Computer vision2019

Fire & Smoke Vision Prototype

Computer-vision experiments and a monitoring interface for detecting visual signs of fire and smoke.

My contribution

Software development, vision experiments and embedded integration

Project archive
Annotated Windows monitoring interface: live stream, device state and event history.
Annotated Windows monitoring interface: live stream, device state and event history.
ENGINEERING HIGHLIGHTS

What stands out.

  • Vision & neural-network prototype
  • Hardware I/O, GSM & operator alerts
  • Embedded device, web & desktop interfaces
Project overview

From the problem to the implementation.

The problem

Camera-based monitoring needs to connect visual detection experiments with a clear interface for status, events and alarms.

The approach

  • Explored OpenCV image-processing methods and TensorFlow/Keras models.
  • Worked with image annotations and dataset-preparation tooling.
  • Developed monitoring components for camera status, event handling and alarms.

What came together

A prototype workspace connecting vision experiments, embedded-camera integration and an operator-facing monitoring application.

Project footage

See it in action

OpenCV fire test · 02

Second OpenCV fire-test recording. Silent demonstration.

Open video

OpenCV fire test · 01

Physical fire-test recording — OpenCV stage. Silent demonstration.

Open video

Simulated detection workflow

Simulated demonstration — fire-detection workflow. Silent demonstration.

Open video

Indoor detection test

Indoor fire-detection test recording. Silent demonstration.

Open video
System view

How the system works

Camera input

Pi Camera supplies imagery close to the embedded processing unit.

Candidate regions

C++/OpenCV methods identify image regions that may contain fire or smoke.

Second-stage analysis

A neural-network stage evaluates candidate imagery.

Device event logic

Python coordinates status and alarm-related events.

Alert channels

Hardware I/O, SMS/GSM and local-network interfaces expose events.

Operator tools

Windows/PyQt monitoring and the HTTP panel provide live imagery, status and settings.

Technical notes

The detail behind the build

A two-stage vision pipeline

C++ and OpenCV identify image regions that may contain fire or smoke. A neural-network stage then examines candidate imagery. The prototype brings these detection stages together with an embedded device and an operator interface.

Processing close to the camera

A Raspberry Pi provides the processing unit near the camera. The hardware design brings camera input, digital I/O and network communication into a compact assembly intended for installation alongside the monitored scene.

From detection to operator awareness

Detection events feed several output paths: hardware I/O, SMS/GSM, a local browser view and a Windows application. The desktop interface combines live imagery, network/device status and event records.

Live camera view

Pre-alarm and alarm events

Device status and event history

Database connection settings

A browser interface for device settings

A local HTTP interface exposes configuration and monitoring without a dedicated desktop installation. Its settings cover device status, emergency outputs and SMS-related functions.

Hardware development and testing

The project includes an enclosed prototype and a CCTV-style assembly with GSM connectivity. Internal hardware photographs, a schematic, interface screenshots and demonstration recordings show how the vision software and physical device were brought together.

Implementation

Software, hardware & tools.

Software

  • C++ vision processing & neural-network experiments
  • Python desktop & web monitoring

Hardware

  • Raspberry Pi
  • Pi Camera
  • Custom electronics
  • SIM800 GSM module
  • Enclosure variants
  • Hardware alarm outputs

Technology stack

  • Computer vision
  • Embedded integration
  • Alert workflows
Continue the conversation

Working on a related challenge?

Get in touch about Python, embedded systems or a research opportunity.

Next project

Embedded QR Scanning Appliance

Embedded systems