has more than just one transmitter (H) and / or more than just one receiver (D), more than just a transmitter / receiver pairing is possible. In this respect, with suitable design of the system per pairing, such a pair of measured values (A _i , T _i ) in the form of a pair of measured value signals can be determined or generated by the corresponding processing unit (CT).

The delay measurement value signals (VMS) and the amplitude measurement value signals (AMS) typically correspond to the said controller signals (S4, S4d) and are further processed as an initial feature vector signal (S4V), which is typically a data bus, within the evaluation unit (AE).

These three basic variants of the method according to the invention, which are used individually and / or in combination, can now be refined.

In a further preferred method step of a further embodiment of the invention, for example, the evaluation unit (AE) additionally performs a comparison of a first evaluation result (A _i ) in the form of a first amplitude measurement value signal (AMS) and / or a second evaluation result (T _i ) in the form of a delay measurement value signal ( VMS) with at least one or more predetermined and / or programmable and / or otherwise adjustable first threshold values in the form of first threshold signals (a _i , t _i ). The said evaluation unit (AE) determined typically a quantitative first comparison result in the form of a first comparison result signal (VES). The comparison result, which represents the logical content of the comparison result signal (VES), can for example consist of a recognized class of particles and / or their density in the detection space. Such a quantitative result can be, for example, on the one hand a digital number and / or an analog value and / or a symbol string transmitted by means of the comparison result signal (VES), which represents, for example, the identified particle type, and / or a token and / or a signaling, for example, an alarm sound and / or an alarm light. The quantitative first comparison result is typically forwarded to a control center as a comparison result signal (VES) by means of a communication technology wired and / or wirelessly communicating output unit (IF), which is typically part of the device according to the invention. This last method step of outputting and / or passing on the first comparison result and / or a variable derived therefrom by the said output unit, which may be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing units, constitutes the essential step for making use of the measurement results (A _i , T _i The comparison result signal, when detected by a controller (CT), is typically part of the initial feature vector signal (S4V).

As already explained, it is an essential task to measure the said retardation (T _i ) of the backscattered light relative to the emitted light, the mean distance of the reflection and / or scattering at the mean reflection point (AR) from the air condition sensor (SD). This delay is represented by the said delay measurement signal (VMS). In order to be able to calculate said virtual smoke chamber and to be able to discard values lying outside of a defined range interval, in a further embodiment of the invention as a further method step according to the invention an evaluation of said delay (T _i ) of the receiver output signal (S0), ie for example Level on the delay measurement signal (VMS); provided at least one time after the transmission of the light. The evaluation of the delay may already be effected by the said processing unit (CT) or in a subdevice (FE, 11 . 12 ) respectively. As before, the processing unit used in this case can be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units. The second evaluation result (T _i ) in the form of the delay measurement value signal (VMS _i ) determined in this case is then, as previously the first evaluation result, outputting and / or passing the second evaluation result (T _i ) and / or a quantity derived therefrom through an output unit, which may be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing and dispensing units.

It should be mentioned again for a better explanation of the nomenclature that a part of the processing unit and / or the whole processing unit may be a controller, which as the i-th controller of the device, for example, generates an amplitude-related control result signal (S4), the first Evaluation result (A _i ), so the amplitude measurement signal (AMS _i ), can represent. In another example, this i-th controller generates said amplitude-related control result signal (S4) and a delay-related control signal (S4d) including the first evaluation result (Ai), for example, the amplitude measurement signal (AMS _i ) and the second evaluation result (T _i ), ie for example the delay measured value signal (VMS _i ) of the ith processing unit, namely this ith controller (CT_i).

Typically, a comparison of the second evaluation result (T _i ) in the form of the delay measurement value signal (VMS _i ) with at least one predetermined and / or programmable and / or otherwise adjustable second threshold value (t _i ) by at least one sixth processing unit (CT) can be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units, wherein a second comparison result is determined in the form of a second comparison result signal (VES). Also, this comparison result signal (VES), when generated, is preferably again part of the multi-signal initial feature vector signal (S4V).

It is, as already mentioned, particularly preferred if the evaluation unit (AE) only passes on those evaluation results which satisfy certain requirements. For example, it does not make sense for an air condition sensor (SD) to permanently generate a bus load in a network. Therefore, the output and / or passing on of the second comparison result (t _i ) and / or a variable derived therefrom, for example of the recognized particle class ( 39 ) by an output unit (IF) of the evaluation unit (AE), only meaningful if these second comparison results (t _i ) meet these requirements. For example, the transfer by the evaluation unit (AE) should only take place if smoke is actually used as a particle class ( 39 ) as a result of the particle classification in the emission calculation unit explained later ( 12 ), which is part of the evaluation unit (AE), is determined and thus detected. The said output unit of the evaluation unit (AE) can again be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing and output units.

Of course, it may, as already mentioned, be useful if the beam path of the transmitting and / or receiving lobe of the emitted and / or received light is spatially aligned by optics. For this purpose, it is useful if such an optic of lenses and / or diaphragms and / or filters are placed in front of one or more receivers and / or transmitters of a device according to the invention.

For example, to maximize the receiver signal, it is therefore useful, by means of such optics, to project at least part of the backscattered and / or reflected light through an optical system onto at least one receiver and / or at least one part of at least one receiver.

If the already mentioned filters are used, it makes sense to filter at least part of the backscattered and / or reflected light through a filter which has a reduced transmissivity for at least one wavelength range. Depending on the measurement task, the transmissivity of the filter can be chosen so that, for example, when placed in the transmission path of a transmitter (H), it transmits only light from the respective transmitter (H1 to Hn), ie has a respective transmissivity for at least one wavelength of the respective transmitter which is greater than 50%, better greater than 60%, better greater than 70%, better greater than 80%, better greater than 90%, better greater than 95%, better greater than 98.

When a reception path filter is placed in the reception path of a receiver (D), this reception path filter should transmit only light which corresponds to the respective measurement task, ie have transmissivity for at least one wavelength to be measured, for example one wavelength of the emitted light of a transmitter (H1 to Hn) that is greater than 50%, better greater than 60%, better greater than 70%, better greater than 80%, better greater than 90%, better greater than 95%, better greater than 98%. However, the wavelength to be detected does not necessarily have to coincide with the centroid wavelength (λ _s ) of a transmitter (H1 to Hn). Rather, fluorescence measurements are conceivable. Rather, in the case of a fluorescence measurement, it is rather desirable that the transmissivity of the receive path filter for the light of the transmitter have a transmissivity that is less than 50% and / or better less than 60% and / or better less than 70% and / or better less than 80% and / or better less than 90% and / or better less than 95% and / or better less than 98%.

A variant of the method performed by the evaluation unit (AE) according to the invention is therefore distinguished by the fact that the receiver (D) is able to receive the fluorescent light, in which case it preferably does not receive the light of the transmitter (H) ,

As already mentioned, it is desirable if a transmission of the first and / or second evaluation result (A _i , T _i ) by the evaluation unit (AE), as raw data prior to classification by the evaluation unit (AE), to a network by means of wired and / or wireless communication by a transceiver, an output unit (IF). Theoretically, however, it is also possible to store evaluation results and comparison results in the air condition sensor (SD) itself. This can for example be done in a removable medium, for example a memory card, which is then removed manually.

A particularly suitable method for carrying out the steps more concretely by the evaluation unit (AE) comprises, firstly, the emission of light by at least one transmitter (H1 to Hn) at more than at least one center of gravity wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) A to the respective transmitter (H1 to Hn) associated transmission signal (S5) controls the transmission intensity of the respective transmitter (H1 to Hn). Furthermore, this variant according to the invention comprises receiving at least one receiver (D) at least of the backscattered and / or reflected light based on the emitted light and the output of a receiver output signal (S0) by the at least one receiver (D) in at least partial dependence on at least a portion of the backscattered and / or reflected light. This is followed again by an evaluation of at least one amplitude of at least one receiver output signal (S0) at least one time after the light has been emitted by at least one processing unit (CT) which is part of the evaluation unit (AE) and which is identical to one or more of the preceding processing units can be. The evaluation is carried out by determining at least first evaluation results (A _i , T _i ) for one respective centroid wavelength (λ _s1 , λ _s2 , λ _s3 , λ _s4 ), each with a first evaluation result (A _i ) in the form of one amplitude measurement _{value signal} (AMS ₁ , AMS ₂ , AMS ₃ , AMS ₄ ) for the amplitude and a respective second evaluation result (T _i ) in the form of a respective delay measured value signal (VMS ₁ , VMS ₂ , VMS ₃ , VMS ₄ ) for the delay. If, for example, the system uses four transmitters (H1, H2, H3, H4) with a different center-of- _mass wavelength (λ _s1 , λ _s2 , λ _s3 , λ _s4 ), for example red, yellow, green, blue, this results in eight evaluation results (A ₁ , T ₁ , A ₂ , T ₂ , A ₃ , T ₃ , A ₄ , T ₄ ) each having four amplitudes (A ₁ , A ₂ , A ₃ , A ₄ ) and four delays (T ₁ , T ₂ , T ₃ , T ₄ ) as associated measured value signals (AMS ₁ , AMS ₂ , AMS ₃ , AMS ₄ , VMS ₁ , VMS ₂ , VMS ₃ , VMS ₄ ). As a second example, the system may also include a plurality of specific receivers (D1, D2, D3, D4) each having associated receiver _centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 , λ _d2 , λ _d3 , λ _d4 ) and a broadband wavelength first transmitter (H1), which can address all four receivers (D1, D2, D3, D4). Again, a total of eight measured values (A ₁ , T ₁ , A ₂ , T ₂ , A ₃ , T ₃ , A ₄ , T ₄ ) as associated measured value signals (AMS ₁ , AMS ₂ , AMS ₃ , AMS ₄ , VMS ₁ , VMS ₂ , VMS ₃ , VMS ₄ ). determined. If four transmitters with four different centroid wavelengths (λ _s1 , λ _s2 , λ _s3 , λ _s4 ) and four receivers with four different receiver centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 , λ _d2 , λ _d3 , λ _d4 ) are used, the number of pairings increases 16. This will give you 32 readings and 32 readings, etc.

