Enhancing Fire Detection Technology: A UV-Based System Utilizing Fourier Spectrum Analysis for Reliable and Accurate Fire Detection

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This study is interesting and systematic, but parts of it are insufficiently described to the detriment of the reader's understanding. In addition, the format of the paper needs to be scrutinized and is recommended for acceptance after major revision.

The quality of English is good and need minor editing. 

Author Response

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to submit a revised draft of our manuscript “Development of a Smart Fire Detection System Based on Ultra-violet Detection and Fourier Spectrum Analysis for Reliable and Accurate Fire Detection” to MDPI “Applied Sciences” Journal. We appreciate the time and effort that you and the reviewers have dedicated to providing your valuable feedback on our manuscript. We are grateful to the reviewers for their insightful comments on my paper. We have been able to incorporate changes to reflect most of the suggestions provided by the reviewers. We have highlighted the changes within the manuscript.

Here is our response to the reviewer’ comments and concerns

Comment: This study is interesting and systematic, but parts of it are insufficiently described to the detriment of the reader's understanding. In addition, the format of the paper needs to be scrutinized and is recommended for acceptance after major revision.

Response: We sincerely appreciate your thorough review of our manuscript. We have taken your feedback into serious consideration and made the necessary revisions to address the insufficiencies in our descriptions and improve the overall clarity of the paper. By revising and clarifying the confusing passages, we aim to enhance the reader's understanding and ensure a more systematic presentation of our study.

Furthermore, we have diligently reviewed the manuscript to identify and correct any spelling and grammatical errors that were brought to our attention by the reviewers. Our aim is to deliver a polished and professional final version of the paper.

We are grateful for the opportunity to address these concerns and make the necessary improvements to enhance the quality of our research. We eagerly await your response and remain available to address any further questions or comments you may have.

Thank you for your valuable input and consideration.

Sincerely,

Prof. Nguyen Duc Toan

Reviewer 2 Report

The manuscript introduces a cost-effective and dependable smart fire alarm system that utilizes ultra-violet (UV) detection technology in combination with an aspherical lens. The system aims to detect fires emitting photons within the wavelength range of 185-260 nm. By integrating the aspherical lens with an accelerator and a digital compass, the system not only detects fires but also determines the direction of the fire source, facilitating safe evacuation and efficient firefighting. The manuscript highlights the incorporation of artificial intelligence algorithms to minimize false alarms, resulting in a low false alarm rate. The proposed fire alarm system offers a wide detection range and reliable direction verification, positioning it as an effective solution for fire detection. Additionally, the manuscript mentions the system's ability to promptly transmit warning signals via Wi-Fi or smartphone notifications upon fire detection, enabling timely user alerts.

 

The authors present a unique approach to fire detection by utilizing UV detection technology in combination with an aspherical lens. This innovative combination, along with the integration of artificial intelligence algorithms, showcases the potential for improved accuracy and reliability in fire detection systems. The integration of an aspherical lens, accelerator, and digital compass enhances the functionality of the system, enabling both fire detection and determination of the fire source direction. This comprehensive design contributes to effective fire management and enhances user safety. The manuscript includes experimental results that validate the system's design effectiveness. The high accuracy, reliability, and practicality demonstrated in these experiments provide valuable evidence of the system's capabilities.

While the manuscript provides an overview of the system's design and components, additional methodological details would be beneficial, including information on the data collection process, training and testing procedures for the artificial intelligence algorithms, and any specific parameter settings would improve the reproducibility and comprehensibility of the study. The paper mentions the obtained results, such as the accuracies for flame and UVB lamp detection. However, a more in-depth analysis and interpretation of these results would be valuable. Exploring the strengths and limitations of the system's performance, comparing it to existing fire detection technologies, and discussing potential areas for improvement would enhance the significance and applicability of the study.

 

The manuscript presents an intriguing approach to fire detection by utilizing UV-based technology in conjunction with an aspherical lens. The integration of artificial intelligence algorithms, the wide detection range, and the ability to determine the fire source direction contribute to the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed system.

The English quality of the manuscript is generally good. The sentences are well-structured, and the vocabulary used is appropriate for a review report in the field of fire detection technology.

