Aerial Surveillance Camera Platform for Dynamic Path Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveillance systems are limited in detecting forbidden movements along predetermined paths, such as traffic violations and criminal activities, due to fixed viewpoints, inadequate angles, and difficulties in covering extensive areas, particularly in restricted zones, where intruders can remain undetected until out of view.
Innovation Solution
A surveillance system utilizing a remotely controlled secondary platform, like a helicopter or UAV, connected to a mobile platform via a cable, allowing for independent motion and adjustable positioning, including elevated views, to detect activities from various angles and cover larger areas with minimal takeoff and landing procedures, and continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If stationary cameras are used for surveillance, then the system structure is simple, but the detection coverage is limited to a fixed plane and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile platform (aerostat, airship, or balloon) that can dynamically move along a surveillance path instead of using fixed stationary cameras. This dynamic positioning enables the camera to cover varying areas and distances, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and limited coverage by introducing controlled mobility to the surveillance system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based stationary surveillance to aerial mobile surveillance by deploying cameras on floating platforms at elevated positions. This dimensional change from 2D ground plane to 3D aerial space expands the detection coverage area while maintaining relatively simple system structure through the use of naturally buoyant platforms.
2Area of stationary object
If mobile platforms are used to increase surveillance coverage, then the detection area expands, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes aerostats, airships, or balloons that possess inherent buoyancy and self-propulsion or self-positioning capabilities. These platforms can maintain their position and move along predetermined paths using their own onboard systems (such as ballast control, propellers, or wind exploitation), eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while expanding surveillance coverage.
3Ease of operation
If fixed viewpoint cameras are used, then the system is easy to operate, but forbidden movements outside the fixed field of view remain undetected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mobile cameras mounted on platforms that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation along surveillance paths. This enables the cameras to actively track and follow vehicles or objects of interest, ensuring that forbidden movements are continuously captured within the field of view while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated tracking algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the mobile camera system receives information about detected objects or violations and automatically adjusts its position and orientation to maintain optimal viewing angles. This feedback loop ensures continuous detection of forbidden movements while keeping the system easy to operate through automated control based on real-time sensor data.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If cameras are positioned at fixed distances from the road, then the system structure is simplified, but detection of activities at different locations along the path is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile platforms that can dynamically adjust their distance and position relative to the road or canal being surveilled. This enables the camera to optimize its detection capability for different locations along the path by varying its proximity and angle, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and system complexity through controlled mobility rather than fixed positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a surveillance system for detecting forbidden movement in any direction at one or more locations along a road. The system comprises cameras that are in data communication with a control station for detecting the forbidden movement; mobile platforms that are movable along a desired path along the road; mechanical connectors for connecting the cameras to the mobile platforms, that create an adjustable projection of the spatial distance between the camera and the mobile platform; and a control station for receiving and processing data from and transferring data the cameras.