It should be noted at this point that, depending on the spatial arrangement of transmitters (H) and receivers (D), the reflectivity, the transmittance and the scattering in the transmission path (I1, I2) can be determined. For this purpose, the use situation is considered: In the thought experiment, a device according to the invention is located as an air condition sensor (SD) on the ceiling (CE) of a living room. The transmit and receive lobes of first transmitter (H1) and first receiver (D1) point vertically downwards away from the ceiling (CE). Unless there is smoke (SM) and / or haze or the like in the room, the first transmitter (H1) irradiates the floor (FL) or an object just below the air condition sensor (SD). This results in a defined signal background. If the room, through which process is also flooded with smoke, the average light transit time changes from the emission to the reception, since the retroreflective smoke particles are located between the previously irradiated object and the air condition sensor (SD). As a result, the occurrence of smoke shortens the average light transit time from emission to reception. The light is reflected on average to a central reflection point (AR). At the same time more light is scattered. It changes the amplitude and transit time of the light. If the first receiver (D1) is now placed in the vicinity of the first transmitter (H1) so that its receiving lobe is aligned parallel to and overlapping the transmitting lobe of the transmitter (H1), the air condition sensor (SD) receives a signal which the reflection on the smoke (SM) corresponds. This reflective smoke (SM) signal reaches the air condition sensor (SD) earlier than the previously irradiated object (FL) signal. The air condition sensor (SD) or the evaluation unit (AE) contained therein can therefore determine the reflection properties of the smoke (SM) on the one hand due to the different arrival times of the respective reflected light, on the other hand also determine the attenuation, which is additionally determined by the passage through the Smoke occurs because the previous background signal (FL) can be used as a reference if it is only attenuated and not completely absorbed by the smoke (SM).

If, for example, a second receiver (D2) is placed at a distance from the first transmitter (H1), then this second receiver (D2) can detect the scattered light, for example. Thus, one obtains three parameters with which reflection, scattering, transmission and thus also absorption can be estimated. Since this also happens at different wavelengths, typically the transmitter wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or the receiver wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ), a comprehensive measurement vector signal, the initial feature vector signal (S4V), can be produced in this way. which can be used for the characterization and classification of the substances in the air of the detection space.

Since, as mentioned, the method according to the invention preferably uses a plurality of transmitters (H1 to Hn) with different centroid wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or multiple receivers (D1 to Dm) with different receiver centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _dm ), can thus in such an extended method according to the invention, reflection scattering and transmission values for more than one centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or more than one receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ) and their pairings as corresponding wavelength-specific measured value signals (VMS, AMS) be determined. If necessary, one not only obtains these values, but, on the basis of a measured light transit time, can also carry out a local, at least one-dimensional spatially resolved measurement.

In this way, spatially different sensitivities due to location-dependent threshold values (a _i (x), t _i (x)) can also be set by means of corresponding additional threshold signals, which is of great importance for the said particles and / or aerosol and / or dust and dust-contaminated workstations is. Although the comparison with such thresholds is a first simple classification. A classification using a classifier will be described in more detail below.

As already described above, in a further possible embodiment of the invention, first evaluation results (A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) are again determined in the form of measured value signals which are specific for the centroid wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) of the transmitters, for example (H1 to Hn) and / or specific to the receiver _centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _dm ) of the receivers (D1 to Dm) and / or specific to the solid angle segments (φ) and all or in part by an output and / or relaying step at least one first evaluation result and / or one thereof derived variable by an output unit (IF) of the evaluation unit (AE), which may be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing units, forwarded and / or processed as already described.

Basically, it makes sense if the evaluation device (AE) again as a further method step, a comparison of the first evaluation results (A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)), as the amplitude measured value signals (AMS _i ), especially if measured value signals (AMS _i ) for more than one centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or more than one receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ) and / or more than one solid angle segment φ. It is useful if the comparison by the evaluation unit (AE) of these amplitude measured value signals (AMS _i ) with at least two predetermined and / or programmable and / or otherwise adjustable first threshold values (a _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in Form corresponding threshold signals takes place. In this case, the comparison takes place in each case for at least one center of gravity wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or for at least one receiver center of gravity wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ) and / or for at least one solid angle segment φ by at least the said evaluation unit, which has one or more may be identical to several of the preceding processing units. Typically, a first comparison result in the form of a comparison result signal (VES) is determined by said evaluation unit (AE). The comparison result signal (VES) is typically part of the initial feature vector signal (S4V). The comparison, for example by a larger / smaller comparison, can in the simplest case provide a rating as to whether the evaluation result (A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) is above a threshold value (a _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) or below this threshold (a _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)). This corresponds to a corresponding level comparison of the measurement result signals with the levels of the corresponding threshold signals, for example by a comparator, the comparator output signal then representing the comparison result signal (VES).

As before, an output and / or forwarding of at least this first comparison result in the form of the respective comparison result signal (VES) and / or a variable derived therefrom preferably takes place by an output unit (IF), which can be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing units.

Now, typically for each transmitter centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or typically for each receiver _centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ), at least one amplitude (A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of an amplitude measurement value signal (AMS _i ) was determined by the evaluation unit (AE), it makes sense if the evaluation unit (AE) at least one respective delay (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of a respective delay measured value signal (VMS _i ) at least the said receiver output signal (S0) for typically at least one centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or at least one receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ). This occurs at at least one time after the transmission of the light relative to the transmission signal (S5) due to the light transit time (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) of the backscattered and / or reflected light with respect to a time of emission of the emitted light , In this case, said evaluation unit (AE) may again be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units.

As previously for a single channel, it is useful when using multiple measurement channels in the form of transmitters (H) with several different focus wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or with several different receiver centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _dm ), if the evaluation (AE) now performs the evaluation of the transit time (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) for each of these channels separately. In extreme cases, the transit time and the amplitude for each pair of n transmitters (H1 to Hn) and m receivers (D1 to Dm) can be determined by the evaluation unit (AE). As a rule, one will limit oneself to a sensible selection. For this purpose, the evaluation unit (AE) determines a respective second evaluation result (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of a respective delay measured value signal (VMS _i ) by evaluating at least one or more of said delays of the receiver output signal (S0 ) for at least one center-of-gravity wavelength (λ _s ) and / or for at least one receiver center-of-gravity wavelength (λ _d ) at least one time after the emission of the light. The said evaluation unit (AE) can again be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units.

These second evaluation results (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) by means of output and / or passing on at least a second evaluation result (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) and / or a variable derived therefrom by a Output unit (IF) forwarded, which may be identical again with one or more of the aforementioned processing and output units.

As before, the evaluation unit (AE) again preferably performs a classification of the second evaluation results (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of the delay measurement value signals (VMS _i ) by comparing at least one second evaluation result (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of a delay measurement value signal (VMS _i ) with at least one predetermined one and / or programmable and / or otherwise adjustable second threshold value (t _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of a corresponding threshold value signal for at least one centroid wavelength (λ _s ) and / or for at least one receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d ) by. The evaluation unit (AE) determines a second comparison result in the form of a comparison result signal (VES). This is preferably followed by the output and / or passing on of this second comparison result and / or a variable derived therefrom by an output unit (IF) of the evaluation unit (AE), which may be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing and output units. In the simplest case, the comparison can provide an evaluation as to whether the evaluation result (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)), that is to say the level of the corresponding delay measured value signal (VMS _i ), exceeds a threshold value (t _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)), ie the level of the corresponding measured value signal, or below this threshold value (t _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)).

As already described, it makes sense to create a virtual smoke chamber within the framework of the processing of the determined measured values. For this purpose, it makes sense for the evaluation unit (AE) to process evaluation results (A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ), T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) in the form of the corresponding measured value signals (AMS _i , VMS _i ) and / or comparison results in the form of corresponding comparison result signals (VES) to be limited to those in which the determined delay (T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)) and / or the solid angle segment φ of the reflection, scattering and / or transmission For example, also wavelength-specific with respect to the center of gravity wavelength (λ _s ) and / or based on the receiver center of gravity wavelength (λ _d ) within a predetermined and / or adjustable and / or programmable one or more dimensional value range. The range of values may depend on the centroid wavelength (λ _s ) and / or the receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d ) and / or the solid angle segment (φ).

In addition to the pure measurement functionality of the transmitter (H), it makes sense if one or more of the transmitters (H1 to Hn) at least temporarily emit an identification and / or status identifier. This can for example be done so that the signal of the transmitter concerned and / or the transmitter concerned by means of AM, FM, PCM, PFM, PCM or other modulation methods, such as Spread Spectra method is transmitted. It is also conceivable to have a transmitter, for example a multi-color LED, modulate its center-of-mass wavelength λ _s without changing the intensity of the radiated light as far as possible

Particular attention should be paid to the combined processing of all evaluation results by the evaluation unit (AE). On the one hand, it makes sense to have them combined by the processing unit into an initial feature vector signal (S4V). This initial feature vector signal (S4V) preferably consists of the several measurement result signals (AMS _i , VMS _i ) with the first and second evaluation results (A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ), T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ)). The spelling is chosen for clarity here shortened. λ _s stands for one or more of the centroid wavelengths λ _s1 to λ _sn and λ _d stands for one or more of the receiver centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _dm ). T _i is T ₁ to T _n and A _{i is} A ₁ to A _n . AMS _i stands for the amplitude measurement signals contained in the initial feature vector signal (S4V). VMS _i stands for the delay measurement value signals contained in the initial feature vector signal (S4V). In addition, the initial feature vector (S4V) also includes the comparison result signals described above, if preceding subsystems in the signal path generate such comparison result signals. In addition, it is useful to supplement the initial feature vector signal by further signals as needed, the first and / or higher derivatives according to the time and / or the solid angle φ and / or the center of gravity wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or after the receiver _centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ). This can be done for example in a filter unit (FE) or in the said controllers (CT). Likewise, single and / or multiple integrals or other linear and nonlinear filter functions may be used in said filter unit (FE). In this way, the filter unit (FE) typically forms an extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) from the initial feature vector signal (S4V), which can be used as the basis for further signal processing by the evaluation unit.

It is therefore an essential step of the method according to the invention, now to the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) Apply pattern recognition methods to classify the stresses in the air of the detection room. The filter unit, which is itself optional, thus follows a classification unit which performs a classification. However, in this example, the parts of the classification unit are treated as separate entities.

