The Intelligent Fire Alarm Angus McLennan

The Intelligent Fire Alarm

By
Angus McLennan


School oI InIormation Technology and Electrical Engineering,
The University oI Queensland.






Submitted Ior the Degree oI
Bachelor oI Engineering
in the Electrical Engineering Stream



October 2002

2
49 Channel Street
Cleveland, Q 4163
Tel. (07) 38211955
October 16, 2002


The Head
School oI InIormation Technology and Electrical Engineering
The University oI Queensland
St Lucia, Q 4072



Dear ProIessor Kaplan,

In accordance with the requirements oI the degree oI Bachelor oI Engineering
in the Electrical Engineering stream, I present the Iollowing thesis
entitled 'The Intelligent Fire Alarm. This work was perIormed
under the supervision oI Richard Cocks.

I declare that the work submitted in this thesis is my own, except as acknowledged in
the text and endnotes, and has not been previously submitted Ior a degree at the
University oI Queensland or any other institution.


Yours sincerely,


Angus McLennan

'
List of Tables

Table1. Summarv of Data Coding Techniques ............................................................... 11

Table2. Smoke Detectors Js Heat Detectors .................................................................. 20
Table3. Risk Environments ............................................................................................. 22
Table4. Methods of Smoke Detector Disablement.......................................................... 24
Table5. Alternative Heat Sensors ................................................................................... 29
Table7. Characteristics of the IS1U60 ........................................................................... 37
Table8. Microcontroller Comparisons ........................................................................... 38
Table8. Tvpe B Detector Requirements .......................................................................... 49
Table9. Temperature Ratings ......................................................................................... 50
Table10. Evaluation........................................................................................................ 50

"
List of Figures

Figure1. Hardware Block Diagram................................................................................ 27
Figure2. Resistance-temperature characteristic obtained with resistor and thermistor
connected in parallel............................................................................................... 31
Figure3. Heat sensor circuit Schematic ......................................................................... 32
Figure4. Pin Configuration of LM741............................................................................ 34
Figure5. IR sensor Schematic......................................................................................... 35
Figure6. An example of the signal produced bv the IR circuit ....................................... 36
Figure7. Pin Configuration of the Atmel AT90S8515 .................................................... 39
Figure8. Software Flow Diagram Main ...................................................................... 42
Figure9. Software Flow Diagram Timer Interrupt...................................................... 43
Figure10. Software Flow Diagram IR Interrupt ......................................................... 46

5
Contents

List of Tables ................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables ................................................................................................................... 3
List of Figures.................................................................................................................. 4
List of Figures.................................................................................................................. 4
Contents ........................................................................................................................... 5
Contents ........................................................................................................................... 5
Abstract............................................................................................................................ 7
Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 1 - Introduction ................................................................................................ 9
1.2 Saving Lives ............................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Relevant literature .................................................................................................... 9
1.3.1 Standards Australia .......................................................................................... 9
1.3.2 Fire SaIety Science......................................................................................... 11
1.3.3 Previous Thesis Work .................................................................................... 11
1.4 Project Definition - The Failings of Smoke Alarms ............................................. 12
1.5 Project Objectives ................................................................................................... 12
1.6 A Family of Products .............................................................................................. 13
1.6.1 Power technologies ........................................................................................ 13
1.6.2 Radio Frequency Technologies...................................................................... 13
1.7 Operation of the IFA............................................................................................... 14
1.7.1 Programming.................................................................................................. 14
1.7.2 Installation...................................................................................................... 14
1.7.3 Operation........................................................................................................ 15
1.7.4 Maintenance ................................................................................................... 15
1.8 Overview .................................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 2 - Review of Previous Work........................................................................ 17
2.1 Current Fire Safety Systems .................................................................................. 17
2.1.1 Manual Release Stations ................................................................................ 17
2.1.2 Automatic Devices ......................................................................................... 17
2.1.3 Ionization Smoke Detectors ........................................................................... 18
2.1.4 Photo-Electric Smoke Detectors .................................................................... 18
2.1.5 Air Sampling Detector ................................................................................... 18
2.1.6 Heat Sensors................................................................................................... 19
2.1.7 Fixed Temperature Detectors......................................................................... 19
2.1.8 Rate Compensating Detectors ........................................................................ 19
2.1.9 Rate oI Rise Heat Detectors ........................................................................... 19
2.1.10 Flame Detectors ........................................................................................... 20
2.2 Household Infra - Red Technology........................................................................ 20
Chapter 3 - Product Specifications.............................................................................. 21
3.1 Optimal Design........................................................................................................ 21
3.2 Save lives and Protects Property ........................................................................... 21
3.1.1 IFA SpeciIications Summary......................................................................... 25
3.2 Hardware Specifications......................................................................................... 26
3.2.1 Smoke Detector.............................................................................................. 26
3.2.2 Heat Sensor .................................................................................................... 26
3.2.3 InIra-red Sensor.............................................................................................. 26

6
3.2.4 Controller SpeciIications................................................................................ 26
3.2.5 General SpeciIications ................................................................................... 27
3.3 Software Specifications........................................................................................... 28
3.3.1 SoItware Modules .......................................................................................... 28
Chapter 4 - Hardware Implementation ...................................................................... 28
4.1 Heat Sensor.............................................................................................................. 28
4.1.1 Negative Thermal CoeIIicient Theory ........................................................... 30
4.1.2 Steinhart Hart equation ............................................................................... 30
4.1.3 The SelI Heating EIIect oI Thermistors ......................................................... 31
4.1.4 Heating resulting Irom the IFA Components and Circuitry........................... 31
4.1.5 Schmitt Trigger Theory.................................................................................. 33
4.1.6 Operational AmpliIier .................................................................................... 33
4.2 Infra-red Sensor ...................................................................................................... 34
4.2.1 Background Sampling Theory ....................................................................... 35
4.2.2 IR Device SpeciIication ................................................................................. 36
4.3 The Controller ......................................................................................................... 37
4.3.1 Selecting the Controller.................................................................................. 37
4.3.2 Controller - Timer Function........................................................................... 39
4.4 Schematic and PCB design..................................................................................... 40
Chapter 5 - Software Implementation......................................................................... 41
5.1 The Development Environment ............................................................................. 41
5.2 Embedded Software................................................................................................ 41
5.2.1 SoItware SpeciIication Main....................................................................... 42
5.2.1 Timer Interrupt Flow Diagram.................................................................... 43
5.2.3 SoItware IR Interrupt ................................................................................... 45
Chapter 6 - Evaluation.................................................................................................. 47
6.1 Product Evaluation ................................................................................................. 47
Table10 summarises section 6.1. ............................................................................ 50
6.2 Personal Evaluation................................................................................................ 50
Chapter 7 - Future Improvements............................................................................... 52
Chapter 8 - Conclusion................................................................................................. 53
Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 54
Appendix 1..................................................................................................................... 55
Appendix 2..................................................................................................................... 56
Appendix 3..................................................................................................................... 57

7

The domestic environment accounts Ior the majority oI Iire related deaths. Smoke
alarms have been developed to combat the threat oI Iire. The aim oI installing smoke
alarms is to alert the occupants to the Iire earlier and improve their chances oI survival.

UnIortunately, there are a number oI locations within the home where the installation oI
a smoke alarm is impractical. These include the kitchen, the bathroom, the laundry and
possibly the garage. Small amounts oI smoke, gases or steam are present within these
environments. This results in nuisance alarms. The general populous is not prepared to
live with Irequent and unpleasant nuisance alarms. As a result the alarms in these areas
are oIten removed. The best compromise that can currently be achieved is a remotely
located smoke alarm.

The Intelligent Fire Alarm (IFA) oIIers an alternative. The IFA utilizes both a smoke
detector and a heat sensor. When the user is preparing to perIorm an activity that could
potentially result in a nuisance alarm they can use their chosen inIra-red device to turn
oII the smoke detector. While the smoke detector is inactive the heat sensor remains
active. The heat sensor is less sensitive to nuisance alarms. This makes it a valuable
IailsaIe. AIter 15 minutes the smoke detector is automatically reactivated. This prevents
it being Iorgotten about.

Through the implementation oI this device it is expected that Iire related property
damage can be reduced, and most importantly that lives can be saved.

