KR102638998B1 - Compact optical smoke detector system and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for optically detecting smoke and implementing it. Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of smoke in a small, long-lasting smoke detector are disclosed. Specifically, the present disclosure describes how to build a very compact housing around a smoke detector while satisfying all of the other ambient requirements of fast response to smoke and keeping reflections from the housing structure to a very low value while preventing ambient light. It shows. This allows very small measurements of the light scattering of smoke particles to be reliable in a device that is resistant to the negative effects of dust. In particular, geometric optical elements, such as caps and optical deflection elements, are disclosed.

Description

COMPACT OPTICAL SMOKE DETECTOR SYSTEM AND APPARATUS}

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/599,474, entitled “Compact Optical Smoke Detector System and Apparatus,” filed December 15, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/599,474, filed November 6, 2018, “Compact Optical Smoke Detector System and Device.” Pertains to and claims priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/181,878, entitled “Optical Smoke Detector System and Apparatus,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

field of initiation

This disclosure relates to smoke detection. More specifically, the present disclosure describes devices and techniques for optical identification of smoke in a compact and powerful detector.

A smoke detector is a device that detects smoke, typically as an indicator of a fire. While commercial security devices issue a signal to a fire alarm control panel as part of a fire alarm system, home smoke detectors, also known as smoke alarms, typically issue a localized audible or visual alarm from the detector itself.

Smoke detectors are typically housed in plastic enclosures, molded like disks about 150 millimeters (6 in) in diameter and 25 millimeters (1 in) thick, but shapes and sizes vary. Smoke can be detected optically (photoelectrically) or by physical processes (ionization), and detectors may use either or both methods. Sensitive alarms can be used to detect smoking in areas where it is prohibited and thereby discourage it. Smoke detectors in large commercial, industrial, and residential buildings are usually operated by a central fire alarm system, which is powered by building power with battery backup.

Household smoke detectors range from individual battery-powered units to multiple connected main-powered units with battery backup; With these units connected, if any unit detects smoke, they all trigger, even if the household power is turned off. Optical smoke detectors tend to be larger. As a result, 90% of household smoke detectors use ionization technology.

Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to flame fires, while photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to fires that start with prolonged fuming (referred to as “smoke fires”). For each type of smoke alarm, the benefits it provides can be critical to life safety in some fire situations. Catastrophic fires in the home, day or night, include multiple smoldering fires and multiple flame fires. It cannot predict the type of fire you might have in your home or when it will occur. To be acceptable, any smoke alarm technology must perform acceptably for both types of fires to provide early warning of a fire at all times of the day or night and regardless of whether one is asleep or awake.

Ionization smoke detectors use a radioactive isotope, typically americium-241, to ionize the air; Any differences due to smoke are detected and an alarm is issued. The smoke detector has two ionization chambers, one open to the air and a reference chamber that does not allow entry of particles. The radioactive source emits alpha particles into both chambers, which ionizes some air molecules.

There is a potential difference (voltage) between pairs of electrodes in the chambers; The electrical charge on the ions allows electric current to flow. The currents in both chambers should be equal since they are equally affected by atmospheric pressure, temperature, and aging of the source. If any smoke particles enter the open chamber, some of the ions will attach to the particles and will not be available to carry electrical current in the chamber. The electronic circuit detects that a current difference has developed between the open and seal members and sounds an alarm.

Photoelectric, or optical, smoke detectors include a source of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light (typically an incandescent or light-emitting diode), a lens, and a photoelectric receiver (typically a photodiode). In spot-type detectors, all of these components are arranged in a chamber through which air flows, which may contain smoke from a nearby fire. In large open areas, such as courtyards and auditoriums, optical beam or projected-beam smoke detectors are used instead of chambers within the unit: wall-mounted units receive and process the receiver by a separate device, or by a reflector. It emits a beam of infrared or ultraviolet light that is reflected back.

In some types, especially light beam types, the light emitted by the light source passes through the air being tested and reaches the optical sensor. The received light intensity will be reduced by absorption due to smoke, airborne dust, or other substances; The circuitry detects the light intensity and raises an alarm if it falls below a certain threshold, potentially due to smoke. In other types, typically chamber types, light is not directed to the sensor, which is not illuminated in the absence of particles. If the air in the chamber contains particles (smoke or dust), the light is scattered and some of it reaches the sensor, triggering an alarm.

As stated, ionization detectors are more sensitive to the flame stage of fires than optical detectors, while optical detectors are more sensitive to fires in the early smoldering stage. Fire safety experts and the U.S. Fire Protection Agency recommend installing so-called combination alarms, which are alarms that detect both heat and smoke, or use both ionization and photoelectric processes. Combination alarms that include both technologies in a single device are available, and some even include carbon monoxide detection capability.

Unfortunately, the size and/or footprint of optical smoke detectors makes them unacceptable for the majority of home uses, as well as a large percentage of business uses. The inventors of the present disclosure have identified these shortcomings and have recognized the need for a more compact, robust optical smoke detector system. That is, optical smoke detectors remain sensitive enough for ubiquitous use while being powerful enough for a long lifespan.

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the invention. Additional limitations and drawbacks of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art through comparison of these systems with certain aspects of the invention as presented in the remainder of this application with reference to the drawings.

A device for optically detecting smoke and implementing it. Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of smoke in a small, long-lasting smoke detector are disclosed. Specifically, the present disclosure addresses how to build a very compact housing around a smoke detector while satisfying all of the other ambient requirements of fast response to smoke and keeping reflections from the housing structure to very low values while preventing ambient light. It shows. This allows very small measurements of the light scattering of smoke particles to be reliable in a device that is resistant to the negative effects of dust. In particular, geometric optical elements, such as caps and optical deflection elements, are disclosed.

According to one aspect, the present disclosure is an apparatus for identifying smoke using the optical analysis techniques described herein. Specifically, the device is placed on an optical smoke detector and identification is carried out therein.

According to another aspect of the device, light is transmitted through the air where it is scattered by the smoke particles.

According to another aspect, the scattered light is incident on one or more detectors, each disposed at various distances relative to the light source from the transmitted light.

According to another aspect, the ratio(s) of light detected is used to determine the presence of smoke.

According to another aspect, the apparatus utilizes logic that, when executed, receives optical information and performs steps to make a postponement decision.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the device further includes a cap disposed substantially orthogonal to the first light source.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cap is at least partially shaped like a substantially conical section.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cap of the conical section is at least partially parabolic.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the cap of the conical section is at least partially elliptical.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the device further includes the first light emitting diode having a spectral intensity centered around a first wavelength (λ ₁ ).

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the device further includes an array of optical deflection elements arranged in a circle substantially around an outer radius of the cap.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the device further includes an anti-reflective coating disposed on at least one of the cap and the array of optical deflection elements.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the coating is centered around the first wavelength (λ ₁ ).

