Autonomous Drone Monitoring for Location-Based Security Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home monitoring systems rely on fixed control panels, limiting the ability to monitor properties independently of a specific location and perform location-based surveillance operations efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A drone control device that can autonomously navigate within a property, monitor, control, and adjust the operations of components within the monitoring system, and transmit alerts and notifications in response to alarm events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed control panel is used for monitoring, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the ability to monitor properties independently of a specific location and perform location-based surveillance operations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation independenceVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed control panel into a dynamic mobile drone device that can autonomously navigate to different locations within the property. The drone control device moves from a stationary position to dynamically relocate itself, enabling location-based surveillance operations while maintaining monitoring capabilities. This dynamic transformation directly addresses the location independence requirement while introducing autonomous navigation functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a fixed control panel is used, then the device complexity is low, but the efficiency of performing location-based surveillance operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drone control device is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities that enable it to independently determine its location, plan routes, and navigate to target areas without continuous human intervention. The device autonomously performs surveillance operations by itself, returning to its base for recharging when needed. This self-service capability significantly improves surveillance efficiency by enabling the system to independently execute location-based monitoring tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If autonomous navigation is added to enable location-based surveillance, then the adaptability and surveillance efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-based surveillance capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drone control device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: it serves as both a mobile surveillance unit and a control device for the monitoring system. The same device that navigates autonomously also monitors property information, transmits alerts, and controls other monitoring components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, making the increased complexity more justifiable by the broad capabilities gained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3405846B1Drone control device
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 ALARM COM INC
  • EP3405846B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3405846B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3405846B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In one general aspect, a drone control device includes a body, a motor that is configured to move the body, a network module, an input module, and a processor. The network module is configured to communicate with a security system that monitors a property and receive data associated with a location within the property. The input module is configured to receive user input. The processor is configured to perform operations that include: determine, from among the location within the property and other locations within the property, a target location within the property; move the body to the target location within the property by providing a signal to the motor; receive, from the input module, input data that is associated with an operation of the security system; and in response to receiving the input data, perform the operation of the security system.