An essential possible step of an embodiment of the method according to the invention is therefore the processing of several evaluation results (A ₁ to A _n ) in the form of the amplitude measured value signals (AMS _i ), for example in the form of control signals (S4_1 to S4_n), and of several evaluation results (T ₁ to T _n ) in the form of the delay measurement value signals (VMS _i ), for example in Form of control signals (S4d_1 to S4d_n), and / or comparison results in the form of comparison result signals using a signal processing unit (SE) to generate an evaluation result. This evaluation result in the form of a classification result signal ( 39 ) can, for example, represent a recognized substance with a substance concentration in the detection space.

Typically, then, depending on the evaluation result, measures in the form of the content of the classification result signal ( 39 ).

After the feature vector signal (S4V) and / or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) was formed from one or more evaluation results and / or comparison results by a processing unit, wherein the evaluation results (A ₁ to A _n , T ₁ to T _n ) in typically in the form of the control signals (S4_1 to S4_n, S4d_1 to S4_dn) as measured value signals ( AMS _i , VMS _i ) and / or comparison result signals are determined simultaneously and / or sequentially and wherein the initial feature vector signal (S4V) and / or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) can also comprise signals with simple and higher derivatives and / or simple and higher integrals of these signals and their values and / or other signals derived from these signals, the initial feature vector signal ( 24 ) and / or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) with an LDA matrix ( 14 ) through feature extraction ( 11 ) to a modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) multiplied digitally or analogously. The LDA matrix is chosen such that the selectivity of the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) is increased.

The thus-determined, modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) and / or the initial feature vector signal (S4V) and / or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) Together as feature vector signal to be evaluated (S4V, 24 . 38 ) - on the one hand, with prototype vectors, the state prototypes, which in particular in a prototype database ( 15 ), which is a sub-device of the evaluation unit, are stored by a processing unit, the emission-calculation unit ( 12 ), compared. Typically, the comparison result of this comparison process is a binary and / or digital and / or analog distance value between the respective value of the feature vector signal (S4V, 24 . 38 ) and the prototype vector from the prototype database ( 15 ). Typically, the distance is calculated by calculating the Euclidean distance and / or the square of the Euclidean distance between the value of the feature vector signal to be evaluated (S4V, 24 . 38 ) and the prototype vector of the prototype database ( 15 ), the state prototype. It is then performed by a processing unit, typically by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ), the selection of at least one selected state prototype of said prototype database ( 15 ) due to an emission calculation unit ( 12 ) determined distance value for the value to be evaluated of the feature vector signal to be evaluated (S4V, 24 . 38 ). The emission calculation unit ( 12 ) outputs, according to the thus-selected state prototype, a classification result signal including the recognized state prototypes. Typically, the emission calculation unit selects ( 12 ) the state prototype with the smallest distance value to the value of the feature vector signal to be evaluated as the selected state prototype.

This selected state prototype is then typically output by the evaluation unit (AE). Since it may be of interest for the further processing to evaluate the reliability of this result, it often makes sense if the evaluation unit (AE) moreover outputs at least one distance value which corresponds to the value of the feature vector signal to be evaluated (S4V . 24 . 38 ) relative to the emissions calculation unit ( 12 ) selected state prototypes of the database ( 15 ) is assigned. This output is typically done as part of the classification result signal ( 39 ), in the form of time or space multiplex.

In many cases, however, it also makes sense if the evaluation unit (AE) also sends the less probable recognition results to subsequent processes with a rating via the classification result signal (FIG. 39 ) passes on. Therefore, the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) typically provide further outputs of further selectable state prototypes and associated further distance values via said interface (IF). As a result, the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) a list of hypotheses, for example, of low distances between value of the feature vector signal and value of the prototype database ( 15 ) can be ordered to larger distances. Such a list of hypotheses, which is accessible via the classification result signal ( 39 ), therefore typically includes the numbers of possible state prototypes of the prototype database and those provided by the emissions calculation unit ( 12 ) determined associated distances for these state prototypes of the value to be evaluated of the feature vector signal S4V, 24 . 38 ). In this case, the hypothesis list also typically contains the most probable selected state prototypes and their distance value from the evaluated value of the feature vector signal (S4V, 24 . 38 ).

If several hypothesis lists are timed consecutively for temporally successive times by the emission calculation ( 12 ), the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) determine, for example with a Viterbi algorithm, the most probable state sequence. In this way, an evaluation unit (AE) carries out a determination of the most probable chain of state prototypes and can therefore predict a following predicted operating state or a predicted operating state sequence and use the classification result signal (). 39 ) output.

The processing unit may be identical to one or more of the previously described processing and output units.

Consequently, a processing unit then typically initiates the initiation of measures on the basis of a so-selected state prototype and / or a hypothesis list and / or the predicted operating state or the predicted operating state sequence.

The processing unit may be identical to one or more of the previously described processing and output units.

Instead of the HMM architecture described above, an evaluation of evaluation results (A ₁ to A _n , T ₁ to T _n ) in the form of the corresponding measurement result signals (AMS _i , VMS _i ) and / or comparison results in the form of the corresponding comparison result signals by a neural Network and / or a Petri net for generating an evaluation result in a processing unit in question. Such a method would typically also be performed by the processing unit.

The processing unit may be identical to one or more of the previously described processing and output units.

Also in the case of a neural network and / or a Petri net, if necessary, the method would result in the initiation of measures as described above.

As described above, one or more processing units within the air condition sensor perform the method described above and its substeps and substeps. In this case, such an air condition sensor (SD) comprises not only a processing unit but also at least one transmitter (H) and at least one receiver (D).

The special feature of such an air condition sensor (SD) is that the transmission path extends at least partially in the free space outside a smoke chamber. By the particular method described above, the air condition sensor (SD) can be made very flat. Its housing may therefore have a height of less than 2 cm and / or less than 1.5 cm and / or less than 1 cm and / or less than 0.7 cm.

The transmitter (H) and receiver (D), since they are directed in contrast to the prior art outward, even with the housing closed for data communication and signaling such as the battery condition and operational readiness can be used. Thus, an inventive air condition sensor has virtually no additional effort typically via an optical programming and data interface. The transmitter (H) can send signals to the outside and the receiver (D) receive signals from the outside. Especially advantageous is a communication of the air condition sensor by means of its measuring device, that is without a separate radio interface, with mobile terminals, such as mobile phones. In that case, the air condition sensor and the mobile phone may also exchange authorization data. This ranges from a password input to the transmission of identification data, which are typically stored in the SIM card of the mobile phone.

It is of particular advantage if a wired output unit can be configured via such an interface. Namely, it is a problem in the prior art that the amount of available standards for a wired transmission of data, for example, from a smoke alarm, as an air condition sensor (SD), to a control center is very large. Thus, if the air condition sensor according to the invention has a configurable interface, it makes sense to be able to adjust their configuration via such an interface, which differs from the prior art, as said that their transmitter (H) and receiver (D) part of actual measuring device are.

Of course, such an interface can also be carried out separately. In this last case, for example, a display LED in the de-energized state can be used as the optical receiver for the said optical interface. If one of the transmitters radiates optically recognizable light, the transmitter can thus be used as signaling means and as a measuring means at the same time. In this case, it is useful if the measurement frequency is so high that the human eye can not follow the signal, while the Signaling frequency is in an accessible range to the human eye.

If an imaging optics and multiple receivers are used, it makes sense to use, for example, a CCD chip.

In that case, a group of receivers is an electronic camera and / or an electronic hyperspectral camera and / or a one-dimensional and / or a two-dimensional imager. Of course, it is also conceivable to use a zero-dimensional hyperspectral camera, which is then a hyperspectral sensor (See also 10 ). It has proven to be useful, in this case by a time division to measure the individual spectrally sensitive receiver (D1 to Dm) individually.

A typically present feature of an embodiment of the device according to the invention is the presence of at least one compensation transmitter (K) within the device according to the invention, which radiates superimposing into at least one receiver (D).

Another typical feature is the presence of a controller (CT) as part of the device according to the invention, wherein the controller at least one transmission signal (S5) with the at least one transmitter (H) is fed and / or at least one compensation transmission signal (S3) with the at least one Compensation transmitter (K) is supplied in amplitude and / or delay and / or phase ausregelt so that the receiver output signal (S0) at least one receiver (D) at least one time no shares of the relevant transmission signal (S5) to a control error and system noise more contains.

These control signals (S4, S4d) typically represent or are converted into the typically two evaluation results (A, T), that is to say the measured value signals (MS _i , VMS _i ).

The invention will be explained again by way of example below with reference to the attached figures. Essential to the claimed scope, however, are the claims.

1 shows an exemplary air condition sensor (SD) and / or detector in an exemplary installation situation. The air condition sensor (SD) in this example is flush mounted in the ceiling (CE) of the room. In reality, the detector plane may also be above or below the ceiling (CE). The distance d between ceiling (CE) and detector plane (See also 13 ) is typically less than 3 cm, more preferably less than 1.5 cm, better still less than 0.5 cm. Above all, the air condition sensor (SD) can be installed flush with the ceiling because it does not require a smoke chamber. The system in 1 is a less powerful system in this example. The reason is that it does not combine all the advantages of the invention. However, in order to explain the method according to the invention with all variants, it is a suitable introduction to the following explanations.

The exemplary air condition sensor (SD) according to the invention comprises a first transmitter (H1), a first receiver (D1) and, by way of example, a second receiver (D2), which in this example is spaced from the first receiver (D1). Of course, in reality more receivers, for example m, (D1 to Dm) and more transmitters, for example n, (H1 to Hn) can be used. However, for better transparency, this description is limited to this simple configuration. Not shown are the two, each receiver (D1, D2) respectively associated compensation transmitter (K1, K2). This should also serve the better understanding.

The first transmitter (H1) radiates into the free space below the ceiling (CE). This first transmission path (I1) is vaporized by the smoke (SM). Instead of smoke (SM), it is also possible to measure fumes, aerosols, gases, dust and particles and other stresses on the air, etc.

The smoke (SM) reflects the light of the first transmitter (H1). The reflection is fed into the second transmission path (I2), which ends at the first receiver (D1). At the same time, the smoke (SM) disperses part of the transmission power of the first transmitter (H1) into a third transmission path (I3) which ends at the second receiver (D2). While the directly backscattered, ie reflected, light is detected by the first receiver (D1) in this example, the second receiver (D2) mainly detects the light of the first transmitter (H1) scattered at an angle α. Thus, two values are obtained: An evaluation result is therefore a reflection measure (A ₁ ) as the amplitude measure of the reflected light and a scattering measure. (A ₂ ) as amplitude measure of the backscattered light. These values are then sent in the form of two measured value signals (AMS ₁ , AMS ₂ ) as an initial feature vector signal (S4V) to the filter unit (FE) and / or feature extraction (FIG. 11 ) and / or the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) forwarded.

