Optical fire and security technology: sensor principles and detection intelligence

Optical sensor technology for the detection of fire and intruder phenomena is discussed and illustrated with practical examples. It is pointed out that, whereas the basic physics of the sensor mechanisms are elementary and well-understood, the actual design of cost-effective fire and intruder detectors operating reliably under an extreme range of environmental conditions is a highly demanding task involving modern technology in electronics, signal analysis, and materials. It is shown how far innovation has progressed in high-performance products and the extent to which the early 1990s trends in sensor research are influencing the products.<
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