8
Acknowledgments

This thesis is a result oI the support and encouragement oI a number oI people. In
particular the author would like to mention Richard Cocks, who supervised the thesis.
The assistance oI David Deng and John Cheung, two individuals who worked along
side the author on diIIerent modules oI the Intelligent Fire Alarm is also thoroughly
appreciated.

9

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.1 Introduction

The Intelligent Fire Alarm (IFA) is a device that has been developed to improve upon
current Iire saIety technology. The IFA is targeted at the domestic environment
although the concepts could be expanded and utilized in other markets. The goal is to
prevent nuisance alarms occurring in areas where an eIIective Iire detection system is
desirable but not Ieasible. These areas include the kitchen and the laundry. The IFA
incorporates a smoke detector, a heat detector and an inIra-red sensor. It can be easily
programmed to allow a speciIic inIra-red device to disable the smoke detector Ior a
short period oI time. The user now has time to perIorm actions that they Iear could
result in a Ialse alarm.

1.2 Saving Lives

The Intelligent Fire Alarm is designed to save lives. It will save lives by detecting
genuine Iire threats earlier. It will provide owners with a more accurate Iire detection
and alarm system and a greater sense oI well being. It is also important that the
installation process will not intimidate the average Australian resident.

1.3 Relevant literature

1.3.1 Standards Australia

The most important documentation in regards to this project is the Australian Standards
documents pertaining to Iire alarms. These documents are Automatic fire detection and
alarm svstems, Part 1. Heat detectors and Fire detection, warning, control and
intercom svstems, Part 6. Smoke alarms. The Standard details the requirements Ior the
design, construction and perIormance oI heat detectors as used in automatic Iire and
alarm systems. These documents speciIy what temperature the heat detector must
trigger at, the required accuracy oI the detection systems. The Standards Australia

10
document Australian Standard Automatic fire detection and alarm svstems, Part 1.
Heat detectors, classiIies heat detectors into Iive diIIerent categories.

Heat Detector Classifications

1


(a) Type A normal temperature duty, incorporating both Iixed temperature and
rate-oI- rise actuation, resetting or non-resetting.

(b) Type B normal temperature duty, Iixed temperature actuation only, resetting or
non-resetting.

(c) Type C high temperature duty, incorporating both Iixed temperature and rate-
oI-rise actuation, resetting and non-resetting.

(d) Type D high temperature duty, Iixed temperature actuation only, resetting or
non-resetting.

(e) Type E special purpose Iixed temperature, where Types A to D are not
suitable.

Each detector type described in the above classiIications has a range oI requirements
that it is expected to perIorm to. The detector that is incorporated into the IFA is a Type
B detector. This decision is explained later in this document in section 4.1, Heat Sensor
Implementation.

Type B Detector Requirements
1


(a) At 22K per min temperature rise, the detector shall enter an alarm state
within 3.5 min.
(b) At 2 K per min temperature rise, the detector shall enter an alarm state in the
range 58C to 88C.
(c) At 0.5 K per min temperature rise, the detector shall enter an alarm state in
the range 58C to 88C.
(d) When subjected to the rapid temperature rise test, the detector shall not enter
an alarm state within 1.0 min.


1
The Council oI Standards Australia, Automatic Iire detection and alarm systems
Part 1: Heat detectors, 5
th
January 1997.

11
1.3.2 Fire Safety Science
Proceedings of the fifth international symposium

The document Fire Safetv Science Proceedings of the fifth international svmposium
contains a large number oI articles, all oI which are important in relation to Iire saIety
technology. OI particular interest is Jeremy Fraser-Mitchell`s article Risk Assessment of
Factors related to Fire Protection in Dwellings, this article considers a number oI
diIIerent scenarios and calculates the probability oI survival oI the dwelling's occupants.
The article considers the number oI levels that a house has, the positioning oI Iire
detectors and issues associated with dependents. Issues such as attenuation oI alarms are
examined. This inIormation is all worthy oI consideration when developing new Iire
saIety technology.

1.3.3 Previous Thesis Work

The thesis work perIormed by Kuan-Chieh Wang and Chris Giles regarding inIra-red
detectors oIIers insight into methods oI detecting and interpreting inIra-red signals
produced by household IR devices made by diIIerent companies.

Table1. Summarv of Data Coding Techniques
2

Binary Zero Binary One Companies that
use the technology
Pulse-coded
Transmission
Short Pulse Long Pulse Sony
Space-coded
Transmission
Short Space
between Pulses
Long space between
pulses
Mitsubishi, Akai,
Panasonic, Sharp
Shift-coded
Transmission
A space Iollowed
by a pulse
A pulse Iollowed by
a space
Phillips



2
Chris Giles, 2001, Programmable Infrared Remote Light Switch.

12
1.4 Project Definition - The Failings of Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms improve the chances that a dwelling`s occupants will survive a Iire by
40 to 50. This does not mean that the technology cannot be improved upon. Smoke
alarms Iail because their batteries have Iailed, the detector is dirty or damaged or
because people have removed the batteries in response to nuisance alarms.

All smoke alarms have a red light mounted on the casing that Ilashes to indicate that the
alarm is Iunctioning. They also contain audible battery alarms to alert the owners that
the battery requires replacing. ManuIacturers recommend that the sensor be cleaned
once every six months to prevent the build up oI dust particles and remove nesting
insects.

UnIortunately, very little has been done to prevent nuisance alarms and discourage
owners Irom removing the batteries Irom their alarms or removing their alarms. It is this
weakness that the IFA attempts to rectiIy. Nuisance alarms also result in people
ignoring alarms that warn oI an actual Iire threat. The concept oI the IFA could be
incorporated into large building structures where nuisance alarms are common. Many
large buildings are plagued by Ialse alarms. Many lives are at risk in these large
buildings and as a result the alarms are wired directly to the Iire department. Nuisance
alarms cost business a great deal oI money every year, as each visit Irom the Fire
Brigade is very expense. Combating nuisance alarms is a very important task.

1.5 Project Objectives

The IFA must improve on current Iire detection technology and save lives. To do this it
must be able to detect Iires with accuracy and repeatability. It can improve upon current
Iire detection technology by detecting genuine Iires Iaster and disregarding nuisance
alarms. The product must contain a working smoke and heat sensor. These sensors have
to perIorm to the level outlined by Standards Australia. The IFA must contain an inIra-
red sensor capable oI accurately interpreting signals produced by any conventional
household IR device. The project requires a controller unit that can interpret inIra-red
signals and iI required disable the smoke detector Ior a speciIic period oI time. The user
perIorms this task when they are about to perIorm an action that is likely to result in a

13
nuisance alarm. This allows the smoke particles time to disperse. II more time is
required the IR device can be used to start the disabled time period again. The product
will run oI mains power but requires a reliable and eIIective backup power supply to
accommodate power Iailures.

1.6 A Family of Products

Three major areas oI research have been undertaken to improve Iire saIety technology
and develop a Iamily oI products related to the Intelligent Fire Alarm. These areas are:
inIra-red technologies, power technologies and radio Irequency technologies.

1.6.1 Power technologies

It is imperative that the IFA has a reliable power source. The product speciIications
state that the IFA can be retroIitted into pre-existing light sockets. As a result the IFA
requires transIormer circuitry to convert 240V AC mains power to a DC power that is at
a level that can be used to power sensitive circuitry and smoke detectors. It is also
important that the transIormer does not produce unacceptable amounts oI heat. This
would adversely aIIect the accuracy oI the heat sensor and potentially create more Ialse
alarms than the design saves. The power research perIormed Ior the IFA also
investigated back up power technologies. The IFA must be powered at all times and
cannot aIIord to be disabled by a power outage. The IFA incorporates a battery circuit
that activates in the case oI power Iailures.

1.6.2 Radio Frequency Technologies

It is conceivable that the alarm triggered by the IFA will not wake occupants sleeping in
distant areas within the home. The attenuation oI alarm volume is especially serious iI
the alarm has to penetrate a number oI closed doors. Considerably more noise is
required to wake a sleeping individual than to alert someone who is already awake. To
combat this complication the Intelligent Fire Alarm incorporates radio Irequency
technology. The IFA uses RF transmitters and receivers. When the IFA detects a Iire it
is able to transmit an RF signal that can be interpreted by other IFAs that are installed in

14
the building. When the other Iire alarms receive the signal they know to sound their
alarms to augment the noise created by the alarm that Iirst sensed the emergency.