Part of the light of the transmitter (H) penetrates the cloud of smoke (SM) twice on the way there and back. This light passes through two longer transmission links (I1 'and I2'). The light runtime for this light is therefore longer. The same applies to the scattered light caused by the longer third Transmission path (I3 ') to the second receiver (D2) passes.

While the reflection on the smoke (SM) takes place at a central reflection point (AR), the light that passes through the longer distance (I1 ', I2') is reflected at the bottom (FL) and possibly scattered.

The distinction between longer and shorter transmission distances can be made according to the invention by means of an evaluation of the light transit time.

First, a measurement of the soil (FL) and the transmission is not yet done. This will be explained later.

two shows a typical exemplary controller (CT) for generating one of the compensation transmission signals (S3_1 or S3_2) for driving one of the compensation transmitter (K1 or K2). This controller is used in the example of 1 needed twice.

At the terminal a of the controller (CT), the transmission signal (S5), with which the respective transmitter (H) is operated, fed. From this transmission signal (S5), a delayed transmission signal (S5d) is generated by a delay element (Δt). From this delayed transmission signal (S5d) and the transmission signal (S5), two mutually orthogonal signals, a first orthogonal transmission signal (S5o1) and a second orthogonal transmission signal (S5o2) are formed by an orthogonalizing unit (ORT). The property of the orthogonality of these two signals (S5o1, S5o2) to each other will be further defined below. In many cases, instead of this complicated method for forming the two orthogonal signals, a monofrequency transmission signal (S5) is simply used instead of the delayed transmission signal (S5d) and a delayed transmission signal (S5d) phase-shifted by 90 ° is used. This corresponds, for example, to the use of a sine and cosine signal.

At the second terminal (b) of the processing unit, the controller (CT), the receiver output signal (S0) is typically fed as already amplified and modified receiver output (S1) or directly. To determine the amplitude, a scalar product is first formed between the first orthogonal transmit signal (S5o1) and the modified receiver output signal (S1) and / or the receiver output signal (S0). This happens, for example, by a multiplication of the two signals in a first multiplication unit (M1). In this case, a filter input signal (S8) is formed. By this mixture, the non-delayed component due to the transmission signal (S5) at the modified receiver output signal (S1) and / or at the receiver output signal (S0) is down-converted to a frequency band around 0 Hz and to a frequency band twice the center frequency of the transmitter signal (S5 ) mixed up.

It is obvious that at the in two structure shown a band-limited transmitter signal (S5) can be used. This may be, for example, a periodic signal and / or a non-periodic signal and / or a random signal and / or a pseudo-random number signal, etc. The signals typically vary between symmetrically around a zero level, for example between -1 and 1. The use of a PCM and / or PFM modulated signal is also conceivable. Even a pure sine wave signal can be used as a transmission signal (S5). The delayed transmit signal (S5d) would then be a cosine signal. Even a noise signal can be used. It is only important that always the transmission signal (S5) is a band-limited signal having an upper limit frequency (ω _max ) and a lower limit frequency (ω _min ). In this case, the transmission signal bandwidth (Δω) of the transmission signal (S5) must be less than the magnitude of the lower limit frequency (ω _min ).

In order to limit the filter input signal (S8) to the lower frequency band, typically an integrating filtering is performed, typically by a low pass filter in the form of a first filter (F1). The low-pass filter frequency (ω _F1 ) of the first filter (F1) is chosen so that all signals in the frequency range from 0 Hz to half of the transmission signal bandwidth (Δω) are not or only slightly steamed, while all frequencies with frequency amounts above half of Transmit signal bandwidth (Δω) preferably as strong as possible, are evaporated to zero in the optimal case. In this way, the said scalar product is thus formed from the second orthogonal transmit signal (S5o1) and the modified receiver output signal (S1). In this disclosure, two signals are in principle referred to as orthogonal if, after carrying out the multiplication described here and the subsequent filtering in the said first filter (F1), only one zero level remains.

In the case of a sine signal as a transmission signal (S5), this scalar product formation represents nothing more than a Fourier coefficient calculation. The filter output signal (S9) of the first filter (F1) is as high as possible in an amplifier (V1) to the amplifier output signal (S4) amplified and then transformed back by multiplication in the second multiplication unit (M2) with the orthogonal transmit signal (S5) to the non-delayed compensation leading signal (S6v) again. In a second delay unit (Δt2) this will not delay compensating bias signal (S6v) to the compensation bias signal (S6), the delay depending on the second amplifier output signal (S4d), the determination of which is now discussed.

To determine the second amplifier output signal (S4d), first the receiver output signal (S0) and / or the modified receiver output signal (S1) are multiplied by the second orthogonal transmit signal (S5o2). This happens in a third multiplication unit (M3). In this case, the second filter input signal (S8 ') is formed. This is filtered in a second filter (F2) to the second filter output signal (S9 '). The filter function of the second filter (F2) and its properties preferably correspond to those of the first filter (F1) of the other control channel. The filter output signal (S9 ') of the second filter (F2) is amplified by a second amplifier (V2) to said second amplifier output signal (S4d).

If LEDs are used as transmitter (H), which is typically the case, the transmission of negative values is not possible. Therefore, an offset in the form of an offset value (B1) is added to the compensation header signal (S6) to obtain the compensation transmission signal (B3).

The compensation transmission signal (S3) then feeds a compensation transmitter (K), which typically also radiates linearly superimposing and / or multiplying also into the associated receiver (D1 or D2). In this way, the control loop is closed.

For the air condition sensor off 1 are therefore two of the related two described processing units (CT1, CT2) and one compensation transmitter (K1, K2) per receiver (D1, D2) necessary.

Each of the processing units then supplies a respective value for the amplitude (A ₁ , A ₂ ), wherein their respective first amplifier output signal (S4) represents the respective amplitude measured value signal (AMS ₁ , AMS ₂ ), and then each one value (T ₁ , T ₂ ) for the delay, wherein their respective second amplifier output signal (S4d) represents the respective delay measurement value signal (VMS ₁ , VMS ₂ ), whereby then four measured values (A ₁ , A ₂ , T ₁ , T ₂ ) in four measured value signals representing the initial feature Vector signal (S4V) are available.

3 FIG. 12 shows an exemplary transmit signal (S5), an exemplary delayed transmit signal (S5d), an exemplary first orthogonal transmit signal (S5o1) and an exemplary second orthogonal transmit signal (S5o2).

4 shows an exemplary overall system. A generator (G1) generates the transmission signal (S5). This transmit signal is provided with a bias (BH) to the transmit drive signal (S5H). The bias (BH) is necessary in this example of a system according to the invention, since the exemplary LED transmitter (H) can not emit negative light.

The transmitter (H) radiates accordingly 1 in the first combined total transmission path consisting of the first transmission path (I1) and the second transmission path (I2), which ends at the first receiver (D1), and in the second combined total transmission path consisting of the first transmission path (I1) and the third transmission path ( I3), which ends at the second receiver (D2). Reminder: The second receiver (D2) in this example is intended to represent a second receiver (D2) spaced from the transmitter (H) and from the first receiver (D1) while the first receiver (D1) is placed in the vicinity of the transmitter (H) is such that the second receiver (D2) predominantly receives stray light and the first receiver (D1) receives primarily light reflected by the smoke. The first receiver (D1) feeds its receiver output signal (S1_1) into a first processing unit (CT1) at its corresponding input (b). This processing unit (CT1) is intended in this example essentially from the internal structure forth two correspond. The compensation transmission signal (S3_1), which is taken at the corresponding output e of the exemplary first processing unit (CT1) thereof, is supplied as the first compensation transmission signal (S3_1) to the first compensation transmitter (K1) and controls it. This first compensation transmitter (K1) typically radiates linearly over a fourth transmission path (I4), the properties of which are typically known and determined by design, into the first receiver (D1).

With proper configuration of the parameters of the first processing unit (CT_1), the first compensation transmission signal (S3_1) is adjusted so that the first receiver output signal (S1_1) contains no signal components of the transmission signal (S5) except for control errors and system noise. The configurable parameters are typically filter constants and / or filter characteristics and / or gains.

In the same way, a second processing unit (CT2) regulates the second compensation transmission signal (S3_2) except for a control error and system noise such that the second compensation transmitter (K2), which typically radiates linearly superimposing the second receiver (D2), transmits the second transmitter output signal (S1_2) modified so that it is equally down to system noise and Control error no longer contains signal components of the transmission signal (S5).

The first and the second compensation transmission signal (S3_1, S3_2) are regulated by their respective processing units (CT1, CT2) in amplitude and delay. Instead of regulating the delay, it is also possible to control the phase in monofrequency transmission signals (S5).

The internal amplitude-controlling control signals (S4_1, S4_2) are the amplitude measurement signals (AMS ₁ , AMS ₂ ). The internal delay-controlling control signals (S4d_1, S4d_2) are the delay measured value signals (VMS ₁ , VMS ₂ ), they are measured (A ₁ , A _n , T ₁ , T ₂ ) for amplitude and delay, for example via an interface (IF) and a exemplary data bus (DB) provided to a control center. In this example, they form the initial four-signal feature vector signal (S4V).

In this example, an amplitude value (A ₁ ) of the reflected light is available as the first amplifier output signal of the first processing unit (S 4_1) as the first signal, the first amplitude measured value signal (AMS ₁ ).

Second, in this example, a reflected value (T ₁ ) of the reflected light as the second amplifier output of the first processing unit (S4d_1) as a second signal, the first delay measurement signal (VMS ₁ ) is available

Third, in this example, an amplitude value (A ₂ ) of the scattered light is available as a first amplifier output signal of the second processing unit (S4_2) as a third signal, the second amplitude measurement signal (AMS ₂ ).

Fourth, in this example, a delay value (T ₂ ) of the scattered light is available as the second amplifier output signal of the second processing unit (S4d_2) as the fourth signal, the second delay measurement signal (VMS ₂ )

This vector signal, the initial feature vector signal (S4V) with here exemplified four lines, can then be through a controller (ST) and / or via a data bus (DB) connected to the central computer or other device that is also part of Inventive device and in particular the evaluation device (AE) can be evaluated.