Author Response

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to submit a revised draft of our manuscript “Development of a Smart Fire Detection System Based on Ultra-violet Detection and Fourier Spectrum Analysis for Reliable and Accurate Fire Detection” to MDPI “Applied Sciences” Journal. We appreciate the time and effort that you and the reviewers have dedicated to providing your valuable feedback on our manuscript. We are grateful to the reviewers for their insightful comments on my paper. We have been able to incorporate changes to reflect most of the suggestions provided by the reviewers. We have highlighted the changes within the manuscript.

Here is our response to the reviewer’ comments and concerns

Comment: The manuscript introduces a cost-effective and dependable smart fire alarm system that utilizes ultra-violet (UV) detection technology in combination with an aspherical lens. The system aims to detect fires emitting photons within the wavelength range of 185-260 nm. By integrating the aspherical lens with an accelerator and a digital compass, the system not only detects fires but also determines the direction of the fire source, facilitating safe evacuation and efficient firefighting. The manuscript highlights the incorporation of artificial intelligence algorithms to minimize false alarms, resulting in a low false alarm rate. The proposed fire alarm system offers a wide detection range and reliable direction verification, positioning it as an effective solution for fire detection. Additionally, the manuscript mentions the system's ability to promptly transmit warning signals via Wi-Fi or smartphone notifications upon fire detection, enabling timely user alerts.

The authors present a unique approach to fire detection by utilizing UV detection technology in combination with an aspherical lens. This innovative combination, along with the integration of artificial intelligence algorithms, showcases the potential for improved accuracy and reliability in fire detection systems. The integration of an aspherical lens, accelerator, and digital compass enhances the functionality of the system, enabling both fire detection and determination of the fire source direction. This comprehensive design contributes to effective fire management and enhances user safety. The manuscript includes experimental results that validate the system's design effectiveness. The high accuracy, reliability, and practicality demonstrated in these experiments provide valuable evidence of the system's capabilities.

While the manuscript provides an overview of the system's design and components, additional methodological details would be beneficial, including information on the data collection process, training and testing procedures for the artificial intelligence algorithms, and any specific parameter settings would improve the reproducibility and comprehensibility of the study. The paper mentions the obtained results, such as the accuracies for flame and UVB lamp detection. However, a more in-depth analysis and interpretation of these results would be valuable. Exploring the strengths and limitations of the system's performance, comparing it to existing fire detection technologies, and discussing potential areas for improvement would enhance the significance and applicability of the study.

The manuscript presents an intriguing approach to fire detection by utilizing UV-based technology in conjunction with an aspherical lens. The integration of artificial intelligence algorithms, the wide detection range, and the ability to determine the fire source direction contribute to the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed system.

Response:

Thank you for providing detailed feedback and emphasizing the distinct features and implications of our research. We sincerely appreciate your suggestion to further explore the strengths and limitations of our system's performance, compare it with existing fire detection technologies, and discuss potential areas for improvement. This valuable insight will enable us to conduct a more comprehensive analysis of our fire detection system and enhance its overall performance.

We have carefully considered your input and have incorporated the necessary revisions into our manuscript, highlighting the additional methodological details you mentioned. We believe that providing information on the data collection process, training and testing procedures for the artificial intelligence algorithms, and specific parameter settings will significantly enhance the reproducibility and comprehensibility of our study.

Furthermore, we acknowledge the importance of conducting a more in-depth analysis and interpretation of the obtained results, particularly regarding the accuracies for flame and UVB lamp detection. We thoroughly examined these results and provide a comprehensive discussion to further elucidate the significance of our findings.

We would like to express our gratitude for your insightful comments, which have undoubtedly contributed to the development of our manuscript. We eagerly anticipate any further inquiries or feedback you may have as we strive to continually refine our work.

Thank you once again for your valuable contribution.

Best regards

Prof. Nguyen Duc Toan

 

Reviewer 3 Report

This study proposes a fire alarm system using ultraviolet (UV) detection technology combined with aspheric lens, which utilizes Fourier transform algorithm in the algorithm setup to reduce the occurrence of false alarms. The study is novel and promising for use, but further additions and modifications should be made.

 

（1）    In the introduction section, the performance of the conventional smoke sensor is described in lines 39-41 and 46-48, and it would be better to list references in the literature for explanation. 