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the device further includes a substrate to which the cap is mechanically coupled.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the array of optical deflection elements is substantially wing-shaped.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure includes an analog front end in electrical communication with one or more photodetectors.

According to another aspect of the invention, more than one light source is used, each having wavelengths centered at different frequencies.

According to another aspect of the invention, each wavelength contributes to the determination of the presence of smoke.

According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of lossy members surround the center of the detector chamber.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of lossy members are configured to be substantially columns.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of lossy members are configured to be substantially vane-shaped features resembling cooling fins.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of lossy members are configured to have a refractive index substantially close to that of household dust.

According to another aspect of the invention, the plurality of lossy members also have an imaginary portion of the complex impedance that is lost. This acts to dampen reflections (impedance matching) as well as absorb power (lossy medium) from ambient light that could otherwise provide positives to a false smoke detector.

According to another aspect of the invention, a compact smoke detector may be constructed by a single analog front end (AFE).

According to another aspect of the invention, the miniature smoke detector and single analog front end (AFE) can be fabricated from a plurality of dies on a substrate.

According to another aspect of the invention, the compact smoke detector may use one or more optical filters.

According to another aspect of the invention, the compact smoke detector may use one or more optical filters. Specifically, the optical filter may include an absorptive filter and/or an interference or dichroic filter.

The drawings show representative smoke detector circuits and configurations. Changes to these circuits, for example changing their positions, adding or removing certain elements therefrom, do not exceed the scope of the present invention. The illustrated smoke detectors, configurations, and complementary devices are intended to be complementary to the support found in the detailed description.

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and in connection with the accompanying drawings:
1 shows a side view of a representative optical smoke detector boundary surface, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
2 depicts a top-down view of a representative optical smoke detector in operation, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
3 depicts a top-down view of elements forming a representative optical smoke detection device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
4A shows state-of-the-art shortcomings in optical smoke detection devices in operation, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
4B shows overcoming the previously mentioned shortcomings of the state of the art in optical smoke detection devices in operation and components constructed by a representative optical smoke detector according to some embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein;
Figure 5 depicts a top-down perspective of an optical detection die constructed by a representative optical smoke detection device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
Figure 6 depicts a side view of an optical detection die constructed by a representative optical smoke detection device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
7 graphically illustrates an isometric view of a representative optical smoke detection device in operation, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
8 depicts a top-down view of elements forming a representative optical smoke detection device, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein.
9A shows a side view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
9B depicts a top-down view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
Figure 9C illustrates an isometric view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
10A illustrates a side view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
FIG. 10B depicts a top-down view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein;
Figure 10C illustrates an isometric view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein; and,
11 shows a side view of a representative optical smoke detector boundary surface, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein.

This disclosure relates to smoke detection. More specifically, the Bo disclosure describes devices and techniques for optical identification of smoke in a compact and powerful detector.

The following description and drawings set forth in detail certain example implementations of the disclosure, representing several representative ways in which the various principles of the disclosure may be practiced. However, the illustrative examples are not exhaustive as to the many possible embodiments of the present disclosure. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will be presented as they proceed, taking into account the drawings where applicable.

Fires can occur in a variety of ways. The two most common types of fires are low-velocity smoldering fires and high-velocity flame fires. Fumigation fires are slow, low-temperature, flameless forms of combustion. These fires develop slowly and produce a lot of smoke that is easily detected by optical smoke detectors. Smoke fires are commonly started on upholstered furniture by mild heat sources such as cigarettes or an electrical short circuit.

High-velocity fires spread quickly, typically producing black smoke and toxic gases, and giving little time for escape. The characteristic temperatures and heat released during fumigation (typically 600° C.) are low compared to those in a fast flame fire (typically 1500° C.). Fast-flaming fires typically spread about 10 times faster than smoldering fires. However, smoldering fires release high levels of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. These gases are highly flammable and can later ignite in the gas phase, triggering the transition to flame combustion.

Smoke detectors for detecting smoke through detection of light scattered by smoke particles have been conventionally proposed and put into practice. These smoke detectors detect fire as follows: The smoke detector has a dark chamber to store the photon emitter and light detector. The light emitted from the photon emitter is scattered by smoke particles flowing into the dark chamber, thereby generating scattered light. A light detector receives scattered light.

Optical smoke alarms have several systematic and operational disadvantages when compared to ionization smoke alarms. Recently, smoke detectors have been proposed to contain light traps to suppress noise light (light generated by reflection, by the inner walls of the dark chamber, of light emitted from the photon emitter) from reaching the light detector.

There are generally two types of noise light - that caused by unwanted reflections from surfaces near the light emitted from the photon emitter and other ambient light leaking into the smoke chamber. Both of these lights require a photodetector to be avoided as there is no way to determine whether the light is caused by reflection or from scattering or from the surroundings. When such a smoke detector is employed, it must design the optical and electrical systems to avoid false triggering by noisy light. The inventors of this disclosure have recognized how to improve both fronts while reducing size, cost, and adding aesthetics.

However, in these smoke detectors, a light trap is placed in front of the photon emitter and light detector. Therefore, the light emitted from the photon emitter is reflected in a direction parallel to an imaginary plane containing the optical axis of the photon emitter and that of the light detector. Therefore, since noise light easily enters the light detection area, the occurrence of false alarms remains very possible.

Some smoke detectors use a labyrinth structure to prevent light from entering the dark chamber. Since the light emitted from the photon emitter is reflected by the edge sections of the wall members that make up the labyrinth structure, an amount of irregular noise light is generated that cannot be sufficiently attenuated by the light trap. Therefore, noise light may enter the light detection area, thereby causing a false alarm.

Additionally, within these types of smoke detectors, a plurality of light traps must be placed, with the light traps placed within a labyrinth within the dark chamber. Therefore, in some cases, a large space is required to place the optical trap, thereby making miniaturization of the smoke detector difficult. Additionally, some smoke detectors include another member, such as a lens, in addition to the light trap, which may increase the cost for manufacturing the smoke detector. Moreover, light traps and/or lenses can inhibit smoke from flowing into the dark chamber.

In addition to the larger footprint, for ionization alarms, optical detection devices undergo verification during the course of their service. Both optical smoke alarms using infrared emitter LED and ionization type smoke alarms are used in the detection of both types of fires and rely on the flux of ambient air passing through them. In some devices (as in one or more of the preceding embodiments), fans are used to enable passage of air through them. However, dust and particulate matter can collect and contaminate some of their device elements. These surfaces become more reflective in all directions so that any light falling on them can now scatter to the photodetector in a similar way to smoke.