If the controller (ST) is located in the device, this can also directly and possibly also for direct communication between the first and second processing unit (CT1 to CTn) on the one hand and a central computer via a data bus (DB) on the the other side via the data bus (DB) with an external computer, such as the said central computer, communicate.

Preferably, the controller (ST) has a classification device which characterizes and / or classifies the state of the room air below the exemplary air condition sensor (SD) according to the invention. A typical classification can be in a particularly simple case: "no alarm" or "alarm"

But it is also possible and in particular also possible in substitution that the device itself outputs a signaling in optical and / or acoustic form, for example as a siren sound.

5 shows another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The air condition sensor (SD) in this example has n transmitters (H1 to Hn) and a first receiver (D1). A combination with the construction from the example of 1 is of course possible, yes useful, the 5 but unnecessarily complicate. In the example, all n transmitters (H1 to Hn) should be placed close to each other and in the vicinity of the first receiver (D1). The first compensation transmitter (K1) associated with the first receiver (D1) is not shown for clarity. The n transmitters (H1 to Hn) all send in a first transmission link (I1). The light of these transmitters (H1 to Hn) is reflected by the smoke (SM) and impinges on the first receiver (D1). The n transmitters (H1 to Hn) preferably differ, for example, by their respective centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ).

6 indicates one 5 appropriate system. In this case, the system is designed so that all transmitters (H1 to Hn) transmit permanently and simultaneously. Of course, instead of the frequency multiplex explained below, a time division multiplex at the price of an extended dead time is also possible at any time.

In this example, exactly one generator (G1 to Gn) is assigned to each of the n transmitters (H1 to Hn). Each of these n generators (G1 to Gn) generates one of n transmission signals (S5_1 to S5_n). By adding a bias (BH1 to BHn), the n transmission drive signals (S5H1 to S5Hn) are generated from these transmission signals (S5_1 to S3_n), which drive the transmitters (H1 to Hn).

These transmit into the first transmission path (I1). The light is reflected by the smoke (SM) and reaches the first receiver (D1) via the second transmission path (I2). The first receiver (D1) converts the light of the n transmitters (H1 to Hn) in the receiver output signal (S0). This is preamplified by the preamplifier (V0) into the modified receiver output signal (S1). As in the previous figures, it may be appropriate to connect the receiver output signal (S0) directly to the modified receiver output signal (S1). For each of the transmitters (H1 to Hn) and the associated transmit signals (H5_1 to H5_n), a controller is preferably provided. As already discussed above, the regulation takes place in the form that in each case one of the transmission signals (S5_1 to S5_n) is connected to the receiver output signal (S0) and / or the modified receiver output signal (S1) to the respective first to nth filter input signals (S8_1 to S8_n ) is multiplied by one associated multiplier (M1_1 to M1_n). One respective filter (F1 to Fn) then filters the respective filter input signal (S8_1 to S8_n) to the respective filter output signal (S9_1 to S9_n). The filters are preferably low-pass filters with the same filter characteristics and parameters. These properties have been discussed previously. The respective filter output signals (S9_1 to S9_n) are amplified by the respective amplifiers (V1 to Vn) to the respective amplifier output signals (S4_1 to S4_n). Reinforcements and signs are again selected so that stability results in the control loop. The n amplifier output signals (S4_1 to S4_n) represent the n measurement results (A ₁ to A _n ), here in the form of n amplitude measured value signals (AMS ₁ to AMS _n ). In this example, the delay is not regulated separately and the corresponding measured values are not determined, but what is another, not shown conceivable variant of the invention.

The n transmit signals (S5_1 to S5_n) are preferably selected in this example such that a filtering of the product of two different signals of the transmit signals (S5_1 to S5_n) by one of the n filters (F1 to Fn) yields a zero signal. The n transmit signals (S5_1 to S5_n) are thus orthogonal to one another with respect to the scalar product, realized by multiplication and filtering.

By multiplying the respective n amplifier output signals (S4_1 to S4_n) in a respective one of the n second multipliers (M2_1 to M2_n), the respective provisional compensation leading signals (S6_1 to S6_n) are formed, which are added to the compensation leading signal (S6) by summation by a first adder (A1). be summarized.

Typically, a second adder (A2) provides this offset bias signal (S6) with an offset (B1), thereby forming the compensation transmit signal (S3). This feeds the first compensation transmitter (K1) associated with the first receiver (D1). This first compensation transmitter (K1) sends into the typically known and within the device fourth transmission path (I4), which ends at the first receiver (D1). As a result, the first compensation transmitter (K1) typically radiates linearly superimposed together with the transmitters (H1 to Hn) in the receiver (D1), whereby the control circuit is closed with a suitable choice of sign and magnitude of the gain of the amplifier (V1 to Vn). Since the members of the rule chains are usually linear, their order in the signal path can also be changed, since the commutative and associative law typically applies with respect to the representative functions. Instead of the simple amplifier and filter combination and complex control filter, z. As PID filter to realize a PID control behavior, conceivable. Also, substantial portions of the functionalities may be executed as sub-routines of a signal processor program on a signal processor, which otherwise generally applies to the entire document.

Until that time, only the case was considered that a plurality of transmitters (H1 to Hn) differed by different center wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ).

In 7 Now, consider the case that the respective wavelength sensitivity range of the respective receivers (D1 to Dm) of a plurality of m receivers (D1 to Dm) differs in its respective receiver _centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dm ).

The structure is similar to that of 4 with the difference that the second receiver (D2) now differs from the first receiver (D1) not by its mounting location but by its receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d2 ). Also, by way of example, four receivers (D1 to D4) instead of as in 4 two receivers (D1, D2) each having a specific receiver _centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _d4 ) are provided. These are, for example, the wavelengths 500 nm, 900 nm, 1500 nm, 2000 nm. Other wavelengths are conceivable depending on the monitoring task. An advantage of this design is that the receivers can be integrated on a substrate by means of metallooptic filters. (See also et al EP2521179A1 In this case, it makes sense if the compensation transmitters (K1 to K4) feed into the respective receivers (D1 to D4) by means of integrated optics in order to avoid couplings.

8th shows a typical device for further processing of the measured value signals generated by a device according to the invention.

As can be seen from the figures described above, the processing units (CT) typically provide a vector consisting typically of the control signals (S4_1 to S4n and S4d_1 to S4d_n), the Als Measurement signals (AMS ₁ to AMS _n , VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) represent the measured values (A ₁ to A _n , T ₁ to T _n ). This initial feature vector signal (S4V), which consists of just these signals and values, can be supplemented by further processing, for example in a filter unit (FE) to signals that they simple and higher temporal derivatives, as well as spatial simple and include higher derivatives. Also, signals with simple and higher integrations of spatial and temporal nature, as well as even more complex linear and non-linear transformations of the original measurement signals (AMS ₁ to AMS _n , VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) are conceivable for the selectivity of the thus-formed extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) increase. In the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ), which is formed by a filter unit (FE) from the initial feature vector signal (S4V), further measured value signals, in particular those of other sensors, such as temperature sensors and / or those of PIR elements can be included.

So from the initial feature vector signal ( 24 ) formed by the filter unit (FE) extended feature vector signal ( 24 ), which typically consists of the said signals and possibly of these derived further signals, is preferably by a signal matrix multiplication with an LDA matrix ( 11 ) through feature extraction ( 11 ) with respect to the state prototypes to be recognized maximized to the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ). The determination of the LDA matrix ( 14 ) in the form of a training ( 17 ) typically takes place offline in a separate computer, on which also typically the training database ( 18 ) is located. The values of the LDA matrix are therefore typically stored permanently in the evaluation unit. The training database ( 18 ) contains prototype data for state prototypes in the form of typical value combination of the possible values of initial and / or extended feature vector signals.

From this training database ( 18 ), the content of a prototype database ( 15 ). The prototype database ( 15 ) is usually a memory unit which is part of the evaluation unit (AE). The prototype database contains values of the modified feature vector signals of the state prototypes to be recognized.

The feature vector signal is generated by feature extraction ( 11 ) typically divided into temporal blocks.

For each of these temporal blocks, for the specific value of the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) Within this time block, the distance now typically to the prototype values of all prototype database prototypes ( 15 ). The prototype database ( 15 ) typically contains for each state prototype and each individual signal of the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) an average and a spread. Is the instantaneous value of a modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) within the spread around the mean vector of a single state prototype prototype database ( 15 ) around, it can be considered as recognized.

Typically, the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) the distance by calculating the Euclidean distance and / or the square of the Euclidean distance d between the respective mean value vector of the state prototype from the prototype database ( 15 ) and the current value of the modified feature vector signal to be evaluated ( 38 ). Devices using other methods for classifying the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) are of course possible.

The emission calculation unit ( 12 ) typically terminates with the detection of a first state prototype when detection means, for example, that the current value of the modified feature vector signal is closer than the spread of a state prototype near its mean vector. For this purpose, it makes sense to specify the state prototypes in the order of their dangerousness in the prototype database ( 15 ), so that the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) get these prototypes first from the prototype database ( 15 ) receives and evaluates. This means that, for example, it makes sense to specify the state prototypes for an open fire in the prototype database ( 15 ) rather than the state prototype for normal operation by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) is examined.

Represents the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) in this way a sufficient similarity with a state prototype of the prototype database ( 15 ) by a sufficiently small distance, the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) the identified prototype, typically in the form of a prototype number, via said classification result signal ( 39 ) as a result of the classification. Possibly. Subsequently, measures, such as a light signal and / or an acoustic signal caused by the evaluation (AE) and / or output.

Additional sensors can be used for the detection ( 37 ) Contribute measurement signals which are added to the feature vector signal and typically increase its bus width. Such a parameter may be for example a temperature and / or a bias infrared radiation.

9 shows several possible cases in the detection of the state prototypes by the emission calculation unit.

The drawing is drawn in two dimensions for simplicity in order to explain the principle. Each feature vector signal (S4V, 24 . 38 ) practically always has more than two partial signals.

The figure shows by way of example four focuses of four exemplary state prototypes ( 41 . 42 . 43 . 44 ) as described in the prototype database ( 15 ) can be hiterlegt. These are surrounded by scattering areas, which in this case can be elliptical. The scattering areas are typically also in the prototype database ( 15 ) deposited. In the case of non-spherical scattering areas, these can also be suitably parametrized in the state prototype database ( 15 ) are stored.