Through this research it is expected that a truly eIIective piece oI Iire saIety technology
will be developed. It is expected that this technology will make the average home saIer
and reduce the risk oI occupants dying in a house Iire.


1.7 Operation of the IFA

1.7.1 Programming

BeIore the IFA can be installed it must be programmed. To program the IFA the user
must hold down the button marked program and aim the inIra-red device that they have
chose at the inIra - red receiver that is mounted on the case oI the IFA. They can then
press the button that they have chose to act as the controller button Ior the IFA.
IF the IFA is located near the original inIra-red receiver it is recommended that a button
that is rarely pressed is chosen so as to minimize the chance oI conIusion. An orange
LED that is mounted in the case will Ilash brieIly to indicate that the device has been
successIully programmed. The IFA also contains a reset button. II the user decides to
change the button or the controller that they want the IFA to respond to, they can press
the reset button and then reprogram the device. AIter the IFA has been programmed it
requires installation. This requires the removal oI a light Irom the trouble area and
inserting the IFA into the light socket. This use oI preexisting sockets allows the IFA to
be installed without the aid oI an electrician.

1.7.2 Installation

The ISD is designed to be retroIitted into pre-existing lighting circuitry. This eliminates
the need to employ an electrician to install the device. Anyone who is able to install a
light bulb will be able to install the IFA. This conIorms to the required level oI easy oI
use. AIter the alarm is installed the user should test the alarm to see that it can be heard
Irom other areas oI the house.


15
1.7.3 Operation

In the basic mode oI operation a smoke detector and the heat sensor are both active. II
either sensing device detects a Iire, an alarm is sounded. When the user wishes to
perIorm an activity that will potentially trigger a nuisance alarm they can disable the
smoke detector with the controller button. When the IFA receives the signal Irom the
controller button it disables the smoke alarm Ior a period oI 15 minutes. II the IFA was
installed in the kitchen area this would allow the owner time to burn toast oI boil water
without the risk oI stray smoke or steam activating the Iire alarm. When the IFA is in
disabled mode an orange LED is turned on. The casing also contains a red LED that
Ilashes at all times to indicate that the device is Iully Iunctional. This is in accordance to
Australian Standards.

1.7.4 Maintenance

To ensure their reliability saIety related products require regular maintenance.
Conventional smoke alarms require regular cleaning. The IFA incorporates this
technology and hence requires the same level oI attention. To clean the IFA it is
recommended that a soIt bristle brush or a vacuum cleaners brush attachment is used to
remove dust and contaminants Irom the cover slots where the smoke enters. Any insects
or cobwebs that are Iound in the proximity oI the IFA should be promptly removed.

1.8 Overview

The remainder oI this thesis is dedicated to exploring some earlier work perIormed in
the Iields oI Iire saIety technology and household inIra red devices, the Iailings oI
current Iire saIety technologies, a speciIication and an implementation oI the IFA
presented in this chapter is discussed. Chapter 2 explores current automatic Iire
detection and alarm systems. The nature oI household inIra red transmitters is also
discussed. In chapter 3 a general solution to the problems described in section 1.3 is
deIined. A list oI general speciIications Ior the IFA is devised. The problem is then
divided into a number oI simpler modules. The speciIications Ior each pI these modules
in Iurther developed. Chapters 4 and 5 describe the implementation oI each subsection
oI the project. Chapter 4 details the implementation oI the diIIerent subsections oI the

16
project that pertain to hardware development. Chapter 5 details the implementation oI
the subsections associated with soItware development. Chapter 6 includes a detailed
evaluation oI the product and its perIormance. Also in chapter 6 is a personal evaluation
oI the strengths and weaknesses oI the engineering student who developed the IFA.
Chapter 7 reviews possible Iuture developments that could be implemented to improve
the IFA. Finally, chapter 8 presents a conclusion to the thesis, providing a summary oI
the document and consideration Ior the results oI the thesis.

17
Chapter 2 - Review of Previous Work

2.1 Current Fire Safety Systems

A Iire saIety system is a system that contains an initiating device that senses a Iire threat
and alerts the appropriate parties. The two distinct categories oI initiating devices are
automatic and manual devices.

2.1.1 Manual Release Stations

A manual release station is simply a switch that can be triggered by any individual who
has become aware oI a Iire threat and wishes to raise the alarm. It is not reasonable to
assume that people will be able to vigilantly monitor all areas that are Iire risks. In
response to this need automatic Iire detection devices have been developed.

2.1.2 Automatic Devices

During the 1930`s a Swiss physicist named Walter Jaeger was trying to invent a gas
detector
3
. Instead oI a gas detector he accidentally invented the smoke detector. This
technology did not enter the market until 1969. Currently there are two major
technologies incorporated in domestic Iire saIety technology, ionization smoke
detectors and photo-electric smoke detectors. There are currently three smoke detector
styles in use. As well as the Photo-Electric and Ionization detectors there are also Air
Sampling detectors. Each oI these detectors has strengths and weaknesses, which
ultimately determine what environment it is suitable Ior. Heat sensors are a very
diIIerent technology that is incorporated into some Iire saIety systems. They are not
widely used. There are three styles oI heat detectors: Iixed temperature, rate
compensating and Rate oI Rise detectors. Each oI these diIIerent heat detector styles has
an environment that it is more strongly suited to. The Iinal Iire saIety technology
considered by this document is the Ilame detector. This technology is more complicated
than its counter parts and requires a microprocessor to operate. This limits the range oI
applications that it can IulIill. It is not appropriate Ior domestic environments.

3
Smoke Detector SaIety, Up In Smoke,
http://www.eocradar.com/smoke.htm

18

2.1.3 Ionization Smoke Detectors


Ionization Smoke Detectors respond Iaster to Iast Ilaming Iires. The detector operates
by sensing changes in the electrical conductivity oI the ionized air held in its sensing
chamber. The air is ionized between two battery powered electrodes by a small amount
oI the radioactive element Americium. This causes particle attraction and a resulting
continuous electric current. When the smoke enters the chamber it attaches itselI to the
ions. This decreases the conductivity oI the chamber. The alarm is sounded when the
detector measures the current drop that results Irom the decreased conductivity.

2.1.4 Photo-Electric Smoke Detectors

Photo-Electric Smoke Detectors respond more eIIectively to slow smoldering Iires.
There are two diIIerent styles oI photoelectric smoke detectors. The more popular
design incorporates a T shaped chamber. A light emitting diode (LED) is used to shine a
beam oI light across the chamber. At the bottom oI the vertical T chamber, at a right
angle to the LED, there is a photocell. When smoke enters the chamber it reIlects light
down the T chamber and onto the photocell. The photocell senses the light and sounds
the alarm. Alternatively, when no smoke is present the light shines across the top oI the
chamber where there are no sensors.

2.1.5 Air Sampling Detector

The Air Sampling detector uses a Ian to pipe air Irom the hazard area. The pipe leads to
a detection chamber. Air sampling detectors incorporate three diIIerent methods oI
smoke detection. The detection techniques are: the mass scattering oI light, laser
particle counting and Cloud Chamber Detection. Air sampling detectors require a large
amount oI physical inIrastructure. This inIrastructure cannot be easily incorporated into
the domestic environment. This means that air sampling techniques are not Ieasible Ior
use in the IFA.


19

2.1.6 Heat Sensors

There are currently a number oI areas where heat sensors are incorporated into Iire
saIety systems. Smoke detectors will always have a superior response time. Heat
sensors are only valuable within environments prone to nuisance alarms, or
environments that experience other Iactors that make smoke detectors impractical. This
technology is currently not utilized within domestic environments. There are three main
styles oI heat detectors.

2.1.7 Fixed Temperature Detectors

Fixed temperature sensors incorporate a sensing mechanism that triggers when a
speciIic temperature threshold is reached. A weakness oI the Iixed temperature sensors
is a susceptibility to thermal lag. This style oI sensor oIten incorporates an element that
melts at a threshold temperature. The melted element creates a short circuit and sounds
the alarm.

2.1.8 Rate Compensating Detectors

Rate compensating detectors measure the surrounding air temperature, when this
reaches speciIic temperature threshold they trigger the alarm. The detector incorporates
a hermetically sealed tube and pair oI bi-metallic struts. When a slow temperature rise
occurs the struts and the shell expands at the same rate. When a Iast temperature rise
occurs the outer shell expands Iaster than the struts, which pulls them closer together,
this causes the alarm to be sounded sooner. This technique compensates Ior the thermal
lag oIten experienced by Iixed temperature sensors.