Continuing, optical detection systems are preferred over ionization-type systems in certain situations. For example, optical systems better detect smoldering fires. Additionally, ionization alarms have the disadvantage that because they contain radioactive isotopes in their sensors, they are subject to regulations regarding manufacture and disposal. These regulations are state dependent but can place significant burdens on manufacturers.

Optical smoke detectors tend to be large, expensive devices that deteriorate with age from contamination, giving off false positives. The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized the need for more powerful optical smoke detectors, which are orders of magnitude closer to those of the ubiquitous household ionization units and are relatively less sensitive to the threat of dust and other particulate contamination. Moreover, the optical surfaces within the chamber itself play an important role for this.

1 shows a side view of representative optical smoke detector boundary surfaces, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 100 includes a lower border 110, a circular side wall 130, an upper border 120, an axial center 160, and geometric surfaces 140, 150.

For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 depicts a side view of a smoke detector cap 100 that is round in shape, looking top down. Therefore, strictly speaking, geometric surfaces 140 and 150 are the same surface. They are, however, labeled differently for illustrative purposes with respect to photons 165 and 175. This will be discussed in more detail later in this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the smoke detector cap 100 functions to reflect and/or absorb light such that light in the smoke detector chamber is scattered generally out of particles, e.g., smoke, etc., and back into the smoke detector system. do. This is also discussed in more detail later in this disclosure. Lower border 110 may represent a printed circuit board (PCB) or wafer die. For purposes of discussion, light from one or more light emitting devices is emitted from this surface direction.

Circular sidewall 130 includes a substantially cylindrical boundary that prevents ambient light from entering or remaining in the chamber from being redirected back to lower boundary 110 . Again, these premises will be explained later. Upper border 120 represents the top of smoke detector cap 100. Given that the smoke detector cap is substantially radially unchanged, axial center 160 is used to indicate its center.

Operationally, in some embodiments, light rays (photons 165, 175) are emitted from the light emitting device that propagate upward through the smoke detector chamber. The rays are incident on smoke particles (not shown) and are consequently scattered. The scattered rays propagate back down the lower boundary surface toward one or more photodetectors. Photodetectors receive nominal light from the background in addition to scattered light.

Geometrical surfaces 150, 140, in one or more embodiments, act to reflect light emanating from lower boundary 110 away from it. That is, light that is not scattered by particulate matter must be reduced to maximize the signal-to-noise (SnR) ratio. For example, in this embodiment, the geometric surfaces 150, 140 have the shape of a parabola (strictly speaking, a paraboloid in 3-d). As such, light emitted from lower boundary 110 will primarily be reflected in a substantially orthogonal direction, depending on the parabolic foci.

For example, ray/photon 165 is incident on geometric shape 150. Due to its direction and angle of incidence on the geometry 150 , the ray photon 165 is reflected away from the lower boundary 110 , represented by ray/photon 170 . Similarly, rays/photons 175 are incident on geometric shape 140. Due to its direction and angle of incidence on the geometry 150 , the ray photon 175 is reflected away from the lower boundary 110 , represented by ray/photon 180 .

Predetermined thresholds, background subtraction and other operating parameters will be discussed in more detail later in this disclosure, which will be understood by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 depicts a top-down view of a representative optical smoke detector 200 illustrating operation, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. The optical smoke detector 200 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 230, an optical chamber 210, a detector cover 220, a case molding 280, a photodiode/transducer 250, and optical deflection fins. Includes (290).

In one or more embodiments, LED 260 is an off-the-shelf green (495 nm to 570 nm) light emitting diode. However, any suitable, compact light generating device - whether coherent, incandescent, or even thermal black body radiation, etc. - is not beyond the scope of the present disclosure.

Case molding 290 is, in some embodiments, a substrate that provides a structure for attaching detector cover 220 and optical chamber 210 thereto. Typically, the purpose of optical smoke detectors is to allow entry of smoke from the ambient air/environment while rejecting ambient light from the same. Generally speaking, detector cover 220 and optical chamber 210 attempt to serve these purposes.

That is, the detector cover 220 has two ports (e.g., inlet and outlet) for gas/smoke passage, but the optical chamber 210 substantially surrounds the detector interior preventing most ambient light from entering. all. Detector cover 220 and optical chamber 210 are made of an opaque polymer and/or lossy material with a thickness much greater than the average skin depth, according to some embodiments of the invention. Highly conductive (mirrored) or any suitable materials, such as metals, semi-metals, composites, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Photodetector 250 is a sensor of light or other electromagnetic energy. Photodetector 250 has p-n junctions that convert photons into electrical current. The absorbed photons create electron-hole pairs in the depletion region, which are used to detect the received light intensity. In some embodiments, photodetector 250 is photodiodes or phototransistors. However, any light detection means, such as avalanche, photomultiplier tube, etc., do not exceed the scope of the present disclosure.

In operation, light 240 is emitted from LED 260. As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, some of the light 240 is scattered from the smoke particles 270 . Scattered light 260 may be re-scattered or directed to photodetector 250 and therefore detected thereby. Light 240 that is not scattered by smoke particles 270 is either blocked by a blocking member to prevent direct illumination of photodetector 250 or is incident on and redirected by optical deflector fins 290 . Optical deflector fins 290 typically have a black, matte finish whose purpose is to redirect light to other optical deflector fins 290.

3 depicts a top-down view of elements forming a representative optical smoke detection device 300, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. In one or more embodiments, substrate 310 includes an analog front end (AFE), a photodetector, and a light source, as discussed in greater detail later in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the light-isolating structural chamber columns 320 are made from a material that absorbs light in large quantities. Moreover, the elements are smooth and have a mirror-like finish instead of a matte finish. The bulk absorbing material ensures an absorption depth > tens of wavelengths of light. Therefore, the real part of the refractive index remains approximately the same as that of the non-absorbing material.

In some embodiments, light-isolating structural chamber columns 320 include polymer or glass. Most plastics and glasses have indices close to 1.4 to 1.6. This can yield a resistance (R) of ~3% from the Fresnel equations and smooth surfaces reflect light in a specular manner, as calculated from:

From here,

and,

.

Accordingly, most of the incident light is absorbed within the material of the light-separating structural chamber columns and a very small, reflected portion is also back-scattered.

FIG. 4A shows the shortcomings of the state of the art in optical smoke detection devices 400 in operation, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure provided herein. Considering that smoke detectors are expected to last 10 years or more, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a robust, long-lasting optical smoke detector.

Given the constant air flux throughout the smoke detector, those skilled in the art will now understand the properties that attenuate dust accumulation will be discussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 4A and 4B. The dust particles 420 are adsorbed into the light-separating structural chamber columns 410 . The incident light ray 430 may come from ambient, background lighting, or from an internal light source of the smoke detector. For purposes of illustration, this depiction represents simplification for clarity. That is, we assume that the light ray 430 is transmitted entirely through the dust particles 420.

