Surveillance Camera Backup Power Switching During External Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network connected surveillance cameras experience operational disruptions due to external power outages, surges, or cable damage, leading to potential security breaches and data loss.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating internal power sources such as batteries and solar panels within the camera housing to provide instantaneous backup power during external power loss, enabling the camera to switch to a power-saving mode and continue recording and storing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power sources are used to power surveillance cameras, then the cameras can operate continuously with stable power supply, but the system becomes vulnerable to power outages, surges, and cable damage causing operational disruptions and data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates internal power sources (batteries, capacitors, or energy harvesting components) within the camera housing that are charged in advance during normal operation. When external power failure occurs, these pre-charged internal sources immediately activate to cushion the impact and maintain camera operation, preventing data loss and operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges external power supply with internal power sources into a hybrid power system. The camera is equipped with both external power input and internal power generation/storage components, allowing the system to draw from multiple sources and automatically switch between them based on availability, thereby eliminating the vulnerability to single-point power failures.
2Reliability
If internal power sources are incorporated within camera housing, then the camera can maintain operation during external power loss, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the internal power system to serve multiple functions: during normal operation, it charges the internal power sources; during power failure, it provides backup power; and it includes power management circuitry that handles both charging and discharging operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the internal power sources and power management circuitry within the existing camera housing structure. The battery compartment, charging contacts, and control electronics are integrated into the camera's internal architecture, utilizing available space efficiently and avoiding the need for external add-on components that would increase overall system complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the camera enters power-saving mode during internal power operation, then power consumption is reduced to extend backup duration, but surveillance quality and data capture capability are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management that adjusts the camera's operational mode based on real-time power availability. When internal power sources are active, the system can dynamically switch between full-resolution continuous recording, reduced-resolution recording, or event-triggered recording, allowing flexible optimization between backup duration and surveillance quality based on the specific power reserve level and security requirements.
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
Ensures continuous surveillance operations by maintaining camera functionality and preventing data loss during power interruptions, enhancing security by remaining operational even when external power is disrupted.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating internal power sources such as batteries and solar panels within the camera housing to provide instantaneous backup power during external power loss
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating internal power sources such as batteries and solar panels within the camera housing to provide instantaneous backup power during external power loss
Data Source
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AI summary
Example implementations include a method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for intelligent power fail-safe of a network video surveillance camera, comprising detecting a loss in external power from an external power supply to the network video surveillance camera. The implementations further include powering the network video surveillance camera with an internal power supply in response to detecting the loss in external power from the external power supply.