2.1.9 Rate of Rise Heat Detectors

Rate oI rise detectors are sensitive to temperature changes in the range oI 12 to 15
degree F rise per minute. They contain a Diaphragm, an air chamber and a contact on
the surIace oI the diaphragm. This surIace contact meets another contact and sounds
alarm when the air chamber expands at a great enough rate. These detectors have a

20
limited number oI applications, as they are highly sensitive to sudden environmental
changes and hence, prone to nuisance alarms.

2.1.10 Flame Detectors

Flame detectors sense the ultraviolet or inIra red light produced by a Ilaming Iire.
Many experts consider the response time oI the Ilame detector to be the Iastest response
time produced by a Iire detection technology. The strength oI Ilame detectors is there
ability to look Ior speciIic Iuel Ilame spectrums. This means that the detector can be
tuned to detect a speciIic Iire hazard. Flame detectors would not be appropriate Ior the
design requirements oI the IFA. Table2 shows a simple comparison between the
strengths and weaknesses oI the technologies that are applicable to the IFA.

Table2. Smoke Detectors Js Heat Detectors
Smoke Detectors Heat Sensor
Response Time Higher Lower
Risk oI nuisance alarms Higher Lower
Maintenance Higher Lower
Resistance to
contamination
Lower Higher


2.2 Household Infra - Red Technology

InIra-red or IR, is invisible light with a Irequency below that oI visible red. InIra-red
waves are just beyond the visible spectrum on the long wavelength side oI the visible
light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Otherwise, it is much the same as any other light,
operating under the same laws oI physics. There is no communications standard Ior
household IR devices. Each company has its own data coding technique. One similarity
is that every company retransmits the packets at 40Khz. Although the diIIerent
companies use diIIerent bandwidths they are all quite similar. The bandwidths range
Irom 4 to 5 kHz.


21
Chapter 3 - Product Specifications

3.1 Optimal Design

Having considered the currently available technology and the goals oI the Intelligent
Fire Alarm a set oI speciIications Ior an optimal device can be derived. The successIul
implementation oI these device speciIications will result in a Iunctional and useIul
product.

3.2 Save lives and Protects Property

The Iinal IFA must save lives and protect property. This is the most basic and most
critical requirement that the IFA has to conIorm to. Failure to achieve this will nulliIy
any other successes that are achieved. This is however, a very diIIicult requirement to
quantiIy and needs to be broken down into measurable goals. These goals are:

1. The IFA is Iirstly required to perIorm to the same level oI accuracy that current
automated Iire detection and alarm systems are capable oI, with some improvements
upon these technologies.

2. The IFA should incorporate the ability to operate in environments were other alarms
are removed Irom because oI their vulnerability to nuisance alarms. This will protect
previously vulnerable areas within the home. The IFA requires the ability to achieve
improved levels oI discretion regarding genuine Iire threats and nuisance alarms.

3. The IFA is required to respond Iaster to Iire than a remotely located piece oI current
Iire saIety technology. Presently, a remotely located smoke detector is the best
compromise that can be achieved Ior areas where nuisance alarms are an issue.






22
4. Convenience

The modern consumerist society is highly motivated by a need Ior convenience. The
average individual has come to strongly value eIIective time management. People are
prepared to spend money in order to save themselves time.

The IFA can save users the inconvenience oI having to Irequently deal with
nuisance alarms.
It must also be convenient to install.
It must be convenient to operate.
It must be Convenient to maintain.

II this goal is realized, and the IFA brings convenience to peoples lives, the market will
be attracted to it. The nuisance alarms that conventional Iire technology is prone to do
not detract Irom the accuracy oI the Iire saIety system. Although the technology is
prone to Ialse alarms, it is still very capable oI detecting Iires. People simply are not
prepared to live with the inconvenience. The disabled or remotely located smoke alarms
that result Irom this attitude do cost lives and make dwellings prone to Iire disasters.

4.1 How can this convenience be achieved?

The nuisance alarm prone areas within the domestic environment are only at risk oI
Ialse alarms Ior short periods oI time when speciIic activities are perIormed in these
environments.

Table3. Risk Environments
Environment Cause of Nuisance Alarms
Kitchen Smoke Irom burnt Iood, steam
Bathroom Steam Irom the shower
Laundry Steam
Garage Gas particles Irom motors


23
Not only are these environments only prone to nuisance alarms Ior short periods oI
time, but the air borne particles that are setting oII the alarms are generally due to some
Iorm oI human activity. This implies that the dwelling`s occupants are active in the
danger areas at this time. II the alarm could be disabled just Ior the duration oI these
danger times the majority oI nuisance alarms could be prevented. The household is also
protected by the Iact that the alarm will only be disabled at times when an individual is
intending to be active within the danger area. The possibility that someone will remain
in the area Ior the duration oI the disable period is not a IailsaIe design. Further
measures are required. These measures are discussed in speciIication 5, a FailsaIe.

An eIIective and convenient method oI disabling the alarm is required. A simple button
mounted on the casing is an obvious choice. Smoke alarms can easily be placed on very
high ceilings. This method oI disablement would not be convenient Ior people how are
either very short or have a very high ceiling in their homes. A disable switch could be
wired in a similar way to the method by which light switches are installed. This would
mean that the IFA could not be retro Iitted without the aid oI an electrician. This would
vastly reduce the number oI people that would be interested in the product. A third
option is to incorporate a remote control device that is capable oI disabling the alarm.
This would be a highly convenient method oI disabling the alarm.

A remote control device would be a convenient means oI controlling the IFA. This leads
to the questions, do consumers want another remote control hand piece to add to the
average households already excessive number oI devices? The responsibility oI taking
care oI another remote control device, especially one that possibly would not be used
very oIten unIortunately detracts Irom this options attraction. People are irritated by
having to keep track oI the growing number oI remote controls. This has reached the
point were many electronics companies are now producing universal remote controllers.
II the concept oI the universal remote controller could be partially incorporated into the
IFA an acceptable solution could be achieved. II the IFA could learn a signal produced
by any household device it would save users the responsibility oI taking care oI a new
handpick and manuIactures the expense oI producing an IFA hand piece. The vast
majority oI household remote controls incorporate inIra-red signals to send their
messages to the desired receiver. An inIrared receiver could easily be incorporated into

24
the IFA. These solution would be very convenient as all inIra-red devices have enough
range to send a strong signal to a device located anywhere on the ceiling.

Table4. Methods of Smoke Detector Disablement
Disable method Advantages Disadvantages
Disable Button Simple
Cheap
Easily understood by users
Short people
High ceilings
Disable Wall Switch Easy to use
Easy to design
Expensive to install
Time consuming to install
Remote Control Readily accessible DiIIicult to design
More complicated to
operate


5. FailsaIe

A IailsaIe measure is required, so that the danger environment is not leIt unguarded at
any time. There is a potential risk that an individual will disable the smoke detector and
then leave the area unattended. For example, iI an individual is boiling oil and cooking
toast at the same time they would disable the IFA to prevent the toaster triggering an
alarm. II they are then distracted by an unIoreseen circumstance the toast might be Iine
but the oil could easily set Iire to their kitchen. The IailsaIe measure also has to be
impervious to nuisance alarms or the product becomes redundant.

6. Multitasking

The speciIications that have already been outlined in this section begin to describe a
device that is capable oI handling a number oI diIIerent activities at once. The device
must be able to perIorm all oI the tasks already undertaken by a conventional smoke
detector. It must also supplement this with the ability to disable the smoke detector at a
speciIic time Ior a speciIic time interval. Determining the best disable time interval is a
complicated task. The interval must be long enough to allow the average risk associated

25
task to be perIormed successIully without leaving the risk area unprotected Ior long
periods oI time iI a quicker task is perIormed. It would be useIul to allow the user the
option oI reanimating the smoke alarm via the same method that they used to disable it
when they think that the possible causes oI a nuisance alarms have dispersed. This could
not be relied upon as a sole means Ior reanimating the product, as it is highly likely that
inevitably a user would Iorget to perIorm this task. In summary, the product must be
able to understand a smoke detector, a heat sensor any inIra-red controller, be disabled,
be reactivated and be able to reactivate itselI should it be Iorgotten about.