（2）    The figures in the manuscript are too blurry to see much of the key information clearly.

（3）    Lines 123-125, the spectral range of the sensor is 185-280 nm because the selected sensor is in this range?

（4）    Lines 124-125, “The sensor's output is pulsed, which filters out background noise, ensuring that only signals from the fire source are detected.” What if it is a scenario where there is an interference source？

（5）    Lines 136-137, Experimental results show that the system can detect fire sources within a range of 50 meters. Isn't this statement a bit early here?

（6）    Lines 138-150, a repeated passage?

（7）    Is the environmental scenario of this test in Table 1 day or night? Will this day and night or precisely the environment have an effect on the test system?

（8）    The long distance in Table 1 is set to 50m, is this performance limited in any way, and can the distance be extended further?

（9）    Is there a basis or reference for setting the size of the measurement target in the experiment? Or why was such a size chosen?

（10）  Figure 3 and Figure 5 give the physical diagram in order to make the manuscript better understood, it is better to give a schematic diagram.

（11）  Lines 242-244, this sentence seems to be not strict enough here.

（12）  The output signal of the sensor response to the UV lamp placed at different distances in Figure 7 is more uniform compared to the flame signal. But the question is why the amplitude of the pulse signal is not as consistent as that of the flame signal in Figure 6?

（13）  Which of the two images in Figure 8 is the flame and which is the UV lamp? There is also a discrepancy in the presentation of the vertical coordinates in Figure 8?

（14）  In lines 333-337, is such accuracy compared with the performance of other conventional detectors?

Author Response

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to submit a revised draft of our manuscript “Development of a Smart Fire Detection System Based on Ultra-violet Detection and Fourier Spectrum Analysis for Reliable and Accurate Fire Detection” to MDPI “Applied Sciences” Journal. We appreciate the time and effort that you and the reviewers have dedicated to providing your valuable feedback on our manuscript. We are grateful to the reviewers for their insightful comments on my paper. We have been able to incorporate changes to reflect most of the suggestions provided by the reviewers. We have highlighted the changes within the manuscript.

Here is a point-by-point response to the reviewer’ comments and concerns.

Comment 1: In the introduction section, the performance of the conventional smoke sensor is described in lines 39-41 and 46-48, and it would be better to list references in the literature for explanation.

Response: Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have incorporated the references in the introduction section to provide a comprehensive explanation of the performance of conventional smoke sensors. The references have been included and numbered as [1-4] in the literature.

Comment 2: The figures in the manuscript are too blurry to see much of the key information clearly

Response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your feedback regarding the clarity of the figures. Our team has made efforts to enhance the quality of the figures in order to improve visibility and ensure that the key information is clearly presented.

Comment 3: Lines 123-125, the spectral range of the sensor is 185-280 nm because the selected sensor is in this range?

Response: Thank you for your comment. It is correct that the selected sensor, specifically the Hamamatsu UVtron R12257 detector, operates within the spectral range of 185-280 nm. This range aligns with the specifications and capabilities of sensors of this type.

Comment 4: Lines 124-125, “The sensor's output is pulsed, which filters out background noise, ensuring that only signals from the fire source are detected.” What if it is a scenario where there is an interference source?

Response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your feedback, and we have made the necessary revisions to address this point.

"The fire detection system proposed in Figure 1 comprises several essential components. A UV detector, specifically the Hamamatsu UVtron R12257, is utilized in the system. This detector demonstrates high sensitivity and boasts a rapid response time of just a few milliseconds, enabling it to effectively detect UV radiation emitted by flames. The sensor operates within a selective spectral range of 185-280 nm, eliminating the need for optical filters to block out visible light. Its output consists of a series of pulses that persist for a duration sufficient to identify genuine flames. While this pulse-based output helps filter out background noise within the sensor's field of view, it is important to consider potential interference sources. Heat-emitting devices, such as automobiles or processing machines, may emit minimal amounts of UV radiation, which can serve as a possible source of interference."

Comment 5: Lines 136-137, Experimental results show that the system can detect fire sources within a range of 50 meters. Isn't this statement a bit early here?

Response: Thank you for your observation. We have carefully reviewed the manuscript and made the necessary adjustments.

Comment 6: Lines 138-150, a repeated passage?

