AV Doorbell Power Manager and PIR Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio/video (A/V) recording and communication doorbell systems face issues such as excessive power consumption leading to inadvertent signaling device activation, inadequate motion detection under low light conditions, and false positives due to reflected infrared light, which affect their functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power manager to limit power consumption below the threshold necessary for signaling device activation, the integration of passive infrared (PIR) sensors for enhanced motion detection, and the use of a light sensor to differentiate between infrared and visible light spectrums, along with a camera and motion sensor verification system to confirm valid motion detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the A/V recording and communication doorbell draws power from the AC power supply, then it can be connected to existing household AC power, but the signaling device sounds inadvertently due to power consumption exceeding the threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power consumption into two sources: primary power from the AC power supply limited to below the threshold, and supplemental power from a rechargeable battery. This segmentation allows the system to maintain AC power compatibility while preventing inadvertent signaling device activation by ensuring the AC portion never exceeds the threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power sourcing based on operational needs. The power manager continuously monitors power requirements and switches between AC power and battery power, or combines them, to meet the total power demand while keeping AC power consumption below the threshold. This dynamic power management enables the doorbell to adapt its power sources in real-time.
2Device complexity
If the camera alone is used for motion detection, then the system is simpler, but motion detection fails under low light conditions due to insufficient illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two independent detection systems: a camera-based detection system and a PIR sensor-based detection system. The camera provides visual detection and recording, while the PIR sensors detect thermal radiation from moving objects. By combining these systems, the doorbell achieves reliable motion detection in all lighting conditions, as the PIR sensors are unaffected by ambient light levels.
3Illumination intensity
If infrared LEDs are used to illuminate the camera's field of view, then nighttime motion detection is improved, but the range is limited to about fifteen feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PIR sensors as an intermediary detection mechanism that operates independently of the camera's illumination range. While infrared LEDs provide localized illumination for the camera within fifteen feet, the PIR sensors detect thermal radiation from objects at much greater distances (thirty feet or more). The PIR sensors act as a complementary intermediary system that extends the effective detection range without requiring additional illumination infrastructure.
4Loss of time
If motion detection is performed without verification, then the response time is faster, but false positives occur due to reflected infrared light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based verification system where the PIR sensor detection results are fed back to confirm or refute camera-based motion detection. When the camera detects motion, the system checks whether PIR sensors also detect corresponding thermal radiation changes. This feedback mechanism validates true motion events while filtering out false positives caused by reflected infrared light, as genuine motion will produce consistent signals across both detection modalities.
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
Enables the A/V doorbell to be connected to existing household AC power without triggering the signaling device, improves motion detection range and accuracy under low light conditions, and reduces false notifications by ensuring valid motion detection confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
the motion sensor may comprise one or more passive infrared (PIR) sensors. PIR sensors detect changes in the amount of IR radiation impinging upon them, which varies depending on the temperature and/or surface characteristics of the object(s) in front of the sensors.
Implementation Method 2
Providing an illumination source, such as infrared LEDs, during nighttime hours may compensate for this issue.
Data Source
AI summary
Streaming video from audio/video (A/V) recording and communication devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided. In one embodiment, an audio/video (A/V) recording and communication device is provided, comprising: a camera configured to capture image data of an object within a field of view; a communication module; and a processing module comprising: a processor; and a motion detection application which configures the processor to: detect motion of the object; capture image data of the object; track the object within the field of view; stream the image data to a client device using the communication module; determine when the object is no longer detected within the field of view; start a timer upon determining that the object is no longer detected within the field of view; and stop capturing the image data, tracking the object, and streaming the image data upon expiration of the timer.