Three values of the modified feature vector signal ( 45 . 46 . 48 ) into the emission calculation unit ( 12 ). This now determines that the first value of the modified feature vector signal ( 46 ) outside all scatter zones of all prototypes in the prototype database ( 15 ) lies. This value of the feature vector signal ( 46 ) is therefore not a state prototype of the prototype database ( 15 ) and therefore not recognized.

For the second value of the modified feature vector signal ( 48 ) represents the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) states that the value within the stray field ( 47 ) of the first state prototype ( 41 ) lies. Thus, this value of the modified feature vector signal ( 48 ) the class of the first state prototype ( 41 ) by the emission calculation ( 12 ).

It may be the case that multiple scatter areas of state prototypes overlap and therefore unambiguous assignment is not possible. This is at the exemplary first value of the modified feature vector signal ( 45 ) the case. Typically, this value of the modified feature vector signal ( 45 ) now these two state prototypes ( 43 and 42 ). Typically, both state prototypes ( 43 . 42 ) with the respective distances and or probabilities as a list of hypotheses about the classification result signal ( 39 ). Of course, a priority circuit or the like can be implemented, which in such cases either selects a state prototype (eg the more dangerous one) and / or does not select a prototype, but this could be safety-relevant.

10 Represents a combination of the structure 6 and 7 is, as far as several transmitters (H1 to H4) with different center wavelengths (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) in several receivers (D1 to D4) with multiple receiver center wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _d4 ) transmitter (H1 to H4) and / or receiver (D1 to D4) should each be so broadband that there is at least one receiver (D1 to D4) for each transmitter (H1 to H4) which can receive its signal and for each receiver (D1 to D4) at least one transmitter (H1 to H4) which can be received by this respective receiver. In this example, however, only one processing unit (CT) is provided, which sequentially successively a pairing of a transmitter of the transmitter (H1 to H4) and a receiver of the receiver (D1 to D4) misses. In this case, the respective receiver is connected to the processing unit (CT) via a first multiplexer (MUX1) and the corresponding generator of the generators (G1 to G4) is connected to the processing unit (CT) via a second multiplexer (MUX2). Instead, of course, a generator can be easily switched and activate the respective transmit signal and set all other transmit signals to 0 or just inactivate.

11 shows an exemplary system in which n transmitters (H1 to Hn) are controlled by the controllers instead of the compensation transmitters. Thus, the controllers do not generate the compensation transmission signal but the associated transmission signals (S5_1 to S5_n). In contrast, the compensation transmitter is operated with the superimposed signal of n generators (G1 to Gn). The output signals (S3_1 to S3_n) of the n generators, which in this case are the compensation transmission signals (S3_1 to S3_n), are selected so that they are orthogonal to one another. The compensation transmission signal (S3) arises from the individual generator output signals by addition. It is provided with a bias as before, in order to be able to control the compensation transmitter (K1), which again radiates superimposing into the receiver (D1). The receiver output (S0) is again amplified by the optional preamplifier (V0) to the modified receiver output (S1). This is done in three controllers, each consisting of a first multiplexer (M1_1, M1_2, M1_n) for multiplication with the corresponding generator output signal (S3_1, S3_2, S3_n) to the respective filter input signal (S8_1, S8_2, S8_n) and a low-pass filter (F1, F2, Fn) for forming said scalar products and forming the filter output signals (S9_1, S9_2, S9_n) and gain in the respective amplifiers (V1, V2, Vn) to the respective amplifier output signals (S4_1, S4_2, S4_n), which also includes the respective measurement result for the respective center of gravity wavelength (λ _s1 , λ _s2 , λ _sn ) as measured value signals (AMS ₁ to AMS _n ), and multiplication with the respective compensation transmission signal (S3_1, S3_2, S3_n) to the respective transmission signal (S5_1, S5_2, S5_n) and finally adding a bias (BH1, BH2, BHn) to these signals and generating the respective transmitter drive signals (S5H1 , S5H2, S5Hn) for controlling the transmitters (H1, H2, Hn), which radiate again into the receiver (D1).

This is just one example of the compensating control of the transmitters instead of the previously explained compensating control of the compensation transmitters. Of course, combinations of both schemes are conceivable, but here, as obvious to one skilled in the art, will not be discussed further. Also structures corresponding to the preceding figures with compensation transmitter control with transmit control are always conceivable. As before, the control, with a suitable choice of the amplification factors and their signs in the amplifiers (V1, V2, Vn), is such that the components of the compensation transmission signals (S3_1, S3_2, S3_n) in the receiver output signal (S0) disappear except for a control error and system noise ,

12 shows the controller off two without regulation of the delay. This controller is used when only a first evaluation result (A _i ) is to be measured.

13 shows an exemplary list of hypotheses, such as those of the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) over the classification result signal ( 39 ) is output. It consists of the recognized condition class and a value indicating the score, such as the probability here. According to the invention, it has been recognized that it is favorable to form an evaluation number for determining the order in the hypothesis list. For example, a possible score can be formed as follows: Danger of the possibly recognized class / distance of the modified feature vector from the relevant state prototype mean vector = rating.

In this case, the more dangerous the condition is assessed, the higher the number representing the dangerousness.

14 shows a mounting situation in which the distance (d) between detector level and ceiling (CE) is not zero.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11

Feature extraction unit

12

Emissions calculation unit

14

LDA matrix. The LDA matrix is typically a coefficient store in which the coefficients for multiplication in the feature extraction ( 11 ) are stored. The coefficients can be stored analogously and / or digitally and forwarded to the feature extraction via a time and / or space multiplex by means of a signal.

15

Prototype database comprising prototypical mean vectors of predefined states (state prototypes) and typically radii of scatter areas. The values typically correspond to the expected values of the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) if the system measures such a prototype case.

17

Training to determine the data to be stored in the LDA matrix memory ( 14 ) and the prototype database ( 15 ) or be firmly embossed at the time of production of the device.

18

Training database

24

extended feature vector signal

38

modified feature vector signal

39

Particle class and / or classification result in the form of a classification result signal.

41

exemplary state prototype

42

exemplary state prototype

43

exemplary state prototype

44

exemplary state prototype

45

exemplary value of the modified feature vector signal

46

exemplary value of the modified feature vector signal

48

exemplary value of the modified feature vector signal

AE

Evaluation. The evaluation unit comprises a plurality of sub-apparatuses which perform the classification of the obtained measurement results on the basis of prototype data.

AR

middle point of the reflection of the light of the transmitter

A _i

Amplitude measurement value for the i-th channel (a first evaluation result)

(A _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ))

Amplitude measurement value for the ith channel (a first evaluation result) which is specific to the centroid wavelength λ _{s of} the ith transmitter (Hi) and / or to the receiver centroid wavelength λ _{d of} the receiver (Di) and / or to a solid angle segment φ.

A ₁

Amplitude measurement value for the first channel (a first evaluation result)

A ₂

Amplitude measurement value for the second channel (a first evaluation result)

A ₃

Amplitude measurement value for the third channel (a first evaluation result)

A ₄

Amplitude measurement value for the fourth channel (a first evaluation result)

A _n

Amplitude measurement value for the nth channel (a first evaluation result)

A _m

Amplitude measured value for the mth channel (a first evaluation result)

A

Input of a controller (see 4 ) for the transmission signal

A1

first adder

A2

second adder

AMS

Amplitude measurement signal. The amplitude measurement signal is typically part of the initial feature vector signal (S4V). The amplitude measurement signal represents an amplitude measurement value (A _n ), where n is arbitrary.

AMS ₁

Amplitude measured value signal for the first channel

AMS ₂

Amplitude measurement signal for the second channel

AMS ₃

Amplitude measurement signal for the third channel

AMS ₄

Amplitude measurement signal for the fourth channel

AMS _n

Amplitude measurement signal for the nth channel

AMS _m

Amplitude measured value signal for the mth channel

AMS _i

Amplitude measured value signal for the i-th channel

a _i

Threshold for the ith amplitude measurement A _{i of} the corresponding ith amplitude measurement signal (AMS _i ). The threshold corresponds typically with a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

a _i (x)

location-dependent threshold value for the ith amplitude measurement value A _i . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

(a _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ))

Threshold value for the i-th amplitude measurement value A _i ), which is specific for the centroid wavelength λ _{s of} the i-th transmitter (Hi) and / or for the receiver centroid wavelength λ _{d of} the receiver (Di) and / or for a solid angle segment φ. The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

a _n

Threshold for the nth amplitude measurement A _n . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

a _m

Threshold for the mth amplitude measurement A _m . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

a ₁

Threshold for the first amplitude measurement A ₁ . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

b

Input of a controller (see 4 ) for the input signal

B1

offset value

bra

Bias for transmitter control

BH1

Bias for transmitter control of the first transmitter (H1)

BH1

Bias for transmitter control of the second transmitter (H2)

BH1

Bias for transmitter control of the third transmitter (H3)

BH1

Bias for transmitter control of the fourth transmitter (H4)

BHN

Bias for transmitter control of the nth transmitter (Hn)

CE

blanket

CT

Processing unit, typically used when only one receiver (D) and only one transmitter (H) are used. (is sometimes referred to in the text as a controller, especially if the internal structure of the 4 or 12 equivalent.

CT1

first processing unit, typically used when a first receiver (D1) and / or a first transmitter (H1) are used. (is sometimes referred to in the text as a controller, especially if the internal structure of the 4 or 12 equivalent.

CT2

second processing unit, typically used when a second receiver (D2) and / or a second transmitter (H2) are used. (is sometimes referred to in the text as a controller, especially if the internal structure of the 4 or 12 equivalent.

CT_1

first processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

CT_2

second processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

CT_3

third processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

CT_4

fourth processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

CT_n

n-th processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

CT_m

m-th processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

CT_i

i-th processing unit, the inner structure corresponds to the processing unit CT

d

Distance between the detector level of the air condition sensor (SD) and the ceiling (CE) (see 14 )

d

Output of a controller (see 4 ) for the amplifier output of the branch for controlling the amplitude (S4)

D

Receiver, typically used when only one receiver is used.

DB

bus

D1

first recipient

D2

second receiver

D3

third receiver

D4

fourth receiver

dn

nth recipient

Δω

Transmission signal bandwidth (in the case of 11 Compensation signal bandwidth)

.DELTA.t1

first delay unit

.DELTA.t2

second delay unit

e

Output of a controller (see 4 ) for the compensation transmission signal (S3)

F

Filter (typically a low-pass filter containing the transmission signal (or in the case of 11 the respective compensation transmission signal) does not pass through.)

f

Output of a controller (see 4 ) for the amplifier output of the delay control branch (S4d)

FE

filter unit

F1

First filter (typically a low-pass filter, the transmission signal (or in the case of the 11 the respective compensation transmission signal) does not pass through.)