7. Stability and reliability

The IFA is designed to be capable oI Iunctioning within a number oI environments. As
a result there is no way to determine at what time or under what exact circumstances a
Iire is likely to occur. The IFA must be vigilant without exception Irom the time it is
installed until either the house is demolished or a superior replacement is developed. An
unreliable Iire saIety device could result in terrible consequences Ior the occupants, and
serious legal ramiIications Ior the producers. The IFA must possess Ilawless accuracy
and repeatability.

3.1.1 IFA Specifications Summary

1. Maintain the standard oI and improve upon current technology
2. Operate in problem environments
3. Respond Iaster to Iires in problem environments than current technology
4. Greater Convenience
5. Incorporate a IailsaIe
6. Multitasking capabilities
7. Achieve Stability and reliability


26
3.2 Hardware Specifications

3.2.1 Smoke Detector

The product requires a smoke detector. Smoke detectors are the most successIul Iire
detection technology currently available. It is the purpose oI this project to take this
technology and improve on it and its implementation.

3.2.2 Heat Sensor

A heat sensor is required to supplement the smoke detector and perIorm during the
periods where the smoke detector is disabled because oI its vulnerability to Ialse alarms.
Thermal detectors also require less maintenance than their counterparts and posses a
greater resistance to contamination. The heat sensor is required to meet the standards
outlined by Standards Australia that are explained in section 1.2.1.

3.2.3 Infra-red Sensor

The inIer-red sensor is the most convenient means to allow users to disable the smoke
detector. This convenience is critical because people simply wont endure a complicated
system. II the IFA requires too much eIIort it will either not be installed or it will soon
be removed. The IR sensor must read IR signals and convert them to a Iorm that a
controller can understand.

3.2.4 Controller Specifications

The controller will have to have a clock rate that is higher than the minimum sampling
rate. The minimum sampling rate is determined by the Nyquist Theorem, which will be
explained in more detail in section 4.2.1. The sampling rate will be in the range oI kHz
while microcontrollers work in the megahertz range. This means that there will be
ample processing power.


27
3.2.5 General Specifications

It is important that the product is durable. Australian standards speciIies that the product
must have a Ilashing red LED mounted in the casing to indicate that the product it
active. The alarm that sounds in the event oI a Iire must be louder than 75dBA. The
construction oI the detector must ensure that it is impossible to remove a detachable
heat-sensitive element Irom an installed device without generating an alarm signal.
Normal handling during installation and servicing must not aIIect the products
perIormance.











Figure1. Hardware Block Diagram

Heat Sensor Smoke Detector Alarm
Controller
Active LED
Disabled LED
Program
Button
Reset
Button
InIra-red
sensor

28
3.3 Software Specifications

The hardware design relies on a reliable and eIIective soItware design. The soItware is
required to interpret the input data Irom the sensors and buttons and output the correct
data to the alarm and the LEDs. The program can be considered as three code modules.
The main module will contain a loop that continuously checks Ior signals Irom the heat
and smoke detectors. A module will also be required to accurately measure the time
that the smoke detector is disabled Ior. The last module is required to interpret the
inIormation regarding the disable Iunction and determine that the user wants the smoke
detector disabled.

3.3.1 Software Modules

1. Interpret heat and smoke detector inIormation.

2. Determine that the user wants to disable the smoke detector.

3. Accurately measure the time that is allowed beIore the smoke detector is
reactivated.


Chapter 4 - Hardware Implementation

4.1 Heat Sensor

The heat sensor chosen Ior the IFA was the Type B sensor as deIined by Standards
Australia. The attraction oI this sensor style is that it is designated to operate at
temperatures Iound within the domestic environment and that it incorporates Iixed
temperature actuation. Fixed temperature is important in this design as rate oI rise
detectors are prone to Ialse alarms in areas like the kitchen where the temperature
Iluctuates greatly.
4






4
Simplex and Grinnell Fire and Protection, Fire Detection and Alarm
http://www.simplexgrinnell.com (Jun 2001).

29
Table5. Alternative Heat Sensors











Table5 led to the decision to use the negative thermal coeIIicient (NTC) as the sensor in
the heat sensor circuit. The NTC operates within the temperature range required Ior
eIIective Iire sensing within the home. The NTC also has only /-1 degree Celsius oI
error. This is within the error speciIications allowed by Australian Standards

Cost ($) Temp.
Range
(degrees C)
Temp. Trip
Point Accuracy
Description Product
Name
7.36 25t85 /-2 Dual output
thermostat
LM56
11$16 0t85 /-1 Temperature Sensor LM35
6.55 0t100 /-2 Temperature
Comparator
DS56
2$13 -25t155 /-1 Negative/ positive
thermal coeIIicients
NTC/PTC

30
4.1.1 Negative Thermal Coefficient Theory

When the ambient temperature increases the resistance value oI the NTC decreases.
Alternatively, when the temperature decreases the resistance value increases. An
equation called the Stienhart Hart equation can be used to calculate the resistance
value oI the NTC at any given temperature.

4.1.2 Steinhart - Hart equation

1/T
Kelvin
a b(lnR) c(lnR)
3


This equation models resistance against the temperature characteristics oI thermistors.
The equation is named aIter two oceanographers associated with Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It was derived Irom mathematical
curve Iitting techniques. UnIortunately, the Steinhart Hart equation only calculates an
ideal response. There are a number oI other Iactors that have to be considered. Figure2
shows the curve modelled by the equation. This graph was taken Irom
www.murata.com.


31

Figure2. Resistance-temperature characteristic obtained
with resistor and thermistor connected in parallel

4.1.3 The Self Heating Effect of Thermistors

The power oI a component is the voltage across multiplied by the current that travels
through. Power is dissipated in the component. In the case oI thermistors the power
dissipation heats the component and creates what is know as the SelI Heating EIIect.
The SelI Heating eIIect causes the resistance oI the thermistor to decrease more than it
would iI the only inIluenced was the ambient temperature.

4.1.4 Heating resulting from the IFA Components and Circuitry

There is a considerable risk that the electronics associated with the IFA will produce
enough heat to aIIect the measurements produced by the NTC. A large amount oI
research has been done to develop a power supply that dissipates a minimal amount oI
heat energy. The power supply is the major producer oI heat in the circuit although it is

32
important to remember that the other components and the circuitry will also produce
heat. Locating the NTC as Iar away Irom the other electronics is important. Placing an
insulating barrier between the sensor and the other components is also a very practical
idea.

Australian Standards speciIies that a heat sensor must trigger between 55C and 88C
depending on the individual environment that it is operating in. Heat sensors are not as
widely used as smoke detectors because the oI the increased response time. They are
however, strongly resilient to nuisance alarms. When a temperature is determined the
Stienhart Hart equation can be used to calculate the resistance oI the NTC. This value
can then by used to build the Schmitt trigger circuitry that will inIorm the
microcontroller oI a Iire.


















Figure3. Heat sensor circuit Schematic


33
It can be seen in Figure3 that the NTC is wired in a voltage divider circuit with R10.
R10 is set to the value that the NTC will be at when the ambient temperature equals the
trigger temperature. The rest oI the circuit is simply the op-amp and the resisters that are
required to set up the Schmitt trigger circuit.

4.1.5 Schmitt Trigger Theory

The Schmitt Trigger utilizes an op-amp comparator circuit. It is not an ampliIier circuit
but is instead very useIul as a wave shaping application. In this circuit the output is
switched to ground when the input voltage passes upward and exceeds a positive
reIerence voltage. Negative Ieedback is incorporated to prevent the output switching
until the input voltage is below a set threshold.

4.1.6 Operational Amplifier

Op-amps or operational ampliIiers are high gain DC ampliIiers with a inverting input, a
non-inverting input and a single output. Some common characteristics oI the op-amps
that are used in integrated circuits are:

1. High Gain
2. High Impedance
3. Split voltage Supplies
4. Incorporate Feedback

The operational ampliIier that was chosen Ior the IFA was the LM741.





