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Smoke Alarm Distinguishes Actual Fire from Burning Food

JUL 26, 2012
Inexpensive micro-controller uses statistical method to tell the difference.
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Smoke Alarm Distinguishes Actual Fire from Burning Food

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Inside Science Buzzwords:

  1. 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.
  2. Smoldering fire - the kind of fire that starts slowly and burns for an extended period of time before transforming into a flaming fire.
  3. Flaming fire - A fast-burning fire.
  4. Carbon monoxide - A colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is toxic to humans at high concentrations.
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