Smoke Alarm Distinguishes Actual Fire from Burning Food
Inexpensive micro-controller uses statistical method to tell the difference.
Get Inside the Science:
- Detectors: Saving Lives
- Home Smoke Alarms - A Technology Roadmap [pdf]
Inside Science Buzzwords:
- Discriminant analysis - A statistical method that is well suited for distinguishing between different types of events, such as a kitchen fire and burnt food, by analyzing a body of data, such as measurements of smoke, temperature, and carbon monoxide levels.
- Smoldering fire - the kind of fire that starts slowly and burns for an extended period of time before transforming into a flaming fire.
- Flaming fire - A fast-burning fire.
- Carbon monoxide - A colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is toxic to humans at high concentrations.