34
Table6: LM741 SpeciIications
Min Typical Max
Supply Voltage (V) -18 - 18
Operating
Temperature Range
(C)
-55 - 125
DiIIerential Input
Voltage (V)
-30 - 30
Power
Consumption (mW)
- 50 85
Input Voltage -15 - 15
Supply Current
(mA)
- 1.7 2.8





Figure4. Pin Configuration of LM741

4.2 Infra-red Sensor

The inIra-red receiver is expected to read the signals produced by any household IR
device. The simplest way to make the receiver universal is to have it learn the IR signal
in the programming stage. Having pre-programmed signals to listen Ior would

35
theoretically make the product more user Iriendly. It would however, potentially limit
the number oI devices that could be used to operate the IFA. Figure5 is the circuit
schematic Ior the IR circuit.



Figure5. IR sensor Schematic

This circuit produces a logical high oI 5 volts when no inIra-red data is being received.
The signals produced by this circuit it very clear and very accurate. The signal is then
sampled by the microcontroller at a rate speciIied by the onboard soItware. This rate has
to be determined with the Nyquist theorem.

4.2.1 Background Sampling Theory

The Nyquist theorem states that them minimum allowable sampling Irequency is twice
the bandwidth. Failing to sample it this Irequency, or under sampling results in aliasing.
When the sampling Irequency is too low, Irequency components that are higher than
halI the sampling Irequency overlap with the lower Irequency components. In this
system aliasing would result in errors and an inability to accurately distinguish between
diIIerent signals.
InIra
Red
Sensor
Output
signal

36

Frequency (sampling)
minimum
2 * (Maximum Bandwidth)

The largest bandwidth produced by household IR devices is 5Khz. This means that the
minimum rate that the microcontroller can sample the incoming signal is 10Khz.

4.2.2 IR Device Specification

The InIra-red device chosen Ior the IFA was the IS1U60. This component is more than
just an inIra-red sensor. It also contains a bandpass Iilter and an arrangement oI other
circuitry that allows it to produce clear and accurate readings oI the IR signals sent by
household remotes. A stand alone IR sensor could have been incorporated but this
would have required additional bandpass Iilter circuitry. It would also have required
circuitry to interpret the signal and determine iI it was a logical high or low. The
IS1U60 avoids these extra circuitry requirements without aIIecting the Iunctionality oI
the product.

The major concern regarding the IS1U60 was that daylight or the light produced by
lamps and Iluorescent bulbs would interIere with the signal received by the circuit.
Testing oI the IS1U60 circuit in labs Iilled with Iluorescent light produced excellent
results and demonstrated that the internal Iilter circuit works very eIIectively. The
output oI the circuit is shown in Iigure 6.











Figure6. An example of the signal produced bv the IR circuit

37

The circuit design that incorporates this component, a resister and a capacitor is capable
oI reproducing a very accurate and clear representation oI signals emitted by household
inIra red devices. When the circuit is inactive it produces a logical high output. When
it senses inIra-red light the output becomes a logical low. Table7 details the
characteristics oI this component.

Table7. Characteristics of the IS1U60
Parameters Minimum Typical Maximum Unit
Supply Voltage 4.7 5 5.3 V
Quiescent
Current
- 2.8 4.5 MA
High Level
Pulse Width
400 - 800 S
Low Level
Pulse Width
400 - 800 S
B.P.F centre
Frequency
- 38 - KHz
Reception
Distance
- 5 - M
Operating
Temperature
-10 - 50 C

4.3 The Controller

4.3.1 Selecting the Controller

The inIormation that is interpreted by the IFA is a highly detailed inIra red signal.
There are also a number oI other inputs that the product is required to read and interpret.
The IFA requires a microcontroller to assess the various pieces oI inIormation that are
produced by the heat sensor, the smoke detector, the reset button, the program button
and the IR sensor. The development oI the IFA will require a microcontroller that is re-
programmable. It will also require a considerable amount oI onboard memory, this rules
out many oI the older models oI microcontollers. A number oI diIIerent

38
microcontrollers are available that could potentially IulIil the needs oI the IFA. Two oI
the most popular brands oI microcontroller available at the moment are Atmel and PIC.
These companies produce a wide range oI diIIerent products with diIIerent capabilities.
The microcontrollers that are produced by these companies that were chosen Ior Iurther
consideration were: the Atmel AT90S8515 8JC, the Atmel AT90S8535 8JC and the
PIC16F876. The Atmel 8JC range was chosen over the other commercial packages oI
the AT90S8515 and AT90S8535 because they can operate at either 4Mhz or 8Mhz.
This means that iI unexpected issues arose that required greater than a 4Mhz clock rate,
the system could be adapted.

Table8. Microcontroller Comparisons

AT90S8515 8JC AT90S8535 8JC PIC16F87X
EEPROM 512K 512K Up to 256 * 8 Bytes
SRAM 512K 512K Up to 368 * 8 bytes
Flash Memory 8K 8K 8K
Interrupts External and
internal
External and
internal
External and
internal
Operating Voltages 4 6V 4 6V 2.0 5.5V
Architecture 8-bit AVR RISK 8-bit AVR RISK 8-bit RISK
Onboard Timer Yes Yes Yes
Interrupt latency 4 clock cycles 4 clock cycles 3 to 4 clock cycles
Price ($) 15.19 15.92 24.30
Free Programming
soItware
Readily available Readily available Not as readily
available
Programming
Board
Readily available Not readily
available
Not readily
available

The microcontroller chosen Ior this task was the Atmel AT90S8515 - 8JC. This choice
was based upon a comparison between its speciIications and those oI the other two
microcontrollers. All three microcontrollers would be capable oI IulIilling the
requirements oI the IFA. The availability oI a programming board and programming

39
soItware were the deIining Iactors in the microcontroller choice. Figure7 shows the pin
conIiguration oI the chosen microprocessor.


Figure7. Pin Configuration of the Atmel AT90S8515

4.3.2 Controller - Timer Function

The Atmel at90s8515 proves two general purpose timer/counters. One is an 8-bit
counter the other is a 16-bit. The IFA utilizes the 8-bit counter to measure the disable
time. The counter has a number oI prescaling options that allow the clock rate as seen
by the counter to be scaled down.

Prescaling Options:
1. prescale by a Iactor oI one
2. Prescale by (Clock rate)/8
3. Prescale by CK/64
4. Prescale by CK/256
5. Prescale by CK/1024

This technique can now be used to set appropriate disable periods. Determining the time
that the smoke alarm should be disabled Ior is a decision that is diIIicult to approach
Irom an engineering perspective. DiIIerent environments and diIIerent situations within

40
the same environment require diIIerent periods oI time. Some diIIerent solutions to this
problem are discussed in detail in chapter 7, Future Improvements. Consideration oI the
diIIerent tasks that will take place in the areas oI the home that the IFA is intended Ior
led to the choice oI a IiIteen minute disable period. FiIteen minutes does not allow too
much time Ior an emergency to occur iI they set the disable and then neglect the threat
area. II more time is required to user must reactivate the smoke detector and then
disable it.

4.4 Schematic and PCB design

The Schematic design Ior the IFA was developed with the soItware, Protel 99 SE. This
soItware allowed the entire circuit diagram including sensors, circuit components and
the microcontoller to be drawn out. Each individual component on the schematic must
have a Iootprint associated with it. The Iootprint tells Protel exactly the physical nature
oI the components association to the printed circuit board. To minimize the size oI the
PCB surIace mounted resistors were incorporated into the design. The design uses a
PLCC 44 socket to hold the microcontroller. This prevents the microcontroller being
exposed to the high temperatures produced by soldering. The PCB layout would be a
superior design iI the components oI the diIIerent subsections were arranged together.
This design strength was compromised in order to minimize the surIace area required
Ior the PCB. The components are all clearly labelled which means that with the aid oI
the Protel Schematic their relevance to the circuit can be easily identiIied. This is
possible because the project only requires a relatively small and simple PCB. The Iinal
PCB can be seen in Appendix2.


41
Chapter 5 - Software Implementation

5.1 The Development Environment

The two most sensible languages to program microcontrollers with are C and assembly
languages. Programming in C results in a less optimised code. It is however, a Iaster
and easier environment to write and debug code. The soItware Ior the IFA is a small
piece oI code. The Atmel contains suIIicient onboard memory to allow the luxury oI
developing this soItware with C instead oI assembler. The soItware Ior the Intelligent
Fire Alarm was developed with the aid oI AVR Studio 3.53, AVRGCC and
PonyProg2000. AVR Studio 3.53 is a program that allows the user to write and compile
both C and Assembler. It is Iast, user Iriendly and incorporates powerIul debugging
Ieatures. AVR Studio requires the GNU C compiler to be able to compile C code. The
*.hex Iile produced when code is built by AVR Studio can be downloaded onto the
microcontroller with PonyProg2000.