F2

second filter (typically a low-pass filter containing the transmit signal (or in the case of the 11 the respective compensation transmission signal) does not pass through.)

F3

third filter (typically a low-pass filter containing the transmit signal (or in the case of 11 the respective compensation transmission signal) does not pass through.)

F4

fourth filter (typically a low-pass filter which transmits the transmit signal (or in the case of the 11 the respective compensation transmission signal) does not pass through.)

Fn

nth filter (typically a low-pass filter that transmits the transmit signal (or in the case of the 11 the respective compensation transmission signal) does not pass through.)

FL

floor

G

generator

G1

first generator

G2

second generator

G3

third generator

gn

nth generator

H

Sender (typically used when only one transmitter is used)

H1

first station

H1

second transmitter

H3

third transmitter

H4

fourth transmitter

hn

nth recipient

I1

first transmission channel, used here so that it represents the transmission channel between transmitter (H) and middle reflection point (AR).

I2

second transmission channel, used herein to represent the transmission channel between the center reflection point (AR) and a receiver (D) located near the transmitter (H). Reflected light is predominantly transmitted via this transmission channel.

I3

third transmission channel, used here so that it represents the transmission channel between center reflection point (AR) and a receiver (D), which is located at a distance from the transmitter (H). About this transmission channel mainly scattered light is transmitted.

I1 '

first transmission channel, used here so that it represents the transmission channel between transmitter (H) and the floor (FL).

I2 '

second transmission channel, here used to represent the transmission channel between the floor (FL) and a receiver (D) located near the transmitter (H). Reflected light is predominantly transmitted via this transmission channel.

I3 '

third transmission channel, used here so that it represents the transmission channel between the floor (FL) and a receiver (D), which is located at a distance from the transmitter (H). About this transmission channel mainly scattered light is transmitted.

I4

fourth transmission channel, for transmitting the light of the compensation transmitter (K) to the receiver (D), which receives the light of the compensation transmitter (K) superimposed.

I4_1

fourth transmission channel, for transmitting the light of the first compensation transmitter (K1) to the first receiver (D1), which receives the light of the first compensation transmitter (K1) superimposed.

I4_2

fourth transmission channel, for transmitting the light of the second compensation transmitter (K2) to the second receiver (D2), which receives the light of the second compensation transmitter (K2) superimposed.

I4_3

fourth transmission channel, for transmitting the light of the third compensation transmitter (K3) to the third receiver (D3), which receives the light of the third compensation transmitter (K3) superimposed.

I4_4

fourth transmission channel, for transmitting the light of the fourth compensation transmitter (K4) to the fourth receiver (D4), which receives the light of the fourth compensation transmitter (K4) superimposed.

I4_n

fourth transmission channel, for transmission of the light of the nth compensation transmitter (Kn) to the nth receiver (Dn), which receives the light of the nth compensation transmitter (Kn) superimposed.

IF

Output unit and / or data interface, which may be wireless and / or wired.

K

Compensation Transmitter (typically used when only one compensation transmitter is used, which is the case when only one receiver (D) is used.

K1

first compensation transmitter, which radiates superimposing in the first receiver (D1).

K2

second compensation transmitter, which radiates superimposing in the second receiver (D2).

K3

third compensation transmitter, which radiates superimposing into the third receiver (D3).

K4

fourth compensation transmitter, which radiates superimposing into the fourth receiver (D4).

km

nth compensation transmitter, which radiates superimposing into the mth receiver (Dm).

λ _d0

Receiver center wavelength of the receiver (D) if only one receiver is present

λ _d1

Receiver center wavelength of the first receiver (D1)

λ _d2

Receiver center wavelength of the second receiver (D2)

λ _d3

Receiver center wavelength of the third receiver (D3)

λ _d4

Receiver center wavelength of the fourth receiver (D4)

λ _dm

Receiver center wavelength of the mth receiver (Dm)

λ _s0

Center of gravity of the transmitter (H) if only one transmitter is available

λ _s

Center of gravity of a transmitter (H)

λ _s1

Center wavelength of the first transmitter (H1)

λ _s2

Center wavelength of the second transmitter (H2)

λ _s3

Center of gravity of the third transmitter (H3)

λ _s4

Center wavelength of the fourth transmitter (H4)

λ _sn

Center wavelength of the nth transmitter (Hn)

M1

first multiplication unit

M1_1

first multiplication unit in the first channel

M1_2

first multiplication unit in the second channel

M1_3

first multiplication unit in the third channel

M1_4

first multiplication unit in the fourth channel

M2

second multiplication unit

M2_1

second multiplication unit in the first channel

M2_2

second multiplication unit in the second channel

M2_3

first multiplication unit in the third channel

M2_4

second multiplication unit in the fourth channel

MUX1

first multiplexer

MUX2

second multiplexer

ω _min

Lower limit frequency of the transmission signal (in Trap of 11 the compensation transmission signal)

ω _max

upper limit frequency of the transmission signal (in the case of 11 the compensation transmission signal)

ω _F1

Low pass cutoff frequency of the first filter F1

PLACE

Orthogonalisierungseinheit. This generates from a transmission signal (S5) and a delayed transmission signal (S5d) two mutually orthogonal transmission signals S5o1 and S5o2.

S0

Receiver output

S1

modified receiver output signal (this may be equal to the respective receiver output signal (S0) if the preamplifier (V0) is omitted)

S3

Compensation transmission signal for feeding the compensation transmitter (K)

S3_1

first compensation transmission signal that feeds the first compensation transmitter (K1)

S3_2

second compensation transmission signal feeding the second compensation transmitter (K2)

S3_3

third compensation transmit signal, which feeds the third compensation transmitter (K3)

S3_4

fourth compensation transmit signal that feeds the fourth compensation transmitter (K4)

S3_n

nth compensation transmit signal that feeds the nth compensation transmitter (Kn)

S4

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude

S4_1

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the first channel

S4_2

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the second channel

S4_3

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the third channel

S4_4

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the fourth channel

S4_n

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the n-th channel

S4_m

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the mth channel

S4_i

Amplifier output of the control branch of the amplitude of the ith channel

s4d

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay

S4d_1

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the first channel

S4d_2

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the second channel

S4d_3

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the third channel

S4d_4

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the fourth channel

S4d_n

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the nth channel

S4d_m

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the mth channel

S4d_i

Amplifier output of the control branch of the delay of the ith channel

S4V

initial feature vector signal. It consists for example of the output signals (S4_1 to S4_n), the represent the amplitude measurement signals (AMS ₁ to AMS _n ) and the output signals (S4d_1 to S4d_n) representing the delay measurement value signals (VMS ₁ to VMS _n ), these signals typically being derived from the controllers (CT_1 to CT_n).

S5

send signal

s5d

delayed transmission signal

S5_1

Transmission signal of the first transmitter (H1)

S5_2

Transmission signal of the second transmitter (H2)

S5_3

Transmission signal of the third transmitter (H3)

S5_4

Transmission signal of the fourth transmitter (H4)

S5_n

Transmission signal of the nth transmitter (Hn)

S5H

Transmitter drive signal of the transmitter (H)

S5H1

Transmitter drive signal of the first transmitter (H1)

S5H2

Transmitter drive signal of the second transmitter (H2)

S5H3

Transmitter drive signal of third transmitter (H3)

S5H4

Transmitter drive signal of the fourth transmitter (H4)

S5Hn

Transmitter drive signal of the nth transmitter (Hn)

S5o1

first orthogonal transmit signal

S5o2

second orthogonal transmit signal

S6V

non-delayed compensation leading signal

S6

Kompensationsvorsignal

S8

Filter input signal

S8_1

Filter input signal of the first channel

S8_n

Filter input signal of the nth channel

S9

Filter output

S9_1

Filter output signal of the first channel

S9_n

Filter output signal of the nth channel

SD

Air condition sensor

SE

Signal processing unit. The signal processing unit is typically a sub-device of the evaluation unit (AE)

ST

control

SM

Smoke and / or vapor etc.

T _i

Delay measurement value for the i-th channel (a second evaluation result)

(T _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ))

Delay measurement value for the ith channel (a second evaluation result), the is specific to the centroid wavelength λ _{s of} the i-th transmitter (Hi) and / or to the receiver centroid wavelength λ _{d of} the receiver (Di) and / or to a solid angle segment φ.

T _n

Delay measurement value for the nth channel (a second evaluation result)

T _m

Delay measurement value for the mth channel (a second evaluation result)

T ₁

Delay measurement value for the first channel (a second evaluation result)

T ₂

Delay measurement value for the second channel (a second evaluation result)

T ₃

Delay measurement value for the third channel (a second evaluation result)

T ₄

Delay measurement for the fourth channel (a second evaluation result)

t _i

Threshold value for the i-th delay measured value T _i

t _i (x)

location-dependent threshold value for the i-th delay measured value T _i

(t _i (λ _s , λ _d , φ))

Threshold value for the i-th delay measurement value T _i ), which is specific for the center-of-mass wavelength λ _{s of} the i-th transmitter (Hi) and / or for the receiver center-of-gravity wavelength λ _{d of} the receiver (Di) and / or for a solid angle segment φ.

t _n

Threshold for the nth delay measurement T _n . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

t _m

Threshold for the mth delay measured value T _m . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

t ₁

Threshold value for the first delay measured value T ₁ . The threshold typically corresponds to a corresponding level on an associated threshold signal.

V0

Preamplifier (optional)

V1

first amplifier

V2

second amplifier

V3

third amplifier

V4

fourth amplifier

VES

Comparison result signal

VMS

Delay measurement signal. The delay measurement signal is typically part of the initial feature vector signal (S4V). The delay measurement signal represents a delay measurement (T _n ), where n is arbitrary.

VMS ₁

Delay measurement value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the first channel.

VMS ₂

Delay measurement value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the second channel.

VMS ₃

Delay measurement value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the third channel.

VMS ₄

Delay measurement value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the fourth channel.

VMS _n

Delay value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the n-th channel.

VMS _m

Delay measurement value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the mth channel.

VMS _i

Delay value signal for the delay measurement value (T _i ) of the ith channel.