The incident light ray 430 is transmitted through the dust particles 420 that become the light ray 440. When light ray 440 is incident on light-isolating structural chamber columns 410, its energy (or vector magnitude) is resolved according to the Fresnel equations for transmission and reflection. This is due to the impedance mismatch between the dust and light-separating structural chamber columns 410. As a result, light ray(s) 450 are reflected and light rays 460 are transmitted into light-isolating structural chamber columns 410 . Additionally, the inventors of the present disclosure note that light is also scattered if a rough surface, such as matte, is used on the light-isolating structural chamber columns 410, which is also depicted in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4B shows the elements constructed by a representative optical smoke detector 400 and overcoming the previously mentioned shortcomings of the state of the art in optical smoke detection devices in operation, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Dust particles 420 are adsorbed on the light-separating structural chamber columns 410. The incident light ray 430 may come from ambient, background lighting, or from an internal light source of the smoke detector. Again, for purposes of illustration, this disclosure presents simplifications for clarity. That is, we assume that the light ray 430 is transmitted entirely through the dust particles 420.

The incident light ray 430 is transmitted through the dust particles 420 that become the light ray 440. When light ray 440 is incident on light-isolating structural chamber columns 410, its energy (or vector magnitude) is normally resolved according to the Fresnel equation for transmission and reflection. However, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the real portion of the complex impedance (or refractive index) of the optically-isolated structural chamber columns 410 is matched to the common particle 420. Therefore, light rays 440 are transmitted almost entirely into the light-separating structural chamber columns 410 . Most dust particles have a refractive index between 1.35 and 1.55, while most plastics and glasses have refractive indices between 1.45 and 1.55.

In one or more embodiments, the imaginary part of the complex impedance of the light-isolating structural chamber columns 410 is chosen such that the material is highly lossy, so the penetration depth is on the order of tens of wavelengths. If the penetration depth is shorter, the impedance mismatch becomes larger and the substrate begins to reflect light rays 440 again. If the absorption depth is too large, thicker members are required to absorb the light, thus increasing the overall size of the chamber. This is exemplified by the decaying light wave 470 in Figure 4b. Additionally, the inventors of the present disclosure provide a smooth, specular finish to the surfaces of the light-separating structural chamber columns 410 in the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a top-down perspective of an optical detection die constructed by an exemplary optical smoke detection device 500, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. The optical smoke detection device 500 includes a substrate 590, light emitting diodes (LEDs) 560, 565, an LED cover 520, an analog front end (AFE) 540, a photodetector (PD1) 550, and a light detector (PD1) 550. Includes detector (PD2) 530, photodetector cover 570, PD pin-out 575, and AFE pin-out 585.

Substrate 590 is a die fabricated from silicon-on-chip (SoC) fabrication processes known in the art, although any suitable support structure is not beyond the scope of this disclosure. For example, substrate 590 may be made from any metal, semi-metallic, semiconductor, mixture/compound, or polymer, provided that steps are taken to ensure that AFE 540 does not short out.

The light blocking members move along the circumference of the upper substrate 590. Their function is to block ambient light from being received by photodetectors 530, 550. As such, ambient light blocking members are made from opaque polymers and/or lossy materials with a thickness significantly greater than the average skin depth, according to some embodiments of the invention. High conductivity (mirrored) is also not beyond the scope of this disclosure.

Similarly, the photo-isolator spans the entire span between the LEDs 560, 565 side and the photodetectors 530, 550 side of the device, which will be described in more detail later in this disclosure. The function of the light-isolator is to block light from the LEDs 560, 565 from being directly received by the photodetectors 530, 550. As such, the photo-separator is made from an opaque polymer and/or lossy material with a thickness much greater than the average skin depth, according to some embodiments of the invention. High conductivity (mirrored) is also within the scope of this disclosure, but this is not a preferred embodiment as will become clear later in this disclosure.

Photodetector cover 570 and LED cover 520 are transparent polymer protective containers for photodetectors 530, 550 and LEDs 560, 565, respectively. In other embodiments, the photodetector cover 570 and LED covers are crystalline (glass, Pyrex, etc.), but any suitable may be used.

In one or more embodiments, LEDs 560, 565 are off-the-shelf red and near-infrared (450 nm to 1400 nm) light emitting diodes. However, any suitable, compact light generating device of any color is not beyond the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments where LEDs 560, 565 emit different wavelengths, photodetector (PD1) 550 and photodetector (PD2) 530 can be modified to accommodate their detection. For example, half of photodetector (PD1) 550 and photodetector (PD2) 530 may be covered with different optical filters.

In particular, photodetector (PD1) 550 and photodetector (PD2) 530 may be at least partially covered with dichroic filters. Dichroic filters, thin-film filters, or interference filters are highly accurate color filters used to selectively pass light of a small range of colors while reflecting other colors. By comparison, dichroic mirrors and dichroic reflectors tend to be characterized by the color(s) of light they reflect, rather than the color(s) they pass through.

Although dichroic filters are used in this embodiment, other optical filters, such as interference, absorption, diffraction, grating, Fabry-Perot, etc., do not exceed the scope of the present invention. An interference filter consists of multiple thin layers of dielectric material with different refractive indices. There may also be metallic layers. In its broadest sense, interference filters also include etalons that can be implemented as tunable interference filters. Interference filters are wavelength-selective due to interference effects occurring between incident and reflected waves at thin film boundaries.

In other embodiments, a plurality of detectors, such as at least two for a wavelength, are implemented such that each of the plurality of pairs is wavelength specific. For example, there are at least two detectors (PD1, PD2) for every light emitting diode for a specific lambda.

The analog front end 540 (AFE) uses sensitive analog amplifiers, operational amplifiers, filters, and application-specific integrated circuits as required to interface with sensors with an analog-to-digital converter and/or microcontroller. It is a set of analog signal conditioning circuits.

AFE 540 is in electrical communication with photodetectors 530 and 550 via PD pin-outs 575. PD pin-outs 575 communicate electrically with photodetectors 530 and 550 via traces. In this embodiment, photodetectors 530, 550 and AFE 540 are packed as dies with soldered pin-outs. However, in other embodiments, they are integrated at the wafer level communicating via traces and vertical interconnect access (VIA) or via silicon VIA (TSV).

In some embodiments, AFE pin-out 585 is in electrical communication with pulse oximeter 100. In other embodiments, AFE pin-out 585 may be in electrical communication with another computer platform, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), field programmable gate array (FPGA), bus, or Arduino or Raspberry Pi, etc. All of which do not exceed the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of an optical detection die 600 constructed by a representative optical smoke detection device, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. The optical detection dies 600 include ambient light blocking members 610, an optical separator 680, a substrate 690, a light emitting diode (LED) 660, an LED cover 620, and an analog front end (AFE). 640, a photodetector (PD1) 650, a photodetector (PD2) 630, and a photodetector cover 670.

