Aerial Camera Drone Docking Station for Obstruction-Free Surveillance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional video surveillance systems with static cameras face limitations such as decreased detail with distance, orientation constraints, and line-of-sight obstructions, which restrict comprehensive monitoring of objects of interest.
Innovation Solution
A video surveillance system incorporating an aerial camera device that can transition between a docked and airborne position, equipped with a primary camera module for high-quality image capture and a secondary camera module for visual feedback, allowing for adjustable field of view and environmental sensing, enabling more flexible and comprehensive monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static cameras are used in traditional video surveillance systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to install, but the monitoring coverage is limited and cannot overcome distance and orientation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerial camera device that can dynamically change its position and orientation in three-dimensional space, transitioning between docked and airborne states. This dynamic capability allows the camera to adapt to different monitoring scenarios, overcome line-of-sight obstructions, and capture images from multiple angles, thereby significantly improving monitoring coverage while managing system complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the vertical dimension to traditional two-dimensional ground-based surveillance by deploying an aerial camera that operates in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion enables the camera to bypass obstacles, achieve superior vantage points, and provide comprehensive coverage of areas that would be inaccessible to static ground cameras, effectively resolving the coverage limitation
2Adaptability or versatility
If aerial camera device is made airborne to overcome distance limitations, then monitoring coverage is improved, but power supply becomes limited by battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic operation cycle where the aerial camera alternates between airborne monitoring phases and docked charging phases. During monitoring operations, the camera consumes battery power to maintain flight and capture images. When battery charge drops below a threshold, the camera automatically returns to the dock to recharge. This periodic alternation between active monitoring and recharging ensures continuous operational capability while managing energy constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated battery management where the aerial camera autonomously monitors its own battery charge level and independently decides when to return to the dock for recharging. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, allowing the camera to maintain optimal operational status by automatically balancing monitoring tasks with power replenishment
3Measurement precision
If aerial camera device is equipped with both primary and secondary camera modules, then surveillance quality is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent equips the aerial camera with multiple camera modules serving different functions: a primary camera for high-quality surveillance image capture and a secondary camera for visual feedback during flight operations. This multi-functionality allows the single device to simultaneously perform both surveillance missions and self-monitoring tasks, improving overall system capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system overcomes distance and orientation limitations by allowing the aerial camera to reposition for better object capture and avoids obstructions, providing real-time, high-quality surveillance with enhanced coverage and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a charge transmitting module for transmitting power for charging the aerial camera device when in the docked position
Data Source
AI summary
A video surveillance system having a plurality of aerial camera devices such as cameras on drones operable from a plurality of docking stations. Each station has a dock for receiving, charging, and controlling the aerial camera devices.