Vn

nth amplifier

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

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Claims (16)

A method for operating an air condition sensor comprising the steps a. Emitting light by at least one transmitter (H) in response to a transmission signal (S5) in a first transmission path (I1) in the smoke and / or vapor and / or aerosols and / or dust and / or particles and / or other indoor air pollution detected to be b. Receiving at least the backscattered and / or reflected light based on the emitted light after passing through another transmission path (I2, I3) through at least one receiver (D), c. wherein the transmission path (I1, I2, I3, I1 ', I2', I3 ') extends at least partially in the free space outside a smoke chamber and / or device; d. Transmitting light through at least one compensation transmitter (K) based on a compensation transmission signal (S3) to a compensation transmission path (I4) inside the device which differs from the first transmission path (I1); e. Superimposing receiving at least the on the emitted light of the compensation transmitter (K) by the at least one receiver (D); f. Output of a receiver output signal (S0) by the receiver (D) in at least partial dependence on at least part of the backscattered and / or reflected and / or transmitted light; G. Evaluating at least one amplitude of at least one of the receiver output signals (S0) at least one time after the light is emitted by at least one processing unit (CT) by determining a quantitative first evaluation result (A ₁ ); H. Adjusting a transmission signal (S5) and / or a compensation transmission signal (S3) by a processing unit (CT), which may be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units, in amplitude and / or delay and / or phase relationship to each other in such a way that the Receiver output signal (S0) contains up to a control error and / or system noise no shares of the transmission signal (S0) more; i. Determining at least one amplitude (A1) of at least said receiver output signal (S0) and / or an amplitude representing signal (S4) as amplitude measurement signal (AMS ₁ ) at least one time after the emission of the light relative to the transmission signal (S5) for determining the light attenuation the backscattered and / or reflected light relative to a time of emission of the emitted light by at least one processing unit (CT), which may be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units, wherein the detected amplitude value, a second evaluation result (T1) in the form of an amplitude measurement value signal (AMS ₁ ) represents j. Determining at least one delay (T1) of at least said receiver output signal (S0) and / or a signal representing this delay (S4d) as a delay measurement value signal (VMS ₁ ) at least one time after the emission of the light relative to the transmission signal (S5) for determining the light transit time the backscattered and / or reflected light relative to a time of emission of the emitted light by at least one processing unit (CT), which may be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units, wherein the determined delay a second evaluation result (T1) in the form of a delay measurement value signal (VMS ₁ ) represents. k. Forming at least one initial feature vector signal ( 24 from the delay measurement value signals (VMS ₁ ) and / or amplitude measurement value signals (AMS1), the initial feature vector signal (AMS1) 24 ) can consist of several individual signals; l. repetitive comparison of a respective instantaneous value of the initial feature vector signal (S4V) or a signal derived therefrom ( 24 . 38 ) with predetermined values of a prototype database ( 15 ) by forming distances to values of prototypes of this prototype database ( 15 ) in an emissions calculation unit ( 12 ), in which case the prototype database may contain only two hardwired values in extreme cases; m. Output of at least one identifier of a prototype, in particular a prototype number, as a function of one by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) determined distance via a classification result signal ( 39 ). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims additionally comprising the steps a. Comparison of the first evaluation result (A ₁ to A _n ) in the form of an amplitude measured value signal (AMS ₁ to ASM _n ) with at least one predetermined and / or programmable and / or otherwise adjustable first threshold value (a ₁ to a _n ) in the form of a threshold value signal at least one processing unit (CT), which may be identical to one or more of the preceding processing units, wherein a quantitative first comparison result, in particular as a larger / smaller determination, in the form of a first comparison result signal (VES) is determined, and b. Output and / or forwarding of the first comparison result as the first comparison result signal (VES), in particular as a partial signal of the initial feature vector signal ( 24 ) or the extended feature vector signal ( 38 ). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims additionally comprising the steps a. Comparison of a second evaluation result (T ₁ to T _n ) in the form of a delay measured value signal (VMS ₁ to VSM _n ) with at least one predetermined and / or programmable and / or otherwise adjustable second threshold value (t ₁ to t _n ) of a threshold signal by at least one Processing unit (CT), which may be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing and output units, wherein a second comparison result in the form of a second comparison result signal (VES), in particular a larger / smaller determination is determined and b. Output and / or passing on of the second comparison result in the form of the second comparison result signal (VES), in particular as a partial signal of the initial feature vector signal (S4V) or of the extended feature vector signal ( 38 ). Method according to one or more of the two immediately preceding claims a. where the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) contains only evaluation results (A ₁ to A _n , T ₁ to T _n ) in the form of the amplitude measurement value signal (AMS ₁ to AMS _n ) and delay measurement value signals (VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) whose levels are within a predetermined value range Method according to the immediately preceding claim a. wherein the value range depends on the centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or the receiver centroid wavelengths (λ _d1 to λ _dm ) and / or a solid angle segment φ. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims additionally comprising the steps a. Determining at least one delay in the form of a delay measurement value signal (VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) of at least one of the receiver output signals (S0) for at least one center of gravity wavelength (λs1 to λsn) and / or receiver center of gravity wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dn, ) at at least one point in time after the emission of the light relative to the transmission signal (S5) due to the light propagation time of the backscattered and / or reflected light with respect to a time of emission of the emitted light by at least one processing unit (CT) identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing and output units can be and b. Evaluating at least one or more of said delays of the receiver output signal (S0) for at least one centroid wavelength (λ _s1 to λ _sn ) and / or receiver centroid wavelength (λ _d1 to λ _dn, ) at least one time after the light is transmitted by at least one processing unit (CT), which may be identical to one or more of the aforementioned processing and output units, by determining a second evaluation result (T ₁ to T _n ) in the form of a delay measurement value signals (VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) and a. Issuing and / or passing on at least one second evaluation result (T1 to Tn) in the form of a delay measurement value signal (VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) as part of the initial feature vector signal (S4V) and / or of the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising at least one or more of the following processing steps a. At least temporary emission of an identification and / or status code by at least one transmitter (H1 to Hn), which is currently used as the transmitter. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising at least one or more of the following processing steps a. At least temporary receipt of data by at least one receiver (D1 to Dn), which is also used as a measuring receiver. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising at least one or more of the following processing steps a. Forming an initial feature vector signal (S4V) from a plurality of signals (S4, S4d, S4_1 to S4_n, S4d_1 to S4d_n) and / or assessment result signals (A ₁ to A _n and / or T ₁ to T _n ) and / or comparison result signals which are detected simultaneously and / or sequentially; b. Forming an extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) from the initial feature vector signal (S4V), where the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) may also comprise simple and higher derivatives and / or simple and higher integrals of the values of the initial feature vector signal (SV4) and / or other signals derived therefrom; c. Weighted addition of the levels of the individual signals of the initial feature vector signal (S4V) or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) with weighting values of an LDA matrix ( 14 ) to a modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) consisting of several individual signals through one through the feature extraction ( 11 ) in particular to increase the selectivity; d. Repeating comparison of the current value of a modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) and / or an initial feature vector signal (S4V) and / or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) by an emission calculation unit ( 12 ) with prototype values, the state prototypes stored in a prototype database ( 15 ), wherein the comparison result of the comparison is a binary and / or digital and / or analog distance value and wherein the distance can be determined in particular by calculating the Euclidean distance and / or the square of the Euclidean distance; e. Selection of at least one selected state prototype of said prototype database ( 15 ) due to this distance value by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) for the current value of the initial feature vector signal (S4V) and / or the extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) and / or the modified feature vector signal ( 38 ) to a selected state prototype, wherein in particular the state prototype with the smallest distance value is selected; f. Output of at least one selected state prototype as a classification result via a classification result signal ( 39 ) by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ); G. Output of at least one distance value via the classification result signal ( 39 ) by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) associated with the weighted value of the evaluated feature vector signal relative to the selected state prototype. H. Output of further selected state prototypes and associated further distance values for generating and / or outputting a hypothesis list via a classification result signal ( 39 ) by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) wherein the hypothesis list typically also includes the selected state prototype and its distance value to the weighted value of the valued feature vector signal i. Determining the most probable chain of state prototypes and forecasting at least one of the following predicted operating state or a predicted operating state sequence; j. Initiation of measures on the basis of a selected operating state and / or a determined hypothesis list and / or the predicted operating state or the predicted operating state sequence. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising at least one of the steps a. Outputting a hypothesis list via a classification result signal ( 39 ) by the emission calculation unit ( 12 ) ordered by probability and / or hazard and / or by a product of a number assigned to a selected condition class as a hazard score, and a number based on a determined distance between a state prototype in the prototype database ( 15 ). b. Initiation of measures based on an evaluation result Method according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising at least one of the steps a. Addition of an initial feature vector signal (S4V) from the measurement results (A ₁ to A _n , T ₁ to T _n ) in the form of measurement result signals (AMS ₁ to AMS _n , VMS ₁ to VMS _n ) or the control signals representing these (S4, S4d, S4_1 to S4_n, S4d_1 to S4d_n) for measurement result signals of other sensors and / or signals of other sensor systems, in particular temperature measuring devices and / or PIR sensor devices and / or gas sensors and / or humidity sensors for extended feature vector signal ( 24 ) Air condition sensor r with at least one transmitter (H) and at least one receiver (D) a. wherein the air condition sensor (SD) performs a method according to one or more of the preceding claims, and Air condition sensor according to the preceding claim a. wherein the transmission path (I1, I2, I3, I1 ', I2', I3 ') extends at least partially in the free space outside a smoke chamber and / or device. Air condition sensor according to one or more of the two immediately preceding claims a. wherein it has an optical interface for programming and / or data exchange and / or for checking the air condition sensor, which is also part of the optical measuring system of the air condition sensor, and b. wherein at least one of the receivers (D1 to Dm) and / or at least one of the transmitters (H1 to Hn) are part of said optical interface. Air condition sensor according to the preceding claim a. wherein the air condition sensor has at least one access restriction for a predetermined type of traffic over said interface, and b. the air condition sensor is set up to exchange access data with a mobile data terminal, in particular a mobile telephone, via said data interface in order to remove access restrictions. Air condition sensor according to one of the three preceding claims a. wherein a display LED in the de-energized state as an optical receiver for the said optical interface is used, which is at the same time as a transmitter (H) part of the optical measuring system.

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