In one or more embodiments, substrate 690 is a die fabricated from silicon-on-chip (SoC) fabrication processes known in the art, although any suitable support structure is not beyond the scope of this disclosure. For example, substrate 690 may be made from any metal, semi-metallic, semiconductor, mixture/compound, or polymer, provided that steps are taken to prevent AFE 640 from shorting.

The ambient light blocking members 610 move along the circumference of the upper substrate 690 . Their function is to block ambient light from being received by photodetectors 630, 650. As such, the ambient light blocking members 610 are made from an opaque polymer and/or lossy material with a thickness much greater than the average skin depth, according to some embodiments of the invention. High conductivity (mirrored) is also not beyond the scope of this disclosure.

Similarly, photo-isolator 680 spans the entire span between the LED 660 side and the photodetectors 630, 650 side of the device, which will be described in more detail later in this disclosure. The function of light-isolator 680 is to block LED 660 light from being directly received by photodetectors 630 and 650. As such, light-separator 680 is made from an opaque polymer and/or lossy material with a thickness much greater than the average skin depth, according to some embodiments of the invention. High conductivity (mirrored) is also within the scope of this disclosure, but this is not a preferred embodiment as will become clear later in this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, LED 660 is an off-the-shelf green (495 nm to 570 nm) light emitting diode. However, any suitable, compact light generating device is within the scope of this disclosure - whether coherent, incandescent, or even thermal blackbody radiation. LED cover 630 is a transparent polymer protective container for LED 260. In other embodiments, LED cover 630 is crystalline (glass, Pyrex, etc.), but any suitable material may be used. Although translucent and/or lossy materials may be used within the scope of this disclosure, these are not preferred embodiments, as will become more apparent later in this disclosure.

Photodetectors 650 and 630 (PD1 and PD2, respectively) are sensors of light or other electromagnetic energy. Photodetectors 630 and 650 have p-n junctions that convert photons into electrical current. The absorbed photons create electron-hole pairs in the depletion region, which are used to detect the received light intensity. In some embodiments, photodetectors 650, 630 are photodiodes or phototransistors. However, any light detection means, such as avalanches, photomultiplier tubes, etc., do not exceed the scope of the present disclosure.

Analog front end 640 (AFE or analog front end controller (AFEC)) provides configurable and flexible electronics functionality required to interface various sensors with an antenna, analog-to-digital converter, or in some cases a microcontroller. The block is a set of analog signal conditioning circuits that use sensitive analog amplifiers, often operational amplifiers, filters, and sometimes application-specific integrated circuits for sensors, radio receivers, and other circuits. AFE 640 is in electrical communication with photodetectors 650, 630 and an optical smoke detector.

Photodetector cover 670 is a transparent polymer protective container for PD1 and PD2. In other embodiments, photodetector cover 670 is crystalline (glass, Pyrex, etc.), but any suitable material may be used. However, translucent and/or lossy materials may be used within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 graphically illustrates an isometric view of a representative optical smoke detection device 700 in operation, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. The inventors of this disclosure have built one of the smallest smoke detectors 700, requiring only a very small chamber around the detector to protect against insects, ambient light, and large particulate matter.

To date in this technology, large housings are used to prevent light scattering from dust buildup over time. Light scattered from the housing elements can prevent detection of small changes in light scattering from smoke particles preventing the performance of these sensor systems. Therefore, the housing or chamber design plays a critical role. It also allows easy exchange of smoke from the surroundings and must therefore have very large openings.

The present disclosure shows a method of building a very compact housing around a smoke detector while keeping reflections from the housing structure to a very low value while preventing ambient light and satisfying all other ambient requirements of fast response to smoke. . This allows very small measurements of the light scattering of smoke particles to be reliable.

Optical smoke detection device 700 includes a base 750, a die substrate 710, a side enclosure 730, light-isolating structural chamber columns 720, and a top reflective surface 740. In one or more embodiments, a base 750, light-isolated structural chamber columns 720, and die substrate 710 that may be configured in ways to carry all of the PCB or electronic devices and provide means of attachment. is according to those described in connection with FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6. Side enclosure 730 serves two purposes. That is, the side enclosure 730 blocks the surrounding inlet while directing air through the passage of the optical smoke detection device 700.

The top reflective surface 740 is constructed similarly to the side structures and uses the same design idea. Light incident from a photon emitter directly impinging on this surface should be minimally reflected/scattered from the surface of this structure. This is achieved by using highly corrugated or curved surfaces so that no direct reflections from these surfaces are directed to the photodetector elements. Light is reflected towards other surfaces in the chamber. As previously explained with respect to Figure 4b, light incident on the surface is primarily absorbed by most of the material. A small amount of reflection, approximately 3%, is directed to another surface on any of the top reflecting or side surfaces, where the process is repeated. Therefore, a very small amount of light returns to the photodetector.

It is noted that the top reflective surface may be anti-reflective coated for better absorption in bulk, but in practice this may not be necessary. This is because light can enter the surface from many angles, especially if the top reflective surface is corrugated or curved in a complex way. Additionally, after collection of dust on a surface, the surface may not behave as anti-reflective.

In operation, light rays from light cone 760 are directed in an upward fashion. The light rays returning to the detector bounced multiple times from various elements and lost most of their energy. The ray trace shows how the rays have a very low probability of returning to the detector.

The light-separating structural chamber columns 720, 740 contain absorbent rods of plastic. For example, light-separating structural chamber columns 720 include acrylic, PMMA, polycarbonate, etc. However, any suitable material may be used, for example with a suitably matched refractive index and complex impedance.

The design shown in Figure 7 allows measuring the light scattered by smoke particles back towards the photodetector while the optical structures are designed to reduce noise light to very low levels. Moreover, these optical structures can be placed very close to each other and to the light generation and detection device, making for very compact structures. This structure reduces (1) noise light from the optical emitter, (2) noise light from the surroundings, and (3) provides for compact measurements with a single module, such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6.

8 depicts a top-down view of another design of elements forming a representative optical smoke detection device 800, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. In one or more embodiments, substrate 810 includes an analog front end (AFE), a photodetector, and a light source according to previous embodiments. Moreover, similar top reflective structures such as 740 may be used.

Optical smoke detection device 800 includes an inlet port 850, an outlet port 860, and an ionization smoke detector 840, according to some embodiments. Ports 850, 860 allow an air path to travel through optical smoke detection device 800. In alternative embodiments, inlet port 850 and outlet port 860 include small low power fans to allow passage of these gases.