5.2 Embedded Software

Interrupt capabilities are required Ior the IR sensor. For the sampling to be accurate the
sampling oI every IR signal must begin exactly at the start oI the signal. An interrupt
allows the sampling to be highly accurate. The other inputs do not require accuracy in
the same range as the IR sampling. These inputs can thereIore be interpreted with poling
techniques. Once the issues associated with converting the data to a Iorm that the
microprocessor can interpret and read are dealt with the rest oI the soItware is basic
coding practices.

The simplest way to view modules oI code is as soItware Ilow diagrams. Figure8,
Iigure9 And Iigure10 Are the Ilow diagrams Ior the three major modules oI code that
are required Ior the IFA.



42
5.2.1 Software Specification - Main
































Figure8. Software Flow Diagram Main

The main module oI the IFA is an inIinite loop. The task oI testing Ior the presence oI
smoke or heat is perIormed every time the loop is enacted. Prior to testing Ior the
Start
Initialise
Start Main
Is there
Heat?
Is the smoke
detector
enabled?
Sound Alarm
Is alarm
disabled?
No
Is there
smoke?

43
presence oI smoke the code checks to iI the smoke detector has been disabled. II this is
the case the code returns to detecting heat. When either the heat or smoke detectors
sense a Iire emergency the alarm is sounded. The alarm will sound until it is disabled by
the inIra red disable option or the hardware reset button is pressed. Pressing the reset
button will result in the IFA requiring reprogramming.

5.2.1 Timer Interrupt - Flow Diagram














Figure9. Software Flow Diagram Timer Interrupt
Start
Increment Count
Count
Time
Enable alarm
Disable timer
interrupt
Reset Counter
End
Yes
No

44
A microcontroller takes microseconds to execute commands. This makes IiIteen
minutes a considerable amount oI time Ior a microcontroller to keep track oII. To make
this process simpler a timer interrupt is incorporated into the code. The interrupt
increments a variable counter when it occurs. It also resets the times counter to allow
the timer to continue. Increasing the variable counter that the interrupt increments will
increase the period that the smoke detector is disabled Ior.

45
5.2.3 Software- IR Interrupt


















Start
Delay
Read Signal
Write signal
to a|i|
Increment i
Program
mode?
i 145
Delay
Read Signal
Write signal
to a|i|
Increment i
i 145
Increment accuracy
Increment i
Accuracy
~ 105?
Yes No

46

Figure10. Software Flow Diagram IR Interrupt

The inIra red interrupt is the most complicated piece oI code onboard the IFA. The
IFA has to learn one IR signal and then compare any incoming signals with this learnt
signal. The inIra red interrupt checks iI the signal is to be learnt or compared, this
determines iI the signal needs to be saved. It then perIorms the sampling operations.
Although this method works it would have been more memory eIIicient to sample the
signal and check iI it is the incoming signal or the programming signal just beIore it is
saved. Memory conservation is not critical to the success oI the IFA and as a result the
more eIIicient coding method was not incorporated. When the IFA is in program mode
and has learnt the signal it returns to the main module. II the IFA is not in program
mode beIore it returns to the main module it has to check to see iI incoming signal and
the programmed signal match. II the programmed signal and the incoming signal are a
match it disables the smoke detector. II they do not match the data relating to the
incoming signal is discarded.
i 145
Accuracy
~ 105
Disable Alarm
End
Yes
No
No
Yes

47

Chapter 6 - Evaluation

6.1 Product Evaluation

Chapter 3, Product SpeciIications contains a detailed list oI measurable criteria that the
IFA must conIorm to in order to be capable oI improving the eIIectiveness oI automatic
Iire detection and alarm systems. These criteria are the beginning oI a justiIication oI a
place within the marketplace.

1. The Iirst speciIication Ior the IFA required that it perIorm to the same level oI
accuracy that current automated Iire detection and alarm systems are capable oI, with
Iurther improvements.

The IFA achieves this speciIication by incorporating elements oI current Iire saIety
technology. The IFA contains a smoke detector and alarm. These devices are the basic
elements oI current domestic Iire detection and alarm systems. These technologies are
Iurther improved upon by the addition oI the heat sensor and inIra-red modules. These
modules augment the current technology and justiIy the development oI the Intelligent
Fire Alarm.

2. The second speciIication required that the IFA is able to operate in environments
were other alarms are removed Irom because oI their vulnerability to nuisance alarms.
This is in order to protect areas that were previously vulnerable. This can be achieved
by implementing improved levels oI discretion regarding genuine Iire threats and
nuisance alarms.

The IFA can be installed in areas that possess a sever risk oI nuisance alarms. This is
achieved by allowing the user to disable the smoke alarm Ior a short duration. During
this disable period they are able to perIorm the actions that would result in nuisance
alarms Irom conventional Iire saIety technology. This concept relies on the assumption
that an environment is not prone to nuisance alarms at all times. Fortunately, this
assumption can be saIely made oI the domestic environment.

48

3. The third speciIication required that the IFA respond Iaster to Iire than a remotely
located piece oI current Iire saIety technology.

It can be clearly seen that the IFA will respond Iaster than current technology. The IFA
utilizes current smoke detector technology in its detection system. It is as much a new
product as a creative technique oI delivering the current technology to the problem area
and ensuring that it works accurately. The smoke detector in the IFA is guaranteed to
respond to a Iire Iaster than a remotely located Iire alarm. Its ability to be located in
proximity to the risk area also removes issues associated with the Ilow oI smoke past
doors and through rooms to remotely located detectors.

4. Convenience

The Iorth speciIication that the IFA was required to comply to was that it had to be
convenient Ior users to program, operate and maintain. Pressing a chosen program
button on a chosen household inIra-red device can disable the IFA. Currently the IFA is
only Iully Iunctional when used in conjunction with Sony remote controllers. Other
brands can still be used to operate the IFA. UnIortunately, when other brands are used
to program the IFA it is unable to distinguish between the learnt signal and other signals
produced by the remote. An alternative coding technique that could potentially solve
this dilemma is explained in chapter 7, Future Improvements.

The IFA is easy to program, install and maintain. It can be used to disable smoke
detectors and save owners the inconvenience oI Ialse alarms. Its ability to bring
convenience to peoples lives makes the IFA a product that is attractive to the market
place.

5. FailsaIe

The IFA contains a heat sensor that acts as a IailsaIe device during the periods when the
smoke detector is disabled. This heat detector conIorms to all Australian standards
speciIications regrading Type B heat sensors. The Type B heat sensor is the most

49
appropriate sensor Ior incorporation into a device that is designed Ior the domestic
environment.

Table8. Tvpe B Detector Requirements
Requirement Requirement Met
AT 22K/Min temperature rise, enter alarm
state in 3.5 Minutes
1.2 second response time meets this
requirement
AT 2K/Min temperature rise, enter alarms
state between 58C and 88C
Yes
AT 0.5K/Min temperature rise, enter
alarms state between 58C and 88C
Yes, operates accurately between 40 and
125C.
When subjected to rapid temperature rise,
does not enter alarm state within 1min.
Requires soItware implementation

6. Multitasking

The IFA is required to successIully control and monitor a range oI diIIerent tasks. The
Atmel AT90S8515 possesses suIIicient external interrupt capabilities and ports to
successIully receive the various data inputs associated with the IFA. The smoke
detector, heat sensor and the program button are polled onto PORTC. PORTD
incorporates interrupt 0 which is used to interpret the inIra-red signals. PORTB has the
LEDs and alarm signals connected to it. A Iull schematic diagram oI the entire product
is included in Appendix 1.

7. Stability and reliability

The Atmel AT90S8515 is a modern and reliable microcontroller. The IFA requires that
all oI the electronics Iunction reliably under diIIicult circumstances. Some electronic
components can only Iunction within a very limited temperature. The heat tolerance oI
all oI the components incorporated into the IFA was taken into consideration when they
were chosen. Table9 shows the heat tolerances oI the major components oI the IFA. The
only component with a limited range oI tolerance is the IR sensor. This is acceptable

50
within the speciIications oI the IFA, as the IR sensor is not required to perIorm during
the emergency situations that cause the extreme temperature ranges.

