Floating Pool Camera Layout for Low-Power Drowning Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pool safety systems, particularly for residential use, are either too expensive or not directly geared towards preventing drowning incidents, and existing surveillance systems fail to effectively monitor the water surface where potential dangers occur.
Innovation Solution
A floating safety device with horizontally arranged video cameras and accelerometers that activate video recording only upon detecting water disturbance, transmitting alerts and images to a remote device, powered by a battery and potentially solar cells, with optional image processing and neural network analysis for improved discrimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video cameras continuously monitor the pool surface, then detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system operates in periodic cycles: remaining inactive during normal conditions and activating only when the accelerometer detects water disturbances. This periodic operation pattern reduces overall power consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability when incidents occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own accelerometer sensor to autonomously trigger camera activation based on detected water disturbances, eliminating the need for continuous external monitoring or manual intervention. The system self-regulates power consumption based on actual safety needs.
2Area of stationary object
If cameras are positioned above waterline for surveillance, then field of view is improved, but monitoring of water surface deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera lens is positioned at the water surface level rather than above it, utilizing the water surface plane itself as the optimal monitoring dimension. This positioning allows the camera to capture both above-water and below-water activities in the same field of view, improving water surface monitoring while maintaining comprehensive surveillance capability.
3Reliability
If full security system is deployed for pool safety, then safety coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple safety functions into a single integrated unit: accelerometer-based disturbance detection, camera-based visual monitoring, and automated alert generation. This merging of functions provides comprehensive safety coverage while avoiding the high cost of deploying separate security systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, low-cost components such as basic accelerometers and standard cameras rather than expensive professional security equipment. The system prioritizes cost-effective solutions that provide adequate safety coverage for residential pools without requiring complex or expensive infrastructure.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are arranged horizontally around the device, then field of view coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is divided into multiple independent camera modules positioned at different horizontal locations around the floating device. Each camera covers a specific sector of the pool, and together they provide comprehensive 360-degree coverage. This segmentation allows for scalable complexity - the system can function with fewer cameras if needed.
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
Reduces power consumption and cost, provides effective monitoring of pool surfaces for potential drowning incidents, and offers timely alerts and assistance through reduced false alarms, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer arranged to generate a voltage signal in the event that the safety device experiences an accelerating force
Implementation Method 2
a safety device adapted to float on water
Data Source
AI summary
A water safety device (10) that is adapted to float on water includes an arrangement of video cameras, an accelerometer and a processor. In use, the device floats, for example, in an unattended swimming pool. If an object falls in the pool, the resulting wave disturbance will buffet the floating device, which causes the onboard accelerometer to generate a signal. The video cameras are arranged at the same horizontal level around the periphery of the safety device and, as the device floats, its weight is such that the cameras are positioned at or near the water's surface. In this way, potential drowning incidents will be viewed, in a vertical plane at least, in the centre of at least one camera's field of view. In some embodiments, activation of the video cameras causes an alert to be sent to a remote device (66) and/or to activate an alarm (54) on the device.