Ionization smoke detectors 840 use a radioactive isotope, typically americium-241, to ionize the air; Any differences due to smoke are detected and an alarm is issued. Ionization detectors are more sensitive to the flame stage of fires than optical detectors, while optical detectors are more sensitive to fires in the early smoldering stage.

The smoke detector has two ionization chambers 840, 880, one open to air 840 and a reference chamber 880 that does not allow entry of particles. The radioactive source emits alpha particles into both chambers, which ionizes some air molecules. There is a potential difference (voltage) between pairs of electrodes in the chambers; The electrical charge on the ions allows electrical current to flow.

The currents in both chambers should be equal since they are equally affected by atmospheric pressure, temperature, and aging of the source. If any smoke particles enter the open chamber, some of the ions will attach to the particles and will not be available to carry electrical current in the chamber. The electronic circuit detects that a current difference has developed between the open and sealed chambers and sounds an alarm.

In some embodiments, the light-isolating structural chamber deflectors 820 are made from a material that absorbs light in large quantities. Moreover, the elements are smooth and have a mirror-like finish instead of a matte finish. The bulk absorbing material has an absorption depth > tens of wavelengths of light. Therefore, the real part of the refractive index remains approximately the same as that of the non-absorbing material.

In some embodiments, the light-isolating structural chamber deflectors 820 include substantially three-dimensional orthotopes, right-angled prisms, rectangular cuboids, or rectangular parallelepipeds. In one or more embodiments, the light-isolating structural chamber deflectors 820 may be substantially round or have a knife edge on one surface. Note that this also applies to the top reflective surface 740. The purpose of the light-separating structural chamber deflectors 820 is to direct the reflected light to another light-separating structural chamber deflectors 820, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art. . Therefore, most of the incident light is absorbed within the material and even a very small, reflected portion is back-scattered.

Most dust particles have a glass index and lie between 1.4 and 1.7. The light-isolating structural chamber deflectors 820 are index matched and produce lower scattering compared to identical particles attached to surfaces of very different refractive indices. Any forward scattering from these particles is also absorbed by their substrate. Again, this results in very low back-scattering from dust growth over time.

The members of the chamber, namely the light-isolating structural chamber deflectors 820, are tuned to reflect light away from the source and towards other members of the chamber. Therefore, the light disappears very quickly. After n reflections, the reflected light is reduced to R ⁿ and is quickly eliminated. This allows for very compact designs: <1 cm in radius and <1 cm in height from the center where the smoke sensor is located.

9A illustrates a side view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 900 includes an upper border 910 and optical deflector fins 920.

9B depicts a top-down view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 900 includes a geometric space 940 and optical deflector fins 920. In one or more embodiments, geometric shape 940 may be any parabolic or elliptical shape. In other embodiments, it may be variable or even linear.

9C illustrates an isometric view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 900 includes a geometric shape 940 and optical deflector fins 920.

In some embodiments, the light-isolating structural chamber optical deflector fins 920 are made from a material that absorbs light in bulk. Moreover, the elements are smooth and have a mirror-like finish instead of a matte finish. The bulk absorbing material ensures an absorption depth > tens of wavelengths of light. Therefore, the real part of the refractive index remains approximately the same as that of the non-absorbing material.

In some embodiments, the light-isolating structural chamber optical deflector fins 920 include polymer or glass. Most plastics and glasses have indices close to 1.45 to 1.6. This can yield a resistance (R) of ~3% from the Fresnel equations and smooth surfaces reflect light in a specular manner, as calculated from:

From here,

and,

Accordingly, most of the incident light is absorbed in the light-separating structural chamber columns and even in the material of the reflective part, and very little is back-scattered.

10A illustrates a side view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 1000 includes an upper perimeter 1010, an axial center 1060, central packaging pins 1040 and outer packaging pins 1070. Axial centric packaging pins 1040 and external packaging pins 1070 allow for convenience.

FIG. 10B depicts a top-down view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 1000 includes a geometric space 1040 and optical deflector fins 1020. In one or more embodiments, geometric shape 1040 may be any parabolic or elliptical shape. In other embodiments, it may be variable or even linear. The outer boundary 1030 represents the physical circular cap of the configuration.

Figure 10C illustrates an isometric view of a representative miniature smoke detector cap, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 1000 includes a physical circular cap 1010 of configuration 180 and optical deflector fins 1020.

11 shows a side view of a representative optical smoke detector boundary surface, according to some embodiments of the disclosure provided herein. Smoke detector cap 1100 includes a lower border 1110, a circular side wall 1130, an upper border 120, an axial center 1160, and geometric surfaces 1140, 1150.

For the sake of clarity, FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a smoke detector cap 1100 that is round in shape, looking top down. Therefore, strictly speaking, geometric surfaces 1140 and 1150 are the same surface. They are, however, labeled differently for illustrative purposes with respect to photons 1165 and 1175.

In one or more embodiments, the smoke detector cap 1100 functions to reflect and/or absorb light such that light in the smoke detector chamber is scattered generally out of particles, such as smoke, and back into the smoke detector system. do. Lower border 1110 may represent a printed circuit board (PCB) or wafer die. For purposes of discussion, light from one or more light emitting devices is emitted from this surface direction.

Circular sidewall 1130 includes a generally cylindrical boundary that prevents ambient light from entering or remaining in the chamber from being redirected back to the lower boundary 1110. Again, these premises will be explained later. Upper border 1120 represents the top of smoke detector cap 1100. Given that the smoke detector cap is substantially radially unchanged, axial center 1160 is used to indicate its center.

Operationally, in some embodiments, light rays (photons 1165, 1175) are emitted from the light emitting device that propagate upward through the smoke detector chamber. The rays are incident on smoke particles (not shown) and are consequently scattered. The scattered rays propagate back down the lower boundary surface toward one or more photodetectors. Photodetectors receive nominal light from the background in addition to scattered light.

Geometrical surfaces 1150, 1140, in one or more embodiments, act to reflect light emanating from lower boundary 1110 away from it. That is, light that is not scattered by particulate matter must be reduced to maximize the signal-to-noise (SnR) ratio. For example, in this embodiment, geometric surfaces 1150, 1140 have a parabolic (strictly speaking, parabolic in 3-d) shape. As such, light emitted from lower boundary 110 will primarily be reflected in a substantially orthogonal direction, depending on the parabolic foci.

For example, ray/photon 1165 is incident on geometric shape 1150. Due to its direction and angle of incidence on the geometry 1150, the ray photon 165 is reflected away from the lower boundary 1110, represented by ray/photon 1170. Similarly, ray/photon 1175 is incident on geometric shape 1140. Due to its direction and angle of incidence on the geometry 1140, the ray photon 1165 is reflected away from the lower boundary 1110, represented by ray/photon 117.

