Compact Doorbell Camera Layout for IR Flare and PIR Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic doorbells are often large and bulky, posing challenges in thermal management, antenna isolation, interference between sensors, and infrared (IR) flare in the camera lens, which affect their compactness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The image-capturing doorbell device features a compact design with sensors concentrated at one end and user input mechanisms at the other, incorporating a thin middle portion, a camera lens protruding through an IR window to mitigate IR flare, and a PIR sensor with stacked lenslets for enhanced motion detection, along with a light ring for seamless lighting integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the doorbell device is made compact with concentrated sensors at one end, then the form factor is reduced and space efficiency is improved, but thermal management challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into distinct functional zones: a sensor concentration zone at one end containing the image sensor and PIR sensor, a middle portion with thermal management features, and a user interaction zone at the other end. This segmentation allows heat-generating components to be isolated from heat-sensitive components, enabling effective thermal management in a compact form factor.
2Volume of moving object
If sensors are concentrated at one end of the device, then space efficiency is improved, but interference between different sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates each sensor type into separate mounting areas on the PCB, with dedicated support structures and optical paths. The image sensor and PIR sensor are positioned at different locations within the sensor zone, with their respective lenses and optical elements separated to prevent cross-interference, while still maintaining a compact overall device footprint.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera lens protrudes through the IR window, then IR flare is mitigated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera lens assembly with the IR window structure, where the lens protrudes through a precisely formed aperture in the IR window. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate lens housings and mounting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while effectively preventing IR flare by blocking direct paths for infrared light to enter the camera sensor.
4Measurement precision
If stacked lenslets are used for the PIR sensor, then motion detection sensitivity is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features directly into the PCB design, including precision-machined recesses and mechanical stops that pre-position the stacked lenslets in their correct relative orientations during assembly. This preliminary positioning action reduces the alignment tolerance requirements for final assembly, making it easier to achieve the precise optical alignment needed for enhanced motion detection sensitivity.
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 solution results in a compact, efficient doorbell camera with improved thermal management, reduced sensor interference, and enhanced motion detection capabilities, while maintaining a small form factor and efficient IR management.
Implementation Method 1
The camera lens extends through the center aperture of the annular shape of the IR cover and protrudes from an outer surface of the IR cover by a predefined distance to mitigate IR flare
Implementation Method 2
a PIR sensor positioned within the housing and aligned with the IR lens
Implementation Method 3
The IR lens includes an array of lenslets each comprising a set of concentric annular sections usable to create a view cone for the PIR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes an image-capturing doorbell device. In aspects, the image-capturing doorbell device provides a compact, space-efficient, battery-powered, doorbell camera. The architecture of the image-capturing doorbell device is optimized by concentrating sensors at one end of the device and user input mechanism(s) at the opposing end of the device and including a thin and narrow middle portion between the two opposing ends. The sensors include an image sensor and a PIR sensor mounted to the same PCB for space conservation. A camera lens protrudes from an outer surface of an IR window aligned with IR LEDs to mitigate IR flare. The PIR sensor is aligned with a lens that enhances radial motion detection by implementing two stacked rows of lenslets. The user input mechanism includes a light ring formed via a two-shot molding technique with a button to bond the light ring to the button for enhanced waterproofing.