Response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have thoroughly reviewed the manuscript and addressed the repetition by removing the duplicated passage.

Comment 7: Is the environmental scenario of this test in Table 1 day or night? Will this day and night or precisely the environment have an effect on the test system?

Response: We appreciate your attention to detail. The experimental conditions specified in Table 1 pertain to the fire detection test conducted during daylight hours. It is indeed essential to acknowledge the potential influence of environmental factors on the test system. Daylight conditions introduce the possibility of UV radiation emitted by the sun within the specified range of 185-280 nm. To address this concern, it is crucial to meticulously implement our fire detection system, taking precautions to ensure that the sensor is shielded from direct sunlight. In practical applications, the device should be installed overhead, facing downwards, in order to minimize any potential interference caused by sunlight. These guidelines regarding implementation have been duly emphasized in the manuscript.

Comment 8: The long distance in Table 1 is set to 50m, is this performance limited in any way, and can the distance be extended further?

Response: We appreciate your comment. In this research phase, our goal was to develop a fire detection system capable of detecting flames within specific dimensions of 300 mm x 300 mm at a maximum distance of 50 m. However, it is possible to extend the detection distance further to accommodate larger flames. We acknowledge the potential for enhancing the system's capabilities and will consider exploring the feasibility of extending the detection range in future studies.

Comment 9: Is there a basis or reference for setting the size of the measurement target in the experiment? Or why was such a size chosen?

Response: Thank you for your question. The size of the measurement target in our research was determined based on the specific setup and constraints of our experimental design. We selected the dimensions for the measurement target based on practical considerations and the capabilities of our equipment. Although there may not be a specific reference or basis for the chosen size, it was determined to be suitable for our experimental setup.

Comment 10: Figure 3 and Figure 5 give the physical diagram in order to make the manuscript better understood, it is better to give a schematic diagram.                            

Response: Thank you for your valuable suggestion. We have taken your feedback into consideration and have made the necessary revisions to Figures 3 and 5. The updated figures now include schematic diagrams, which will enhance the clarity and understanding of the manuscript. We believe these modifications will improve the overall presentation of the research.

Comment 11: Lines 242-244, this sentence seems to be not strict enough here.

Response: Thank you for your comment. We appreciate your feedback and have revised the sentence accordingly. The revised sentence now reads as follows: "The proposed approach was evaluated using a dataset obtained from a fire detection system equipped with a UV detector, and the results, presented in Figure 6, demonstrate the algorithm's robust accuracy and efficiency. These findings provide strong evidence for the potential of this technique in effectively reducing false alarms in fire detection systems."

Comment 12: The output signal of the sensor response to the UV lamp placed at different distances in Figure 7 is more uniform compared to the flame signal. But the question is why the amplitude of the pulse signal is not as consistent as that of the flame signal in Figure 6?

 Response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It is important to note that the output signal of the sensor in response to the UV source is characterized by a series of pulses with a fixed pulse width of 10 milliseconds. The primary distinguishing feature of this pulse series is its frequency or time period, while the amplitude of the pulses may vary between 4 VDC and 5 VDC due to the operation of the conditioning circuit. Hence, the pulse signals depicted in Figures 6 and 7 represent random selections from the overall output signal obtained during the measurements.

Comment 13: Which of the two images in Figure 8 is the flame and which is the UV lamp? There is also a discrepancy in the presentation of the vertical coordinates in Figure 8?

Response: Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your feedback. We have made the necessary revisions to Figure 8 to clarify the presentation. The updated figure now clearly indicates that the left image represents the spectrum analysis for the flame, while the right image corresponds to the UV lamp. Additionally, we have addressed the discrepancy in the presentation of the vertical coordinates in Figure 8.

Comment 14: In lines 333-337, is such accuracy compared with the performance of other conventional detectors?

Response: Thank you for your inquiry. The accuracy values mentioned in lines 333-337 pertain specifically to the classifiers used in our research with the given detector. We did not compare these accuracy values with the performance of other conventional detectors in this particular study.

We look forward to hearing from you in due time regarding our submission and to respond to any further questions and comments you may have.

Sincerely,

Prof. Nguyen Duc Toan

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

This article can be accepted.

Reviewer 3 Report

Thanks to all authors for their answers to the questions. The revised manuscript is much more readable and is recommended for publication.