In one or more embodiments, an additional anti-reflective coating 1180 is included. Antireflection or anti-reflection (AR) coating is a type of optical coating applied to the surface of lenses and other optical elements to reduce reflections. In conventional imaging systems, this improves efficiency because less light is lost due to reflection. This coating is not exclusive to the top cap and can be applied to the anti-reflective fins as previously described.

Many coatings consist of transparent thin-film structures with alternating layers of contrasting refractive indices. The layer thicknesses are selected to create destructive interference in the reflected beams from the interfaces and constructive interference in the corresponding transmitted beams. This causes the performance of the structure to vary with wavelength and angle of incidence, so color effects often appear oblique.

In one or more embodiments, the geometric shape is parabolic. A parabola is a plane curve that is mirror-symmetric and approximately U-shaped. It can be proven that it fits any of several superficially different mathematical descriptions, all of which define exactly the same curves. More specifically, as in this embodiment depicted in Figure 11, a semi-parabola is implemented. That is, sqrt(r), which turns out to be the axis center.

One description of a parabola involves a point (focus) and a line (directrix). The focus is not on the direct line. A parabola is a place of points in the plane that are equidistant from both the directrix and the focus. Another description of a parabola is a conical section, created from the intersection of a right-cone surface and a plane parallel to another plane tangent to the conical surface.

In other embodiments, the geometric shape is at least partially elliptical. An ellipse is a curve in the plane surrounding two focus points such that the sum of the distances to the two focus points is constant for all points on the curve. As such, it is a generalization of the circle, which is a special type of ellipse with both focus points at the same location. The shape of an ellipse (how "elongated" it is) is expressed by its eccentricity, which, for an ellipse, can be any number ranging from 0 (the limiting case of a circle) to arbitrarily close to but less than 1.

Ellipses are a closed type of conic section: a plane curve resulting from the intersection of a cone with a plane (see drawing to the right). Ellipses have many similarities to two other types of conic sections: parabolas and hyperbolas, both of which are open and open-ended. The cross section of a cylinder is elliptical unless the section is parallel to the axis of the cylinder.

However, any conical section does not exceed the scope of the present invention.

The present disclosure results in a total attenuation from the LED to the detector of about 10 ^-6 . This has been achieved by design and construction in simulations.

The inventors of this disclosure also utilize the concept that these scattering properties may be wavelength dependent. Accordingly, analysis and/or comparison of different wavelengths, lambda, and/or ratios of PD1/PD2 are wavelength dependent and may be useful for the detection of multiple particulate substances.

Other means, systems and devices do not exceed the scope of the present invention. For example, a plurality of three or more photodetectors may be used to further interpolate and extrapolate the characteristic signals of the materials. Additionally, alternative LED/photodetector arrangements and geometries may be used.

With reference to the theory of scattering of light, the inventors' observations and models strictly follow and are consistent with and reflect this well-known theory known to inventors in the art. As such, the observations that follow arise from basic physics and are therefore more general than any of the specific devices listed in several of the examples.

Accordingly, while various aspects and embodiments of the technology of the present application have been described, it will be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. These changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology described in this application. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision various other means and/or structures for performing a function and/or achieving one or more of the results and/or advantages described herein; Each of these changes and/or modifications are considered to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are provided by way of example only, and that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, embodiments of the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. Additionally, any combination of two or more features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods described herein means that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and /or methods are included within the scope of the present disclosure if they are not mutually inconsistent.

The embodiments described above may be implemented in any of a number of ways. One or more aspects and embodiments of the present application that involve performance of processes or methods involve a device (e.g., computer, processor, or other device) performing the processes or methods, or controlling performance thereof. Executable program instructions can be used.

In this regard, various inventive concepts may be stored in a computer-readable storage encoded in one or more programs that, when executed on one or more computers or other processors, perform methods implementing one or more of the various embodiments described above. Medium (or multiple computer-readable storage media) (e.g., computer memory, one or more floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tapes, flash memories, field programmable gate arrays or other semiconductor device circuit configurations in fields, or other types of computer storage media).

A computer-readable medium or media may be transportable so that the program or programs stored thereon may be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement various of the aspects described above. In some embodiments, computer-readable media may be non-transitory media.

The terms (“program” or “software”) refer to any type of computer code or set of computer-executable instructions that can be used to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects as described above. It is used here in a general sense to bet. Additionally, according to one aspect, when executed, one or more computer programs that perform the methods of the present application need not reside on a single computer or processor, but rather may be used on multiple different computers or processors to implement the various aspects of the present application. It should be understood that it can be distributed among processes in a modular manner.

Computer-executable instructions can take many forms, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Typically, the functionality of program modules can be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

Additionally, the data structures may be stored on computer-readable media in any suitable form. For simplicity of illustration, data structures may be shown as having fields that are related through their location in the data structure. These relationships can likewise be achieved by assigning storage to the fields with locations in a computer-readable medium carrying the relationships between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish relationships between information in fields of a data structure, including through the use of pointers, tags or other mechanisms that establish relationships between data elements. there is.

When implemented in software, the software code can execute on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided on a single computer or distributed among multiple computers.

Moreover, it should be understood that a computer may be embodied in any of a number of forms, such as, but not limited to, a rack-mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. Additionally, a computer may be embedded in a device that is not generally considered a computer but has appropriate processing capabilities, including a personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, mobile phone, iPad, or any other suitable portable or stationary electronic device. You can.

Additionally, a computer may have one or more input and output devices. These devices may be used, among other things, to provide a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include printers or display screens for visual presentation of the output and speakers or other sound producing devices for audible presentation of the output. Examples of input devices that can be used for user interface include keyboards and pointing devices such as mice, touch pads, and digital tablets. As another example, a computer may receive input information through speech recognition or in other audible formats.

These computers may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including enterprise networks, and local or wide area networks, such as Intelligent Networks (IN) or the Internet. These networks may be based on any suitable technology, may operate according to any suitable protocol, and may include wireless or wired networks.

Additionally, as described, some aspects may be embodied in one or more ways. The operations performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which the operations are performed in a different order than that illustrated, which may include performing several operations simultaneously, although they are shown as sequential operations in example embodiments.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be construed to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

As used in the specification and claims herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” are to be understood to mean “at least one,” unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

As used in the specification and claims, the phrase "and/or" refers to "either or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., in combination in some instances and separately in other instances. It should be understood to mean existing elements. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be interpreted in the same way, i.e. as “one or more” of the elements so combined.

Elements other than those specifically identified by the “and/or” clause may optionally be present, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements, thus, by way of non-limiting example: Reference to “A and/or B”, when used with non-constrained language such as “comprising,” in one embodiment refers to only A (optionally including elements other than B); In another embodiment, B only (optionally including elements other than A); In another embodiment, both A and B (optionally including other embodiments), etc.