Table9. Temperature Ratings
Component Temperature rating
Atmel AT90S8515 -55C to 125C
LM741 -55C to 125C
IS1U60 (inIra red sensor) -10C to 60C

Table10 summarises section 6.1.

Table10. Evaluation
Criteria Passed/Failed
Improve up current technology Pass
Operate in problem environments Pass
Respond Iaster that remotely located
smoke detectors
Pass
Convenience 85
FailsaIe Pass
Multitasking Pass
Stable and Reliable Pass


6.2 Personal Evaluation

The development oI a thesis project is an enormous personal challenge. The personal
journey taken with a thesis project can oIIer great insights into an individual`s
engineering strengths and weaknesses. Although it is important Ior an engineer to
understand their strengths, it is the process oI learning Irom their mistakes and
developing a greater understanding oI their weaknesses that makes a student who has
completed a thesis a better engineer. The most important engineering lessons learnt
Irom this thesis and the speciIication, design and development were: time management
Iailures, the Iailure to Iully 'engineer a solution and the Iailure to Iully develop and
test diIIerent solutions. Developing and conIorming to a well structured schedule could
have avoided the time management Iailures. The Iailure to Iully engineer a solution is
largely a product oI not completing research to a high enough level and taking to greater
time to utilise the best data sources. Although these lessons represented Iailures,

51
learning and utilizing the new skills that a thesis develops was a rewarding experience
Ior the author oI this document.


52
Chapter 7 - Future Improvements

The IFA`s inability to operate as a truly universal remote is an unIortunate weakness oI
the project. The IFA samples the signal by saving either a zero or a one at the rate
speciIied by the Nyquist Theorem. A promising alternative to this technique was
researched but due to time limitations, never Iully developed. This alternative technique
involves triggering an interrupt each time there is a Ialling edge on the incoming signal.
When the Iirst interrupt occurs it starts a timer. Each successive interrupt simply records
the timer value. This method would be more eIIicient and possibly more accurate.

There are a number oI simple but useIul extra Ieatures that could be incorporated into
the IFA. The IFA could produce a short audible warning to warn users that the smoke
alarm disable period is about to end. Another useIul addition would be the ability to
program the delay times oI diIIerent length. This could be achieved by allowing the
device to learn multiple signals, each signal representing a diIIerent disable period.
Alternatively, a number oI clearly labelled LEDs could be mounted on the case, each
LED symbolising a diIIerent delay period. The single learnt signal could be used to
cycle through the various disable periods until an appropriate time is selected. The IFA
has a large potential Ior Iurther improvement and innovation. This does not negate the
work that has already been perIormed on the product. The current IFA could Ieasibly be
incorporated into the domestic environment. It is interesting to note that Ior little extra
Iinancial outlay the product could be expanded on and improved.


53
Chapter 8 - Conclusion

The Intelligent Fire Alarm was developed in order to save lives, prevent property
damage and make the domestic environment saIer. To achieve this goal the IFA aimed
to vastly reduce the risk oI nuisance alarms and allow areas that had previously been
unsuitable Ior locating an alarm device to be protected.

Nuisance alarms were to be minimised by allowing the user a simple and connivent
method oI disabling the smoke alarm Ior short periods oI time. It was determined that
the most appropriate method Ior perIorming this task was with the aid oI a household
inIra red transmitter. A heat sensor was incorporated into the design to act as a IailsaIe
Ior the periods when the smoke detector is disabled. Within these requirements the IFA
can be viewed as a successIul product.

When using IR handpieces that have been developed by companies other than Sony the
IFA Iails to accurately distinguish between the diIIerent buttons. This means that it
doesn`t matter which button is programmed into the device, any button can be used to
diable it. Fortunately, this does not mean that the device is incapable oI perIorming its
duties eIIectively.

The IFA demonstrates that engineering is a very interesting and powerIul Iield. A Iield
that has the capacity to aIIect lives, and to save lives.


54
Bibliography

Fire Equipment Incorporated, Detection and Control Svstems
www.IireIire.com (2000).

Murata, Temperature Detection using POSISTOR
(R)
(PTC Thermistor) / NTC
Thermistor, www.murata.com (May 10, 2001).

Betatherm Sensors, Thermistor Theorv,
http://www.betatherm.com/zeropower.html

Smoke Detector SaIety, Up In Smoke,
http://www.eocradar.com/smoke.htm.

The Council oI Standards Australia, Automatic fire detection and alarm svstems Part 1.
Heat detectors, 5
th
January 1997.

The Council oI Standards Australia, Fire detection, warning, control and intercom
svstems Svstem design, installation and commissioning Part 6. Smoke alarms, 5
th

January 1997.

Chris Giles, 2001, Programmable Infrared Remote Light Switch.

Kuan Chieh Wang, 2001, IR Remote Room Light Switch.

Simplex and Grinnell Fire and Protection, Fire Detection and Alarm
http://www.simplexgrinnell.com (Jun 2001).

Takashi Kashiwagi Ph.D., 1994, Fire Safetv Science Proceedings of the Fourth
International Svmposium, Library oI Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data,
Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA.

Yuji Hasemi Dr.Eng, 1997, Fire Safetv Science Proceedings of the Fifth International
Svmposium, Library oI Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data, Tsukuba, Japan.

,,
Appendix1

Schematic Design

,&
Appendix2

PCB Design


57
Appendix3

Partial Code

/*
Title: IR receiver code
Author: Angus McLennan
Date: 10/2002
Purpose: Falling edge on Port D2 creates the external interrupt INT0
Which initiates sampling code that samples the IR signal

SoItware: AVR-GCC to compile

Hardware: ATS90S8515/8535/Mega on STK200/STK300 board
*/

#include io.h~
#include signal.h~
#include interrupt.h~

#iIdeI AVRATmega103
#deIine AVRMEGA 1
#else
#iIdeI AVRATmega603
#deIine AVRMEGA 2
#else
#iIdeI AVRATmega161
#deIine AVRMEGA 3
#else
#deIine AVRMEGA 0
#endiI
#endiI
#endiI


unsigned char value;
unsigned char bs;
unsigned char outb;
unsigned char getval;
unsigned char Iire;
unsigned char sample;
unsigned char a|245|;
unsigned char b|245|;
int i;
int i2;
int j;
int accuracy 0;
int timing 0;
int oncea 0;

58
int onceb 0;

SIGNAL(SIGINTERRUPT0) /* signal handler Ior external interrupt int0 */




/*code to determine iI its array a or b*/
sample inp(PINC);
sample (sample & 0x02);


/* code to delay then read then and, then write to array */

iI (sample ! 0)
iI(oncea 0)
oncea 1;
Ior (i 0; i 245; i)

delay();
getval inp(PIND);
getval (getval & 0x80);

iI (getval 0x80)
a|i| 1;
} else
a|i| 0;
}
}
}
}else
iI(onceb 0)
onceb 1;
Ior (i 0; i 245; i)

delay();
getval inp(PIND);
getval (getval & 0x80);
iI (getval 0x80)
b|i| 1;
}
else

b|i| 0;
}
}
} //end oI once b loop


Ior (i 0; i 245; i)

59
iI (a|i| b|i|)
accuracy;
}
}

}
iI ((accuracy 246) & (accuracy ~ 235)) /* sony ~ 235 */
outp(0xII, PORTB); /* use Portb Ior output (LEDs) */
} else
accuracy 0;
onceb 0;
}
}

//here 1

int main(void)

outp(0xII, DDRB); /* use PortB Ior output */
outp(0x00, DDRC); /* use Portc Ior inputs */
outp(0x00, DDRD); /* use PortD Ior inputs */
#iI AVRMEGA
outp((1INT0),(1INT1), EIMSK); /* enable external int0, int1 */
#else
outp((1INT0),(1INT1), GIMSK); /* enable external int0, int1 */
outp((1ISC01),(1ISC10),(1ISC11), MCUCR);
/* Ialling egde: int0, rising edge: int 1 */
#endiI
sei(); /* enable interrupts */
Ior (;;) /* loop Iorever */

Iire inp(PINC);
Iire (Iire & 0x01);

}
}


/*
* delay -- SoItware delay Ior 100uS
*/
void delay(void)

while (bs ! 0x64)
bs;

}
bs 0x00;

}