As used in the specification and claims, a phrase referring to a list of one or more elements (“at least one”) means at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily the element. It should be understood that it includes at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements and does not exclude any combinations of elements in the list of elements.

Thus, by way of non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently “at least one of A or B”, or equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”), in one embodiment , optionally containing one or more A but without B (and optionally containing non-B elements); In another embodiment, at least one, optionally including one or more B, but without A (and optionally including non-A elements); In another embodiment, it may optionally include one or more A, optionally include at least one B (and optionally include other elements), etc.

As used herein, the term “between” is inclusive unless otherwise indicated. For example, “between A and B” includes A and B unless otherwise indicated.

Additionally, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “comprising,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “accompanying,” and variations thereof herein refer to the items listed hereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. It is intended to be.

In the claims, as well as throughout the specification, "comprising", "comprising", "carrying", "having", "containing", "accompanying", "maintaining", "consisting of", etc. All like conjunctions will be understood to mean non-limiting, including but not limited thereto. Only the connectors (“consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”) will be closed or semi-closed connectors, respectively.

The invention should therefore not be considered limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applied will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains upon review of this disclosure.

The invention should therefore not be considered limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applied will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains upon review of this disclosure.

1. A device for detecting smoke in a small footprint detector that propagates light substantially away from the smoke detector chamber, comprising:

first light source;

a first photodetector disposed substantially proximal to the first light source;

As non-volatile logic:

receiving a first signal from the first photodetector; and

the non-volatile logic to perform detecting the presence of smoke based at least on the first received signal; and

A device for detecting smoke, comprising a cap disposed substantially orthogonal to the first light source.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cap is at least partially shaped like a substantially conical section.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the cap of the conical section is at least partially parabolic.

4. Device according to claim 2, wherein the cap of the conical section is at least partially elliptical.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a first light emitting diode with a spectral intensity centered around a first wavelength (λ ₁ ).

6. The device of claim 5 further comprising an array of optical deflection elements arranged in a circle substantially around the outer radius of the cap.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the array of optical deflection elements is substantially wing-shaped.

8. The device of claim 6 further comprising an anti-reflective coating disposed on at least one of the cap and the array of optical deflection elements.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the coating is centered around the first wavelength (λ ₁ ).

10. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a substrate to which the cap is mechanically coupled.

11. A method for detecting smoke in a small footprint detector that propagates light substantially away from the smoke detector chamber, comprising:

providing light from a first light source;

detecting the light on a first photodetector disposed proximal to the first light source;

Receiving a first signal from the first photodetector;

determining the presence of smoke based at least in part on the first received signal, which is based at least in part on scattered incident image material; and

A method for detecting smoke, comprising reflecting light using a cap that geometrically reflects light away from the first photodetector.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the cap is at least partially shaped like a substantially conical section.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cap of the conical section is at least partially parabolic.

14. Method according to claim 12, wherein the cap of the conical section is at least partially elliptical.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first light source is a first light emitting diode with a spectral intensity centered around a first wavelength (λ ₁ ).

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising disposing an array of optical deflection elements in a substantially circular shape around an outer radius of the cap.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the array of optical deflection elements is substantially wing-shaped.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising depositing an anti-reflective coating on at least one of the cap and the array of optical deflection elements.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the coating is centered around the first wavelength (λ ₁ ).

20. The method of claim 11 further comprising mechanically coupling the cap to a substrate.

21. A device for detecting smoke in a small footprint detector that propagates light substantially away from the smoke detector chamber, comprising:

means for providing light from a first light source;

means for detecting the light on a first photodetector disposed proximal to the first light source;

means for receiving a first signal from the first photodetector;

means for determining the presence of smoke based at least in part on the first received signal based, at least in part, on scattered particulate matter; and

An apparatus for detecting smoke, comprising means for reflecting light using a cap that geometrically reflects light away from the first light detector.

Claims (22)

1. A device for detecting smoke in a compact footprint detector that propagates light substantially away from the smoke detector chamber, comprising:
first light source;
a first light detector disposed substantially proximate to the first light source;
As an analog front end:
receive a first signal from the first photo detector;
an analog front end configured to determine the presence of smoke based at least on the first received signal; and
a cap having an upper surface and a lower surface and substantially covering the smoke detector chamber;
wherein the lower surface is shaped like an at least substantially conical section. In claim 1,
The cap is disposed in a first plane, the first light source is disposed in a second plane, and the first plane and the second plane are substantially parallel to each other. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
The device of claim 1, wherein the conical section is at least partially parabolic. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
The device of claim 1, wherein the conical section is at least partially elliptical. In claim 1,
The device further comprising a first light emitting diode having a spectral intensity centered on the first wavelength. The method of any one of claims 1 and 5,
The device further comprising an array of light deflection elements disposed substantially in a circle about an outer radius of the cap. In claim 6,
The device of claim 1, wherein the array of light deflecting elements is substantially wing shaped. In claim 6,
The device further comprising an anti-reflective coating disposed on at least one of the cap and the array of light deflecting elements. In claim 8,
The device of claim 1, wherein the coating is centered on a first wavelength. In claim 1,
The device further comprising a substrate to which the cap is mechanically coupled. A method for detecting smoke in a compact footprint detector that propagates light substantially away from the smoke detector chamber:
providing light from a first light source;
detecting light on a first photodetector disposed proximate the first light source, the first photodetector being disposed on an analog front end coplanar with the first light source;
covering the first light source and the first light detector with a cap, the cap having an upper surface and a lower surface;
defining a smoke detector chamber by a volume between the cap, the first light source, and the first light detector;
Receiving a first signal from the first photo detector;
determining the presence of smoke based at least on the first received signal based at least in part on scattered particulate matter; and
Reflecting light at the lower surface of the cap geometrically reflecting light away from the smoke detector chamber. In claim 11,
The method of claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the cap is at least partially shaped like a substantially conical section. In claim 12,
The method of claim 1, wherein the conical section is at least partially parabolic. In claim 12,
The method of claim 1, wherein the conical section is at least partially elliptical. In claim 11,
The method of claim 1, wherein the first light source is a first light emitting diode having a spectral intensity centered on a first wavelength. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15,
The method further comprising disposing the array of light deflecting elements in a substantially circular shape around the outer radius of the cap. In claim 16,
The method of claim 1, wherein the array of light deflecting elements is substantially wing shaped. In claim 16,
The method further comprising depositing an antireflective coating on at least one of the cap and the array of light deflecting elements. In claim 18,
The method of claim 1, wherein the coating is centered on a first wavelength. The method of any one of claims 11 to 15,
The method further comprising mechanically coupling the cap to a substrate. delete delete